It’s a much healthier alternative to traditional methods of frying, which the air fryer is revolutionizing about home cooking for you. This kitchen appliance has become popular because it can create crispy delicacies with almost no added oil.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a first-timer, the air fryer’s versatility encourages people to try different recipes and techniques. Here, we’ll explore some mouth-watering air fryer recipes that will delight your taste buds and simplify your cooking process.
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
This cruciferous green is often underappreciated, but it makes an excellent side dish when cooked properly. Using an air fryer gives you perfectly crispy and caramelized edges while keeping the inside tender.
To make air fryer Brussels sprouts, simply cut the sprouts in half and toss with some olive oil, salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket occasionally for even cooking.
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts in Air Fryer
Top your Brussels sprouts with savory maple bacon. In addition to halving and seasoning your sprouts, add minced garlic and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese before air frying.
The grated cheese crisps up nicely, adding a delightful crunch to each bite. To achieve the perfect maple bacon brussel sprouts air fryer has to be set in 375°F for about 15 minutes, and you will have one delectable side that will go well with any main course.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are undeniably a game day and party classic. But deep-frying can be a chore and very messy. The air fryer combines crispness with juicy wings without the mess of deep-frying, creating the perfect magic.
Season your wings with salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings, then drop them in the air fryer at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes. Finally, toss them with your favorite sauce, buffalo, BBQ, or garlic parmesan and enjoy.
Salmon in the Air Fryer
Air fryer salmon: A healthy, flavorful main course that’s ready in a flash; season salmon filets with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, and dill. Place skin side down in the basket of the air fryer, then set at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. The result is perfectly cooked, flaky salmon with a crispy skin. Serve with air-fried Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
Air Fryer French Fries
French fries are the epitome of side dishes, and the air fryer allows you to enjoy them without the guilt. Slice potatoes into thin strips and drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle some salt to taste.
Place it in a basket in the air fryer. Cook for 15-20 minutes at 375°F, shaking the basket halfway through. You will get crispy and golden fries without all that excess oil and calories.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a favorite appetizer that is easy to make in the air fryer. Dip mozzarella sticks in flour, then beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs sprinkled with paprika. Place them in the basket of the Air Fryer and cook at 390°F for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Air Fryer Tofu
For a vegetarian option, try this air fryer tofu. Press and cube the tofu, then toss with soy sauce, garlic powder, and cornstarch. The cornstarch will help create a crispy exterior. Air fry at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You can enjoy it with a dipping sauce or over a salad.
Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms make a wonderful appetizer or side dish. Fill mushroom caps with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. Place them in the basket and air fry at 370°F for 8-10 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the mushrooms are tender.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
These sweet potato chips are an easy and delicious healthy snack to make in the air fryer. Cut the sweet potatoes into thin rounds, drizzle with some olive oil, and sprinkle with a little bit of sea salt. Spread them in a single layer in the basket. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes at 350°F until the chips are crispy, shaking the basket halfway.
Air Fryer Meatballs
Meatballs are one of those rare dishes that you can easily eat by themselves or add to pasta, subs, and soups. Mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and your favorite seasonings to create the desired taste. Shape into balls and cook in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes at 400°F and shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Air Fryer Donuts
For a nice dessert, make donuts in your air fryer. Take some pre-made biscuit dough, cut out the center to form them into donut shapes, and place in the basket. Cook these at 350°F for 5-6 minutes until golden. Add warm donuts to a cinnamon sugar mixture and toss to coat.
Air Fryer Bacon
Air fryer bacon is quick, easy, and way less messy than stovetop cooking. Simply line a single layer of strips in the basket, turn on 350°F for 8-10 minutes, and voilà; perfect, crispy bacon every time.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Zucchini fries are a healthier version of fries. Slice the zucchinis into sticks, dip them in beaten egg, and coat with seasoned breadcrumbs. Cook in the air fryer basket at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve with marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.
Air Fryer Shrimp
Air Fryer Shrimp is one of the quickest and most delicious ways to get a main course or appetizer underway. Mix together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Toss shrimp in that and then arrange in the basket of an air fryer. Cook at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Serve with cocktail sauce or however you want over a salad.
Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
Not a bad variation of the classic dish, air fryer eggplant Parmesan. Slice the eggplant, dip it in some beaten egg, and coat it with bread crumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
Cook the eggplant in the basket of an air fryer at 375°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until it changes color and becomes crispy. Top it with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, then return it back in the air fryer to melt the cheese.
Air Fryer Falafel
This is vegetarian and protein-rich food. Blend the chickpeas in the food processor along with some minced garlic, onion, chopped parsley, cumin, and coriander. Form them into either balls or patties. Then arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until crispy. Serve in pita bread with tahini sauce.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings
These cauliflower wings are a great vegetarian alternative to chicken wings. Dip cauliflower florets in buffalo sauce and then roll in breadcrumbs. Spread out in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
Chicken tenders are always a kid-friendly favorite, but did you know how easy they could be to make in your air fryer? Dip chicken strips in beaten egg, then coat with seasoned breadcrumbs. Arrange in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Air fryer crispy baked potatoes will turn out crispy from the outside and fluffy inside. Massage the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Then, cook them in a basket in an air fryer. Cook at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, depending on the size. Finish with your favorite toppings.
Air Fryer Onion Rings
These onion rings are a classic appetizer, easy to prepare in the air fryer: dip onion rings in flour, then beaten egg, and coat with seasoned breadcrumbs. Arrange in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown and crispy; serve with dipping sauce.
Conclusion
Add an air fryer to your daily routine, and you shall open up endless possibilities when it comes to food. Be it savory or sweet, first course or main, these air fryer recipes offer a tastier and much healthier solution to fried foods.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this air fryer will easily help you cook up delicious and full meals with less hassle. So, crank up that air fryer and get to work on these recipes today!
FAQs
- What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it. It uses a small amount of oil or none at all to create a crispy texture similar to frying, making it a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying.
- How does an air fryer work?
An air fryer works by heating air to a high temperature and using a fan to circulate it rapidly around the food. This process cooks the food quickly and evenly, producing a crispy exterior and tender interior without the need for excessive oil.
- What are some benefits of using an air fryer?
Benefits of using an air fryer include reduced oil consumption, lower calorie content in fried foods, faster cooking times, and less mess compared to traditional frying methods. It also allows for a variety of cooking techniques, including baking, roasting, and grilling.
