Air-Frying Bolognese: Is It Possible?

Air fryers have become a trendy kitchen appliance, known for their ability to efficiently circulate hot air to achieve a fried finish without the use of excessive oil. While air fryers are versatile and can be used to cook a variety of dishes, there are some recipes that are not suitable for this appliance. So, can you cook bolognese in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, but it's not recommended. Bolognese is a hearty dish that typically requires a slow-cooking method to develop flavour, and while it can be done in an air fryer, the results may not be optimal. Additionally, lasagna bolognese can be cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft interior.

Bolognese recipe for air fryer

Yes, you can cook bolognese in an air fryer! Here is a simple recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

• Onion
• Garlic clove
• Ground/minced beef
• Red wine
• Tomato puree
• Italian seasoning
• Beef stock cube
• Tinned tomatoes
• Sugar
• Balsamic vinegar
• Gravy granules or cornflour
• Spaghetti
• Fresh basil (optional)
• Cheese (optional)

Instructions:

• Add the onion and garlic clove, along with the ground/minced beef to the air fryer pan. Use a fork to break up the meat so that no large chunks remain.
• After 4 minutes, open the lid and use a fork to break up any remaining large pieces of meat. The beef should be mostly brown, but a small amount of pink may remain.
• Pour in the red wine, then add the tomato puree, Italian seasoning, and beef stock cube. Mix with a spoon, then close the lid and cook for 5 minutes.
• After 5 minutes, open the lid and stir to ensure the stock cube has dissolved.
• Pour in the tinned tomatoes, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and gravy granules or cornflour. Mix with a spoon, then close the lid and cook for a further 10 minutes.
• Start cooking your spaghetti as per the packet instructions.
• After the final 10 minutes, your bolognese is cooked! Serve on a bed of spaghetti and top with fresh basil and cheese (both optional).

Tips:

• If you don't like onions with a bite, or you're cooking for fussy kids, cook the onions with the oil for 5 minutes before adding the beef to cook the onions more thoroughly.
• Don't skip adding the sugar! It boosts the tomato flavor.

Preparing the ingredients

While some sources advise against using an air fryer to cook Bolognese, it is possible to do so. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing the ingredients for this classic dish in an air fryer:

Firstly, gather all the necessary ingredients, including:

• Minced beef
• Onion
• Garlic clove
• Red wine
• Tomato puree
• Italian seasoning
• Beef stock cube
• Tinned tomatoes
• Sugar
• Balsamic vinegar
• Gravy granules or cornflour
• Basil and cheese (optional)

You will also need kitchen essentials like oil, salt, and pepper.

Now, let's get started on preparing the ingredients:

Chop the onion and garlic clove into small pieces. You can adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preferences. The onion should be chopped finely to ensure it cooks thoroughly. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can cook it with oil for a few minutes before adding the minced beef. This will give it a more well-done texture and take away the "bite."

Next, prepare the minced beef by breaking it up into small pieces with a fork to ensure there are no large chunks. You can also use your hands to gently crumble the beef.

At this point, you can add the onion and garlic to the beef, and continue to use the fork to combine and break up the meat. This will ensure the ingredients are well-incorporated.

If you are adding red wine, pour it in now, and give the mixture a quick stir. Then, add the tomato puree, Italian seasoning, and beef stock cube. Stir these ingredients together until well combined.

Finally, add the tinned tomatoes, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and gravy granules (or cornflour) and mix well. The sugar enhances the tomato flavor, so don't skip it!

Your Bolognese sauce is now ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Don't forget to prepare your choice of pasta to go with it.

Optional: If you want to add some fresh herbs and cheese on top, chop up some basil leaves and grate your favorite type of cheese.

Note: You can adjust the quantities of the ingredients based on your preferred taste and the number of servings.

Cooking method and timings

While it is possible to cook bolognese in an air fryer, it is not recommended. Air fryers are great for cooking potato-based dishes, meat, and even desserts, but they are not ideal for sauce-based recipes. This is because the hot air inside the fryer can cause hot liquids to splatter, which can be messy and dangerous.

If you do wish to cook bolognese in an air fryer, there are a few methods you can try. One option is to cook the sauce separately on a hob or stove and only use the air fryer to cook the pasta or lasagna sheets. This way, you can still use the air fryer to achieve a crispy texture on the outside of your dish, while the inside remains soft and succulent.

Another option is to use the air fryer for the entire bolognese recipe. Here is a suggested cooking method and timings:

• Add onion, garlic, and ground/minced beef to the air fryer pan. Use a fork to separate the meat into small pieces.
• After 4 minutes, open the lid and break up any remaining large chunks of meat. The beef should be mostly brown, but a small amount of pink is acceptable.
• Pour in red wine, then add tomato puree, Italian seasoning, and a beef stock cube. Mix with a spoon, then close the lid and cook for 5 minutes.
• After 5 minutes, open the lid and stir to ensure the stock cube has dissolved.
• Add tinned tomatoes, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and gravy granules or cornflour mixture. Mix with a spoon, then close the lid and cook for a further 10 minutes.
• Start cooking your spaghetti according to the packet instructions.
• After the final 10 minutes, your bolognese is ready to serve!

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve bolognese cooked in an air fryer. The classic way is to serve it over freshly cooked tagliatelle or spaghetti. The rich sauce pairs perfectly with the shape and texture of these pastas, soaking into every crevice.

You can also serve bolognese with other types of pasta, such as gluten-free pasta or whole grain pasta. If you're looking for a low-carb option, you can serve the bolognese over spiralized squash noodles, zucchini noodles, or even cauliflower rice. For a truly indulgent dish, top your cooked spaghetti bolognese with a layer of mozzarella cheese and heat it in the air fryer until bubbly and golden.

If you're not in the mood for pasta, bolognese sauce can also be used in other dishes. Try layering it in a lasagna, or using it as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos. For a lighter option, serve the bolognese with slices of crusty bread or garlic bread on the side, or use large lettuce leaves as wraps and fill them with the sauce for a carb-free option.

You can also serve bolognese with grains like quinoa or couscous, or with roasted vegetables like aubergines, bell peppers, or mushrooms. If you're looking for a heartier dish, try serving the bolognese over creamy polenta—the soft texture of the polenta complements the richness of the sauce.

Other recipes to try in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook spaghetti bolognese in an air fryer. Here are some other recipes you can try in an air fryer:

Tofu batons

For a vegetarian option, try making tofu batons coated in sesame seeds. Before air frying, slice the tofu into planks, wrap them in a clean dish towel, and press them under something heavy to remove as much moisture as possible. Then, cut the planks into cubes, toss them in cornstarch, and coat them in a sauce of your choice. Air fry until crispy and golden.

Chicken tenders

Chicken tenders are a great option for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. You can make them even more impressive by adding a fruity glaze made from pomegranate molasses. While the chicken cooks, make a relish with pomegranate arils, cilantro, and spicy serrano chiles.

Salmon fillets

Salmon fillets are another great option for the air fryer, as the fish's higher fat content makes them harder to overcook. Season the fillets with herbs and spices and serve with greens and grains.

Breakfast tacos

Make breakfast tacos by using silicone ice cube stick molds to create the components. Place corn tortillas in a U-shape in one mold and beaten eggs in another. Once cooked, stuff the scrambled eggs into cheese-filled taco shells and add toppings such as spicy mayo, tomatoes, and avocado.

Crispy chilli beef

This is a quick and easy option for a midweek meal. Simply cook the beef in the air fryer and serve with rice, spring onions, and soy sauce.

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