Stir-Frying In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers have become a popular alternative to traditional frying methods, and for good reason. They offer a quick and easy way to cook a variety of dishes with minimal effort and less oil, resulting in healthier and less greasy meals. One of the most popular dishes to make in an air fryer is stir fry.

Stir-frying in an air fryer produces similar results to traditional stir-frying in a pan or wok, with the added benefit of being faster, more convenient, and possibly even healthier. You can use fresh or frozen vegetables, and even add meat or tofu to create a hearty and nutritious meal.

So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious way to make stir fry, using an air fryer is definitely worth considering. With minimal prep work and the ability to customize your ingredients, it's a convenient option for busy weeknights or whenever you're craving a tasty stir fry without the fuss.

Air Fryer Chicken Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Soy sauce or coconut aminos
• Olive oil or sesame oil
• Rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
• Honey or maple syrup
• Garlic, minced or garlic powder
• Vegetables (e.g. bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, broccoli, green beans)
• White rice, brown rice, or noodles (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F or 380°F.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, rice vinegar, and olive oil. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the sauce for later.
• Add the chicken to a bowl or bag with the sauce and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
• Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes.
• After 5 minutes, add your chosen sliced vegetables to the air fryer basket. Pour the reserved sauce over the vegetables and chicken and mix well.
• Air fry for an additional 7-8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the vegetables are tender.
• Serve the stir-fried chicken and vegetables with rice, noodles, or on its own.

Tips:

• You can use other types of protein such as skinless chicken thighs, beef, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas.
• Feel free to experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to suit your taste.
• For a peanut sauce, whisk peanut butter into the marinade. For a sweet and sour sauce, add sweet chili sauce.
• If you're short on time, you can use pre-sliced or frozen vegetables.
• To make fried rice, add cooked rice and a little oil to the air fryer towards the end.

Air Fryer Veggie Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• 250g of frozen stir-fry vegetables (or fresh veggies of your choice)
• 2 teaspoons of Chinese five spice
• Extra virgin olive oil spray
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning

Instructions:

• Load the frozen stir-fry vegetables into the air fryer basket. If using fresh vegetables, chop them into your desired size.
• Spray or drizzle olive oil over the vegetables.
• Set the air fryer temperature to 360-375°F and the timer for 8 minutes.
• After the air fryer beeps, shake the basket to toss the vegetables. Season with Chinese five spice, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning.
• Spray with olive oil again and cook for another 5 minutes at 400°F.
• Serve the crispy and delicious veggie stir fry!

Tips:

• For fresh vegetables, preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
• Add protein: You can also add your favourite protein like chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and marinate them before adding to the air fryer.
• Sauce: You can also add your favourite stir-fry sauce to the vegetables before cooking.
• Cook time: The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the type of vegetables used. Keep an eye on the vegetables to prevent burning and adjust the timing accordingly.

Air Fryer Beef Stir Fry

Yes, you can definitely stir fry in an air fryer! It's a great way to make a quick, healthy, and tasty beef stir fry with less oil and less clean-up. Here's a detailed guide on how to make a delicious Air Fryer Beef Stir Fry:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 2-4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Other vegetables of your choice (optional)

Instructions:

Before you begin, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps to quickly seal in the juices and maintain the tenderness of the beef.

Marinate the Beef:

In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, and sesame oil. Mix well until the cornstarch is dissolved. Add the thinly sliced beef to this marinade and toss until each piece is well coated. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. You can also marinate it for longer in the refrigerator for a more intense flavor.

Sauté the Vegetables:

While the beef is marinating, heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced peppers, onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté this mixture for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp. You can also add other vegetables of your choice, such as broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas.

Air Fry the Beef and Vegetables:

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 preheated air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes. Remember to toss the contents halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and browning. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness for the beef.

Serve:

Once done, remove the beef stir fry from the air fryer and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can serve this delicious stir fry over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy the perfect combination of tender beef and crispy vegetables!

Tips:

• Pat dry the beef slices with a paper towel before cooking to remove excess moisture.
• Stir the contents occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
• If using a marinade, drain the excess liquid from the beef before placing it in the air fryer to avoid excessive smoke.
• Let the cooked beef rest for a few minutes after cooking to enhance its tenderness.

Air Fryer Tofu Stir Fry

Air fryers are a great alternative to the traditional stir-fry, offering a quicker, lower-maintenance option. You can use an air fryer to cook a variety of ingredients, including chicken, vegetables, and tofu.

Ingredients:

• 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu
• 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
• 1/2 tbsp avocado oil
• 1/2 tsp sriracha
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snow peas
• 10 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 tbsp sesame or extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• Rice or noodles for serving (optional)

Instructions:

• Drain the tofu and wrap it in paper towels. Place a heavy weight on top and let it press for 30 minutes to remove excess water.
• Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl.
• Add the tamari or soy sauce, avocado oil, and sriracha to the bowl with the tofu. Gently toss to coat the tofu.
• Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and toss again to ensure it's well coated.
• Add the tofu to the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 380°F. Air fry for 10 minutes.
• While the tofu is cooking, prepare the vegetables. In a large bowl, combine the bell pepper, broccoli, snow peas, and tomatoes with the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss to coat the vegetables.
• After the tofu has cooked for 10 minutes, remove the basket and give the tofu a toss. Then, add the vegetables to the air fryer basket and toss everything together.
• Air fry at 380°F for another 10 minutes, or until the tofu is crispy and the vegetables are tender.
• Serve the Air Fryer Tofu Stir Fry with rice or noodles on the side, if desired.

This recipe takes about an hour to prepare and cook, but it's a delicious and easy way to make a healthy, vegetarian stir fry using an air fryer!

Air Fryer Shrimp Stir Fry

Yes, you can stir fry in an air fryer! Here is an Air Fryer Shrimp Stir Fry recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs. large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails off
• 1 large lime
• 2 tbsps. olive oil
• 2 tbsps. southwest chipotle seasoning
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper, or more to taste
• 1 large zucchini, cut lengthwise and sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 large yellow squash, cut lengthwise and sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 large red pepper, cubed
• 1 small onion, cubed
• 8 oz. cremini mushrooms (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• In a bowl, marinate the shrimp with the spices, salt, garlic, and olive oil. You can leave the shrimp to marinate for up to 30 minutes, but it's not essential.
• Add in the veggies and toss to mix everything together.
• Cook the shrimp and veggies in 2 batches, each batch for 8 minutes. Open and shake the basket at least 1-2 times during the cook time. If you want them more well done, you can add 1-2 more minutes of cooking time.
• Remove from the basket and transfer to a dish. Garnish with some fresh chopped parsley and lime wedges.

Tips:

• Use a preheated air fryer.
• Air fryers vary in size, so cook in batches if needed.
• Cut your veggies into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
• If you want to control your salt content, use a low-sodium chipotle seasoning.
• If you want to add more vegetables, bell peppers and onions are a great combo with shrimp.

Enjoy your Air Fryer Shrimp Stir Fry!

Frequently asked questions