Oven Recipes In The Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating super-hot air, creating a crispy-fried texture and golden-brown colour without deep-frying. They are a healthier alternative to deep fryers as they use less oil. You can make practically anything in an air fryer that you would fry, from chicken wings and mozzarella sticks to chocolate chip cookies and avocado fries.

If you're looking to use your air fryer to cook recipes designed for an oven, you can do so by reducing the temperature by 25°F and halving the bake time as a good starting point. Be sure to keep an eye on your food and adjust the temperature and timing as needed.

Air fryer recipes: what to cook and how

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying, as they require less oil and create less mess. They're also handy for when you don't want to heat up your entire oven, and they preheat much faster.

You can make practically anything that you would fry in an air fryer, and you can also adapt oven recipes for air fryers. As a general rule, reduce the temperature by 25°F and cut the bake time by about half. You can also use a regular air fryer recipe for an air fryer oven, but the food may take a little longer to cook.

Breakfast

• Hard-boiled eggs
• Bacon
• French toast
• Breakfast bites (a kind of doughnut made with crushed crispy rice cereal)

Appetizers and Snacks

• Chicken wings
• Mozzarella sticks
• Jalapeño poppers
• Tater tots
• Blooming onion
• Mini calzones
• Tortilla chips
• Potato chips
• Sweet potato chips
• Buffalo cauliflower
• Stuffing hushpuppies
• Egg rolls
• Zucchini fries
• Tofu
• Pumpkin seeds
• Chickpeas

Side Dishes

• Roasted potatoes
• Broccoli
• Corn on the cob
• Carrots
• Baked potatoes
• Green beans
• Cauliflower
• Sweet potato
• French fries
• Brussels sprouts
• Butternut squash
• Asparagus
• Potato wedges
• Sweet potato fries
• Zucchini chips
• Mushrooms
• Beets
• Eggplant fries
• Latkes

Main Dishes

• Fried chicken
• Meatloaf
• Chicken Parmesan
• Steak
• Chicken breast
• Pork chops
• Tilapia
• Hamburgers
• Miso-ginger salmon
• Taquitos
• Chicken sandwich
• Salmon and Brussels sprouts
• Hot dogs
• Greek chicken and potatoes
• Fried shrimp
• Pizza
• Meatballs
• Chicken drumsticks
• Tofu nuggets with smoky broccoli
• Grilled cheese
• Mojo pork tenderloin
• Scallops
• Fish and chips
• Spaghetti squash parm
• Herbed turkey breast with gravy
• Cornish hen

Desserts

• Chocolate chip cookies
• Cinnamon rolls
• Donuts
• Honey toast
• Churro bites with chocolate dipping sauce
• Apple cider donuts
• Fried Oreos
• Apple chips
• Beignets

Air fryer pros and cons

Air fryers are small, tabletop appliances that use convection heat to cook food with little to no oil. They have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people swearing by them as a quick and easy way to cook meals.

Pros

• Air fryers heat up quickly and cook food faster than standard ovens.
• They crisp food evenly, resulting in a perfect crisp and flavour that rivals deep-fried recipes.
• Cooking in an air fryer requires less oil than deep or shallow frying, making it a lower-fat and healthier method.
• They are safer to use than handling a vat of oil or a pan, reducing the risk of hot oil splashes.
• Air fryers are easier to clean than traditional frying methods, with most removable parts being dishwasher-safe.
• Air fryers are versatile and can cook a wide range of foods, including meats, seafood, vegetables, and some baked goods.
• They are more energy-efficient than standard ovens, helping to reduce energy bills.
• Air fryers have multiple functions, such as oven baking, defrosting, and toasting.
• They are ideal for small households or cooking for a few people, as they cook food in smaller batches.

Cons

• Not all foods can be cooked in an air fryer. Wet-battered foods, cheese, leafy greens, and some types of broccoli can dry out or burn easily.
• Air fryers can overcook food due to their quick heating and high-temperature retention.
• They are not ideal for larger households or cooking for a big family, as they have smaller capacities than standard ovens.
• Air fryers can be bulky and take up extra space on kitchen countertops, especially in compact kitchens.
• They can be noisy due to their powerful fans, with some models reaching up to 65dB.

Air fryer oven recipes

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying, using super-hot air to cook food with a crispy, fried texture and golden-brown colour. They're also healthier, as they use much less oil. You can cook practically anything in an air fryer, from snacks and sides to mains and desserts.

Tips for Using Air Fryer Oven Recipes

If you're using a recipe designed for a basket air fryer, you can still use it with your air fryer oven. Just keep the same temperature and remember that your food will likely take a little longer to cook—up to 10 minutes more for larger items. You should also cook your food on the middle or lowest rack to ensure even cooking.

• At-Home Rotisserie Chicken: Cook a whole chicken to perfection in your air fryer oven.
• Air Fryer Turkey Wings: Seasoned and cooked turkey wings.
• Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers: Cream cheese-stuffed jalapenos that can be made mild, spicy, or extra hot.
• Air Fryer Roast Beef: A special meal worthy of serving on a holiday.
• Air Fryer Frozen Toasted Ravioli: Crispy panko-crusted ravioli—a great starter for an Italian dinner night.
• Air Fryer Garlic Bread: Cheesy, pull-apart garlic bread.
• Air Fryer Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy cherry tomatoes with an intense, robust flavour—great for adding to pasta dishes and sauces.
• Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Crispy, crunchy potatoes with a fresh herb vinaigrette.
• Air Fryer Grilled Cheese: The air fryer is the answer to always having crispy, gooey grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Air Fryer Apple Pie Roll-Ups: Tortillas stuffed with apple pie filling and rolled in a cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Air Fryer Fish and Chips: Crispy, crunchy fish with a crunchy coating and thick-cut steak fries.
• Air Fryer French Fries: Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, with no deep-frying required.
• Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Crispy, juicy wings with a special spice rub.
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, with a simple seasoning mix.
• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Crispy tenders with a burst of flavour from crushed potato sticks, cheese crackers, and crumbled bacon.
• Air Fryer Salmon: Drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with seasonings.
• Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks: Crispy, gooey, and made entirely from kitchen staples.
• Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies: Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, just like traditional cookies.
• Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls: Ready in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them.
• Air Fryer Donuts: Super easy to make, using canned biscuit dough.
• Air Fryer Onion Rings: Battered onion rings with a fun and impressive crispy texture.
• Air Fryer Tater Tots: Hot and crispy, just like your favourite burger joint's.
• Air Fryer Blooming Onion: Just like your favourite Outback order.
• Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers: The perfect game-day snack.
• Air Fryer Mini Calzones: Delicious pockets of cheese and pepperoni, perfect for parties or after-school snacks.
• Air Fryer Tortilla Chips: Turn store-bought tortillas into crispy, restaurant-style chips.
• Air Fryer Potato Chips: Crispy and perfectly salted, with no hot oil required.
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips: <

Air fryer cooking times and temperatures

Air fryers are a great alternative to conventional ovens as they cook food faster and more efficiently. They are also a healthier option, as they require minimal oil.

When converting a conventional oven recipe to an air fryer, it is important to reduce both the temperature and the cooking time. A good rule of thumb is to reduce the temperature by 25-50°F and the cooking time by about 20%. For example, if a recipe calls for a cooking temperature of 400°F in the oven, set your air fryer to 375°F. If the cooking time is 30 minutes in the oven, you will likely only need about 24 minutes in the air fryer.

It is also important to note that air fryers are smaller than conventional ovens, so you may need to cook your food in batches. Additionally, air fryers work best when there is proper airflow around the food. Therefore, it is recommended to cook most things in a single layer, or with just a bit of overlap. For best results, shake the basket or turn the food halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning.

Always use an oven thermometer to test the doneness of your food, especially when cooking meat. This will ensure that your food is fully cooked and help you determine if you need to adjust the temperature or cooking time.

By following these guidelines, you can easily convert your favourite oven recipes to the air fryer and enjoy perfectly crispy and juicy food every time!

Air fryer cleaning and maintenance

Air fryers are a convenient and effective way to cook a wide range of foods, from chicken wings and mozzarella sticks to salmon and sweet potato fries. While they are generally safer than other cooking methods, such as natural gas stoves, it is important to keep them clean and well-maintained to ensure optimal performance and food safety. Here are some detailed tips for cleaning and maintaining your air fryer:

Regular Cleaning:

• After each use, unplug the air fryer and let it cool down completely before cleaning.
• Remove all removable parts, such as the basket, tray, and pan.
• Wash the removable parts with warm or hot water and mild dish soap. You can also fill the basket halfway with soapy water and set the appliance to air fry for 3 minutes.
• Use a soft sponge, microfiber cloth, or non-abrasive sponge to gently scrub away any food residue or grease. Avoid using steel wool or metal utensils as they can damage the non-stick coating.
• Rinse the components with clean water and dry them thoroughly with a microfiber towel before reassembling.
• Wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth.
• Ensure that the heating element is clean and dry before reassembling the air fryer.
• If there is tough residue, create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the affected areas, and let it sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Deep Cleaning:

• Deep clean your air fryer about once a month, or more frequently if you use it often or cook greasy foods.
• Clean the coils and the area surrounding them inside the hull of the fryer and above the basket. Use a damp scrubby or the rough side of a sponge to remove any oil or food splatter.
• Avoid using soap when cleaning the coils, as residual soap can taint the food.
• Clean the underside of the air fryer hull where the heating coils are housed. This area is prone to food splatter and gunk buildup, which can be dangerous if left uncleaned.
• To reduce the risk of an air fryer malfunction and fires, clean this area every few weeks with a wet rag.

Additional Tips:

• Use air fryer liners or parchment paper to catch food drippings and prevent them from sticking to the basket.
• Wipe down the air fryer regularly, especially after cooking greasy foods.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket to prevent food from touching the heating element and causing excess splatter.
• Always unplug the air fryer when not in use, and give it its own outlet to prevent electrical fires.
• Do not leave the air fryer unattended while it is turned on.
• Use oil to baste or mist the food to help it crisp up without drying out.
• Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes before cooking.
• Turn your food halfway through the cooking process for even cooking.
• Use an alarm thermometer to know when your meats are done.
• Clean the air fryer oven regularly, and use a drip tray to catch any crumbs or oil that may fall.

Frequently asked questions