Air fryers have become a staple in modern kitchens, celebrated for their ability to cook foods quickly, easily, and with a crispy finish. They are often seen as a healthier alternative to traditional deep fryers, reducing the need for excessive oil. But the beauty of the best air fryers is that they’re much more versatile than many people realise. While air fryers are excellent for cooking frozen fries and crisping root vegetables, their capabilities extend far beyond these basics.
Beyond being a healthier way to cook, or helping you save money on energy bills, their compact and quick nature means air fryers suit a host of foods and meals.
Nine Surprising Foods to Try in Your Air Fryer
Here are nine surprising foods that produce great results in an air fryer, expanding your culinary horizons and showcasing the appliance's versatility.
1. Pickles
If you enjoy fried pickles at restaurants, you'll be pleased to know you can easily make them at home with an air fryer. Slice dill pickles into coins or spears, pat them dry, and coat them in seasoned flour or breadcrumbs. A quick spritz of oil helps the coating crisp up evenly. Cook them for about eight minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway. Serve with ranch, hot sauce, or garlic mayo for a crunchy, tangy snack with less grease than deep-fried versions.
2. Ice Cream Balls
Yes, you can cook ice cream in an air fryer! Deep-fried ice cream is a popular dessert, and recreating it in an air fryer is both delicious and safer than deep frying. Coat an ice cream ball in crushed Honey & Nut Corn Flakes (or Crunchy Nut Cornflakes) and air fry briefly to create a warm, crisp shell while the ice cream remains frozen inside.
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My air fryer can do this
3. S'mores
For campfire vibes without the campfire, try air fryer s’mores. Assemble s’mores with Graham crackers or digestives, chocolate, and marshmallows. Place them in the air fryer basket at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes. The marshmallows will puff up and the chocolate will melt. Top with another cracker for a warm, comforting treat.
The trick is not to overcrowd the basket because marshmallows expand as they cook, and don’t be tempted to cook them for too long, or increase the temperature. You need to find the sweet spot where the chocolate and marshmallows are gooey but still intact, rather than have them completely melt all over the basket.
4. Grilled Cheese
Making a grilled cheese sandwich in the air fryer is surprisingly effective. Spread a thin layer of butter on the outside of the bread and cook the sandwich on the crisper plate for six minutes on both sides. This method delivers a delicious, crispy grilled cheese sandwich with minimal effort.
5. Cheese on Toast
If you prefer cheese on toast, the air fryer works wonderfully. Load on your favorite cheeses and add an egg for an oozy top. Season with salt and pepper for extra flavor.
6. Creme Eggs
Master the viral air fryer Creme Egg recipe by evenly covering a Creme Egg in croissant dough. Crank up the temperature of the air fryer to achieve a perfectly melted and gooey center within a flaky crust. Air frying a caramel egg is another delicious option, offering a less intensely sweet alternative.
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7. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Surprisingly, you can "boil" eggs in an air fryer. By getting the timing and temperature right, you can achieve perfect results every time. The air fryer allows you to cook more eggs than a typical saucepan and requires minimal washing up. Air fryer eggs are effortless and taste great.
8. Baked Potatoes
The baked potato is a staple meal for many households. While not all air fryers have a "bake" preset, there is such a thing as a baked potato air fryer recipe that works. While it might not always save money on energy bills, you’ll achieve a crispy skin and fluffy inside.
To prepare baked potatoes in your air fryer, you'll want to follow pretty much the same process as you use for the oven. Start by poking a couple holes in the skin. Then, air fry them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 35 minutes, maybe a few more for extra large potatoes.
9. Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a super-healthy snack that requires very little prep before cooking in the air fryer. Simply toss canned chickpeas in the air fryer to create a delicious, crunchy snack.
More Foods to Try in Your Air Fryer
Beyond the surprising options listed above, here are some additional foods that excel when cooked in an air fryer:
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- Air Fryer Bloomin' Onion: Crispy and tasty, perfect as a pull-apart appetizer.
- Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp: Poppable bites that are easy to enjoy.
- Air Fryer Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Skewers: Flavorful skewers with buttery sauce, crispy outside, and juicy inside.
- Air Fryer Baklava Granola: Salty-sweet and crunchy snack with pistachios, walnuts, and honey.
- Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan: Crispy golden chicken without the use of oil.
- Air Fryer Cacio E Pepe Arancini: Crispy, cheesy, peppery snack made from leftover risotto.
- Air Fryer Pizza: A simple recipe yields some of the best pizza.
- Air Fryer Deviled Eggs: A creative twist on a classic.
- Air Fryer Hot Pockets: A quick and easy snack.
- Air Fryer GF Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: Gluten-free cookies with a perfect texture.
- Air Fryer Salmon: Tender and flaky salmon with an amazing top crust.
- Air Fryer Beef & Broccoli: A quick and healthy meal.
- Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos: A flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional tacos.
- Air Fryer Crab Cakes: Crispy texture without oil-logged cakes.
- Air Fryer Fried Brown Rice: A healthier take on a classic dish.
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Crispy and delicious wings.
- Air Fryer French Fries: Super-crispy and healthier than restaurant fries.
- Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli: Fun to eat as an appetizer with marinara for dipping.
- Air Fryer Pork Chops: A flavorful and juicy way to cook pork chops.
- Air Fryer Chili Rellenos: Similar to chili rellenos but in a class all their own, air fried egg rolls are fantastic.
Tips and Tricks for Air Fryer Success
- Reduce Temperature: When converting oven recipes, reduce the temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit and the cooking time by 20%.
- Use Oil Sparingly: A light coating of oil can help with crisping, but it's often not necessary.
- Don't Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Flip Food: Flip food halfway through cooking for best results.
- Experiment: Don't be afraid to try new foods and recipes to discover your air fryer's full potential.
With a little experimentation, you can unlock the full potential of your air fryer and enjoy a wide variety of delicious, healthy meals.
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