Air Fryer Versatility: What Foods Work Best?

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to cook a wide range of foods, from proteins like chicken, fish, and pork to vegetables, appetizers, desserts, and baked goods. They can be used to air fry, roast, bake, broil, crisp, dehydrate, and reheat foods. Some common foods that can be cooked in an air fryer include chicken wings, French fries, fried chicken, baked potatoes, steak, salmon, shrimp, and even desserts like chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon rolls. Air fryers work by circulating super-hot air, which gives food a crispy-fried texture and golden-brown color without the need for deep-frying in oil. This makes it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

Proteins

An air fryer is a great way to cook proteins, as it eliminates the harmful effects of frying and lets you cook certain meats directly from frozen. It also requires less oil to achieve a deep-fried crispy crust. Here are some proteins you can cook in an air fryer:

Chicken

Chicken is one of the most versatile proteins to cook in an air fryer. You can cook chicken wings, chicken breasts, chicken thighs, chicken tenders, chicken taquitos, chicken cutlets, chicken drumsticks, chicken nuggets, chicken sausages, chicken meatballs, and chicken kebabs. You can also cook chicken with other ingredients like pesto, cheese, potatoes, and more.

Fish

You can cook fish in the air fryer with minimal oil and achieve a crispy exterior and a flaky, tender interior. Some fish you can cook in the air fryer include salmon, tilapia, cod, sea bass, shrimp, and fish cakes. You can also cook fish tacos, fish sticks, and fish patties.

Red Meat

Red meats like steak, pork chops, and pork tenderloin are great options for the air fryer. You can also cook meatballs, meatloaf, and lamb chops.

Other Proteins

In addition to meat, you can cook other proteins like tofu, chickpeas, and eggs in the air fryer.

Vegetables

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables, and they can be used to cook a wide variety of veggies, from zucchini to broccoli to potatoes. Here are some tips and tricks for getting the most out of your air fryer when cooking vegetables:

Choosing Your Vegetables

When selecting vegetables to cook in your air fryer, it's best to avoid tough root vegetables like beets or sweet potatoes, as they require a longer cook time. Instead, opt for a mix of firm and tender vegetables. Firm vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower work well when cut into small pieces. Tender vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and asparagus will cook quickly and give a nice variety of textures.

Seasoning and Oil

To ensure your vegetables are flavorful, don't skimp on the seasoning. A simple combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper can go a long way. You can also experiment with other seasonings like paprika, onion powder, or Parmesan cheese.

Additionally, don't forget to use oil. While air fryers require significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, a generous amount of olive oil or another oil with a high smoke point will help to crisp up your veggies and prevent them from burning.

Air Frying Tips

When arranging your vegetables in the air fryer basket, make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Overcrowding will cause the vegetables to steam instead of browning. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

During the cooking process, remember to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. Most vegetables will be done within 10 to 15 minutes at a temperature of 375°F, but you can always adjust the time and temperature based on your preferences and the specific vegetable you're cooking.

Example Vegetable Combinations

• Zucchini, red bell pepper, cremini mushrooms, red onion, carrot, broccoli, and cauliflower
• Bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, and squash
• Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts
• Potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, squashes, onions, corn, asparagus
• Green beans with olive oil and garlic powder
• Button mushrooms with Parmesan cheese

Converting Oven Recipes

If you have a favorite oven-roasted vegetable recipe, you can easily convert it for the air fryer. Reduce the temperature by 25°F and halve the bake time as a starting point. Keep an eye on your veggies and adjust the time and temperature as needed.

With these tips and tricks, you'll be a pro at air-frying vegetables in no time!

Appetizers

Air fryers are a great way to make appetisers with less oil and in less time. Here are some ideas for appetisers you can make in an air fryer:

Chicken Wings

Air fryer chicken wings are some of the crispiest, juiciest wings you can make outside of a restaurant, and they take under an hour to cook. You can make them crunchy and golden without the use of any oil.

Chicken Tenders

For the crispiest chicken tenders, look no further than the air fryer. Don't forget your favourite dipping sauce!

Mozzarella Sticks

Air fryer mozzarella sticks are made entirely from kitchen staples, meaning you can indulge in this crispy, gooey snack anytime.

Onion Rings

Onion rings are a classic example of how breading can transform a few humble ingredients into a fun and impressive appetiser or snack.

Tater Tots

These hot and crispy air fryer tater tots taste just like the ones from your favourite burger joint.

Zucchini Fries

Bite-size zucchini batons in a crunchy panko and Parmesan coating, air-fried until golden and crisp.

Jalapeño Poppers

These air fryer jalapeño poppers scream "perfect game-day snack."

Mini Calzones

These mini calzones use prepared pizza dough to make delicious pockets filled with cheese and pepperoni. They are perfect for parties or after-school snacks.

Tortilla Chips

Turn store-bought tortillas into crispy, restaurant-style chips with an air fryer.

Potato Chips

These easy air fryer potato chips are crispy and perfectly salted—no hot oil required.

Sweet Potato Chips

These air fryer sweet potato chips deliver everything you love about deep-fried chips, but require way less oil to make.

Buffalo Cauliflower

This plant-based bar-style snack is unbelievably crispy, thanks to one smart step.

Stuffing Hushpuppies

Here's how to use your air fryer to make near-instant two-ingredient hushpuppies, which are easier and way less messy than traditional deep-fried hushpuppies.

Egg Rolls

For delicious and crispy egg rolls, look to the air fryer.

Falafel

Falafel, even eaten on its own with a simple dipping sauce, is a treat that hits the spot regardless of whether you're a vegetarian or not.

Desserts

Air fryers are not just for savoury dishes. You can make a variety of sweet treats, from fruity fillings to pastries, in your air fryer. Here are some dessert ideas:

Cookies and Biscuits

Air fryers are great for making cookies and biscuits, including chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, peanut butter cookies, shortbread cookies, biscuit donuts, and even giant pan cookies. You can also make biscuit-based treats like Air Fryer S'mores and Air Fryer Fried Oreos.

Cakes

You can make cakes in your air fryer, including chocolate cakes, carrot cakes, banana bread, banana bread muffins, and lemon drizzle cakes. You can also make individual cakes, such as ramekin cheesecakes and mini cheesecakes.

Bread-Based Desserts

Air fryers are perfect for making bread-based desserts, such as apple pies, apple crisps, apple fritters, apple fries, apple crumble, bread pudding, monkey bread, and even churros.

Fruit-Based Desserts

You can make a variety of fruit-based desserts in your air fryer, including Air Fryer Baked Apples, Air Fryer Peaches, Air Fryer Bloomin' Apples, Air Fryer Spiced Apples, Air Fryer Pineapple, Air Fryer Strawberries, and Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas.

Other Desserts

There are many other dessert options for your air fryer, such as Air Fryer Donuts, Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls, Air Fryer Beignets, Air Fryer Cannoli, Air Fryer Blueberry Muffins, Air Fryer Apple Chips, Air Fryer Banana Chips, and Air Fryer Cheesecake Chimichangas.

So, if you're craving something sweet, your air fryer has you covered!

Breakfasts

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and an air fryer can make it even more delightful! Here are some breakfast ideas you can make using an air fryer:

Bacon and Eggs

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is a perfect match as it limits the splatter around your kitchen and makes the bacon crispy. You can cook it on a flat tray, but a wire rack will allow the excess fat to drip away, making it crispier. As for eggs, you can soft or hard boil them, or even fry them. You can also make egg cups, or egg rolls, or use them as a filling for breakfast burritos.

Hash Browns

You can make delicious hash browns in an air fryer. Simply cut up baby potatoes, rinse, coat in olive oil, add spices, and put them in the air fryer for 25-30 minutes. You can also make potato pancakes or home fries.

Breads and Bakes

Air fryers are great for making different types of bread, including biscuits, banana bread, and even doughnuts. You can also make French toast sticks, cinnamon rolls, and toaster strudels.

Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast burritos are a great portable breakfast option. You can fill them with scrambled eggs, sausage, cheese, and vegetables, and then roll them up in a flour tortilla and cook them in the air fryer.

Fruits

You can also make some sweet breakfast treats in your air fryer, such as apple fritters, baked apples, and roasted oranges.

Other Breakfast Ideas

Some other breakfast ideas include sausage patties, breakfast bombs, breakfast cookies, breakfast empanadas, and even crab cakes.

So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious way to make breakfast, an air fryer is a great option!

Frequently asked questions