Air Fryer Meals: A Complete Feast?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of foods, including full meals. They use hot air circulation to cook food with less oil than traditional frying methods, resulting in healthier meals with less mess and faster cooking times. While some air fryers have multiple compartments, allowing for multiple items to be cooked simultaneously, others have a single compartment, limiting the quantity of food that can be cooked at once. However, with some planning and experimentation, it is possible to cook an entire meal in an air fryer, including dishes such as steak and fries, salmon and vegetables, or chicken and potatoes.

Meals for two

Air fryers are a great option for cooking meals for two. Here are some ideas and tips to help you get started:

Steak, Fries, Broccoli, and Chocolate Chip Cookies

This classic meal is a perfect option for your air fryer. To make it, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 8-10 oz ribeye (or your preferred cut of steak)
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 8 oz of frozen steak fries
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 package of gluten-free chocolate chip cookies

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper. Toss the broccoli florets in a bowl with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
• Add the steak to the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. Then, remove it and let it rest on a cutting board.
• Put the fries and broccoli into the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. After that, remove the broccoli, and toss the fries. Cook the fries for another 8 minutes.
• Slice the steak against the grain and serve it with the broccoli and fries.
• For dessert, lower the air fryer temperature to 330°F. Line the basket with parchment paper and place the cookies about 1" apart. Bake for around 12 minutes.

Salmon and Veggies

This light and flavourful meal is perfect for a summer dinner. You will need:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 8-10 oz salmon fillet
• 1 small zucchini, sliced
• 1 small yellow squash, sliced
• 1 small red onion, cut into large chunks
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon, sliced, for garnish

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the salmon and season with salt and pepper.
• Slice the zucchini and yellow squash into half-inch slices. Cut the red onion into quarters, then halve those.
• Toss the vegetables in a bowl with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with dill.
• Place the salmon, skin-side down, on one side of the air fryer basket, and the vegetables on the other. Cook for 10 minutes.
• Finish the salmon with a squeeze of lemon juice and serve with the veggies.

Chicken, Peppers, and Potatoes

This well-rounded meal is a delicious option, offering protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Gather:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 8-10 oz chicken breast
• 1/4 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
• 3/4 lb red potatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons of your choice of seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
• Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with 1 tablespoon of seasoning.
• Slice the bell pepper and onion, and quarter the potatoes. Toss the potatoes in a bowl with olive oil and the remaining seasoning.
• Place the chicken and potato wedges in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes.
• Toss the bell pepper and onion in the bowl with the remaining seasoning and oil.
• Flip the chicken, toss the potatoes, and add the veggies to the air fryer. Cook for an additional 8 minutes.

Tips for Cooking Meals for Two in an Air Fryer:

• You can cook multiple items at the same time in an air fryer, but it may require some adjustment and practice.
• Air fryers with dual compartments or shelves can be helpful for cooking multiple items simultaneously.
• When converting oven recipes, reduce the temperature by about 25-30°F and halve the cooking time as a starting point. Keep an eye on your food and adjust as needed.
• Air fryers are great for reheating leftovers and can make them taste freshly cooked.
• Most ready meals can be cooked in an air fryer, but you may need to reduce the temperature and cooking time.

Cooking times and temperatures

When cooking with an air fryer, you can either follow the instructions on the packaging of your ready meal or experiment with the cooking times and temperatures.

As a general rule, air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens, so it is recommended to reduce the cooking time by about 20-30%. For example, if a recipe in the oven takes 30 minutes, try cooking it in the air fryer for around 20-24 minutes. Similarly, you can convert oven recipes for the air fryer by reducing the temperature by 25°F and halving the bake time.

It is also worth noting that air fryers vary in size and wattage, so it is important to keep a close eye on your food as it cooks. Check for doneness earlier than you think and adjust the cooking time as needed. For proteins, use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to your desired level. For baked goods, use a toothpick to check if they are done.

If you are cooking a large quantity of food, it is better to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can affect airflow and result in uneven cooking. To ensure even cooking, shake the basket or flip the food halfway through the cooking process.

Some recipes benefit from preheating the air fryer before adding the food, as this can help achieve a more even cook. However, this is not always necessary, and some people choose not to preheat their air fryers.

Finally, when cooking ready meals in an air fryer, it is recommended to slightly reduce the cooking time and temperature, as air fryers cook faster than ovens. Most ready meals are designed to be cooked with minimal or no added oil, but you can lightly spray some oil on the food to enhance its crispy texture.

Breakfasts

Air Fryer French Toast

French toast is a breakfast classic, and an air fryer can help you achieve that perfect crisp exterior and fluffy interior. You can make French toast sticks, which are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, and amazing for dunking into maple syrup. You can also make cups, which are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and perfect for dipping into maple syrup or your favourite fruit compote.

Air Fryer Hash Browns

Hash browns are another breakfast staple, and the air fryer can help you achieve a crispier crust with less mess. You can also make them oil-free, and they will still taste terrific.

Air Fryer Bacon

The air fryer is a clean and splatter-free way to cook bacon, without the hassle of standing over a hot skillet. It's faster than preheating the oven and perfect for small batches. You can also make candied bacon sweet potato hash, which combines sweet potatoes and candied bacon with caramelised onions and fresh rosemary.

Air Fryer Eggs

You can make fried eggs in an air fryer without the grease that comes from frying them. You can also make poached eggs, soft-boiled eggs, and hard-boiled eggs.

Air Fryer Breakfast Burritos

These tasty breakfast burritos with egg, sausage, potato, and cheese are ready in about 35 minutes! They can also be frozen for easy future breakfasts.

Air Fryer Sausage Patties

You can cook juicy sausage patties straight from the freezer in an air fryer with no need for defrosting.

Air Fryer Banana Bread

You can make insanely soft and fluffy banana bread in an air fryer. It's so good you won't believe it didn't come from an oven.

Air Fryer Pop Tarts

You can make pop tarts with pre-made pie crusts, strawberry jam, and a sweet and buttery glaze. They are the sweetest way to start your day.

Air Fryer Breakfast Pizza

Breakfast pizza features a flaky crust topped with sausage, eggs, and cheese.

Air Fryer Blueberry Muffins

You can bake bread and muffins in an air fryer. These blueberry muffins are soft and crumbly, and just as good as any oven-baked muffins.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

You can make decadent cinnamon rolls in an air fryer without the need for kneading or rolling dough.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Apple fritters are a sweet and fruity breakfast option. Apples, cinnamon, sugar, and butter are a winning combination.

Air Fryer Toast

You can make the perfect toast in an air fryer – golden and crunchy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside.

Air Fryer Baked Apples

Baked apples are a healthy breakfast option. You can core and stuff them with dried cranberries and a crumble filling.

Air Fryer Breakfast Frittata

This protein-packed breakfast frittata with tomatoes, spinach, and feta is a delicious family-friendly recipe and perfect for the weekend.

Air Fryer Pancakes

Pancakes are easier to make in an air fryer than on a stove or griddle, and you don't even need to flip them!

Air Fryer Donuts

You can make donuts with canned biscuits and a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and extracts.

Air Fryer Scrambled Eggs

You can make scrambled eggs to perfection in an air fryer.

Air Fryer Turkey Bacon

Turkey bacon is a delicious and crispy alternative to pork bacon that you can cook in an air fryer.

Air Fryer Sausage

You can have crispy, delicious sausage links ready in less than 15 minutes in an air fryer.

Air Fryer Bagels

You can make bagels with just four ingredients in an air fryer.

Air Fryer Strawberry Turnovers

You can make strawberry turnovers with crescent rolls and your favourite fruit filling.

Air Fryer Bacon and Egg Cups

These bacon and egg cups are a quick and easy low-carb breakfast option.

Air Fryer Doughnuts (from Scratch!)

You can make doughnuts from scratch in an air fryer, including ube-glazed donuts.

Air Fryer Soft-Boiled Scotch Eggs

Scotch eggs are a UK dish of hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage and deep-fried. You can make a lighter version in an air fryer with a crisp exterior.

Air Fryer Breakfast Casserole

You can make a delicious breakfast casserole with eggs in an air fryer.

Air Fryer Cheesy Baked Eggs

Cheesy baked eggs are a great option for busy mornings when you still want a delicious breakfast.

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts & Potato Hash

This super-fast and delicious breakfast hash is made with Brussels sprouts, baby potatoes, and red onions.

Air Fryer Giant Cinnamon Rolls

You can make giant cinnamon rolls in an air fryer, topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting.

Air Fryer Blueberry Bread

This blueberry bread is a bit crunchy on the outside and moist and delicious on the inside. It's great for a quick breakfast that can last the whole week.

Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts

These donuts are flaky and doughy with a crunchy pumpkin spice coating.

Desserts

Air fryers are a great way to make desserts, as they can cook or bake a variety of sweet treats. Here are some dessert ideas that you can make in an air fryer:

Cookies and Biscuits

Air fryers are great for making cookies and biscuits of various kinds. You can make chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, shortbread cookies, and even Oreo cookies. For a fun twist, you can also make fried Oreos by battering them and air frying them.

Cakes and Pies

Air fryers can also be used to bake cakes and pies. You can make an apple pie, a cheesecake, a pineapple upside-down cake, or even a chocolate cupcake. For a fancier option, try making a Basque cheesecake.

Breads and Pastries

Air fryers are perfect for making sweet breads and pastries. Some options include banana bread, chocolate bread pudding, apple fritters, and churros. You can also make cinnamon rolls, croissants, or even doughnuts.

Fruit-based Desserts

If you're looking for something fruity, you can make apple Danish pastries, apple crisps, or even air-fried apples with honey-cinnamon butter. You can also make baked sweet potatoes with peanut butter and maple syrup.

Other Desserts

There are many other dessert options that you can make in an air fryer. Some unique ideas include air-fried mochi ice cream, s'mores crescent rolls, and brownies. You can even make your own homemade Twinkies!

Remember, when making desserts in an air fryer, it's important to use cooking spray or oil to help the exteriors crisp up. Also, keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer.

Alternatives

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep fryers and ovens, offering a healthier way to cook food with less oil and faster cooking times. However, they do have some limitations in terms of capacity and functionality. Here are some alternatives to consider:

• Oven: While an oven uses more energy and takes longer to cook, it offers a larger capacity for cooking multiple items or larger quantities. It is suitable for batch cooking and accommodating family meals.
• Stovetop: A stovetop provides greater control and versatility for cooking a variety of dishes. It is ideal for cooking foods that require specific temperatures and techniques, such as stir-frying, boiling, or simmering.
• Halogen Oven: This option is mentioned as being more versatile but more expensive to run.
• Microwave: Microwaves are convenient for reheating leftovers and cooking ready meals. They are also useful for quick cooking tasks like melting butter or chocolate.
• Slow Cookers: Slow cookers are ideal for preparing meals that require long, slow cooking, such as stews, curries, and soups. They are a good option for preparing meals in advance and having them ready when needed.
• Waffle Irons, Stand Mixers, and Other Appliances: Depending on your specific needs, you may want to invest in appliances that cater to specific tasks, such as waffle irons for making waffles or stand mixers for baking and mixing tasks.

Frequently asked questions