Air fryers have taken the kitchen appliance world by storm, offering a versatile and healthier way to cook a wide variety of foods. But with so many options, you might be wondering, “What can you cook in an air fryer?”
This guide will explore the diverse range of foods you can prepare using an air fryer, from snacks to main courses, and even desserts. Whether you’re a beginner or an air fryer pro, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to make the most of this popular kitchen gadget.
Table of Contents
- Why Use an Air Fryer?
- Appetisers and Snacks
- Main Courses
- Vegetables
- Frozen Foods
- Desserts
- Tips for Successful Air Fryer Cooking
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Why Use an Air Fryer?
Before diving into what you can cook, let’s explore why air fryers have become such a kitchen essential:
- Healthier Cooking: Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, requiring little to no oil, which means you can enjoy crispy, fried-like textures with fewer calories and less fat.
- Versatility: From appetisers to desserts, air fryers can handle a wide range of cooking tasks, including frying, roasting, baking, and grilling.
- Efficiency: Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens and stovetops, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
- Easy Cleanup: Most air fryer baskets and trays are non-stick and dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
- Consistent Results: The even heat distribution in an air fryer ensures that your food is cooked perfectly every time.
Appetisers and Snacks
Air fryers are perfect for preparing quick and tasty appetisers and snacks. Here are some popular options:
French Fries
One of the most common foods cooked in an air fryer is French fries. You can make both fresh and frozen fries, and the result is always crispy and delicious.
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Toss the fries in a small amount of oil and season with salt before cooking for the best results.
Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are another crowd favorite that cooks beautifully in an air fryer. They come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, without the need for deep frying.
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks cook quickly in an air fryer, giving you a gooey, cheesy interior with a crispy outer layer. Perfect for a quick snack or party appetiser.
- Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Make sure the sticks are fully frozen before cooking to prevent the cheese from leaking out.
Onion Rings
Onion rings cook up crispy and golden in an air fryer. Whether you make them from scratch or use a frozen variety, they’re a hit every time.
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Lightly coat the onion rings with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Popcorn Shrimp
Popcorn shrimp are a quick and easy appetiser that you can cook in the air fryer. They come out crispy and perfectly cooked every time.
- Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Main Courses
Air fryers aren’t just for snacks—they can handle main courses too. Here are some delicious meals you can cook in an air fryer:
Chicken Breasts
Air-fried chicken breasts are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. They cook quickly and are a healthier alternative to pan-fried chicken.
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Marinate the chicken beforehand to infuse it with extra flavor.
Salmon
Salmon fillets cook beautifully in an air fryer, resulting in a tender, flaky texture with a crispy skin. It’s a great option for a quick and healthy dinner.
- Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Season the salmon with herbs and lemon juice before cooking for a fresh, zesty flavor.
Pork Chops
Pork chops are another meat that cooks well in an air fryer. They come out tender and juicy, with a crispy exterior.
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Bread the pork chops with breadcrumbs for a crispy coating.
Meatballs
Meatballs cook quickly and evenly in an air fryer, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner. They’re great on their own, in a sandwich, or served with pasta.
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Rotate the meatballs halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Steak
Yes, you can cook steak in an air fryer! It comes out perfectly cooked, with a seared exterior and a juicy interior.
- Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes at 200°C (390°F) depending on desired doneness
- Tip: Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices.
Vegetables
Air fryers are great for roasting vegetables, giving them a crispy texture without the need for much oil. Here are some vegetables that cook well in an air fryer:
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts get a crispy exterior and a tender interior when cooked in an air fryer. They make a perfect side dish for any meal.
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Toss the sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper before cooking for extra flavor.
Zucchini Fries
Zucchini fries are a healthier alternative to potato fries. They cook up crispy and golden in an air fryer, making them a perfect snack or side dish.
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Bread the zucchini with panko breadcrumbs for added crunch.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a delicious and nutritious alternative to regular fries. They cook perfectly in an air fryer, with a crispy outside and a soft inside.
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Season with cinnamon and a pinch of salt for a sweet and savoury flavor.
Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower florets become tender and caramelised in an air fryer. They’re a great side dish or can be tossed in a sauce for a main course.
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Toss the cauliflower with olive oil and spices before cooking for added flavor.
Asparagus
Asparagus cooks quickly in an air fryer and retains its bright green color and crisp texture. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal.
- Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Frozen Foods
Frozen foods are incredibly convenient, and they cook up perfectly in an air fryer. Here are some frozen foods you can easily prepare:
Frozen French Fries
Frozen French fries are a breeze to cook in an air fryer. They come out crispy and golden, just like they would in a deep fryer.
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are another kid-friendly frozen food that cooks quickly in an air fryer. They come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
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Tip: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a quick and easy meal.
Fish Sticks
Fish sticks cook up perfectly in an air fryer, with a crispy coating and tender fish inside. They make a great quick dinner option.
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedges for a classic fish and chips experience.
Frozen Pizza
Believe it or not, you can cook a small frozen pizza in an air fryer. It cooks quickly and comes out with a crispy crust.
- Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Add extra cheese or toppings before cooking for a personalised pizza experience.
Spring Rolls
Frozen spring rolls cook beautifully in an air fryer, giving them a crispy exterior without the need for deep frying.
- Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Serve with soy sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Desserts
Air fryers aren’t just for savoury foods—they can make delicious desserts too. Here are some sweet treats you can prepare:
Air-Fried Donuts
You can make delicious, light donuts in an air fryer using store-bought biscuit dough. They come out fluffy on the inside and golden on the outside.
- Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Coat the donuts in melted butter and cinnamon sugar after cooking for a sweet treat.
Apple Chips
Apple chips are a healthy and satisfying snack that you can easily make in an air fryer. They come out crispy and flavorful.
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes at 160°C (320°F)
- Tip: Sprinkle with cinnamon before cooking for added flavor.
Chocolate Lava Cake
Yes, you can make a rich, gooey chocolate lava cake in an air fryer. It’s the perfect dessert for any chocolate lover.
- Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Air-Fried S’mores
Make s’mores indoors with an air fryer! The marshmallows and chocolate melt perfectly, and the graham crackers stay crispy.
- Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
- Tip: Use large marshmallows for the best results.
Banana Chips
Banana chips are a crunchy, sweet snack that’s easy to make in an air fryer. They’re a healthier alternative to store-bought chips.
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes at 160°C (320°F)
- Tip: Toss the banana slices in a little lemon juice before cooking to prevent them from browning.
Tips for Successful Air Fryer Cooking
To get the most out of your air fryer, follow these tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure there’s enough space around the food for air to circulate. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Shake or Flip the Food: For even cooking, shake the basket or flip the food halfway through the cooking process.
- Use a Light Coat of Oil: While you don’t need much oil, a light coat can help achieve a crispy texture. Use a high-smoke-point oil like olive oil or avocado oil.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking can help achieve better results, especially with frozen foods.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer or cut into the food to check if it’s cooked through, especially with meat and poultry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though air fryers are easy to use, there are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Using Too Much Oil: Unlike deep frying, you don’t need a lot of oil in an air fryer. Too much oil can cause excess smoke and affect the texture of your food.
- Not Preheating: Skipping the preheating step can result in uneven cooking, especially with frozen foods.
- Overcrowding the Basket: Cooking too much food at once can prevent proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Not Flipping or Shaking: For foods that require even browning, like fries or chicken wings, be sure to flip or shake them halfway through cooking.
- Ignoring the Timer: Air fryers cook quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on the timer to avoid overcooking your food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook a whole chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook a whole chicken in an air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, a medium-sized chicken can be cooked at 180°C (350°F) for about 50-60 minutes. Be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Is it possible to bake in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fryers are great for baking small batches of desserts like cookies, cakes, and muffins. Just be sure to use oven-safe dishes that fit in your air fryer basket.
Can you cook steak in an air fryer?
Yes, steak cooks beautifully in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and cook the steak for 8-12 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Don’t forget to let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Can you reheat food in an air fryer?
Yes, an air fryer is excellent for reheating food. It helps restore the crispiness of fried foods and heats up leftovers evenly without making them soggy.
Can you cook frozen foods in an air fryer?
Yes, frozen foods like French fries, chicken nuggets, and pizza cook perfectly in an air fryer. The hot air circulation ensures they’re crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
Conclusion
The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a wide variety of foods, from appetisers and main courses to vegetables and desserts. Whether you’re looking to prepare a quick snack or a full meal, the air fryer can handle it all with ease.
By following the tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can enjoy perfectly cooked meals every time. So, what are you waiting for? Start experimenting with your air fryer and discover all the delicious possibilities it offers!
