Creative Air Fryer Toaster Oven Recipes For You

Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and efficiently. They are essentially small, powerful convection ovens that use a fan to circulate hot air around food, resulting in crispy, browned exteriors and juicy, tender interiors. While air fryers are a fantastic addition to any kitchen, you may be wondering if you need a separate toaster oven as well. The good news is that air fryer toaster ovens exist and can be used for a variety of cooking tasks, from baking cakes and roasting chickens to frying chicken wings and making toast.

In this article, we will explore the capabilities of air fryer toaster ovens and provide some delicious recipes to get you started. We will also offer tips and tricks for getting the most out of your air fryer toaster oven, so you can cook like a pro.

How to make toast in an air fryer toaster oven

Making toast in an air fryer toaster oven is simple and effective. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make toast in an air fryer toaster oven:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Toaster Oven

• First, set your air fryer toaster oven to 390-400°F to preheat the appliance.
• While the air fryer toaster oven is preheating, you can select and prepare your bread slices.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

• Choose your favorite kind of sliced bread. You can use any type of bread, such as sourdough, sliced baguette, Texas toast, white bread, whole wheat bread, brioche bread, or even gluten-free bread. Keep in mind that different types and thicknesses of bread will affect the toasting time.
• Consider buttering the bread. Adding a little butter can enhance the flavor and give the toast a golden-brown color. You can use regular butter or vegan butter. It is recommended to only butter one side of the bread and avoid flipping it during cooking.

Step 3: Place the Bread in the Air Fryer Toaster Oven

Place the bread slices in the air fryer toaster oven. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the bread, you can usually make 2-4 slices of toast at the same time. The slices can overlap slightly, but it is best to arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.

Step 4: Toast the Bread

• Allow the bread to cook in the air fryer toaster oven for about 3-5 minutes. The exact time will depend on your preferred level of doneness and the type of bread. Keep an eye on the bread to ensure it doesn't burn.
• For even toasting, consider flipping the bread halfway through the cooking process. This step is optional but will help ensure that the toast is evenly browned on both sides.

Step 5: Serve the Toast

• Once the toast is done to your liking, remove it from the air fryer toaster oven.
• You can serve the toast with your favorite toppings or spreads. Some popular options include nut butter, smashed avocado, jam, cinnamon and sugar, cream cheese, or garlic powder/minced garlic for garlic toast.
• Air fryer toast is best served fresh, so it is recommended to only toast as many slices as you need. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days and reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes when ready to serve again.

How to bake a cake in an air fryer toaster oven

Air fryer toaster ovens can be used to cook a variety of dishes, from cookies and brownies to frozen foods like meatless nuggets and french fries. They can also be used to bake cakes, although the process may require some adjustments and experimentation. Here are some detailed instructions on how to bake a cake in an air fryer toaster oven:

Choosing a Recipe and Pan

Select a simple cake recipe, such as a single-layer chocolate cake or a basic vanilla cake. It is recommended to start with a basic recipe to understand how your particular air fryer bakes cakes.

For the pan, choose a size that fits comfortably inside your air fryer. Many air fryers can accommodate an 8" round pan, but smaller pans are preferable as they bake more quickly and evenly. A half-size Bundt pan (about 3-cup capacity) is a great option as it allows hot air to circulate through the center, baking the cake more evenly.

Determining Time and Temperature

If your air fryer has a bake cycle, start there. The default temperature is typically lower than a conventional oven, usually around 325°F, as air fryers are essentially small convection ovens. If your fryer doesn't have a bake cycle, set the temperature to 325°F.

The baking time will depend on the size of your pan. Smaller pans will require less time, while larger pans may take a bit longer than a traditional oven. Remember, the goal is to get the center of the cake fully baked before the crust gets too dark, so baking at a lower temperature for a longer time is often best.

Preventing the Cake's Top Crust from Burning

One challenge with air fryer cakes is that the top crust can burn before the center is fully baked. To prevent this, you can use a few techniques:

• Drape aluminum foil over the cake once it's almost as brown as you want. However, the convection fan may blow the foil around, so this method isn't ideal.
• Use a heat-safe frying pan lid or a heat diffuser that fits inside the fryer bucket to shield the cake from direct heat.
• Add an edible topping midway through the baking process. This can include streusel, chocolate chips, or a simple mixture of butter, sugar, and coconut.

Additional Tips

• Preheat your air fryer for at least 3-to5 minutes before putting the cake in.
• Grease your cake pan and consider using parchment paper at the bottom to prevent sticking.
• Use cake strips (soaked and wrung out) around the outside of the pan to promote even baking and prevent doming in the middle.
• Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
• Be prepared to adapt and improvise, as air fryer models vary, and there may be some trial and error involved.

How to cook frozen foods in an air fryer toaster oven

An air fryer toaster oven is a great appliance to have in your kitchen. It can cook a variety of foods, from baked goods to meats and vegetables. Here are some tips for cooking frozen foods in your air fryer toaster oven:

Preheat Your Air Fryer Toaster Oven

Preheating your air fryer toaster oven is essential when cooking frozen foods. The high heat will help to evaporate the water in your frozen food, preventing it from becoming mushy or soggy. Most air fryers have a preheat setting, but if yours doesn't, you can estimate the temperature by popping the basket open or using an oven-safe thermometer.

Adjust Temperature and Cook Time

Since an air fryer toaster oven is a form of a convection oven, the recommended cook time on the package of frozen food will be too long. Reduce the temperature by 10 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit and start by cutting the cooking time in half. This way, you can check on your food and adjust as needed without risking overcooking it.

Avoid Overcrowding the Basket

Don't overfill your air fryer's basket. For breaded or wrapped foods, fill the basket about halfway and shake it halfway through cooking. For open-faced or uncoated foods, place them in a single layer in the basket. This ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess.

Use Grease Lightly

Lightly coat your air fryer basket with oil or fat, just as you would with a sheet pan or skillet. However, if your food already has some fat, you might not need any additional grease. Use a brush to apply the oil instead of a spray to avoid eroding any non-stick coating on your air fryer.

Choose the Right Frozen Foods

Not all frozen foods are created equal when it comes to air frying. Pre-cooked, breaded, wrapped, or bite-sized foods like dumplings, fish sticks, fries, and mini meatballs work best. Frozen vegetables can be tricky due to their tendency to dry out or become soggy. Broccoli, for example, has tiny buds that can turn brittle and dry, while zucchini holds a lot of water and can result in a waterlogged mess. Save these types of vegetables for soups, stews, or smoothies instead.

How to make churros in an air fryer toaster oven

Air fryer toaster ovens can be used to make a variety of dishes, from cookies and brownies to frozen foods like meatless nuggets and french fries. They can also be used to make healthier alternatives to deep-fried foods, such as air fryer churros. Here is a detailed guide on how to make churros using an air fryer toaster oven:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 2 tablespoons Oil (co: 4>canola, light olive, avocado, or melted vegan butter/margarine)
• 1 cup Boiling Water (or almond/soy milk)
• 1 tablespoon Sugar (or coconut/brown sugar)
• 2 teaspoons Cinnamon
• Pinch of Salt (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional)

Instructions:

• In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour and sugar. Set aside.
• Add the water and oil to a medium non-stick saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil.
• Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove the lid and take the saucepan off the heat.
• Quickly pour in the flour and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until a soft, elastic dough ball forms.
• Lightly oil a work surface and place the dough on it. Let the dough cool down for about 5 minutes or until it's safe to handle with your hands.
• Roll the dough into a cylinder and use a sharp knife to cut it into 8 pieces.
• Roll each piece of dough into a 5-inch long log.
• Using a fork, press marks all over the surface of each log to mimic the traditional churro shape. This step is optional, but it adds an authentic touch.
• Lightly oil the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
• Place the churros in the basket, making sure they don't touch each other. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Air fry the churros at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your churros.
• While the churros are cooking, prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture by stirring together the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
• Once the churros are golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a baking sheet or large plate.
• Brush the churros with melted plant-based butter or avocado oil while they are still warm.
• Toss the warm churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
• Let the churros cool down for about 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• The dough can be piped using a strong pastry bag with a large star-shaped tip, but it is quite difficult to work with. It is easier to shape the churros by hand.
• You don't need to preheat the air fryer, but if you do, be very careful when placing the churros into the warm basket to avoid burning yourself.
• Always leave some space between each churro in the basket so they don't stick together.
• These churros are best served warm, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your freshly made air fryer churros!

How to make pizza in an air fryer toaster oven

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil
• Pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. buffalo mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, Parmesan, red pepper flakes)

Instructions:

• Prepare the crust: Roll out your pizza dough to fit the size of your air fryer toaster oven's rack or tray. Preheat your air fryer toaster oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the rolled-out dough inside. Brush the dough lightly with olive oil and prick it in a few places with a fork to prevent bubbles from forming.
• Par-bake the crust: Cook the crust for about 3 minutes, then flip it over. This step ensures a crispy bottom without overcooking your toppings.
• Add toppings: Take the par-baked crust out of the oven and add your desired toppings. Be careful not to overload the pizza, as this may affect cooking times and crispiness.
• Bake the pizza: Place the topped pizza back into the air fryer toaster oven and bake at 375°F for about 7 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Cool and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool briefly before serving. Enjoy your freshly made, crispy, and cheesy pizza!

Tips:

• It is recommended to use thin-crust pizza dough for the best results in an air fryer toaster oven.
• Avoid overcrowding the pizza with toppings to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Always preheat your air fryer toaster oven for consistent results.
• Experiment with different toppings and sauces to find your favorite combinations!

Frequently asked questions