Stir-Frying In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Stir fry is a quick, easy, and versatile dish that can be made in an air fryer. It is a great way to make a healthy and satisfying meal with minimal prep and cooking time. You can use a variety of meats, tofu, or vegetables, making it a great option to clean out your refrigerator. The air fryer also allows you to cook the entire meal in one go, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Chicken stir fry with vegetables

Ingredients

• Chicken
• Vegetables (e.g. bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, broccoli, zucchini, carrots, etc.)
• Oil (e.g. olive oil, sesame oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil)
• Seasonings (e.g. garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning)
• Sauce (e.g. soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, peanut butter, sweet chili sauce)
• Rice or noodles (optional)

Method

• Prepare the marinade by combining oil, seasonings, and sauce in a bowl.
• Add the chicken to the marinade and toss until it is fully coated.
• Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-6 minutes.
• Add the vegetables to the air fryer basket and pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and vegetables.
• Mix everything together and air fry for an additional 7-9 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
• Serve the stir fry with rice or noodles, or on its own.

Tips and Variations

• Use frozen vegetables to cut down on prep time.
• Try different types of meat or protein, such as beef, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas.
• Experiment with different sauces and seasonings to find your favorite flavor combinations.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Using frozen vegetables

Frozen vegetables are a convenient, affordable, and healthy option for your stir-fry. They can be cooked in an air fryer and are a great way to avoid the hassle of cutting and dicing. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking frozen vegetables in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or a nonstick cooking spray. This will help prevent the vegetables from sticking to the basket.

Step 2: Season the Frozen Vegetables

Place the frozen vegetables in a small bowl. Drizzle olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil over them, and mix well. You can also use oil spray or cooking spray. The oil will help the vegetables crisp up and enhance their flavour.

Add seasonings like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or mixed herbs to the bowl. You can also add spices like red pepper flakes, paprika, or sriracha sauce for extra heat. Toss the vegetables with the oil and seasonings until they are well-coated.

Step 3: Place the Vegetables in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned frozen vegetables into the air fryer basket. It is okay to overlap the vegetables slightly, but try to keep as much space around them as possible to ensure even cooking. If you are cooking a small batch, keep the vegetables in a single layer for more even cooking.

Step 4: Air Fry the Vegetables

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Then, air fry the vegetables for about 5 minutes. After that, shake the basket to toss the vegetables, and continue air frying for an additional 4 to 10 minutes, depending on the type of vegetable and your desired level of doneness.

Step 5: Serve

Carefully remove the vegetables from the air fryer basket and serve immediately. You can also sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top for extra flavour.

Tips:

• Different types of vegetables may have different cooking times. For example, broccoli tends to cook faster than cauliflower or Brussels sprouts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the vegetables in batches.
• Frozen vegetables should be placed directly into the air fryer without thawing first. Thawing them can make them soggy.
• Some bags of frozen vegetables are already seasoned, so check before adding additional salt.

Different types of oil

Yes, you can cook stir fry in an air fryer. The air fryer is a versatile appliance that can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including stir-fries.

Now, let's talk about the different types of oil that can be used for stir-frying, especially in an air fryer:

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a versatile and widely available option for stir-frying. It has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand the high temperatures of stir-frying without breaking down and producing smoke. It's also fairly inexpensive and has a neutral flavour, making it a great choice for those who don't want the oil to overpower the dish.

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is another excellent choice for stir-frying due to its high smoke point. It has a pleasant nutty flavour that can enhance the taste of your dish. It is suitable not only for stir-frying but also for deep-frying.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is becoming a popular choice for stir-frying because of its high smoke point and clean, neutral flavour. It is also low in saturated fat and high in polyunsaturated fat, offering similar health benefits to olive oil.

Olive Oil

When it comes to olive oil, it's important to choose light or refined olive oil for stir-frying. Extra virgin olive oil has a low smoke point and a strong flavour, making it unsuitable for this cooking method. Light or refined olive oil, on the other hand, has a higher smoke point and a more neutral flavour, making it a good option.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is commonly used in Chinese cooking, but it should be noted that it has a very low smoke point. It is typically used for seasoning or added at the end of cooking to impart its distinctive flavour.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is another option with a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-heat cooking in an air fryer.

When using oil in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to apply a light coating of oil to the basket or directly to the food to prevent sticking and ensure crispiness. It is important not to use large quantities of oil, as this can cause the food to become greasy and soggy.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve stir-fried dishes cooked in an air fryer. Here are some serving suggestions:

Rice or Noodles

You can serve your air-fried stir-fry with rice or noodles. This is a filling and healthy option. To make things simpler, you can use frozen, microwavable rice, such as basmati or jasmine rice. If you want to add an extra crunch to your dish, you can cook the rice or noodles in the air fryer with a bit of oil to make "fried rice".

Types of Rice

If you choose to serve your stir-fry with rice, there are several types of rice that you can use. These include cauliflower rice, steamed rice, white rice, brown rice, basmati rice, and wild rice.

Sides

You can also serve your stir-fry with sides such as mashed white potatoes, air fryer-baked potatoes, or sweet potatoes.

Protein

Stir-fries are typically served with a protein of your choice. While chicken is a popular option, you can also use beef, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas.

Vegetables

When it comes to vegetables, the options are endless. You can use fresh or frozen vegetables, depending on your preference and convenience. Some popular options include bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, zucchini, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, and eggplant.

Marinades and Seasonings

To add extra flavour to your stir-fry, you can marinate your protein and vegetables in a mixture of sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, and freshly grated ginger. You can also add in some garlic powder, orange sauce, black pepper, dark soy sauce, Italian seasoning, or hot sauce. For a gluten-free option, you can use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Cooking Spray

Using a cooking spray in your air fryer can help to ensure that your ingredients don't stick to the surface and create a crispy texture.

With these serving suggestions, you can create a delicious and healthy stir-fry meal using your air fryer, packed with your choice of proteins and vegetables.

Beef stir fry

Yes, you can cook stir fry in an air fryer. In fact, the air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for various cooking methods, including stir-frying. With the right techniques, you can achieve delicious and tender beef stir fry with the perfect combination of crispy textures and tender beef in no time.

Ingredients:

• Beef steak
• Cornstarch
• Vegetable oil
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Sesame oil
• Peppers
• Onion
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Rice or noodles

Instructions:

• Slice the beef steak into thin strips, cutting against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Mix well until the cornstarch is dissolved.
• Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade and toss until each piece is well coated.
• Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• In a skillet, heat some vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the sliced peppers, onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the air fryer basket, spreading them evenly to create a single layer.
• Remove the beef from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
• Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes, tossing halfway through, or until the beef is cooked to your desired doneness.
• Once done, remove the beef stir fry from the air fryer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve the beef stir fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Variations and Customizations:

Feel free to add other vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas for added flavor and texture. You can also try different types of beef cuts, such as ribeye, sirloin, or chuck shoulder steaks, depending on your preference and budget.

Additionally, you can explore different flavors by creating variations such as Spicy Szechuan Beef Stir Fry, Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry, or Korean Beef Bulgogi Stir Fry.

Frequently asked questions