Carnival Food, Air-Fried: Fun, Festive, And Healthy Treats!

Carnival food is often deep-fried, sweet, and sticky. While these treats are delicious, they are not the healthiest. However, with an air fryer, you can make healthier versions of your favourite carnival snacks, such as corn dogs, funnel cakes, fried Oreos, and mozzarella sticks. Air fryers work by circulating super-hot air, giving food a crispy, fried texture and golden-brown colour without the need for deep-frying. So, if you're craving carnival food but don't want the extra calories, get out your air fryer and try making some of these treats!

Air-fried carnival snacks

Carnival food is often deep-fried, sticky, and sweet, but you can recreate these treats at home with a healthier twist using an air fryer. Here are some delicious, air-fried carnival snack ideas:

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a classic carnival snack, and you can easily make them at home with an air fryer. The air fryer version is just as crispy and gooey as the traditional deep-fried version but with fewer calories.

Air-Fried Sandwich Cookies

Sandwich cookies are another carnival favourite. You can make them in an air fryer with store-bought crescent dough, requiring just four ingredients and less than 20 minutes of your time.

Air-Fried Churros

Churros are a fan-favourite carnival dessert, and you can make a lighter version by popping them in the air fryer instead of frying them in oil. Serve them with a gooey chocolate-hazelnut dipping sauce for an extra treat.

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

Mac and cheese balls are a gut-busting carnival snack, but you can enjoy a healthier version at home by using an air fryer. This method skips the oil while still giving you that crispy, golden texture.

Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Fried pickles are a crunchy, tangy Southern staple often found at carnivals. You can recreate this classic at home with an air fryer, some crispy breadcrumbs, and your choice of dipping sauce.

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Roasted corn on the cob is a staple at fairs and carnivals, and you can easily make it at home with an air fryer. It's a quick and tasty way to enjoy this sweet and crispy treat.

Air Fryer Tater Tots

Tater tots are a must-have at any carnival, and you can make them at home with your air fryer. They'll be extra crispy and amazing, no matter what dipping sauce you use.

Air Fryer Funnel Cakes

Funnel cakes are a famous carnival treat, known for their unique stringy look and crispy texture. You can make them at home by frying a simple batter in oil and decorating them with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or chocolate sauce.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are a classic carnival snack, and the air fryer version is just as crispy and juicy. They take less than an hour to cook and are perfect for game day or any time you're craving that carnival flavour.

Air Fryer Potato Chips

Potato chips are a crunchy carnival favourite, and you can make them at home with an air fryer. They'll be crispy and perfectly salted without the need for hot oil.

Air Fryer Sweet Treats

In addition to the churros and funnel cakes mentioned above, you can also air fry other sweet treats like cinnamon-sugar donuts, apple cider donut bites, and even deep-fried Oreos for a healthier take on these carnival classics.

Air fryer chicken recipes

Air fryers are a great way to make healthier versions of your favourite fried foods. Here are some air fryer chicken recipes to try:

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

This recipe involves coating chicken breasts in a paste made from olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. The chicken is then cooked in the air fryer for around 14-18 minutes, depending on the size of the breasts. This recipe is quick, easy, and results in juicy, tender chicken.

Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breast

This recipe involves making a spice rub for the chicken, which gives it a delicious flavour. The chicken is then cooked in the air fryer, resulting in a juicy and tender dish that has a crispy, crunchy finish.

Air Fryer BBQ Cheddar-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

For this recipe, you stuff chicken breasts with cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, and bacon bits. You can then wrap the chicken with any remaining bacon and cook it in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Chicken Piccata

This recipe involves dredging chicken in a mixture of flour, parmesan, parsley, and salt before cooking it in the air fryer. You can then make a lemon butter sauce to drizzle over the chicken.

Air Fryer Honey-Cajun Chicken Thighs

This recipe involves marinating chicken thighs in buttermilk and hot sauce before coating them in a flour mixture with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper. The chicken is then cooked in the air fryer, resulting in a spicy and moist dish.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

This classic dish can also be made in the air fryer! It involves stuffing chicken with ham and Swiss cheese, breading it, and then cooking it in the air fryer. You can serve it with steamed broccoli, mashed potatoes, and crusty bread.

Air fryer potato recipes

Air fryers are a great way to make healthier, quicker, and delicious potato dishes. Here are some recipes to try:

Air Fryer "Roasted" Potatoes

This recipe uses Yukon Gold Potatoes, or baby golden potatoes if you can find them. The key to this recipe is to cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces so that they cook at a similar rate. You can also use an oil spray to coat your potatoes. The potatoes are seasoned with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. You can garnish with chopped parsley. These potatoes are best cooked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, then toss the potatoes and continue to cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender and crisp.

Crispy and Creamy Air Fryer Potatoes

This recipe uses halved or quartered baby red potatoes or yellow potatoes. You can also use Yukon Gold or other yellow potatoes cut into 3/4-inch chunks. Russet potatoes are not recommended for this recipe as they are better suited for French fries. The potatoes are seasoned with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You can garnish with chopped fresh parsley. These potatoes are best cooked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

This recipe uses russet potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and optional fresh chives for garnish. First, cut a very thin slice lengthwise from the flattest side of the potato. Then, place the potato on a cutting board, cut-side down, and put chopsticks along the top and bottom edges. Slice evenly across the length of the potato, ensuring the knife rests on the chopsticks each time, keeping the bottom of the potato intact. Brush the potatoes with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, then brush with oil again and cook for another 15 minutes or until crispy on the edges and tender in the middle.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

This recipe is a healthier version of the classic carnival treat. Simply cut sweet potatoes into fries and cook in the air fryer. You can dust them with cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.

Air fryer sweet treats

Air fryers are incredibly versatile, and they can be used to make a wide range of sweet treats. Here are some mouth-watering dessert ideas that you can make in an air fryer:

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you're craving cookies but don't want to turn on your oven or deal with the hassle of cleaning a baking sheet, the air fryer is your best friend. You can make delicious chocolate chip cookies in the air fryer with minimal mess and without overheating your kitchen.

Air Fryer Donuts

Who doesn't love a good donut? The air fryer lets you make healthier donuts without the need for a pot of hot oil. You can even get creative and make apple cider donut bites or jelly-filled donuts.

Air Fryer Brownies

Indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert with warm, fudgy brownies made in your air fryer. The best part? You can load them up with a scoop of ice cream while they're still warm without worrying about slicing them into perfect squares.

Air Fryer S'mores

Bring the fun of campfire s'mores indoors with this mess-free air fryer treat. You'll get perfectly toasted marshmallows with gooey centres, and you can even add your own twist with fruit or caramel sauce.

Air Fryer Churros

Churros are a classic carnival treat, and you can easily make them at home with your air fryer. Pipe ropes of dough into the air fryer, and once they're golden and crisp, roll them in cinnamon sugar for that perfect crunchy, sugary bite.

Air Fryer Apple Pies

These bite-sized treats are easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients. Use store-bought pie dough and apple pie filling, or get creative and swap out the apples for any pie filling of your choice.

Air Fryer Banana Bread

This air fryer treat is a quick way to satisfy your sweet tooth. In under 45 minutes, you'll have delicious, moist banana bread that's perfect for dessert or an indulgent breakfast.

Air Fryer Fried Oreos

Enjoy the taste of deep-fried Oreos without the excess oil. This creative dessert uses crescent rolls to create a tender coating, bringing the fun of the fair right to your kitchen.

Air Fryer Lava Cake

Indulge in a decadent, gooey, and rich chocolate lava cake using your air fryer. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that will impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.

Air Fryer Beignets

Craving a taste of New Orleans? Make these pillowy, fluffy beignets in your air fryer. Be sure to use self-raising flour to get that perfect rise, and don't forget to dust them with powdered sugar for the authentic Café Du Monde experience.

Air fryer vegetable dishes

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables, giving them a crispy exterior without the need for deep-frying or oven-roasting. Here are some tips and recipes for making delicious air-fried vegetable dishes.

Tips for Air Frying Vegetables:

• Almost any vegetable can be cooked in an air fryer, except for leafy greens.
• Air-frying is a healthier alternative to deep-frying as it uses less oil.
• Choose heart-healthy oils like olive oil or avocado oil for coating your vegetables.
• Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for the specific vegetable you are cooking.
• Chop vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
• For tender vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• For firm vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and butternut squash, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes.
• Frozen vegetables can also be cooked in the air fryer, but add a few minutes to the cooking time to account for thawing.
• Shake the air fryer pan occasionally during cooking to promote even cooking.

Air Fryer Vegetable Dish Ideas:

• Asparagus: Toss with a lemon-garlic dressing before air frying.
• Broccoli: Drizzle with olive oil and a touch of lemon juice for enhanced flavor.
• Cauliflower: Make Buffalo Cauliflower Bites by tossing in a Buffalo sauce and serving with a cottage cheese dip.
• Eggplant: Cut into fries, coat with Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and garlic salt.
• Zucchini: Cut into fries or chips and air fry for a crispy, delicious side dish.
• Avocado: Slice and coat with breadcrumbs and seasonings, then air fry for tasty avocado tacos.
• Portobello Mushrooms: Top with tomatoes and cheese for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
• Sweet Potatoes: Cut into wedges or fries and air fry for a healthier alternative to regular potato fries.
• Beets: Slice and coat with orange gremolata and goat cheese for a unique flavor combination.
• Potatoes: Red potatoes with rosemary is a simple yet flavorful side dish.
• Pumpkin: Make homemade pumpkin fries with a maple-chipotle dipping sauce.
• Chickpeas: Make chickpea fritters with a sweet and spicy sauce for a Pakistani-inspired treat.
• Bell Peppers: Slice and toss with olive oil and Italian seasoning before air frying.

Frequently asked questions