Stir Fry In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional stir-frying methods. They require less oil and produce fewer dishes, making them an appealing option for those seeking a quick and easy way to prepare a stir fry. The ability to customise the dish with various vegetables, sauces, and proteins adds to its versatility. While some recipes may require a cake pan to contain juices and vegetables, the air fryer's ability to be left unattended during cooking makes it a convenient choice for busy individuals.

Chicken stir fry in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Chicken: Boneless chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Vegetables: Bell pepper slices, red onion, mushrooms, broccoli, green beans, or any other vegetables of your choice.
• Oil: Olive oil, sesame oil, avocado oil, or canola oil.
• Sauce: Soy sauce or coconut aminos, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic.
• Optional Ingredients: Ginger, chili flakes, sesame oil, green onions, or other herbs and spices.

Instructions:

• Prepare the marinade by whisking together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and olive oil in a large bowl. You can also add other ingredients like ginger, chili powder, or brown sugar to the marinade for extra flavor.
• Add the chicken pieces to a bowl or sealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat the chicken evenly and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F or 380°F, depending on your preference and the model of your air fryer.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes.
• After 5 minutes, add your choice of sliced vegetables to the air fryer basket. Pour any remaining marinade over the vegetables and chicken, and mix well.
• Air fry for an additional 7-9 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F, and the vegetables are tender.
• Serve the stir-fried chicken and vegetables with rice, noodles, or on their own.

Tips and Variations:

• You can use frozen stir-fry vegetable mixes or pre-sliced/frozen veggies to reduce prep time.
• Experiment with different proteins like shrimp, beef, tofu, or chickpeas.
• Try different sauces like peanut sauce (add peanut butter to the marinade) or sweet and sour sauce (add sweet chili sauce).
• Serve your stir fry over quinoa, noodles, salad, or air-fried potatoes.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding herbs and spices like ginger, chili flakes, or sesame oil for an extra kick.

Beef stir fry in an air fryer

Yes, you can make a beef stir fry in an air fryer! It's a quick and healthy way to enjoy a hearty meal with a crispy and tender texture, and without the need for excess oil. Here's a step-by-step guide to making a delicious beef stir fry in your air fryer:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Steamed rice or noodles (optional)

Instructions:

• Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil in a bowl. Mix well until the cornstarch is dissolved.
• Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade and toss until each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or longer for more intense flavours.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the vegetables are crisp-tender, which should take 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 to drip off. Place the beef on top of the vegetables in the air fryer basket.
• Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes, tossing halfway through. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of 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.

Tips and Variations:

• You can also try this recipe with other types of beef cuts, such as flank steak or ribeye. Just make sure the meat is thinly sliced for quick and even cooking.
• Feel free to add other vegetables to the stir fry, such as broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas, for added flavour and texture.
• If you're short on time, you can use frozen stir-fry vegetables instead of fresh ones. Simply air fry them according to the instructions and then add the beef as described above.
• For a crispy coating on the beef, toss the slices in cornstarch before adding them to the marinade, as in this Mongolian beef recipe.

Using frozen vegetables in an air fryer

Yes, you can make a stir fry in an air fryer! It's a simple method for cooking your favourite stir-fry, and you can use a variety of proteins and vegetables.

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) or 390°F (200°C).
• Place the frozen vegetables in the air fryer basket. Avoid using an air fryer liner as it may result in soggier vegetables.
• Spray or toss the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, or your choice of seasonings.
• Air fry for about 7 minutes. Shake the basket and drain any excess water from the bottom.
• Air fry for an additional 5-9 minutes.
• If desired, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and air fry for 1 more minute.

Some other tips for using frozen vegetables in an air fryer include:

• Avoid thawing the vegetables before air frying. Cooking them straight from frozen helps prevent sogginess.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave some space for the hot air to circulate.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even results.
• Different types of vegetables may require different cooking times. For example, green beans may only need 2-5 minutes, while broccoli and cauliflower may need 6-10 minutes.
• For crispier vegetables, drain the water from the bottom of the air fryer while cooking.

Reheating stir fry in an air fryer

Firstly, it is important to note that you can reheat stir fry with or without meat in the air fryer. The process is similar for both, but the timing may vary slightly. For stir fry with meat, preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes. If you are reheating a vegetarian stir fry, you can set the temperature to 200°F.

Next, prepare your stir fry for reheating. Place the leftover stir fry in a suitable container, such as a cake pan or an airtight container, and add a small amount of water—about 2 to 3 tablespoons. This will help keep the stir fry moist and prevent it from drying out during reheating.

Place the container with the stir fry and water into the air fryer. If using a cake pan, ensure it is placed inside the air fryer basket. Reheat your stir fry for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it is warmed to your desired temperature. For stir fry with meat, it is a good idea to stir or toss the food halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating and to prevent overcooking.

You can also reheat stir fry in a wok or a cast-iron skillet if you prefer. Simply add a little bit of oil to the wok or skillet, and stir the stir fry continuously until it is warmed through.

When reheating stir fry, it is important to ensure that it reaches a safe temperature, especially if it contains meat. Use a food thermometer to check that the centre of the meat has reached an internal temperature of 165°F or higher.

Additionally, it is recommended to let the stir fry cool completely before storing leftovers. Stir fry can be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you wish to keep it for longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

Vegetables to include in your stir fry

Vegetables are a key component of any stir fry, adding colour, texture, and flavour to the dish. The great thing about stir-fries is that you can use almost any vegetables you have to hand.

Some vegetables that take a little longer to cook include onions, carrots, mushrooms, and baby corn. You can also add in broccoli, snow peas, and bell peppers, which don't take as long to cook. Other options include sugar snap peas, water chestnuts, asparagus, green beans, and cauliflower.

If you're looking for a classic stir-fry, you can't go wrong with white or yellow onion and bell peppers. You can also add some spice with green chillies or crushed red pepper flakes. For a more authentic oriental flavour, don't forget to add in some fresh ginger and garlic.

When preparing your vegetables, be sure to cut them into uniform sizes so that they cook evenly. You can also add them to the stir fry in stages, based on their cooking times, to ensure that they all retain some bite and don't become overly soft.

Frequently asked questions