Air Fryer Recipes: Endless Delicious, Healthy Possibilities

Air fryers are a great way to cook your favourite foods with less oil and mess. They're also versatile, allowing you to make anything from breakfast to dessert, mains to sides, and even reheating leftovers. If you're looking for some air fryer inspiration, you can cook up a variety of proteins, veggies, and sweet treats. For proteins, try chicken wings, chicken tenders, pork chops, or tofu nuggets. For veggies, air fryers are great for broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and zucchini. For sweet treats, you can make chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls, or apple chips. You can also use your air fryer for reheating pizza, making it crispy without drying out the crust.

Chicken wings, tenders, breasts, sandwiches, and parmesan

Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are a great option to make in an air fryer. They come out perfectly crispy and juicy, with less fat than deep-fried wings. The key to achieving this crispiness is patting the wings dry with a paper towel before seasoning them and placing them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You can season them with a variety of ingredients, such as neutral oil (avocado, canola, or vegetable oil), white pepper, baking powder, and kosher salt. Air fry the wings at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip them, and then air fry for an additional 8-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are another excellent choice for your air fryer. They are already cut into strips, so you can save time on food preparation. To make them, season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper, and then set up your breading stations. Beat a couple of eggs in one bowl, and in another bowl, mix together breadcrumbs and panko. Dip each tender first in the egg mixture and then in the breadcrumb mixture. Spray both sides of the tenders with olive oil, and then place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and golden.

Chicken Breasts

Air fryers are also great for cooking chicken breasts, especially if you want to add them to salads, wraps, or sandwiches. You can season the chicken breasts with salt, olive oil, and a variety of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning. Place the chicken in the air fryer, smooth side down, and cook at 375°F for 6 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and cook for an additional 2-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155-160°F.

Chicken Sandwiches

Air fryer chicken sandwiches are a delicious and healthier alternative to fast-food sandwiches. To make them, you'll first need to brine the chicken breasts in pickle juice for 30 minutes. After discarding the marinade, pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. You can then follow the breading process similar to the one outlined for chicken tenders. Air fry the chicken at 375°F for 5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F. Assemble your sandwiches with your favorite toppings and condiments, such as mayo, mustard, pickles, and coleslaw.

Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that can be made healthier and less messy in an air fryer. To make it, you'll need chicken breasts, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise and pound them to an even thickness. Combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in one bowl, and whisk the eggs in another bowl. Dip the chicken in the egg mixture and then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 6 minutes. Flip the chicken, add the marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

There are endless possibilities for what you can create in your air fryer, and these are just a few ideas to get you started!

French fries, sweet potato fries, and potato wedges

Air fryers are a great way to make healthier, crispier, and more delicious versions of your favourite fried foods. They can be used to cook anything from frozen foods to leftovers, and are especially good for making French fries, sweet potato fries, and potato wedges.

French Fries

Air fryer French fries are just as crispy and crunchy as regular fries, but they use far less oil. They are easy to make and only require three ingredients: potatoes, olive oil, and salt. You can also add other seasonings like fresh herbs, chilli powder, or garlic powder.

Here's how to make them:

• Cut two russet potatoes into 1/4-inch thick sticks.
• Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, then toss to coat.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You will likely need to cook in batches.
• Air fry at 380°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway, or until crispy. If your fries are not crispy, air fry them a little longer.
• Once all batches are finished, toss them back into the air fryer (this time it's okay if they overlap) for 1 to 2 minutes to warm up and make them extra crispy.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a great alternative to regular French fries and can be made in the air fryer with minimal oil. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Here's how to make them:

• Start with two medium-sized sweet potatoes that are not too long. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut off the skinny ends. Then, cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and lay them flat on a cutting board.
• Cut the sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick sticks. The thinner you cut them, the crispier they will be.
• Toss the sweet potato sticks with a teaspoon of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to ensure each fry is well coated.
• Place the sweet potatoes into the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. It's best to cook in 2 or 3 batches.
• Cook at 380°F for about 12 minutes, turning halfway. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer.

Potato Wedges

Air fryer potato wedges are perfectly seasoned and ready to serve in just over 30 minutes. They are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. You can serve them as an appetizer or side dish.

Here's how to make them:

• Cut two medium russet potatoes into wedges. To do this, slice the potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters. Cut each quarter in half lengthwise to create wedges.
• Place the potato wedges in a large bowl and add olive oil, paprika, parsley, chilli powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
• Place the potato wedges in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 10 minutes.
• Flip the wedges with tongs and cook for an additional 5 minutes to ensure maximum crispiness.

Enjoy your homemade French fries, sweet potato fries, and potato wedges!

Breakfast foods like eggs, bacon, and French toast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not make it in an air fryer? Here are some ideas for breakfast foods like eggs, bacon, and French toast that you can make in your air fryer.

French Toast

French toast is a breakfast classic, and it can be made easily in an air fryer. For an extra crispy exterior and fluffy interior, cut bread slices into sticks, fingers, or dipper shapes. Then, soak them in a French toast egg mixture and coat them in crushed cornflakes or another cereal. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for eight to nine minutes, or until crispy. Serve with maple syrup, Greek yogurt, or berries. You can also make French toast cups with raspberries, cream cheese, and a touch of maple syrup.

Bacon

Bacon is a breakfast staple, and it can be cooked to perfection in an air fryer. The air fryer limits splatter and makes the bacon nice and crispy. For the best results, use a wire rack to allow the excess fat to drip away. You can also make bacon-wrapped avocados or bacon and egg cups in your air fryer.

Eggs

Eggs are a breakfast favourite, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways in an air fryer. You can make fried eggs, poached eggs, soft-boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, or hard-boiled eggs. You can also make egg cups, egg rolls, or frittatas. For a fun presentation, try “eggs in a basket” by making indentations in slices of bread, cracking an egg into each indent, and air frying.

Hash Browns

Hash browns are a delicious breakfast side dish, and they can be made crispy and fluffy in an air fryer. Simply cut potatoes into chunks or shred them, season, and air fry. You can also make potato pancakes or potato nests in your air fryer.

Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast burritos are a portable and tasty breakfast option. Scramble some eggs and fill a flour tortilla with eggs, sausage, cheese, or other fillings of your choice. Avoid adding wet ingredients like salsa or sliced tomatoes before cooking to maintain crispiness.

Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower

Air fryers are great for making healthy, crispy versions of vegetables that are usually deep-fried. Here are some ideas for what you can make with vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower:

Air Fryer Broccoli

Broccoli is a great option to cook in an air fryer. It will come out with tender stalks and crispy tops. To make it, toss the broccoli florets with extra-virgin olive oil, tamari, and garlic powder. Make sure the florets are well-coated to prevent burning. Then, cook in the air fryer at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or until tender and crisp. You can also add red pepper flakes and sesame seeds for some heat and crunch.

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air fryer Brussels sprouts are fantastically crispy and a great way to convert those who are skeptical of this vegetable. To make them, trim and halve the Brussels sprouts. You can optionally soak them in water for 10 minutes for a softer texture. Then, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and cook in the air fryer at 375°F for 10-14 minutes, tossing occasionally. For some extra flavor, you can add balsamic vinegar, bacon, Parmesan cheese, feta cheese, or honey.

Air Fryer Cauliflower

Air fryer cauliflower is a tasty and healthy side dish that can be made with just a handful of ingredients. Cut a cauliflower head into florets and toss them with olive oil, turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Then, air fry at 390°F for around 15 minutes, flipping every 3 minutes, until crispy. You can also experiment with other seasonings like cumin, coriander, garlic powder, or chili powder.

Other Ideas

In addition to the recipes above, you can also try air frying frozen foods like chicken nuggets, fries, tots, and more. You can also reheat crispy leftovers like pizza, which tastes much better than reheating in a microwave or oven.

Desserts like chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls, and donuts

Air fryers are great for making desserts like chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls, and donuts. Here's how you can make them:

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies are crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. They can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes. To make these cookies, start by whisking butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until fluffy, then stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover the dough and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes to several days, depending on how much time you have. This step is optional but helps the cookies develop flavour and texture.

Line your air fryer with parchment paper and scoop the cookie batter into it, leaving about 1/5 inches between each scoop to allow space for spreading. Air fry at 325°F for 5-7 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Allow the cookies to rest for 2-3 minutes in the air fryer before removing and serving.

Cinnamon Rolls

You can make delicious cinnamon rolls in your air fryer in less than 10 minutes. Spray the basket of your air fryer with coconut oil cooking spray and place the cinnamon rolls from the package evenly in the basket. Air fry them for 8 minutes at 360°F. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to flip the cinnamon rolls halfway through to prevent burning. Once done, carefully remove and top with icing.

Donuts

Making donuts in an air fryer is easy and only takes about 10 minutes. You'll need canned biscuit dough and a small spray of oil to prevent sticking. Cut small holes out of the centre of your biscuits and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook, flipping once, until golden brown. Brush the donuts with butter and toss them in cinnamon sugar, or glaze them with powdered sugar and sprinkles.

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