Cooking Basics
What to cook in an air fryer
April 03, 2024
Are air fryers just a new fad? Do you really need another appliance taking up valueable counter space? We were sceptics too to start with. But buying an air fryer and learning what to cook in it has changed our weeknight dinner game forever! Read on to learn all about what to cook in your new air fryer.
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is essentially a small fan oven that circulates hot air around food to cook it efficiently, achieving a crispy texture similar to deep frying but with significantly less oil. This innovative approach not only reduces the fat content (and calories) in your food but also cuts down on cooking times, making it a healthier and faster option compared to traditional frying methods – or even baking in the oven.
The advantages of air frying over traditional ovens
Using your new air fryer instead of turning on the oven brings several benefits:
Efficiency: It heats up rapidly, significantly reducing cooking time. It uses less energy than a normal oven too.
Health benefits: Less oil translates to healthier meals, but without sacrificing on taste.
Consistency: Delivers an evenly cooked, crispy finish.
Space-saving: The generally compact design makes them an easy fit for most kitchens.
Best spice mixes for air fryer recipes
Garlic fries seasoned with Chips Seasoning come out crispy and delicious when cooked in an air fryer.
Expert tips for air frying
Before you dive into cooking, here are some expert tips to get the best out of your air fryer.
Ensure proper airflow around your air fryer for top performance. Don’t squash it in between the kettle and the toaster.
Shake the basket halfway through cooking items like fries for even results. Turn bigger food like chicken thighs carefully with tongs.
You can use a little oil to enhance crispiness without the guilt.
Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow hot air to circulate freely around the food.
Buy the right-sized air fryer for your cooking needs – a family of four will need a larger air fryer than a couple, for example.
With these tips in mind, let’s explore some delicious recipes to kick-start your air-frying adventure.
Exciting air fryer recipes to try
Achieve the perfect balance of crunchiness and fluffiness with air fryer chips. A simple sprinkle of Chips Seasoning before air frying turns ordinary potatoes into a standout dish.
Sweet potato fries come out exceptionally well in the air fryer – crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. A light sprinkle of Chips Seasoning is all you need to enhance their natural sweetness.
Chicken drumsticks retain their juiciness and develop the best crispy skin when cooked in an air fryer. A simple honey and chilli marinade spiced up with our Chicken Seasoning adds a burst of flavour.
Air fryer salmon is always cooked to perfection, locking in moisture for a succulent finish. Seasoned with our tasty Salmon Seasoning, it’s a quick and healthy option for a fulfilling meal.
Home-made chicken nuggets become a breeze with an air fryer. Achieve that crispy coating and tender inside without the need for deep frying – no more parent guilt here! Chicken Seasoning brings the flavour the whole family will adore.
Even desserts like churros can be made healthier in an air fryer. They come out golden and crispy, delicately spiced with our amazing Pancake Spice blend, ready to be dusted with sugar and served with a side of chocolate.
All in all, we are fully on board the air fryer train! Air frying offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. It allows you to explore a vast array of recipes, from family meals to swish desserts, all while keeping the cooking process simple and efficient. If you’re new to air frying and looking to expand your recipe collection, we hope you enjoy trying out all sorts of food in this practical gadget.
