Air Fryer Non-Breaded Meats: Is It Possible?

Air fryers have become a kitchen staple, offering an easy-to-use and easy-to-clean way of cooking food that is healthier than deep frying. While air fryers can be used to cook a variety of foods, from chicken to vegetables, some foods are not suitable for cooking in an air fryer. For instance, certain foods are too light and can fly around and get caught in the elements of the air fryer. Similarly, wet batters are not suitable for air fryers as they drip down through the basket, leaving a soggy mess. So, can an air fryer be used for non-breaded meats?

Chicken breasts

Preparation

Before cooking, you can brine the chicken breasts to make them juicier and more tender. To do this, place the chicken in a bowl of lukewarm salted water for 20-30 minutes. You can also add lemon juice to the water for a tangy taste. After brining, pat the chicken dry and let it come to room temperature for even cooking.

If you don't want to brine, you can simply season the chicken with salt and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 375-390°F. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and season with your favourite spices and herbs, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. You can also use a store-bought spice mix. Make sure to season both sides of the chicken.

Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts, but they are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Serving

Air fryer chicken breasts are versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas:

• Slice the chicken and serve it on a salad for added protein.
• Make chicken parmesan by baking the chicken with pasta sauce and cheese.
• Create a chicken sandwich with a brioche bun, pickles, and your choice of sauce.
• Serve with vegetables like broccoli, roasted cauliflower, or asparagus.
• Add to wraps, pizzas, or stir-fries.

Tips

• For crispy chicken breasts, pat them dry completely before air frying.
• If you like spicy food, add black pepper or chilli powder to the spice mix.
• Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked through.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Cook in batches if needed.

Pork chops

Air-Fryer Pork Chops

Ingredients and Preparation

Breading

For breaded pork chops, you will need:

• Boneless pork chops, about 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick
• Eggs
• Flour
• Breadcrumbs (Italian or regular)
• Parmesan cheese
• Spices (such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper)

No Breading

For pork chops without breading, you will need:

• Boneless or bone-in pork chops, preferably thick-cut (about 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick)
• Olive oil
• Brown sugar
• Spices (such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)

Steps:

#### Breading:

• Set up three shallow bowls for dredging: one with flour and spices, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
• Coat the pork chops in flour, then dip them in the egg wash, letting the excess drip off, and finally, coat them in the breadcrumb mixture.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the pork chops in a single layer, making sure they don't touch.
• Cook at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

#### No Breading:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
• Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and coat them with olive oil.
• Create a spice rub by mixing brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
• Generously apply the spice rub to the pork chops.
• Place the pork chops in the air fryer in a single layer and cook at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 140°F.

Tips and Variations:

• Thick-cut pork chops are recommended, especially for the non-breaded version, as they will develop a beautiful char on all sides.
• You can use boneless or bone-in pork chops, but the cooking time may vary, so adjust accordingly.
• Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep them moist.
• Pair your pork chops with a variety of side dishes, such as potatoes, green beans, or apples, to create a complete meal.
• Experiment with different spice blends to find your favorite flavor profile.

Air-fried pork chops are a quick, easy, and delicious option for any night of the week. With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can have juicy and tender pork chops on the table in no time, making them a perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights or a simple yet flavorful dinner option.

Beef jerky

Making beef jerky in an air fryer is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps.

Firstly, you'll want to select a suitable cut of beef. Lean beef with very little fat is best, as fat can cause spoilage. Recommended cuts include flank steak, sirloin tip steak, and London broil.

Next, you'll need to slice the beef thinly, about 1/8 of an inch thick. Freezing the beef for an hour before slicing can make this process easier. Once sliced, you can choose to marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sweetener or sugar, liquid smoke, and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 4 to 24 hours, for maximum flavour.

After marinating, remove the beef from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. At this point, you have two options for cooking. You can either thread the beef slices onto bamboo skewers, ensuring they don't touch, and hang the skewers in the air fryer. Or, you can place the beef slices directly into the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd the basket.

Now, you're ready to air fry the beef. Set the temperature to between 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit. If using skewers, air fry for 60 to 75 minutes. Without skewers, air fry for 2 to 3 hours. The exact cook time will depend on your desired texture. For slightly firm but tender jerky, a shorter cook time is recommended. For tougher, chewier jerky, air fry for a longer period.

Once the beef is done to your liking, let it cool and dry for an hour, then store it in an airtight container or sealable bags. The jerky can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, or frozen for up to 6 months.

Meatballs

Air fryer meatballs are a quick, easy, and tasty meal that can be served in a variety of ways. Here is a guide on how to make them, with some tips and tricks to ensure they turn out perfectly.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make meatballs in an air fryer:

• Ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or a combination)
• Breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, parsley, etc.)
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic (powder or minced cloves)
• Eggs
• Milk or water
• Onion (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F.
• In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
• Wet your hands and shape the mixture into meatballs. The number of meatballs will depend on their size, but aim for around 16-24.
• Grease the air fryer basket and place the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring they have space around them to cook evenly.
• Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Tricks

• Make sure all the meatballs are roughly the same size so they cook at the same rate.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket—leave space for air to circulate and fry the meatballs.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and avoid overcooking.
• You can add diced vegetables like onions, peppers, or zucchini for extra flavour and moisture.
• Try using flavoured breadcrumbs, like Italian-style, for extra flavour.
• You can coat the meatballs in a sauce before cooking, like bulgogi or katsu sauce for an Asian twist.
• Don't stack or overlap the meatballs in the air fryer—cook them in batches if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer meatballs are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• With pasta and marinara sauce for a classic spaghetti and meatballs dish.
• In a meatball sub with cheese and sauce.
• As an appetizer with toothpicks.
• On a pizza.
• Over mashed potatoes, polenta, or cauliflower mash.
• On a salad.

Storage

Air fryer meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until warm.

Chicken wings

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make chicken wings in your air fryer:

• Chicken wings (drums and flats)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Baking powder (optional)
• White pepper (optional)

Method

• First, prep the chicken wings. Separate them into drums and flats if they come together. Make sure they are defrosted.
• Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step will help ensure the skin puffs up and blisters during cooking.
• Place the wings into a bowl and drizzle olive oil over them. Toss to coat.
• Add your desired seasonings. You can use a basic blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, or get creative with your favourite spices. For example, you could try adding some smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the mix.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
• Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. This will allow for even cooking and crisping.
• Cook the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
• After the timer goes off, carefully flip over the chicken wings.
• Close the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 8-12 minutes, depending on the size of your wings. You are aiming for a golden brown and crispy finish.
• Remove the chicken wings from the air fryer and serve with your favourite dips or sides.

Tips

• If you want to add some extra crispiness to your wings, try adding a teaspoon of baking powder to the seasoning mix. This reacts with the chicken skin to create a beautiful golden brown and crispy coating.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. You may need to cook the wings in multiple batches to ensure even cooking and crisping.
• If you have an oven air fryer, you may need to increase the cooking time and temperature slightly.
• To reheat any leftover wings, place them back in the air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for 3-4 minutes.

Frequently asked questions