Marianne Martinez
Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a wide variety of foods. They are known for producing crispy and crunchy results with less oil and mess than traditional deep-frying methods. From appetizers to mains and desserts, here are some foods that can be cooked in an air fryer:
Foods that can be cooked in an air fryer:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Chicken, steak, Cornish hens, crab cakes, meatballs, bacon, sausages, tofu, shrimp, scallops |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, sprouts, sweet potato, zucchini, asparagus, beans, peppers, chilli, aubergine |
| Seafood | Salmon, shrimp, crab |
| Dairy | Halloumi, mozzarella, eggs |
| Carbs | Chips, fries, potatoes, pasta, bread, tortillas, rice |
| Fruit | Avocados, tomatoes |
| Desserts | Cookies, donuts, cinnamon rolls, chocolate, s'mores |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken wings, tenders, nuggets and parmesan
Chicken wings, tenders, nuggets, and parmesan are all popular dishes that can be cooked in an air fryer.
Chicken Wings
Air fryers are a great way to make crispy and juicy chicken wings with less fat than deep frying. The key to achieving this is by using baking powder, which reacts with the chicken skin to create a golden brown and crispy exterior. Before seasoning, ensure the wings are as dry as possible by patting them with a paper towel. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the wings, but generally, they should be cooked for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders cooked in an air fryer are a healthier alternative to fried versions, as they require only a small amount of olive oil spray to achieve a crispy texture. To make chicken tenders, season the chicken with salt and pepper, then dip each tender first in egg and then in a breadcrumb mixture. Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden and crispy.
Chicken Nuggets
Air fryers are perfect for cooking frozen chicken nuggets, as they yield consistent results with a crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and place the nuggets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. The cooking time will depend on the size of the nuggets, but generally, they will be cooked in 9-12 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the nuggets to ensure they don't burn, as some air fryers may run hotter than others.
Chicken Parmesan
Chicken parmesan can be made in an air fryer without using any oil, resulting in a crispy and tasty dish. To make chicken parmesan, set up a dredging station with three bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko, parmesan, oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder. Coat the chicken in the flour, then the eggs, and finally the panko mixture. Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for about 5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Top with marinara and mozzarella and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Overall, air fryers are a versatile appliance that can be used to cook a variety of chicken dishes, offering a convenient, quick, and healthy alternative to traditional frying methods.
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Fish, shrimp and crab cakes
Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a wide range of foods, including fish, shrimp, and crab cakes.
Fish
Air fryers are ideal for cooking fish, especially fatty fish like salmon, as the higher fat content makes it more challenging to overcook than leaner fish. To cook salmon in an air fryer, season the fillets before placing them in the air fryer. You can also add a quick-cooking vegetable like broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus to the air fryer basket alongside the salmon. For a more elegant dish, try a glaze made from pomegranate molasses for a sweet and tart flavor.
Shrimp
Shrimp cooks quickly in an air fryer, and you can use various seasonings and toppings. For a burrito-inspired dish, toss shrimp with taco seasoning or a homemade spice blend of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook large peeled and deveined shrimp for about five minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the shrimp cooks, prepare your rice bowl by dicing tomatoes and avocados and mincing fresh cilantro.
Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are a delicious seafood dish that can be easily cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer enhances the flavor and texture of crab cakes, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. To cook crab cakes in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. You can also use parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Place the crab cakes in the basket and cook for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach a golden brown color and an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). For a simple appetizer, serve the crab cakes with aioli and a lemon wedge.
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Meatballs, steak and bacon
Air fryers are a great way to cook meatballs, steak, and bacon. Here is a guide to help you cook these foods to perfection.
Meatballs
Air fryer meatballs are quick, easy, and mess-free to make. The insides stay tender and juicy, while the outsides turn crispy and brown. You can make them ahead of time and freeze them for later use. To cook, place half of the meatballs in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes. Shake the basket and cook for another 2 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. Repeat with the remaining meatballs. Serve with marinara or tomato sauce and pasta, or enjoy in a meatball sub.
Steak
Air fryer steak is quick and easy to make with no splatter. It is seared on the outside and juicy on the inside. For a 1-inch steak, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, turning halfway, for medium-rare. For a medium steak, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway. Adjust the time according to the thickness of the steak. Adding a little oil and a dry rub of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika will help the steak brown better. Let the steak rest, tented with foil for 5 minutes before slicing.
Bacon
Air fryer bacon is easy to make and results in crisp and evenly cooked bacon with minimal cleanup. Place the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for 7-9 minutes for regular cut bacon, or 10-12 minutes for thick-cut bacon, depending on your desired crispiness. There is no need to flip the bacon halfway. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and serve.
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Vegetables, including sprouts, zucchini, and potatoes
Air fryers are incredibly versatile and can be used to cook a wide range of vegetables, including sprouts, zucchini, and potatoes. Here's how to get the best results when cooking these vegetables in an air fryer:
Sprouts
Air fryers are a super-easy way to cook sprouts. Simply season them with your choice of flavorings, such as chili or chopped crispy bacon, and cook in the air fryer.
Zucchini
To make zucchini in an air fryer, cut the zucchini into 1/2-inch half-moons or bite-sized pieces. For a crispy texture, coat the zucchini in a generous amount of olive oil before cooking. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender and browned.
Potatoes
Air fryers are perfect for cooking potatoes, from fluffy roast potatoes to speedy baked potatoes and chunky chips. To ensure even cooking, cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces. For crispy results, coat the potatoes in a thin layer of oil or cooking spray. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to promote even cooking.
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and herbs to add extra flavor to your air-fried vegetables. Remember, air frying typically requires less oil than traditional frying methods, resulting in a healthier cooking option.
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Cookies, donuts, and other desserts
If you're making cookies, you'll want to mix your wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them. A typical recipe includes flour, baking soda, salt, white and brown sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla extract, though you can use gluten-free flour and any type of milk. You can also switch up the mix-ins, like chocolate chips, walnuts, shredded coconut, or peanut butter chips. Roll your dough into balls and place three to four into the air fryer basket, leaving room for them to spread. Parchment paper works best to prevent sticking. Air fry at 170C/325F for seven to eight minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm.
For donuts, you can use canned biscuit dough, or make your own dough from scratch. To make your own, roll the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick rectangle and use a donut cutter or a 3-inch and 1-inch round cookie cutter to cut out the donut shapes. Place the donuts on a baking sheet and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size. Then, preheat your air fryer to 350°F or 400°F, and spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the donuts in the basket, leaving about an inch between them, and lightly spray the tops with oil. Air fry for six to eight minutes, or until they're golden brown. For donut holes, air fry for about four minutes. While the donuts are cooling, make a glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla, and dunk your donuts.
You can also get creative and try making other desserts in your air fryer, like cinnamon rolls or brownies.
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Frequently asked questions
You can cook halloumi, tofu, and veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, zucchini, and Brussels sprouts in an air fryer.
You can cook chicken wings, chicken tenders, chicken nuggets, crab cakes, shrimp, steak, bacon, and sausage in an air fryer.
You can cook salmon, scallops, and fish tacos in an air fryer.
You can cook French fries, sweet potato fries, mozzarella sticks, egg rolls, corn dogs, and chocolate chip cookies in an air fryer.
You can cook a whole chicken, Cornish hens, turkey breast, steak and fries, and a sausage and veg traybake in an air fryer.
