Air Fryer Revolution: Cooking Canned Goods

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, offering a quick and easy way to cook a variety of foods. One of the best things about air fryers is their versatility, allowing you to cook almost anything from canned goods to fresh produce. Canned foods that can be cooked in an air fryer include vegetables like green beans, corn, carrots, potatoes, and artichokes; fruits like peaches, pineapples, and mixed fruits for desserts; seafood like salmon and tuna; and even canned biscuits and baked goods. The reduced oil usage of air fryers makes them a healthier option, and the even heat distribution ensures consistently cooked food every time. With so many options available, it's essential to know which canned foods work best and how to prepare them properly for the air fryer.

Can you cook canned goods in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook canned goods in an air fryer

You can cook a variety of foods in an air fryer, including meat, vegetables, and even desserts. It is a great way to achieve a crispy, crunchy texture without the use of oil, mess, and cleanup involved in deep-frying.

When cooking with an air fryer, it is important to note that not all foods are suitable for this cooking method. For example, you should avoid cooking uncooked grains, popcorn, and large, bone-in foods such as a whole chicken, as the air will not be able to circulate properly, resulting in uneven cooking.

Additionally, some foods, like broccoli, can dry out and become chewy, so roasting in an oven or using a steamer might be preferable. It is also important to remember that air fryers don't usually get as hot as standard ovens, so cooking may take longer, and you will need to keep a close eye on your food.

However, with some slight adjustments, you can cook most things in an air fryer that you would in an oven or on a stovetop.

You can make breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an air fryer

You can make a variety of dishes in an air fryer, from breakfast to lunch and dinner.

For breakfast, you can make eggs in a variety of ways, including Scotch eggs, a UK dish that consists of hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage and deep-fried. You can also make eggs in a basket, also known as egg in a hole, by making indentations in slices of bread, cracking eggs into the indents, and air-frying. Other breakfast options include French toast sticks, breakfast burritos, hash browns, bacon, and breakfast egg rolls.

For lunch, you can use your air fryer to elevate a simple sandwich by adding ingredients like gammon, mustard, and maple syrup, or try a ham, cheese, and egg bagel sandwich with chilli jam or red onion chutney. You can also make a classic ham and cheese toastie, or a cheeseburger with your favourite condiments.

For dinner, the options are endless. You can make tofu coated in sesame seeds, buffalo-style cauliflower, chilli beef, salmon fillets, fish tacos, and more. You can also cook a variety of vegetables in an air fryer, including broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts. Just avoid leafy greens like spinach and kale, as they don't cook evenly in an air fryer.

In addition to these specific meal ideas, it's important to note that you can cook most things in an air fryer that you would typically cook in an oven, with some slight adjustments. So, feel free to experiment and get creative with your air fryer recipes!

You can bake cakes and cookies in an air fryer

Yes, you can bake cakes and cookies in an air fryer. Air fryers are essentially small mini convection ovens, and they can be used to bake cakes and cookies quickly and efficiently.

If you are using a store-bought cake mix, simply follow the instructions on the box to make the batter. If you are using a recipe, you may need to reduce the temperature by 10-20 degrees and the time by about 25% compared to a traditional oven. It is also recommended to preheat your air fryer to 350 F (176 C) and let it heat up for 3 minutes before putting the cake in. Bake the cake for 17 minutes, and then check the center with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, put it back in for a few more minutes.

When making cookies in an air fryer, you can use any cookie recipe or ready-made dough. It is important to note that crispy cookies like shortbread or biscotti tend to burn before baking through, so softer, gooier cookies are better suited for the air fryer. You can place 3-4 balls of cookie dough into the air fryer basket, leaving room for them to spread. Bake the cookies at 170 C/325 F for 7-8 minutes or until the edges are slightly firm.

Using an air fryer to bake cakes and cookies is a great option, especially in hot weather when you want to avoid turning on the oven. It is also perfect for making smaller portions and preheats quickly.

You can cook meat in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook meat in an air fryer. It is a safe method when following proper food handling procedures. Air fryers are miniature convection ovens that can cook almost anything you would cook in an oven. They work by circulating hot air rapidly with an internal fan, simulating deep frying without the oil.

You can cook various meats in an air fryer, including chicken, steak, pork, and fish. For example, chicken wings, chicken thighs, and chicken tenders are all great options. You can also cook breaded chicken, but it is important to use a small pan or a silicone or foil liner to prevent drippy batter from hitting the heating element. For steak, you can cook filet mignon, top sirloin, ribeye, and boneless New York strip. Pork chops, bacon, and shrimp are also good choices. If you're cooking bacon, consider adding some olive oil to the air fryer to get crispy, golden-brown meat.

When cooking meat in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that it is fully defrosted first. You should also leave about 1 inch between portions to allow enough airflow to cook the meat properly. It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 375°F or 400°F. Lightly oil the meat with about 1 teaspoon of oil and season to taste. For most proteins, you will need to flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking, except for more delicate meats like salmon fillets, which can fall apart if flipped. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it reaches the minimum safe temperature. For example, steak should be cooked to your desired doneness, while pork and seafood should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F, and chicken to 165°F.

You can also cook other foods in the air fryer, such as vegetables, potatoes, and even baked goods like cookies and cakes, but these will require some adjustments to temperature and cooking time.

You can cook vegetables in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook vegetables in an air fryer! In fact, air-fried vegetables are a great way to turn bland veggies into crispy, tasty treats. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air evenly within the appliance means that your veggies will be fried to perfection in just a few minutes.

When cooking vegetables in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the basket is not overcrowded. This is because the hot air needs to be able to contact the vegetables on all sides for them to become caramelized and crisp. If the basket is too crowded, the vegetables will steam and soften instead of browning. Therefore, it is best to work in batches and arrange the vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Most vegetables can be cooked in an air fryer, but some that are particularly well-suited to this cooking method include:

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Zucchini/Courgette
• Peppers
• Asparagus
• Brussels sprouts
• Green beans
• Carrots

When it comes to seasoning, extra-virgin olive oil is a great option to help the vegetables brown and soften. You can also add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. For an extra flavour boost, try squeezing some fresh lemon juice over the cooked veggies, or topping them with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese.

Frequently asked questions