Emilie Meyer
Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a wide range of foods. They are a healthier alternative to deep frying, as they use less oil and produce the same crispy, crunchy texture with juicy interiors. From mains to sides, desserts, and even reheating leftovers, there are numerous dishes that can be made in an air fryer.
Best Foods to Cook in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Chicken tenders, chicken fingers, chicken nuggets, chicken thighs, chicken wings, chicken parmesan |
| Seafood | Salmon, shrimp, crab cakes, fish, tofu |
| Vegetables | Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, sweet potato fries, potatoes, baked potatoes, chilli beef, frozen spring rolls |
| Meat | Steak, meatballs, sausage |
| Breakfast | Breakfast tacos, halloumi, muffins, egg |
| Dessert | Cookies, berry crisp, apple pie, chocolate cake, brownies, s'mores, arancini |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken wings, tenders, and nuggets
Chicken Wings
Air fryer chicken wings are a healthier alternative to deep-fried wings, and they are also quicker to make. The circulating air in the air fryer creates a very crisp skin that is hard to replicate in a conventional oven.
To make chicken wings in an air fryer, first, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Then, season the wings with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and baking powder. You can also add some hot sauce to the marinade. Let the wings rest for at least 30 minutes. Place the wings in the air fryer basket, sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, in a single layer so they are not overlapping. Cook the wings for around 18 minutes at 360ºF, shaking the basket every 6 minutes. Then, increase the heat to 390ºF and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket every 2 minutes, until the wings are brown and crispy.
Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders, or chicken breasts, can also be cooked in an air fryer. To make juicy and tender chicken tenders, use thinly sliced boneless chicken breasts that have been cut in half horizontally. You can season the tenders with salt and pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil, or use your favourite spices. Place the tenders in the air fryer basket and cook for about 5 minutes per side at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, add a spoonful of marinara sauce and a few slices of fresh mozzarella to each tender. Cook for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets can also be cooked in an air fryer. You can use store-bought frozen nuggets or make your own. Season the nuggets with salt and pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil, or your preferred spices. Place the nuggets in the air fryer basket and cook for around 10 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until they are golden brown. Serve with ketchup or your favourite dipping sauce.
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Fish and seafood
Air fryers are a great way to cook fish and seafood, with their ability to create a crispy, golden finish while keeping the delicate flesh moist and tender. Here are some tips and suggestions for preparing seafood in your air fryer.
For fish fillets, such as salmon, cod, or haddock, simply brush the fillets with a little oil, season with salt and pepper, and place them in the air fryer basket. You can also marinate the fillets beforehand to add extra flavor; a simple mixture of soy sauce, honey, and garlic works well. Set the air fryer to a temperature of around 380°F and cook for about 10–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish will be flaky and moist, with a delicious crispy skin.
Shrimp is also an excellent choice for the air fryer. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on if you wish, and then toss them in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and your choice of seasonings. Try a Cajun spice mix for a flavorful kick. Cook at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.
You can also cook whole fish in your air fryer. Clean and gut a small whole fish, such as trout or sea bass, and stuff the cavity with slices of lemon and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Rub the outside with oil and season well. The cooking time will depend on the size of the fish, but generally, cook at 360°F for around 20 minutes, or until the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
For a tasty, crispy side dish, try air-fried calamari. Cut cleaned squid tubes into rings, and coat them in a light batter made from flour, cornstarch, and sparkling water. You can also just toss them in seasoned flour. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, and cook the calamari in batches at 400°F for 3–4 minutes, or until golden. Serve with a lemon wedge and tartar sauce for a delicious, restaurant-style appetizer.
Finally, for a simple and healthy option, cook some frozen fish sticks or breaded shrimp in your air fryer. Pre-made, frozen seafood can be cooked from frozen in the air fryer, and it will turn out crispy and delicious. Place the frozen seafood in the air fryer basket, spray with a little cooking oil, and cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes until heated through and crispy. Serve with your favorite dips and sides for a quick and easy meal. Enjoy!
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Vegetables
Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables. They are quick, easy, and a healthy way to cook veggies, with minimal use of oil. You can cook frozen vegetables, or fresh vegetables, and you can use any variety of seasonings to add flavor.
When cooking vegetables in an air fryer, it is important to cut them into small, evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You should also avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this will cause the vegetables to steam instead of browning. It is best to cook the vegetables in batches, arranging them in a single layer in the basket.
For fresh vegetables, you should first preheat your air fryer to around 360-400°F (180-200°C). While it's warming up, add your vegetables to a large bowl and drizzle them with a small amount of olive oil, or another oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado or coconut oil. You can also add dry spices and seasonings to the bowl and toss to coat the veggies. Once the air fryer is preheated, spray the basket insert with a non-stick cooking spray, add the vegetables, and cook for 8-15 minutes, or until tender and browned. You may need to toss the vegetables halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly. Finally, season to taste and serve immediately.
You can also add fresh lemon juice and parsley, or grated parmesan cheese or vegan parmesan on top. For a complete meal, serve your air-fried veggies over quinoa or brown rice, with roasted chicken or meatballs.
Some good combinations of vegetables to use in an air fryer include:
- Zucchini, squash, mushrooms, cauliflower, asparagus, red pepper, and carrots
- Broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, chili peppers, and cucumbers
- Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and green beans
- Zucchini fries, cauliflower bites, and roasted green beans
You can also cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer. Simply preheat your air fryer to 390°F, add the frozen vegetables directly to the basket, and cook for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the vegetables. You can also add olive oil and seasonings to frozen vegetables before cooking.
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Meat and meat alternatives
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook meat, an air fryer could be your new best friend. It's a versatile appliance that can cook a wide range of meats and meat alternatives, from chicken to salmon, shrimp to steak, and even tofu.
For chicken lovers, the air fryer is a great way to get crispy, tender, and juicy results. You can cook chicken thighs, drumsticks, wings, tenders, or breasts. Season them with spices like paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning. For an extra crispy skin, dredge the chicken in a flour mixture or olive oil before cooking.
Salmon is another popular option for the air fryer. Simply season with salt, pepper, and other spices, and cook for about 9 minutes at 210°C (400°F). You can also try glazing the salmon with a mixture of gochujong, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and honey before cooking.
If you're in the mood for something different, try shrimp or steak in the air fryer. Season the shrimp with taco seasoning or a homemade spice blend, and cook for about 5 minutes at 400°F. For steak, cook to your desired doneness; for example, a 1-inch New York strip will take about 6 minutes per side at 400°F for medium-rare.
For vegetarians and vegans, tofu is a great alternative to meat in the air fryer. Press the tofu to remove moisture, then slice into planks and season or marinate before cooking. You can also cook halloumi in the air fryer, slicing it and cooking for 5-6 minutes until golden.
Meat alternatives like crab cakes, meatballs, and fish fillets can also be cooked in the air fryer, offering a healthier option with less oil and grease. So, whether you're a meat-lover or looking for plant-based options, the air fryer is a versatile and convenient way to cook a variety of dishes.
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Desserts
Air fryers are not just for savoury dishes. They can also be used to make desserts, from baked goods to chocolate treats.
For a classic dessert option, you can make chocolate chip cookies in your air fryer. If you're looking for a gluten-free dessert, try making GF peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. You can also make a chocolate cake in your air fryer—a vegan zucchini chocolate cake is a moist and tasty option.
If you're in the mood for something fruity, you can make a berry crisp or "baked" apples with an apple pie filling. For a warm and comforting dessert, air fry some s'mores with fun toppings like caramel or sliced fruit.
You can even make muffins in your air fryer. Add blueberries, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the batter to create a variety of flavours.
And if you have any leftover desserts, you can use your air fryer to reheat them. Simply pop them in the air fryer briefly, and they'll taste as good as fresh out of the oven.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a variety of foods that can be cooked in an air fryer, here are some of the most popular options:
- Chicken thighs
- Chicken wings
- Pizza
- Bacon
- Frozen foods, such as chicken bites, shrimp, and fish
Here are some recipes that you can make using an air fryer:
- Hotiyaki wings: Mix teriyaki and Frank's Red Hot Sauce and fry the wings
- Crispy skin chicken: Add olive oil, salt, and pepper to chicken thighs and cook at 210C for 15 minutes, turning halfway
- Yankee burrito: Air fry two hotdogs for six minutes. Put them in a flour tortilla with pepper jack cheese, roll it up, and put it back in the air fryer for another four minutes
- Scotch eggs: Air fry a scotch egg for a crunchy outside
Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional frying methods as they can produce crispy and delicious results with less oil, which is healthier. They are also convenient as they can cook food faster and crispier than a regular oven. Additionally, they are easy to use and clean.
