Air fryers have become increasingly popular as a healthier alternative to traditional deep fryers. They use hot air to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. Some of the best foods to cook in an air fryer include French fries, vegetable chips, and frozen snacks.
You can easily create delicious and healthy meals with the proper techniques and recipes.
So, let’s take a closer look at the 19 best foods to cook in an air fryer.
Benefits of Cooking with an Air Fryer
Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They offer several benefits that make them a great addition to any kitchen. Here are some of the critical benefits of cooking with an air fryer:
1. Healthier Cooking
One of the most significant benefits of using an air fryer is that it is a healthier way to cook food.
Air fryers use hot air to cook your food, which means you can achieve the same crispy texture as deep-frying but with much less oil.
Air fryers can reduce the amount of oil you use by up to 80%, which can help you cut down on calories and reduce your risk of heart disease and other health problems.
2. Versatility
Another great benefit of air fryers is their versatility.
You can use them to cook various foods, from French fries and chicken wings to vegetables and desserts.
This makes them an excellent option for busy families who want to cook various meals quickly and easily.
3. Easy to Use
Air fryers are so easy to use that you only need to preheat the fryer, add your food, and set the timer. Once the timer goes off, your food will be ready to eat.
This makes air fryers an excellent option for people new to cooking or who don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.
4. Easy to Clean
Most models have dishwasher-safe parts, meaning they can be thrown in after use.
This makes cleaning up after cooking a breeze and ensures that your air fryer stays in good condition for years.
Essential Tips for Air Frying Success
Air fryers are a great way to cook your favorite foods with less oil and fewer calories. Here are some essential tips to help you achieve air frying success:
Preparation Techniques
- Preheat your air fryer before cooking to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
- Dry your food thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess moisture.
- Cut your food into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- Season your food before cooking for added flavor.
- Use a light coating of oil or cooking spray to help your food crisp up.
Cooking Time and Temperature Guide
- Different foods require different cooking times and temperatures. To ensure your food is perfectly cooked, consult your air fryer’s manual or a reliable cooking chart.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can lead to uneven cooking. Cook food in batches if necessary.
- Flip or shake your food halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Best Practices for Flavor and Texture
- Experiment with different seasonings and spices to add flavor to your food.
- Try coating your food in breadcrumbs or panko before cooking for extra crispy results.
- Spritz your food with water or broth halfway through cooking to prevent it from drying out.
- Don’t be afraid to open the air fryer basket and check on your food during cooking. This will help you avoid overcooking or burning your food.
Top 19 Air Fryer Foods
If you’re looking for a healthy and efficient way of cooking, air fryers are the perfect kitchen appliance. You can cook your favorite foods with little to no oil with an air fryer, making them a healthier option than traditional deep-fried foods. Here are the top 19 air fryer foods that you should try:
1. Crispy French Fries
French fries are a classic comfort food that tastes even better when cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer uses a fraction of the oil as deep-frying, and making French fries in one results in an appreciably crisp exterior and fluffy inside without the greasiness.
You can make your French fries from scratch or cook frozen ones in the air fryer. The air fryer is best for both.
Here is the recipe for French fries if you want to make them from scratch.
2. Air fried Onion rings
Onion rings are a tasty snack that can be enjoyed as a side dish or on their own. Air-frying them makes them crispy and delicious without the added oil and calories of deep-frying.
I have tried both, and cooking onion rings in an Air fryer is so easy.
Instructions: Preheat the Airfryer at 375° F for 5-8 minutes and Place the onion ring in the fryer basket.
Spray some oil and then start heating again. The onion rings will take 12-15 minutes to air fry in the Air fryer. To avoid burning, check in between to see if they are done.
3. Cauliflower steaks
Cauliflower steaks are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional steaks. When cooked in an air fryer, they become crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a perfect vegetarian option.
4. Perfectly Roasted Vegetables
Air fryers are perfect for roasting vegetables, as they cook them evenly and quickly.
You can roast various vegetables in an air fryer, including potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and broccoli.
5. My favorite bread Pizza
Air fryers are perfect for making personal-sized pizzas.
You can use your favorite toppings and sauces to create a delicious and crispy pizza that is healthier than traditional oven-baked pizza.
This one is so good and easy to make. Take the bread you choose, slather it, and add some pizza sauce, oregano, cheese, capsicum, olives, onions, and more cheese.
Preheat the Air Fryer and place the bread pizza inside the basket to cook for at least 15 minutes. Check-in between, and you will have bread and pizza ready in a few minutes.
6. Mouth-Watering Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a popular appetizer that can be enjoyed as a snack or a side dish.
When cooked in an air fryer, they become crispy and delicious without the added oil and calories of deep-frying.
7. Savory Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a delicious and healthy meal that can be made in an air fryer. They are one of the best foods to cook in air fryer.
You can stuff them with your favorite ingredients, such as ground beef, rice, and cheese, and they will turn out perfectly cooked and flavorful.
Here is a tasty stuffed pepper recipe you can make in your Air fryer.
8. Delectable Donuts
Air fryers are perfect for making donuts, as they cook them evenly and quickly.
You can use your favorite toppings and glazes to create a delicious, crispy, and healthier donut than traditional deep-fried donuts.
9. Crunchy Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are a popular appetizer that can be enjoyed as a snack or a side dish.
When cooked in an air fryer, they become crispy and delicious without the added oil and calories of deep-frying.
There is a little difference in the taste of fired and air-fried spring rolls. But adding a little oil will make a difference, and you will get the taste closer to pan-fired ones.
10. Tender Meatballs
Air fryers are perfect for making meatballs, as they cook them evenly and quickly.
You can use your favorite ground meat and seasonings to create a delicious and tender meatball that is healthier than traditional oven-baked meatballs.
11. Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food that can be made in an air fryer.
When cooked in an air fryer, they become crispy and delicious without the added oil and calories of traditional pan-frying.
12. Air Fryer Eggplant Parm
Air Fryer Eggplant Parm is a delicious recipe that can be easily made in an Air fryer.
Making Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan is a breeze with this simple recipe. Start by slicing a large eggplant into rounds, then dip each slice in beaten eggs and coat them with a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Lightly spray the coated eggplant slices with olive oil and air fry them until golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, layer the eggplant slices with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese in a baking dish. Air fry the assembled dish until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra flavor, then serve your Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan hot and enjoy a healthier take on this classic Italian dish.
You can check the whole recipe here.
13. Delicious Empanadas
Empanadas are a popular Latin American snack that can be made in an air fryer.
When cooked in an air fryer, they become crispy and delicious without the added oil and calories of deep-frying.
14. Homemade Potato Chips
Potato chips are a classic snack that can be made healthier in an air fryer. When cooked in an air fryer, they become crispy and delicious without the added oil and calories of deep-frying. You
15. Tasty Pizza Rolls
Pizza rolls are a popular snack made in an air fryer. When cooked in an air fryer, they become crispy and delicious without the added oil and calories of deep-frying.
16. Luscious Brownies
Air fryers are perfect for making brownies, as they cook them evenly and quickly.
You can use your favorite ingredients and toppings to create a delicious and crispy brownie that is healthier than traditional oven-baked brownies.
Here is a yummy recipe for making brownies in the air fryer.
17. Nutritious Kale Chips
Kale chips are a healthy and delicious snack that can be made in an air fryer.
When cooked in an air fryer, they become crispy and flavorful, making them a perfect alternative to traditional potato chips.
Adapting Traditional Recipes for the Air Fryer
With the increasing popularity of air fryers, people are looking for ways to adjust their favorite traditional recipes for this appliance. Fortunately, converting recipes for the air fryer is a simple process. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Choosing the Right Ingredients
When converting recipes for the air fryer, choosing the right ingredients is essential.
Choose the correct size and cuts of the food material, and avoid using too much oil or butter.
This will help ensure your food cooks evenly and comes out crispy and delicious.
Adjusting the Temperature and Time
To adapt a traditional recipe for the air fryer, you’ll need to adjust the temperature and cooking time.
Generally, you can reduce the cooking time by about 20% and lower the temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
For example, if a recipe calls for baking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, you would adjust the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 16 minutes in the air fryer.
Using Coatings
One of the benefits of using an air fryer is that you can still enjoy crispy, fried foods without all the oil.
To achieve this, you can use coatings like breadcrumbs, flour, or cornmeal to give your food a crispy exterior.
Just use a light coating to avoid excess browning or burning.
Are there any foods that should be avoided when using an air fryer?
An air fryer can be a great way to cook healthier meals without sacrificing taste. However, some foods should be avoided when using an air fryer to prevent damage to the machine and ensure that your food comes out perfectly cooked.
Foods to Avoid in an Air Fryer
- Wet batter: Foods with wet batter should be avoided when using an air fryer. The hot air circulating in the machine can cause the batter to fly off and create a mess.
- Instead, opt for dry batters or breadings that adhere better to your food.
- Cheese: Cheesy foods like grilled cheese or potatoes au gratin should be avoided in an air fryer. The cheese can melt and create a mess that is difficult to clean up.
- Rice and grains: Cooking rice and grains in an air fryer is not recommended since they should be cooked in a liquid, which manufacturers explicitly prohibit.
- Raw vegetables: Raw vegetables should be avoided in an air fryer since they can become too dry and lose their nutritional value. Instead, try roasting them in an oven or sautéing them on a stovetop.
- Delicate fish: Delicate fish like tilapia or flounder should be avoided in an air fryer because the high heat can cause them to overcook and dry out.
- Leafy greens: Leafy greens like kale or spinach should be avoided in an air fryer since they can become too dry and lose their nutritional value. Instead, try roasting them in an oven or sautéing them on a stovetop.
- Frozen foods with wet batter: Frozen foods with damp batter, like mozzarella sticks, should be avoided in an air fryer, as the batter can fly off and create a mess.
- Foods with high water content: Foods with high water content, like watermelon or cucumbers, should be avoided in an air fryer, as they can become too dry and lose their texture.
- Heavy sauces: Heavy sauces like Alfredo or gravy should be avoided in an air fryer. They can create a mess and be difficult to clean up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top foods recommended for cooking in an air fryer?
Air fryers are versatile appliances that can cook a wide variety of foods. Some of the best foods to cook in an air fryer include French fries, chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and potato wedges.
You can also use an air fryer to cook vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and asparagus, and even desserts, such as doughnuts and churros.
Which recipes are ideal for beginners using an air fryer?
If you’re new to using an air fryer, it’s best to start with simple recipes that require little preparation. Some great beginner recipes include air-fried veggies, salmon, and sweet potato fries.
You can also use an air fryer to cook frozen foods, such as French fries, veggie nuggets, and fish sticks, which are quick and easy to prepare.
What are some quick and easy air fryer meals suitable for two people?
Air fryers are great for making quick and easy meals for two people.
You can use an air fryer to cook vegetables, such as broccoli and carrots, which make great side dishes.
And don’t forget about air fryer desserts, such as apple chips and chocolate chip cookies, which are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.