Air-Fried Avocado: Healthy, Quick, And Delicious!

Avocados are a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of dishes, from guacamole to chicken burrito bowls. But can you cook avocado in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer avocado fries are a popular dish that combines a crispy exterior with a warm and creamy interior. They can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even as a unique taco topping. The key to successful air fryer avocado lies in the type of avocado used and the breading process. Ripe avocados with a slight give are ideal, as they need to be firm enough to hold up during the breading and cooking process. The breading process typically involves dipping the avocado slices in flour, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs before placing them in the air fryer.

Avocado fries in an air fryer

Avocado fries are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional French fries. They are crispy and crunchy on the outside, and soft and creamy on the inside—the perfect combination of textures for any fried dish. The key to getting that perfect texture is to use ripe but firm avocados. Look for avocados with black skin that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. The Hass variety is ideal.

To make avocado fries in an air fryer, start by slicing the avocados in half and removing the pits. Use a large spoon to scoop out each avocado half in one piece. Then, cut the avocado halves into wedges for frying. You want to make sure you get evenly sized wedges so that they cook uniformly.

Next, set up a breading station. In one shallow bowl, stir together flour, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat an egg until it becomes frothy. In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs—Panko breadcrumbs are recommended for the best crunch. You can also add Parmesan cheese and black pepper to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Now, it's time to bread the avocado wedges. First, dip each wedge into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this process with all the avocado wedges. If the breadcrumbs are not sticking well, try lightly spraying the avocado wedges with some cooking oil spray first.

Once all your wedges are breaded, it's time to cook them in the air fryer! Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or avocado oil spray. Then, place the avocado wedges in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded, or they may not cook evenly. Set the air fryer to 350°F to 390°F and air fry for 3 to 7 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The fries are done when they are crispy and golden brown.

Let the avocado fries cool briefly before serving. Sprinkle with salt and a squeeze of lime juice, or serve with a dipping sauce like spicy ranch, garlicky aioli, or cilantro lime crema. Enjoy these delicious avocado fries as a snack, appetizer, or unique taco topping!

Avocado eggs in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Avocados
• Eggs
• Salt
• Pepper
• Parchment paper
• Optional: Feta cheese, sweet chilli sauce, red pepper flakes, cumin, lime juice, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, parmesan cheese, fresh chives, fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, red onions, bell pepper slices, tomatoes, or other toppings of your choice.

Method:

First, cut the avocados in half lengthwise and remove the seed. You can slice a small sliver off the bottom of each avocado half to make a flat base for it to sit on. Then, using a spoon, gently remove some of the avocado flesh, forming a well where the seed was. Save the removed avocado to top the egg or to eat separately. Place the avocado halves in the air fryer basket, on top of parchment paper. Carefully crack an egg and break it into each avocado half. It's ok if a little egg white spills out. Season with salt and pepper, and add any other desired toppings. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 8-12 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your eggs. Check halfway through to see if they are cooked to your preference.

Tips:

• If you want to keep the avocado green, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice on top.
• If you don't have parchment paper, you can add a little olive oil spray to the basket to prevent sticking.
• Avocado eggs go well with toast, fruit, or other breakfast foods.
• You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2 minutes or until crispy.

Selecting the right avocado

Ripeness:

The ideal avocado for air frying should be ripe but still firm. Avoid avocados that are too soft or mushy. When you gently press on the avocado, it should yield slightly but not feel overly soft. This balance ensures that the avocado can withstand the breading and frying process without turning mushy.

Skin Colour:

Look for avocados with black skin. The black skin indicates that the avocado is ripe and ready for use. Avoid avocados with green skin, as they are likely to be unripe and may not have the desired creamy texture.

Texture:

The avocado should have a slightly firm texture when squeezed. It should not be too hard, as this could mean it is unripe, but it should also not be too soft, as mentioned earlier. The ideal avocado will have a gentle give, ensuring it can hold its shape during the cooking process.

Size and Shape:

Consider the size and shape of the avocado in relation to your intended use. If you plan to create avocado fries or slices, choose avocados that are slightly larger and more elongated, as they will provide longer, more uniform slices for frying. If you intend to stuff the avocados or use them as a vessel, look for avocados that are slightly smaller and rounder, creating the perfect cup-like shape to hold your fillings.

Breadcrumbs:

While not directly related to avocado selection, it's worth noting that the choice of breadcrumbs is crucial to the success of your air-fried avocado dish. Panko breadcrumbs are highly recommended for creating the ideal crispy texture. They adhere well to the avocado slices and produce an exceptionally crunchy coating. Avoid finer styles of breadcrumbs, as they may not stick as well and may not yield the desired level of crispness.

By following these guidelines, you can select the perfect avocado for air frying, ensuring a delicious and successful culinary experience.

Seasoning and spices

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are classic seasonings that can enhance the flavour of avocados. When cooking avocado in an air fryer, consider sprinkling coarse salt and freshly ground pepper on the avocado slices before placing them in the air fryer. This combination will provide a balance of savoury and spicy notes that complement the creamy texture of the avocado.

Lime Juice

A squeeze of lime juice adds a tangy and refreshing flavour to air-fried avocados. Drizzle it over the cooked avocados or use it as a dip. The acidity of lime juice also helps to preserve the green colour of the avocado, keeping it looking fresh and appetising.

Cayenne Pepper and Red Pepper Flakes

For those who enjoy a spicy kick, cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes are excellent choices. Sprinkle them on the avocado slices before or after cooking to add a spicy kick to your dish. You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes according to your preferred level of spiciness.

Cajun Spice

If you want to add a Southern twist to your air-fried avocados, consider using Cajun spice. This blend of spices, which often includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme, will give your avocados a bold and flavourful kick. Mix it with the breadcrumbs or sprinkle it directly on the avocado slices before air frying.

Chilli Powder and Garlic

For chilli lovers, adding chilli powder to the seasoning mix will give your air-fried avocados an extra spicy kick. Combining it with garlic powder or fresh garlic will create a savoury and spicy flavour profile that complements the creaminess of the avocado. You can also serve your air-fried avocados with garlic aioli for a delicious combination.

Dipping Sauces

While not exactly a seasoning or spice, the right dipping sauce can enhance the flavour of your air-fried avocados. Consider serving them with spicy ranch dressing, a simple mix of ranch dressing and sriracha hot sauce, or a creamy cilantro dip. You can also get creative and experiment with different sauces, such as balsamic glaze, garlic aioli, or your favourite hot sauce.

Dipping sauces

Air-fried avocado is a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even as a taco or sandwich topping. The creamy texture of the avocado and its crispy exterior achieved through air frying make it perfect for dipping. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to accompany your air-fried avocado:

Spicy Ranch

Mix ranch dressing with sriracha hot sauce for a simple, spicy dip that pairs well with the creamy avocado.

Cilantro Lime Creama

For a refreshing and tangy dip, blend together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, milk, cilantro, and salt. This dip is perfect for those who want a lighter, more herbal flavour to complement the avocado.

Avocado Salsa Verde

For those who want to lean into the avocado flavour, a salsa verde with avocado as a base is a great option. This dip will be creamy and mild, with a vibrant green colour.

Garlic Avocado Aioli

A pungent garlic aioli with avocado is a unique and flavourful option. This dip will add a punch of flavour to your air-fried avocado and can be made with just four ingredients.

Lime Dipping Sauce

A squeeze of lime juice on its own or mixed with a bit of salt is a simple yet effective dipping sauce for air-fried avocado. The tartness of the lime juice balances out the richness of the avocado.

Frequently asked questions