Air Fryer Dinner Ideas For Quick, Easy Meals

Air fryers are a versatile appliance that can be used to make a variety of dishes, from appetizers to mains and desserts. They are a great way to achieve a crispy texture without using as much fat and oil as traditional frying methods. With an air fryer, you can make everything from chicken fingers to sweet potato fries, fish, steak, and even chocolate chip cookies. You can also use your air fryer to make healthier versions of classic comfort foods, like chicken Parmesan, grilled cheese, and chilli beef. So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to make a delicious dinner, an air fryer might be the perfect appliance for you.

Chicken Parmesan

To make chicken parmesan in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat the appliance to 350-370°F. Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thin pieces, and pound them between two sheets of plastic wrap to an even thickness. Next, dip each piece of chicken in whisked egg, coating it evenly, and let the excess drip off. In a shallow plate, mix breadcrumbs with parmesan and Italian seasoning. Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture to evenly coat. Place the chicken in the air fryer in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary. Cook until the crust turns deep brown, which should take around 7-8 minutes.

Crispy tofu

Air fryers are a versatile appliance that can be used to make a variety of dishes, from appetizers to desserts. They are a great way to achieve a crispy texture with less fat and oil.

One dish that can be made in an air fryer is crispy tofu. Tofu is a plant-based protein source that is high in protein and low in calories, making it a healthy option for dinner. To make crispy tofu in an air fryer, start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. This can be done by placing the tofu between two plates or a tofu press and weighting it down for 15-20 minutes.

Next, cut the tofu into cubes or triangles and season with your favourite spices. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper. You can also add a coating to the tofu for extra crispiness. This could be a cornstarch or flour-based batter, or a breadcrumb coating.

Place the tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer and spray with cooking oil. Set the air fryer to a temperature of around 200°C and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking. The tofu is ready when it is golden brown and crispy.

Serve the crispy tofu with your choice of sides and sauces. Some ideas include roasted vegetables, rice, or noodles, and a dipping sauce such as sweet chilli or peanut sauce. Enjoy!

Fish

You can make a flaky fillet of fish in an air fryer. Use any moderately thin white fish, such as cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi mahi. The circulating heat of the air fryer helps cook the fish through while maintaining a nice bite.

You can also air fry salmon, which is a great way to make an impressive meal.

If you're looking for a healthier option, the air fryer is perfect for cooking fish with less fat and oil. You can achieve a flaky fillet of fish with golden skin and juicy, tender meat.

For a quick and easy weeknight dinner, try air-fried fish. It's a great way to get that perfect crunch without using a lot of oil.

Green beans

You can make almost anything in an air fryer, from easy appetizers to dinnertime mains, veggies, and even desserts.

The circulating heat of the air fryer helps cook green beans through while maintaining a nice bite. It's nearly impossible to achieve that perfect crunch with green beans on the stovetop, but the air fryer's unique cooking method makes it possible.

To make air fryer green beans, you'll need fresh green beans, washed and trimmed. You can season them with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices. Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (depending on your model) and cook the green beans for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

For a more indulgent side dish, you can toss the green beans in olive oil and sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese before air frying. This will give them a crispy, cheesy coating that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

You can also experiment with different sauces and seasonings to find your favourite flavour combinations. For example, try tossing the green beans in a teriyaki or sweet chilli sauce before air frying for an Asian-inspired twist.

Air fryer green beans are a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be customised to your taste preferences. They're a great option for a weeknight dinner, and the air fryer ensures they come out perfectly cooked every time.

Sweet potato fries

You can make a wide variety of foods in an air fryer, from appetizers to desserts. If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner option, why not try making sweet potato fries?

Once your sweet potatoes are seasoned, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Set the air fryer to a temperature of around 200°C and cook the fries for about 15-20 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. Be sure to shake the basket or toss the fries occasionally during cooking to ensure even browning.

Making sweet potato fries in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy this delicious side dish. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a tasty and nutritious dinner on the table in no time. So, if you're looking for a new air fryer recipe to try, give sweet potato fries a go!

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