Air Fryer Tv Dinners: Can You Cook Them?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a healthier, faster, and more energy-efficient alternative to traditional frying methods. With their ability to cook food with minimal oil, air fryers have become a go-to option for those seeking convenience and taste. But can you cook TV dinners in an air fryer? The answer is yes, and it comes with several benefits. Air-fried TV dinners can be quicker and easier to prepare than traditional oven-baked meals, and they can also provide a crispier texture that microwaved meals often lack. Additionally, air fryers are generally easier to clean than ovens and stovetops, making them a convenient choice for those short on time or seeking hassle-free cooking.

Air fryer vs microwave

Air fryers and microwaves are two popular kitchen appliances that can cook ready meals and TV dinners. While both appliances have their benefits, there are some key differences between the two.

Speed

One of the main advantages of using a microwave is the speed of cooking. Microwaves typically cook meals faster than an air fryer, especially when it comes to ready meals and TV dinners. Air fryers, on the other hand, can take longer but offer a crispier texture that microwaves cannot achieve.

Cleanliness

Air fryers are generally easier to clean than microwaves. Most air fryer models have non-stick baskets or trays, making cleanup a breeze. There is no need to worry about oil splatters or messy spills, as air fryers use little to no oil. Microwaves, on the other hand, can sometimes be tricky to clean, especially if food splatters or spills occur.

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers are more energy-efficient than microwaves. Their smaller size and faster cooking times result in less energy usage overall. Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, while microwaves use more energy to generate heat. This makes air fryers a more sustainable option for your kitchen.

Versatility

Both appliances offer versatility in their own ways. Air fryers can handle a wide range of culinary tasks, from roasting vegetables to baking cookies and reheating leftovers. They are excellent for achieving crispy textures with minimal oil. Microwaves, on the other hand, are ideal for quick and convenient meals, especially those designed for microwave cooking. They are also useful for reheating leftovers and defrosting frozen foods.

Health

Air fryers are considered a healthier alternative to deep frying and even microwaves. They use significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, resulting in healthier meals with reduced fat intake. Additionally, air fryers preserve the nutritional value of ingredients while enhancing their natural flavours.

Air fryer cooking times

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook TV dinners, and they can be healthier than some other cooking methods. The cooking time for TV dinners in an air fryer may differ from the recommended time for conventional oven cooking, so it's important to monitor the cooking process and adjust the time as needed.

To convert an oven-cooked recipe to an air-fryer recipe, you can use Mason's general rule of thumb: reduce the suggested temperature by 25°F and then cut the cook time by about 20%. You can also use an Air Fry Calculator to help get an idea of the time and temperature.

When cooking TV dinners in an air fryer, it's important to follow the instructions provided on the packaging or adjust the temperature based on your experience with your specific air fryer. Preheating the air fryer before cooking can also help ensure even cooking throughout.

The cooking time will depend on the specific air fryer and the type of TV dinner being cooked. For example, frozen chicken tenders, chicken nuggets, and crinkle-cut fries can be cooked in an air fryer in about 15 minutes. Frozen hamburgers, chicken thighs, and jalapeno poppers can be cooked in an air fryer for a quick dinner, and no thawing is required for the hamburgers. Frozen cod, meatballs, pork chops, and steak can be cooked in an air fryer for a delicious and healthy dinner in less than 30 minutes.

It's important to note that different types of air fryers may have different cooking times, so it's always good to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer model. Additionally, when cooking TV dinners, it is recommended to use foil and a meat thermometer to ensure the meal is cooked safely and to make cleanup easier.

Air fryer frozen food

Air fryers are a great alternative to microwaving TV dinners or frozen meals. They can be used to cook a wide variety of frozen foods, from ready meals to frozen snacks.

To cook frozen meals in an air fryer, you will need an air fryer, foil, and a meat thermometer. For certain types of meals, you may also need parchment paper and an aluminium pan that fits in the air fryer. Before cooking, check if the container the meal came in is safe for the air fryer by checking the box to see if it is oven-safe. If it is, it will generally be safe for the air fryer too. If not, transfer the meal to an aluminium pan or foil and cover with foil to prevent it from drying out and browning.

When cooking frozen meals in an air fryer, the cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of meal, as well as the wattage of your air fryer. As a general rule of thumb, set the air fryer to 400°F and start checking smaller items after around eight minutes and larger items after around 10 minutes. Give the basket a shake halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Some popular frozen foods that can be cooked in an air fryer include:

• Four Cheese Pizza Hot Pocket
• Mozzarella sticks
• Frozen wings
• Burgers
• Chicken nuggets/tenders
• Taquitos
• Salmon fillets
• Pizza rolls
• Bacon-wrapped hot dogs
• Frozen pizza

Air fryer oven meals

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook TV dinners or ready meals. They are a great alternative to microwaving, especially in the summer, as they don't heat up the house like an oven. They are also a healthier option than deep frying, as they require little to no oil.

You can cook a wide range of TV dinners in an air fryer, including frozen meals, such as cottage pie, sausages and mash, an all-day breakfast, a hotpot, and a beef dinner. You can also cook frozen foods like chicken, shrimp, French fries, fish sticks, and mozzarella sticks. Many ready meals, such as those from Tesco, are also suitable for air fryers.

There are a few things to keep in mind when cooking TV dinners in an air fryer. Firstly, check that the packaging is safe for cooking in an air fryer. If it is oven-safe, it will generally be safe for the air fryer too. You can also transfer the food to a baking dish or use foil to avoid any plastic melting. Covering the meal with aluminium foil can also help retain moisture and prevent overcooking. If you want a crispy texture, remove the foil for the last few minutes of cooking.

When placing the food in the air fryer basket, ensure it is only filled halfway to allow for even cooking. You can cook multiple batches if needed. Most air fryers have non-stick baskets, making clean-up easy.

Air fryers are a great option for cooking TV dinners, offering speed, convenience, and healthier cooking with that satisfying crunch.

Air fryer ready meals

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook your favourite TV dinners or ready meals. They are a great alternative to microwaving, especially if you want your food to be crispy. Air fryers are also a good option in the summer, as they don't heat up your house like an oven does.

You can cook a wide range of ready meals in an air fryer. These include frozen meals such as cottage pie, sausages and mash, an all-day breakfast, a Lancashire hotpot, and a beef dinner. You can also cook stir-fry type frozen meals in an air fryer, which typically require oil to cook on a stovetop.

When cooking ready meals in an air fryer, it is important to first check that the container the meal came in is safe for the air fryer. If it is safe for oven baking, it will generally be safe for the air fryer too. If not, you can transfer the meal to an aluminium pan or use foil or parchment paper to avoid making a mess of your air fryer.

To cook a ready meal in an air fryer, you should arrange the components in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they have room to breathe. You can spritz a little oil on top to achieve extra crispiness. It is also a good idea to keep an eye on your meal as it cooks, giving the basket a shake or a stir to ensure even cooking.

Frequently asked questions