
Air fryers are a versatile appliance that can cook practically anything you would fry. They're great for frozen foods, but also for from-scratch foods like chicken wings, potato chips, and even desserts like cinnamon-sugar donuts and chocolate cake. You can make a whole range of meals in an air fryer, from breakfast to lunch and dinner. They're perfect for sides like veggies, but you can also cook your main dish in the air fryer, such as chicken, steak, or tofu.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Breakfast | Hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, cinnamon-sugar donuts, chocolate chip cookies |
Lunch/dinner | Chicken wings, chicken drumsticks, tofu, meatballs, pork chops, steak, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts |
Dessert | Berry crisp, vegan zucchini chocolate cake, apple pie "baked" apples, GF peanut butter |
Appetizer | Loaded zucchini skins, avocado fries |
What You'll Learn
Appetisers
Air fryers are incredibly versatile and can be used to make practically anything that you would fry. They're great for making appetisers, such as crispy bacon, chicken wings, potato chips, and even cinnamon-sugar donuts.
If you're looking for something a little healthier, you can also cook veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions. These can be served as appetisers or sides to your main dish.
For a more indulgent appetiser, try making loaded zucchini skins, air fryer devilled eggs, or stuffed Tuscan mushrooms. You could even make an air fryer everything bagel with avocado fries.
If you're short on time, the air fryer is perfect for heating up frozen foods, and it can also be used to make delicious desserts like berry crisp, vegan zucchini chocolate cake, apple pie "baked" apples, or gluten-free peanut butter treats.
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Main dishes
You can make a variety of main dishes in an air fryer. Proteins like tofu, chicken drumsticks, meatballs, pork chops, fried chicken, and steak are all great options. You can also make a full meal in an air fryer, including veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and cauliflower.
If you're looking for a quick and easy option, try making chicken tenders in your air fryer. They'll come out crispy and delicious, and you can serve them with a side of veggies, also cooked in the air fryer.
For a vegetarian option, try making stuffed Tuscan mushrooms or loaded zucchini skins. These dishes are flavourful and satisfying, and the air fryer will help to create a crispy texture.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make a dessert in your air fryer. Options like berry crisp, vegan zucchini chocolate cake, apple pie "baked" apples, or gluten-free peanut butter cookies are all possible. And if you have any leftovers, the air fryer is also great for reheating desserts, giving them that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
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Vegetables
You can cook a wide range of vegetables in an air fryer. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and cauliflower all turn out incredibly well. You can also make veggie-based dishes like loaded zucchini skins, air fryer stuffed Tuscan mushrooms, and avocado fries.
The air fryer is a great appliance for making delicious lunches and dinners. If you want to spend more hands-on time with your main dish, you can pop your sides in the air fryer and let it do all the work. You can also make your main dish in the air fryer, as it works well with proteins like tofu, chicken, and pork.
The air fryer is also perfect for heating frozen foods and making from-scratch foods, like chicken wings and potato chips. It's a versatile appliance that can be used for anything from breakfast to dessert. You can make hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, and even cinnamon-sugar donuts and chocolate chip cookies.
If you're looking for a quick and easy appetizer, the air fryer is a great option. You can stick with your favourites but make them in the air fryer for a delicious, crispy treat.
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Proteins
Air fryers are great for cooking proteins, from tofu to steak. You can cook chicken drumsticks, chicken tenders, meatballs, pork chops, and even fried chicken. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, tofu works well in the air fryer. You can also cook your favourite veggies as a side dish, like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and cauliflower.
Chicken drumsticks are a great option for a quick and easy dinner. Simply season the drumsticks with your favourite spices and herbs, and cook in the air fryer for about 15-20 minutes, depending on their size. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can also cook chicken tenders in the air fryer. They'll come out crispy and delicious without the need for deep frying.
For a heartier meal, try cooking meatballs in your air fryer. You can make them ahead of time and freeze them, then cook them in the air fryer for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Pork chops are another great option for the air fryer. They cook quickly and evenly, resulting in juicy and tender meat.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try cooking steak in your air fryer. It's important to choose the right cut of steak and to not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. With a little practice, you'll be able to cook a perfect steak every time.
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Desserts
You can make a variety of desserts in an air fryer. Some examples include berry crisp, vegan zucchini chocolate cake, apple pie "baked" apples, and GF peanut butter. You can also make cinnamon-sugar donuts, and extra-crisp chocolate chip cookies.
If you're looking for a healthier option, you can try air-frying fruits. For example, you can make "baked" apples in the air fryer by coring an apple, filling it with cinnamon and sugar, and cooking it until tender. You can also make apple chips by slicing apples thinly, coating them in cinnamon, and air-frying them until crispy.
Another option is to make chocolate-covered strawberries. Simply melt some chocolate, dip the strawberries in, and place them in the air fryer on a parchment-lined tray. Set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the chocolate is melted.
You can also use your air fryer to make baked goods. For example, you can make brownies, blondies, or even a small cake. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly, as bake times may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer.
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Frequently asked questions
You can make a whole range of things in an air fryer, from veggies to proteins and even desserts.
You can make broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, onions and cauliflower in an air fryer.
You can make tofu, chicken drumsticks, meatballs, pork chops, fried chicken and steak in an air fryer.
Yes, you can make a full meal in an air fryer. For example, you could make chicken tenders with a side of Brussels sprouts.
Yes, you can make dessert in an air fryer. You could make chocolate chip cookies, a berry crisp, a vegan zucchini chocolate cake, apple pie 'baked' apples or GF peanut butter. You can also reheat desserts in the air fryer, such as leftover pie or brownies.