air fryer experiments

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15 must-try air fryer experiments.

By Robin Donovan

| Published: 01/20/2024

The world of air fryer cooking is exciting and full of possibilities to make your favorite meals healthier and more accessible. It’s the perfect time to break free from the routine of old, greasy frying methods and embrace the enticing potential of this game-changing kitchen gadget. The air fryer is tailored to unleash your creativity while cooking up mouthwatering, guilt-free dishes that you and your family will surely enjoy.

Get ready to take your cooking skills to the next level with 15 air fryer experiments that will blow your mind. This selection covers different cravings, flavors, and ingredients, catering to a variety of food preferences. The air fryer’s versatility will surprise you, perfectly transforming classic dishes into healthier options and opening doors to new flavor combinations. So, pick up your apron, plug in your air fryer, and start experimenting with these inspired recipes, taking your home cooking experience to the next level!

Air Fryer Churros

Your air fryer is not just for savory items, you know. Try it for dessert with this fantastic Air Fryer Churros experiment. It is a fun, exciting, and memorable way to finish your meal. Trust me, these are worth a try! Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Churros

Air Fryer Enchiladas

Who’d have thought making enchiladas could be fuss-free? This Air Fryer Enchiladas recipe is exactly that. Even on busy days, you can end your night with a delicious, well-deserved dinner. Why not mix up your weekly meal routine with this tempting experiment? Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins

Cornbread Muffins are always a hit. Now, they’re even easier to make with your air fryer. With this Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins experiment, you can create comfort food hassle-free. It’s an incredibly simple way to start dabbling with air fryer baking. Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Love fish tacos but hate the hassle of frying? You’ll love this Air Fryer Fish Tacos recipe. You can still enjoy your favorite Mexican dish in a much healthier version. All it takes is an air fryer and this uncomplicated yet delicious recipe. Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Air Fryer Croutons

Ever thought of making your croutons? Try this Air Fryer Croutons experiment. Not only is it fuss-free, but it can also transform even the simplest salads into something special. Nothing beats customizable, homemade croutons, agree? Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Croutons

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

If you’re looking for a snack that’s sure to be a hit, this Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos recipe is for you. It’s all about making your afternoon munchies a bit more unique. Fun, irresistible, and easy on your air fryer – it’s worth a shot! Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Air Fryer Falafel

Who says you need deep frying for mouthwatering falafel? This Air Fryer Falafel experiment is a healthier twist to making it. Brace yourself; your dinners are about to get way more interesting, and healthier too! Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Falafel

Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Up for a snack that packs a punch? Try these Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites. This air fryer experiment is an interesting way to add a bit of spice to your snack game, with plenty of flavor to boot. Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Air Fryer French Toast

Yes, you can even make a French Toast with your air fryer! This Air Fryer French Toast recipe is a fresh take on a breakfast staple. Make your morning exciting with this warm, delicious treat cooked innovatively. Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Toast

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Craving for fried chicken but dread the greasiness? Well, this Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe is the answer. This experiment teaches you to make one of the beloved comfort foods in a healthier, less greasy but still a flavorful way. Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Corn Elote

Do you miss food fair treats? Then, this Air Fryer Corn Elote experiment is definitely for you! Bring the flavors of fun street fairs to the comfort of your kitchen and have a shareable feast right at home. Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn Elote

Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream

Ever thought of making a unique dessert using your air fryer? This Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream recipe does exactly that. This experiment is a cool new way to make an old favorite even better. It adds a special touch to any ordinary day. Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream

Air Fryer Empanadas

Make quick and delicious empanadas using your air fryer with this Air Fryer Empanadas recipe. It’s an experiment that’s both exciting and practical, and sure to become a family favorite. How great does that sound? Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies

Want to mix things up for dessert? This Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies recipe is certainly an experiment to try. Hot cocoa flavor combined with the texture of a cookie? Sounds like a sweet deal to me! Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies

Air Fryer Fried Pickles

How about trying something different for a change? With this Air Fryer Fried Pickles recipe, you can have a unique and fun nibble. This experiment is an exciting way to up your snack game, making evenings with your air fryer all the more interesting. Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Pickles

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35 Air Fryer Hacks You'll Want To Try ASAP

If you have an air fryer and have any time to experiment with it, then you likely already know how much it can truly revolutionize the recipes you prepare. If you don't have an air fryer yet, it is time to make the plunge and see how much of a powerhouse these small kitchen appliances are. However, as much as you think you may know about using an air fryer and the various types of recipes you can use it for, chances are there is still more that you don't know.

There are numerous air fryer hacks that will change the way you use it. From making it easier to cook food, enlightening you with some ingenious new uses for it, to helping you learn more about the best settings to use and maintain your appliance to keep it running. These hacks are certain to make your air fryer an even more integral part of your kitchen.

1. Always preheat the air fryer before using it

This first hack is a pretty basic one, but it will improve your air frying experience. You should always preheat your air fryer before putting any food in it to cook. Just as preheating your oven is an important part of cooking and baking, the same is true when you're using an air fryer. When the air fryer is hot, you can add in the foods you're cooking, and they'll end up cooking more quickly. 

This will help you get meals on the table even faster. It takes much less time to get an air fryer hot and ready for food than the oven. Just turn it on to the desired temperature for about 3 to 5 minutes before you're planning to start cooking your recipe.

2. You don't need to use a lot of oil to get crispy foods

If the majority of your experience with cooking crispy food has been to deep fry it in oil, you're probably used to needing a lot of oil to achieve the desired results. However, you don't need much oil to make foods crisp with an air fryer. 

In fact, this is one of the main benefits of cooking with an air fryer: Foods can turn out nice and crispy without as much added fat from oils. All you need to do is lightly brush your foods with a little bit of oil or use a kitchen spritzer to apply a thin coating.

3. Shake the basket and flip foods periodically

If you want your air-fried goodies to turn out the best they possibly can, then it is important to periodically shake the basket or flip foods over to the other side. Doing so will ensure that all sides of the items you're cooking are exposed to the circulating air in the appliance, allowing them to crisp up evenly. 

Note the cooking time and aim to rotate items or give the basket a slight shake at least two times during the cooking process. This way, you won't end up with one extra crispy side and one soggy side.

4. Buy parchment paper with pre-cut holes to reduce stuck-on foods

Some foods will cook just fine in the air fryer and won't stick to your baskets or racks. However, this isn't always the case, especially if you're air frying anything with cheese or other sticky ingredients or more delicate food items that could fall apart as they cook. When food gets stuck on the trays during the cooking process, not only can it impact how the item tastes or looks, but it will also make it more difficult to clean the tray or basket. 

Covering the tray with some parchment paper will help prevent items from sticking as they cook. However, if you use standard parchment paper in your kitchen, the solid sheet can prevent the air from flowing as freely around the air fryer. Fortunately, you can find sheets of parchment paper with pre-cut holes on them that are specifically designed for use in an air fryer.

5. Make healthier snacks in your air fryer

Fried potato chips may taste good, but they aren't very good for you. Did you know you can make your own healthier chips in your air fryer? Thinly slice your potatoes, spritz them with some oil, and bake them until crispy in the air fryer. This will save you so many calories over the bagged fried chips you can get at the grocery store. 

Moreover, you aren't limited to making potato chips. You can use sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, kale, zucchini, and other vegetables to make some healthy and delicious snacks. You can even roast some chickpeas or nuts to satisfy the crunch you desire without packing on unnecessary calories.

6. Toast bagels and thick bread that won't fit in the toaster

Have you ever sliced a bagel in half only to realize that one or both halves of it were too thick to fit in your toaster? Well, have no fear; your air fryer is here. 

Some air fryers have a dedicated toast setting, but even if yours doesn't, you can still set it to bake or air fry for a few minutes, and it will nicely toast your bagels and thicker slices of bread. If you're making toast for a crowd, your air fryer could help you make more in a shorter period than possible with your toaster.

7. You can make hardboiled eggs in your air fryer

You can make  hard-boiled eggs in your Instant Pot , you can make them in a pot of boiling water, or you can cook them in an egg cooker. However, did you know that there is another way to cook perfect hard-boiled eggs? That's right, your air fryer can even help you make hard-boiled eggs. Simply preheat the air fryer to 250 degrees, place the eggs in the basket in a single layer, and cook at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Cooking times may vary slightly between models, but hard-boiled eggs generally take about 17 minutes. You can reduce the cooking time to make soft-boiled eggs in around 13 minutes or medium-boiled eggs in around 15 minutes.

8. Add a little more oil once about half the time has passed

A single coat of oil before cooking your foods in the air fryer is often sufficient. However, if you want to make sure that what you're cooking turns out very crispy, then adding one extra coat of oil around the midway mark during the cooking process can help. It doesn't take much more oil to help the food crisp up a little bit as it finishes cooking, so you won't be adding many calories or fat to the finished product. However, what it will change is the finished taste and texture. 

You'll notice the extra crunch as soon as you bite into the food. Go ahead and test this one out. Try only coating one of your homemade chicken tenders or chips with some extra oil and compare it to the other items on the tray or in the basket that didn't get the extra oil.

9. Leave space between items on the trays or in the basket

Flowing hot air through the appliance is what allows an air fryer to cook foods and help them turn out crispy and delicious. If there isn't enough space for air to flow, the foods in the appliance aren't going to cook or crisp up evenly. It is very important not to stuff as many items as you could possibly fit inside the basket. 

Cook smaller quantities to ensure that there is adequate room for air circulation. This might just mean that you need to cook a few batches of food to get enough for everyone you're serving. While this may not seem ideal, the alternative of serving unevenly cooked and not very crispy food is much worse.

10. Choose it over the microwave when reheating leftover food

If you have an air fryer, and you're still microwaving leftovers, why? The air fryer is far superior to the microwave when it comes to heating just about anything up. Think about the last time you reheated a slice of pizza, a chicken tender, or anything else with any sort of crust or coating in the microwave. 

What happened? Chances are that it turned out soggy and that the taste was far off from when it was freshly cooked. Using your air fryer will help your leftovers turn out like they were freshly made.

11. Use a toothpick when air frying foods topped with a slice of cheese

Have you ever used your air fryer to melt a slice of cheese over a burger or a slice of bread? If so, then you may have been disappointed when you opened the door or pulled out the basket to find that the cheese had been blown off the food you were trying to melt over. Beyond the frustration of not having a cheesy burger or sandwich, you then also have to deal with melted cheese on your tray or basket. 

Fortunately, there is a simple hack that can prevent this from happening and still allow you to melt cheese or other lighter items in your air fryer. Just stick a toothpick through the cheese and the item you're trying to melt over. This way, when the air moves through the inside of the air fryer, it won't blow it off.

12. Thaw frozen vegetables before air frying them

An air fryer can be used for all sorts of cooking tasks. It can even make your frozen veggies taste better than they would if cooked in the microwave or on the stovetop. However, if you place frozen vegetables directly into the air fryer, they're going to turn out pretty soggy as they thaw. Similarly, if you're combining frozen veggies with other ingredients in your air fryer, the excess moisture is going to leave the final dish watered down. 

Instead, plan ahead and leave some extra time to let frozen vegetables thaw before putting them in the air fryer. After they've thawed, use a few dry paper towels to remove as much excess moisture as possible.

13. Air fryer bacon is beyond compare

Air fryer bacon, if you know, you know. And, if you don't know, then now is the right time to find out what makes air fryer bacon simply incredible. First, cooking bacon in the air fryer is just easier than standing over a hot frying pan, flipping the bacon frequently, and getting splattered by the hot bacon grease. All you need to do is put your slices of bacon in your air fryer basket or on a rack and cook it for a few minutes per side. 

Depending on your air fryer model, the thickness of the bacon you're making, and how crispy you like your bacon, it may take anywhere from about 7 minutes to 15 minutes to cook. Just flip the bacon about halfway through cooking, and other than that, you can worry about everything else you need to prepare for breakfast instead of fussing over it. Beyond the ease of making bacon in the air fryer, it also tastes amazing. The bacon gets nice and crispy, making it the perfect addition to breakfast sandwiches or a wonderful side to serve with your eggs or pancakes.

14. Use it to make cookies and other baked good

Many people don't realize that they can also use their air fryer to make baked goods. If you've been making this assumption, then you've been missing out on some of the wonderful things you can do with an air fryer. Did you know you can bake cookies in your air fryer? Or, use it to bake cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls? These are just a few examples of what you can bake in your air fryer. 

Using an air fryer for baking can be a particularly good solution in the summer if you don't want to turn on your oven or if your main entrée already occupies your oven. Keep in mind that baked goods will bake faster in the air fryer than they will in the oven, so be sure to keep an eye on them to remove them once they're ready to eat.

15. Turn refrigerated biscuits into homemade donuts

One of the best air fryer hacks actually has to do with baking. You can have homemade donuts ready to serve in just about 10 minutes. 

The secret to making your own donuts in your air fryer is to start with a package of refrigerated biscuits. Use a small cookie cutter; an apple corer works well, too, to cut out the center of the biscuit and make it look like a donut. Bake the biscuits in the air fryer for about 5 minutes. Once cooked, remove the warm donuts, brush them with melted butter and coat them with cinnamon sugar.

16. You can put small oven-safe baking dishes in the air fryer

Many people don't realize that they can use bakeware inside their air fryer. For the most part, any pans that are oven-safe can also be used inside the air fryer. You can always check with the manufacturer if you have any questions about whether something is safe to use. 

This means that you could make a crock of baked mac and cheese or other casseroles in your air fryer. You could experiment with layering pasta with cheese, vegetables, and your favorite sauces to make quick and delicious casseroles for those nights when you just don't know what to cook.

17. Dehydrate fruits and vegetables to make them last longer

If you buy more produce than you'll be able to eat, your air fryer can help you keep it from going to waste. It can dehydrate fruits and vegetables, which will help extend their shelf life and give you more time to use them up before they go bad. 

The specific dehydration times will vary for each produce type, but the general rule is to set your air fryer to a very low heat setting, about 175, for several hours. Some models even had a dehydrate setting to simplify the process.

18. Use a slice of bread to catch grease

Using your air fryer to cook bacon, sausage, and other greasier foods can turn out very delicious. The only problem is all the grease that comes from these foods as they cook and collect on the air fryer's bottom. When it is time to clean up, you're often left with a big mess. 

One of the best air fryer hacks is to place a slice of bread under the tray or basket before you start cooking greasy foods. It will soak up a lot of the greasing, cutting down on the mess that will need to be cleaned up.

19. Stay away from aerosolized cooking spray

You may think that an aerosolized bottle of cooking spray and an air fryer go hand-in-hand. After all, they make it easy to apply a layer of oil to the foods you're cooking to help them crisp up nicely and could help prevent items from sticking to the basket or tray. In reality, however, you'll do more harm than good if you use aerosolized cooking spray with your air fryer. 

These sprays are formulated with various additives that may damage the coating on the trays or the inside of the air fryer. Instead of relying on them, look for an oil sprayer that you can use with regular cooking oils or use a basting brush to apply a light layer before air frying foods.

20. Use accessories to give yourself more options

There are several different types of air fryer accessories out there. Investing in some of these accessories can open up a whole new world of possibilities with your air fryer. For example, you can find skewers with a rack to help you make delicious kabobs in your air fryer. Silicone liners with various shapes can also be purchased, making it easier to roast vegetables or even make mini casseroles. 

In addition to the accessories designed for use inside the air fryer, you can also find mini silicone oven mitts that are easier to use with an air fryer than bulky gloves. There are even special tongs, basting brushes, and air fryer cook time cheat sheets.

21. Wet rubs are better than dry rubs

When you're deciding how you want to season the meats or vegetables that you're getting ready to cook in your oven, keep in mind that wet rubs tend to work better than dry rubs. Because of all the air flowing around inside the appliance, dry seasonings are likely to blow off your food items. 

However, if you make a wet rub, the seasonings will stick to the foods you're cooking and won't be disturbed by the airflow. You can make a wet rub by mixing the seasoning you wish to use with your choice of cooking oil.

22. Hand wash the parts instead of putting them in the dishwasher

This hack will help you extend the lifespan of the various components of your air fryer. Instead of putting the basket and trays in the dishwasher, clean them by hand for a few extra minutes. 

Even if the manufacturer of your air fryer says that these accessories can be cleaned in the dishwasher, you're better off hand washing them. This is because the higher temperatures and more abrasive cleaners inside a dishwasher may cause damage to nonstick coatings. Over time, you may need to purchase replacement pieces or even a whole new air fryer.

23. Use a meat thermometer to verify that foods are cooked

Because cooking times can vary from one air fryer to the next and based on the specific cuts of meat or fish you're preparing, it is essential to use a thermometer to ensure the  meat is cooked perfectly . You run the risk of food poisoning when you eat meat, poultry, or seafood that hasn't reached the recommended internal temperature. 

Using a meat thermometer can help you verify that poultry is cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ground beef and pork are at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and veal, beef, pork, and lamb are a minimum of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

24. Thawing meats before cooking them isn't alway necessary

Have you ever opened the refrigerator to pull out some chicken to put it in the air fryer only to realize that it had never been taken out of the freezer? Rather than giving up on your plans to make chicken in the air fryer and spending money on takeout, there is another solution. And it doesn't involve delaying dinner by several hours to let the chicken thaw. 

You can actually cook frozen chicken in the air fryer. Just increase the cooking time some, and be sure to use a meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature in the thickest part of the chicken is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Still, apply some oil and seasoning over the chicken before air frying it; it will turn out moist and delicious.

25. Add a little bit of water to prevent smoking and burning

If you've cooked particularly fatty or greasy foods in your air fryer before, have you seen smoke coming out of the appliance? Or perhaps, when you went to remove the foods from the basket or tray, there was some burnt-on residue along the base of the air fryer. 

One trick that can help minimize the chance of either of these problems happening is to add a little water to the base of the appliance before you use it. With water on the base, the grease or fat won't start burning or smoking. It won't take much water, about 1 cup should do the trick.

26. Avoid stacking food

You should never stack food in your air fryer. If you don't have the space to lay everything out in a single layer, then you'll want to cook multiple batches of the same recipe. The reason for this is that stacking can prevent enough airflow from moving around inside the appliance. This can prevent everything from crisping up evenly. 

If you're cooking meat, seafood, or poultry, the center of each piece of meat may not be fully cooked. A stack of meat is thicker and, therefore, will take longer to cook than a thinner slice. Some of the pieces towards the edge of your basket or tray are likely to cook faster than those stacked together towards the middle.

27. Roast veggies the easy and delicious way

Do you enjoy oven-roasted vegetables? Did you know that your air fryer can make roasting vegetables even easier and that you may even find that the finished product tastes better? Your vegetables will cook more quickly in the air fryer, which can cut down on the time it will take to get dinner to the table. 

All you need to do is toss your vegetables in some oil and salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Then, place them on the tray or in the basket and air fry until tender; the length of time will vary based on the model you're using and the type of vegetable you're making, but most will take between 10 and 20 minutes. Think about all of the possibilities; roasted cauliflower, roasted sweet potatoes, roasted zucchini, roasted mushrooms. This list just goes on and on.

28. Use a silicone mold to make egg bites, desserts, and more

If you don't have a silicone mold for your air fryer, that is something you'll want to change right now. There are just so many possible recipes that you can cook using the mini wells of a mold. One of the most popular recipes is egg bites. Simply whisk a few eggs and some milk together and pour them over bacon, cheese, or the veggies of your choice in each mini well. Bake for about 12 minutes, stirring about halfway through and enjoy. 

This is also a good recipe to make ahead of time to have ready when you're in a rush to get out of the door in the morning. Egg bites aren't the only thing you can make in a silicone mold. You can also use them to make cupcakes and other baked goods in your air fryer.

29. Leave clearance around the air fryer when it is on

Just as you need plenty of space between the different food items inside your air fryer, it is also important to leave space around the appliance itself when it is on. If your air fryer is right up against walls, other small appliances or your cabinets, there won't be enough space for the heat to safely escape. The heat from the air fryer could potentially damage other surfaces, so it is important to leave at least 10 inches of clearance on each side when it is on. 

Also, be careful with the surface you place your air fryer on when it is working. You'll want to air fry over a natural stone or other heat-resistant countertops. If your counter is made of laminate or another material that is not designed to resist heat, then consider using a heat-resistant mat or tray.

30. Where you place the racks or basket matters

Some air fryers offer multiple slots where you can place the racks. The proper placement is something important to consider. In most cases, you'll want to slide the rack into the middle slot because this will ensure even air circulation and cooking of your item. 

The rack will be directly under the heating element when placed in the top slot. This could impact air circulation, and your foods may cook too quickly or potentially burn being so close to the heating source. Similarly, placing the rack in the lowest slot can lead to slower cooking times because your food will be so much farther from the heating element.

31. Reduce cooking time by about 20% for oven recipes

Many of your favorite oven recipes can also be made in the air fryer with just a few tweaks. One important change you'll need to make is to adjust the cooking time. Air fryers are smaller than an oven. They also have a fan that moves the hot air around to cook the food inside. Because of this, foods cook more quickly in an air fryer. 

If you want to make a recipe that lists directions for using an oven, reduce the cooking time by about 20% to start. Be sure to check on the progress of the food you're cooking and use a meat thermometer to verify it is ready when you think it is.

32. You can proof dough in some air fryers

Depending on your air fryer, you may be able to proof bread dough in it. Air fryers that offer this special setting send slightly warm air into the unit to provide optimal rising conditions for the bread. After your dough has finished proofing, you could then turn around and bake the bread right in the air fryer. 

If that isn't handy, what is? Think of how much this could simplify your time in the kitchen when baking. Instead of dealing with turning on the hot oven, you can get everything done right in the air fryer.

33. Understanding what the settings mean can make all the difference

Be honest. If you have an air fryer, do you really know what all the knobs and buttons do? Do you understand the difference between the settings and which ones are best for various cooking needs? If you don't take a few minutes to learn about the different settings, then you won't be able to truly take advantage of everything it can do for you. 

Each air fryer may have different settings, but a few that you commonly see include air fry, roast, reheat, bake, broil, toast, and dehydrate. Read recipes closely to determine which of these settings is the right choice, as each offers varying temperatures and other features

34. If used correctly, aluminum foil can be your friend

Aluminum foil is safe to use in most air fryers, though you should always check the manufacturer's instructions for the specific model you have. However, you need to be careful when using aluminum foil to ensure that it doesn't get blown around and end up hitting the heating element, where it could potentially cause a fire. If you are careful to secure the foil under food or tuck it in so it isn't going anywhere, it can help keep sauces from splattering or sticking or keep smaller or round items from rolling inside the air fryer. J

ust take care never to use aluminum foil with citrus, tomatoes, or vinegar. These more acidic foods can cause the aluminum to break down, which can alter the taste of the finished product.

35. Make sure to clean your air fryer every time you use it

We already discussed the importance of hand washing the trays, baskets, and other accessories you use with your air fryer. In addition to keeping these components clean, it is also essential to clean the inside of the air fryer itself. Grease splatters and food residue can get stuck to the base and sides and may start to smoke over time. Depending on the design of your air fryer, the door may also become coated with grease and require a good cleaning. Let the air fryer cool after use, and then wipe the inside down with a sponge or dishcloth. 

For stubborn greasy messes, a cleaner like Dawn Powerwash that will cut through the grease can come in handy. Just take care to thoroughly rinse away any soapy residue with a damp sponge after cleaning.

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Project Meal Plan

Project Meal Plan is a food blog dedicated to make-ahead recipes, meal planning and preparing ahead.

The First 15 Recipes I Made With My Air Fryer

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy .

We’re nearing the one year anniversary of owning an air fryer, so I thought I would follow tradition and share how my first few recipes with the air fryer have gone! I’ve had good and bad experiments, a couple occasions of serious smoke, but mostly, just really amazing, perfectly crispy food. From broccoli to shrimp, and apple chips to chimichangas, here are The First 15 Recipes I Made With My Air Fryer!

Cosori 5.8 Qt Air Fryer

This is my air fryer I use in my kitchen almost every day. I recommend it to all my friends and family!

Things to consider when you buy an air fryer:

• Size: I have a basic 2.75 quart air fryer which can comfortably cook meals for two. We’re very happy with it. However, there’s no way mine could fit a whole chicken or enough food at a time to feed four people. Consider getting the XL size if you want to cook more food at once.
• Analog vs Digital: Again, my air fryer is super basic and does not have any kind of digital display. I simply set the dial to the (approximate) temperature I want, turn on the timer, and it goes. No presets or different modes. Just one mode: Air fry! Keep in mind digital is probably going to be *slightly* more accurate temperature wise, but it will also probably be more expensive.
• Wire Basket vs. Non-Stick Coating Basket: The Philips air fryer I own has a wire basket (you can see it pictured below). Other air fryers may have a non-stick coated basket with holes. I can’t directly compare, but I would *guess* the non-stick coating basket is better at not letting liquid and grease drop through to the bottom of the air fryer. 2024 Update: I prefer the nonstick coated basket!

My friend Steph over at Meal Plan Addict has the Power Fryer XL 3.4 Quart Air Fryer (affiliate link!) and she loves it! This air fryer is larger than mine and has a non-stick coated basket instead of a wire basket. Read about why Steph loves her air fryer so much to learn more about another great air fryer option that’s different than mine!

Not all air fryers are the same, so be sure to do your research before buying one randomly off the internet! 

What are your favorite air fryer accessories?

I don’t have many air fryer accessories, but here are a few things I’m always using along with my air fryer at any given meal time! 

Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray (affiliate link!) – I use this oil spray for 90% of the cooking I do in the air fryer. I get them in bulk from Costco at a very reasonable price! Avocado oil has a high smoke point which is good for air frying. Plus the spray function helps distribute a little bit of oil very rapidly!

OXO 9-Inch Silicone Head Tongs (affiliate link!) – A solid pair of tongs is very necessary for air fryer cooking! These are my favorite and I use them for everything. I especially love the silicone heads so the tongs don’t damage my Dutch oven or non-stick pans. Useful for lots of cooking applications!

WISHLIST: Air Fryer Rack (affiliate link) – This is the rack that fits my Philips Air Fryer and it’s the next accessory I plan to buy! I think it will help boost the capacity and let me air fry more at once. Also, there’s skewers! Buying this ASAP!

#1 Cheesy Air Fryer Broccoli

This remains my all-time favorite way to cook broccoli and I still make it this way all the time! This recipe is great for ANYONE (vegan, whole30, gluten-free, etc) and it couldn’t be any easier to prepare. Nutritional yeast to the rescue! Tastes like cheese but is completely dairy-free. Thank you Steph for bringing this glorious recipe into my life! Get the recipe for Highly Addictive Air Fryer Broccoli here!

#2 French Fries (Regular or Sweet Potato)

If you have an air fryer, you must turn potatoes into fries. It’s only logical. The air fryer can do this for you very well. Here’s the recipe I followed straight from Philips brand itself on how to make fries in my air fryer. Works for both regular and sweet potatoes!

#3 Stuffed Pizza Chicken

I love pizza anything, so when I saw this combo I had to try! With this recipe, you can prep the stuffed chicken ahead and save cooking time by using the air fryer instead of the oven. Such a creative use of the air fryer. Get the recipe for Stuffed Pizza Chicken here !

#4 Crispy Green Beans

I experimented. I failed. Again, and again, and couple more times after that. They’re not all winners, people! I tried to make them crispy with a coating, I tried to make them crispy without a coating, I tried to just cook them with zero expectations. Nothing really worked, so I gave it up. Sorry guys. Maybe next time. No link or picture for this one! 

#5 Chimichangas

After those failed green beans, I got back on track with my air fryer experiments quickly after a single round of chimichangas! These are a go to in my household. Leftover chicken, or any cooked meat, mixed up with some refried beans, salsa and cheese. Wrap it up burrito style, spray with the avocado oil spray, and you’ve got crispy crunchy chimichanga goodness! Get the recipe for Air Fryer Chimichangas here – also includes a video!

#6 Ten Different Foods from Trader Joe’s

This recipe is actually TEN recipes smashed into one article. If you like Trader Joe’s, you should probably go ahead and take a look at this one! I spent literal months testing various foods from Trader Joe’s in my air fryer. The results were magical.

This includes: Mandarin Orange Chicken, Mini Bambino Pizzas, Hash Brown Patties, Garlic Fries, Chicken Nuggets, and more! Read 10 Trader Joe’s Foods That Are Perfect for Your Air Fryer here !

#7 Bacon Chicken Bites

Sadly, this was a bit of an air fryer fail for me. However, I DO think this is one of those recipes that would work better with the non-stick coated air fryer pan rather than mine, which is more of a wire basket. The bacon produced a lot of grease that quickly fell down into the bottom of the air fryer and turned to smoke. It was a lot and I ended up having to cook these guys in the oven. Still super delicious though!

#8 Smashed Potatoes

My husband invented this while I was out of town. He took baby creamer potatoes and boiled them until just tender, then carefully smashed them on a cutting board. Next, they went into the air fryer with some avocado spray oil and guess what? A total of 16-18 minutes later, he had crispy smashed potatoes cooked in the air fryer. Delicious! No specific recipe link here, but some pictures to prove it!

#9 Boneless Buffalo Wings

You guys know I love my buffalo chicken, so I naturally had to try this recipe from Kelly at Eat the Gains. The air fryer is perfect for this kind of recipe, because I truly don’t think you could get this kind of result in the oven. Love these wings for a main dish but I would also serve them as an appetizer! Get the recipe for Boneless Buffalo Wings here .

#10 Apple Chips

This one took me a while to nail, but I did it. I love making apple chips at home because I can use my own seasoning blends (obsessed with Apple Pie Spice from Primal Palate), and eat the apple chips fresh! Something about turning a big apple into a pile of apple chips in your own kitchen is just pretty cool. All made possible with the air fryer. Get the recipe for Apple Chips in Your Air Fryer here . 

#11 Anything in an egg roll or wonton wrapper

Do yourself a favor: Buy some egg roll or wonton wrappers, make some delicious filling (sweet or savory!), spray with avocado oil spray, and watch some magic happen. We’ve tried air fryer egg rolls with leftover egg roll in a bowl mixture, and it was divine (makes sense, right?). More egg roll fillings I want to try in the air fryer: Breakfast (eggs/cheese), chocolate/s’mores, avocado + chicken, taco filling etc.

Set your air fryer to the 390F or 400F setting, air fry following the package directions of the wrappers, and watch them carefully the first time you try it.

#12 Roasted Garlic

One day I wondered: How can I roast a single head of garlic without heating up the entire oven/house? Solution: Air fryer. It’s quicker than using the oven, easy enough for beginners, and tastes just as good. The only question I have is – do we still call it ‘roasted’ garlic?? Check out the directions for How to Roast Garlic in an Air Fryer here !

#13 Air Fryer Shrimp

Normally, this kind of recipe would take like a pound of oil, a huge mess, and possibly 1-2 smoke alarms! But not in the air fryer. I love this recipe because the shrimp are shockingly crispy – they honestly taste like they’re from a restaurant. Plus that sauce. OMG. Get the recipe for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp here !

#14 Asian Beef & Veggies

This recipe surprised me! I wasn’t sure how something with a saucy marinade would work in my air fryer, but it did. The meat was perfectly cooked, and everything was flavorful and delicious. I served it over rice, and there was barely enough left for one serving of lunch leftovers. It was a hit in this house! Get the recipe for Air Fryer Asian Beef & Veggies here !

#15 Taquitos/Flautas

Similar to my chimichangas above, but made with different tortillas and filling. I loved taquitos from the freezer section growing up, so I recently created an air fryer version that’s super easy to make at home!

Taquitos are usually made with small corn tortillas, while flautas are usually made with large flour tortillas, but either way works with a little avocado spray in your air fryer! Get the recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos/Flautas here !

That’s it for the first 15 recipes I made with my air fryer! I love using my air fryer, so it’ll only be a matter of time before I’ve made another 15 recipes in that thing. Hope this article gives you some ideas on what to try first in your air fryer! 

2024 Update: New Air Fryer Recipes

I wrote this article nearly 5 years ago , and not only have I upgraded my air fryer, I’ve got tons of new Air Fryer Recipes here on Project Meal Plan I think you should check out. Here are four of my favorites!

Favorite Air Fryer Recipes:

Air Fryer Boneless BBQ Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Apple Pie Crescent Rolls

Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast

Air Fryer French Toast Bites

Let me know in the comments what you try and how it goes! I’m always down to try a new air fryer recipe 🙂

About Danielle

Hi, I’m Danielle! My passion for meal planning was born from a desire to save money and reduce food waste, and I want to share it with you! Besides cooking and photography, I absolutely love my cats & dog, growing food in my yard, and cheesy sandwiches! Read More...

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Marilyn says

Posted on 2/8/22 at 8:21 pm

I read that if you put some water in the air fryer and then your bacon wrapped chicken the grease would go in water and smoke is avoided. I haven’t tried it myself .

Danielle says

Posted on 2/9/22 at 9:11 am

Hi Marilyn – That’s a good tip, thank you! I have also heard that putting a piece of bread in the bottom to absorb the grease would work, but I haven’t tried that either. Let me know how it goes if you try it! -Danielle

Posted on 2/16/22 at 5:44 pm

Where are the recipes

Posted on 2/17/22 at 9:24 am

Did you read the article? There’s a list of 15 recipes. I talk about each and give the link for any I recommend. The list starts about 1/4 of the way down the page.

Pamela Arrington says

Posted on 7/31/23 at 3:27 pm

Great recipes. I can’t wait to try them. I’m 68yrs old and I purchased my first Airfryer and I’m so excited.

Posted on 8/1/23 at 9:52 am

You’re going to love it! Anything you can cook in the oven, you can cook in your air fryer, and it’s quicker 🙂 Happy to answer any questions you have! Good luck! -Danielle

Experts share 16 things you didn't know you could make with your air fryer

• Chefs, cookbook authors, and food bloggers shared their favorite unique air-fryer recipes . 
• Meals ranging from macaroni and cheese to pizza can be made quickly and easily in the air fryer.
• Snacks like hard-boiled eggs, tempeh "bacon," and doughnuts cook nicely in the appliance.

Air fryers can make delicious tofu dishes.

Adeev and Ezra Potash, hosts of Food Network's digital series "Takeout Twins," told Business Insider that air-fried tofu is quick and easy.

"One of our favorite dishes is this stinky tofu dish we get on the street whenever we perform in China and we do our best to replicate that in our home air fryer," The Potash Twins said. "We've tried making it many different ways, but the air fryer is so much closer to the real deal."

According to Watch Learn Eat 's vegan and gluten-free blogger Sherri Hall, firm tofu works best in the air fryer. 

"Use extra firm tofu and press it for 15 to 20 minutes first," Hall told BI. "Softer tofu won't hold up as well in the air fryer, and water-logged tofu will not get crispy. You also want to make sure to grease the air fryer to avoid sticking and place the tofu in a single layer to promote even cooking."

Her recipe for salt-and-pepper tofu takes only five ingredients and 15 minutes.

Doughnuts are quick and easy to make in the air fryer.

According to The Potash Twins, donuts are easier and healthier to make in the air fryer . 

"We make sufganiyot in our air fryers," The Potash Twins told BI. "It's an Israeli jelly doughnut that is made traditionally during the celebration of Hanukkah."

The Potash Twins fill store-bought pizza dough with raspberry jelly, spray it with oil, and place the formed doughnuts in the air fryer. This method helps to maximize the crispy, crunchy texture and replicates a deep fry.

The Potash Twins also like to top their doughnuts with powdered sugar as a finishing touch.

Make falafel in the air fryer for a tasty vegetarian snack.

Kysha Harris , food editor at The Spruce Eats , said that although falafel is traditionally deep-fried, making it in the air fryer is healthier and just as delicious.

"You have spent the time to make a healthy, protein-rich food," Harris told BI. "Cooking falafel in the air fryer keeps the calories low and the cooking time short. It's a delicious vegetarian snack on hand.

Harris said she recommends chilling the formed falafel balls for 15 minutes and tossing them with vegetable oil to yield a richer color.

Use your air fryer to dehydrate dandelions for tea.

Food Network's "Farmhouse Rules" host Nancy Fuller told BI that because air fryers circulate hot air the same way as dehydrators, they can be used to dry out ingredients for tea.

"Dig up dandelions from your yard, wash the roots, chop the roots, and dehydrate the roots for 12 hours using the lowest setting on your air fryer," Fuller said. "Once the roots are dry, whir them up in a blender or coffee grinder."

Fuller then places a filter filled with the ground roots over a cup and slowly pours boiling water through. She also adds honey for flavor.

Your air fryer can also be used as a dehydrator to make homemade beef jerky and dried fruits.

Curb a sweet tooth with a simple and fast apple crisp.

Fuller, who is a judge on Food Network's popular "Baking Championship," loves to make quick apple crisp in the air fryer . 

All you need to make this dessert is fresh-cut apples topped with cinnamon sugar and graham-cracker crumbs.

Bake it in the air fryer until the sugar is caramelized and the graham crackers are crispy. 

Make cauliflower mac and cheese for an easy side dish.

Fernando Ortiz, executive chef for Margaritaville Hotel Nashville , uses his air fryer for both entrées and sides when making dinner for his family . 

"My go-to weeknight meal for me and my daughter from the air fryer is panko-crusted fish with cauliflower mac and cheese," Ortiz told BI. 

To make Ortiz's cauliflower mac and cheese, combine one cup of cheddar cheese, one cup of Parmesan, and one cup of heavy cream in a saucepan. Bring to a slight boil while cooking cauliflower florets in an air fryer at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for eight minutes.

Mix the cauliflower with the cheese sauce and put it back in the air fryer for five minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Make a one-pot meal of meatloaf and veggies in the air fryer.

David Trotta, owner and chef of Whealth Kitchen , a pick-up meal and delivery service in New York City, utilizes the air fryer by making a one-pot meal. 

To minimize messiness in the kitchen, Trotta recommends making meatloaf and vegetables. 

"It is a one-pot night with minimal mess," said Trotta. "The meatloaf goes in first for about 10 minutes. Then add the potatoes followed by the broccoli. I toss the potatoes in olive oil, salt, garlic, onion, and rosemary and spray the broccoli with olive oil before adding it to the air fryer."

An air fryer can bake the perfect batch of chocolate-chip cookies.

"Chocolate-chip cookies are great in the air fryer, especially during times of warmer weather, as it won't heat up the house like a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven," Trotta told BI. 

Trotta said home cooks can use their favorite chocolate-chip cookie recipe and bake them on parchment in a preheated air fryer at 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

The cookies should be set about 2 inches apart and need to bake for about eight minutes.

Make sure to let the cookies sit in the pan for two to three minutes before removing them from the air fryer for best results.

Use your air fryer to get the most out of your potato salad.

Jim Mumford, a cookbook author and food blogger , swears by using an air fryer when he makes German potato salad.

"The air convection dries the potatoes out, slightly dehydrating them, allowing them to drink in the dressing for less sogginess the next day," Mumford told BI. 

You can use this tip for your favorite potato-salad recipe , whether you prefer to serve it warm or chilled. 

Make a fast two-ingredient pizza dough in the air fryer.

Liana Green, a cookbook author and food blogger at Liana's Kitchen , said you can make two-ingredient pizza dough in an air fryer. 

To make the dough, Green combines one cup of self-rising flour and one cup of natural or Greek yogurt.

Once the ingredients form a dough consistency, Green rolls it out and places it on a piece of parchment paper in the air-fryer basket. She bakes the dough at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for eight to 10 minutes, turning over halfway through.

"Add pizza sauce, mozzarella, and any toppings and cook for a further three minutes," Green said. "It's the perfect snack or quick midweek meal ."

Air fryers can quickly bake delicious cakes.

According to Green, as long as you have a baking pan that will fit in your air-fryer basket, you can quickly and easily make a cake.

This method is a great way to avoid heating up the house as a conventional oven would. 

"Make the cake batter the same way you would for baking it in an oven," said Green. "But remember that cakes will cook quicker in an air fryer than in an oven so it's important to check on them after 20 minutes."

To check if the cake is done, Green pokes a cocktail stick or skewer in the middle. If the outside is cooking too quickly, she covers the cake with some foil until it's done baking.

Proof bread dough fast using a low temperature on your air fryer.

If you're in a hurry to proof bread dough , Green suggests using an air fryer. 

"Just add the kneaded dough to the air-fryer basket and set it on the air fryer's lowest temperature," said Green. "Each model will differ, but it will likely be somewhere between 75 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. About 10 minutes should be enough time for the dough to proof."

Once you're done proofing, you can even bake your bread in the air fryer. 

Make a steakhouse-worthy dinner in your air fryer.

Marjory Pilley, a writer, recipe developer, and photographer for Dinner Mom , uses up thick cuts of meat with her air-fryer steak bites .

"Steak bites rival something cooked on the grill," said Pilley. "They caramelize on the outside and are juicy on the inside."

To make the steak bites, Pilley uses one pound of beef, such as sirloin. She cuts the meat into one to 2-inch cubes and tosses it with a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of her favorite steak seasoning.

Pilley then places the meat in the air-fryer basket in a single layer. She cooks the steak bites at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

If you'd like to make a full meal, Pilley said, you can add chopped vegetables like mushrooms or peppers to the mix. 

Hard-boiled eggs can be made in less than twenty minutes.

Pilley said making hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer is "ridiculously easy."

"Simply place cold eggs in the basket of the air fryer," said Pilley. "Cook at 250 degrees Fahrenheit using the following timing guide — 11 to 12 minutes for soft, 13 to 14 minutes for medium, and 15 to 17 minutes for hard. Immediately remove the eggs into ice-cold water for five minutes and peel."

Because every air fryer model is different, Pilley recommends checking the timing for your particular version on one or two eggs the first time around.

Customize your tempeh bacon by making it in the air fryer.

Hall likes to make vegetarian "bacon" with tempeh, tamari, maple syrup, olive oil, and seasonings.

According to Hall, this air-fryer "bacon" takes less time than baking in an oven, uses less oil than making it on a stovetop, and has "the perfect level of crispiness."

"Although you can purchase pre-made tempeh 'bacon' at the grocery store, store-bought tempeh 'bacon' brands are not typically gluten-free," Hall said. "Making it at home means that you can make it gluten-free and you can marinate it for as long as possible to make it incredibly flavorful."

Hall's easy air-fryer dupe is gluten-free, has less than 10 ingredients, and includes tips for using the "bacon" to make the perfect vegan BLT .

Air fryers can make crispy homemade churros.

Jessica Formicola, owner of Savory Experiments , makes churros in the air fryer as a lighter alternative to conventional deep-frying . 

"Thick choux pastry works surprisingly well for churros," said Formicola.

To avoid batter from seeping through the grates, Formicola lines the bottom of the tray with aluminum foil to prevent it from dripping.

This story was originally published on January 18, 2022, and most recently updated on May 17, 2024.

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Learn the science behind:

Experimenting With Potatoes in the Air Fryer

• May 19, 2021
• Comparing processes

After having finally figured out what an air fryer really is (not a true replacement for a deep fryer, but it’s close, we’d describe it as: a very efficient convection oven), it was time to really put it to the test. Potatoes seemed like a good first experiment to truly better understand how an air fryer works. There are a lot of ways to prepare potatoes in the air fryer, each highlighting different strengths and options of the air fryer!

To put this air fryer to the test we decided to set up three ‘food science’ experiments. The first two focus om making french fries, the third aimed to replicate oven/pan-fried potatoes:

• Frozen fries : Making french fries can be quite cumbersome, it’s probably why buying pre-fried frozen fries is such a popular option. All you need to do is ‘finish’ them off. We compared doing so in the oven, deep fryer, and of course the air fryer.
• From scratch : We then also wanted to test making fries from scratch (aka from fresh potatoes) in the air fryer, so did those next.
• Pre-cooked potatoes : Lastly, we tested making pan-fried potatoes in the air fryer, using par-boiled potatoes. Would they crisp up just as nicely as finishing them of in a pan would?

Test 1: Air-frying store-bought frozen fries

Making a good french fry that is crispy on the outside and soft within can be challenging. Choosing the right potato, cutting it, double frying that potato, there’s a lot of ways to not get that ideal fry. But people love french fries and they’re best eaten right after they’re made or they’ll get soggy!

It’s probably why using frozen fries is a popular option. Manufacturers have already made sure to choose the right potato variety and cut the potatoes. What’s more, they’ve already pre-cooked them, by frying them once, right before they’re flash frozen. This ensures that the whole potato has already been ‘cooked’ through to get that soft-cooked center throughout. All that needs to be done at home (or in the restaurant) is to fry them once more. This last fry not only thaws and heats the fries, it also creates that crisp outside.

An air fryer happens to be suited perfectly (according to the theory at least) for that last fry step. The air fryer heats up quickly and is great at producing a thin crispy dried crust on the outside of your food. As such, we put them to the test.

We prepared these store bought fries three ways (following the instructions of the manufacturer):

• Air fryer: 10 minutes at 200°C
• Oven: 18 minutes at 220°C
• Deep fryer (in oil): 5 minutes at 180°C

Notice the difference in time required for each method. As we discussed when evaluating the air fryer , as well as when comparing the oven vs. a deep fryer , this is to be expected. Oil can transfer the same amount of energy (heat) into the fry a lot faster than air can (thanks to its high heat capacity). An air fryer again is a lot faster than an oven since the air moves through the fries way more efficiently and aggressively.

Using these three prep methods to prepare our frozen fries did not result in any discernible differences. As you can see below, all three fries looked very similar. They also tasted identical and had the same amount of crunch + softness. We weren’t able to taste the difference at all.

Test 2: Making french fries from fresh potatoes

Of course, using frozen fries is a little bit of short cut. Since the pre-frying isn’t controlled by ourselves, but by our supplier, there still is a little bit of a black box. As such, next up we wanted to tackle and own the whole french fry making process!

As you can read in our post dedicated to making french fries , making fries in the “traditional” way involves a 2-step frying process: a pre-fry at 160°C to cook the potatoes through and a second fry at 180°C to brown the fry and make it crunchy. We were going to test which of those steps (whether it’s one or both) could be taken over by the air fryer.

We used one batch of potatoes for this test to ensure that differences between batches (or varieties) would impact our results. We cut all the potatoes in the same thickness using a fry-cutter. Next, we prepared them in four different ways:

• On day 0: pre-fry in oil at 160°C. On day 1: finish off in the air fryer at 200°C for approx. 10 minutes.
• On day 0: pre-fry in oil at 160°C. On day 1: finish off in the deep fryer at 180°C (until they’re as brown as the fries from test 1).
• Pre-fry in oil at 160°C on the day itself. Cool for approx. 10 minutes, finish off in the deep fryer at 180°C
• Place the potatoes into the air fryer for approx. 20 minutes (until they’re as brown as the fries from test 1).

This time we did notice some differences, especially for the fry that hadn’t seen any oil.

The first two fries, the two varieties that had been pre-fried the day before, came out almost identical. We wouldn’t have been able to tell the difference. The fries fried twice on the same day weren’t far off either, but were just a tad more greasy.

The air fryer fries were a bit of a disappointment and very different than the rest. They weren’t that well-cooked within (though their outside color was similar to those of the other fries) and they lacked flavor. Also, they clearly looked different and were more wrinkly and seemingly dried out (without being crispier).

Test 3: Par-boiled potatoes

Our last and (spoiler alert!) favorite preparation method in the air fryer involved using par-boiled potatoes. By now we had concluded that the air fryer is great at getting a crunchy outside. However, it’s just not as good at cooking the inside of the potatoes. Considering how an air fryer works , this made a lot of sense. As such, we tested to see how the air fryer would handle potatoes that had been pre-cooked, just not in oil. This way, replicating the pan/oven-fried potato process.

We investigated two ways to pre-cook our potatoes before air-frying:

• Use store-bought pre-cooked potato pieces. These came par-boiled, pre-cut. We simply threw them in the air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions (approx. 20 minutes).
• Pre-cook raw, unpeeled, and uncooked potatoes in the microwave . How long a potato should be cooked for in the microwave strongly depends on its size. In our case, approximately 8 minutes cooked our potatoes through. Once pre-cooked, the potatoes were cut into wedges before being air-fried.

Both methods were highly successful. In the case of the microwave potatoes, a mere 10 minutes in the air fryer did the job of crisping them up perfectly. What’s more, by cutting the potatoes only after they were pre-cooked, the slices weren’t as smooth on the sides. This is actually great for getting more crunch, all those rough little edges dry out more easily and crisp up beautifully.

This test was a great example of using the optimal tools to get a specific job done. A microwave is great at heating food through. Since the waves of the microwave travel through the food it can evenly cook a large food rather quickly. This as opposed to boiling, grilling, and frying, where the heat starts from the outside and has to travel to the center slowly. Cooking a potato in a microwave, or par-boiling it in water will not result in a crispy outside though. That’s where the air fryer comes in. The air fryer simply lightly dries out and bakes the outside.

Normally, we would have finished these potatoes off in a pan with some oil, or maybe in a regular oven. In the regular oven they would have taken significantly longer. In the case of the frying pan, we would have needed more oil (to prevent sticking) and a lot more work. The air fryer simplified things a lot here.

What we did not test (and why)

Of course, there are a lot more ways to prepare a potato. However, we stuck to methods that result in crispy crunchy potatoes, and for good reason. Based on our earlier research an air fryer is great at:

• Quickly heating up, but, just like in the case of an oven, that heat needs to penetrate into the product. As such, it takes a while for the center of a food to cook (and you risk burning/drying out the outside before cooking the inside if you’re not careful)
• Drying out and crisping up your food thanks to the efficient heat flows.

Baked potato

As such, we did not test making a large baked potato in the air fryer. We definitely could have, and it would have worked. However, recipes online state needing at least 40 minutes to make one. That’s not that much faster than a regular oven. Also, it’s a lot slower than if you would use a microwave.

Our recommendation for baked potatoes and air fryers: pre-cook the potato in the microwave (as we did in our third test as well). Then, if you’re looking for that crispy outside, sure, put it in the air fryer for a few minutes!

Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are all about creating that soft, almost creamy, smooth texture. For a good mashed potato, you need a nicely cooked potato (with enough remaining moisture) to mash it into a puree. Using boiling water or a microwave to cook your potatoes is more efficient than using an air fryer. That doesn’t mean it can’t be done. We just don’t think there’s a benefit to using an air fryer here.

Conclusions

When it comes to preparing potatoes there are tons of good ways to do so. Based on these tests, we can conclude that using an air fryer is one of many good ways as well. That said, we do believe that combining an air fryer with another pre-cooking method (e.g. our favorite of using the microwave) gives the best result. Let the air fryer do what it’s good at (crisp & heat) and let other technologies do what they’re best at.

A last final note on the air fryer that’s worthwhile mentioning is just how easy it is to use an air fryer. It’s really a set-and-forget-it system. You might want to shake your potatoes once midway, but there’s no monitoring of the heat, shaking a pan, adding oil. It’s pretty (but never completely) foolproof. For busy high traffic situations, this is great since it makes it so much easier to control the process!

All tests were done with a Philips Viva air fryer, regular size (no longer sold)

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Air fryer experiments and a recipe

August 22, 2022 3 Comments Filed Under: Baking , Food , Kitchen equipment , Mexican , Recipes , Vegetarian

The best thing an air fryer does is cook typically deep fried recipes, such as chips, or vegetables that soak up a good deal of oil, such as aubergines, in a quick, mess-free and low fat way.

When the weather is hot, we want salads and also fried foods with plenty of salt and seasoning – all the better to down with a beer or a glass of rosé.

I love fried aubergines, but you can use gallons of oil when cooking them: they are sponges. Here is my air fryer recipe for fried aubergine sticks . Chips are a rare treat in my house, mainly because of the pfaff – all that chopping and double frying. (It is worth it though. I filled an ordinary deep fat frier with bulk-bought olive oil and have been frying up more-ish treats all summer.) The air fryer does make fried potatoes a doddle: I’ve just cooked homemade chip butties with last night’s air fryer chips. Strangely they hit the spot in today’s weather at the time of writing: 31ºC and rising.

During my research, I do wonder how many of the air fryer recipes out there are properly tested. I had a few failures, particularly in my attempts to bake cakes in the air fryer, which took twice as long as in an ordinary oven, and left the batter in the middle uncooked. The times are often wrong in the internet recipes that I found. Having access to only one air fryer, I couldn’t compare with other brands, but I followed the temperatures (from 160ºC to 240ºC) diligently.

I popped in some herb-encrusted salmon fillets, which looked perfectly cooked on the outside but were raw on the inside. This needs more testing.

One successful thing you can do with an air fryer, in total contrast to a microwave, is cook a boiled egg. Just pop a raw egg in its shell into one of the air fryer drawers. For a hard boiled egg, cook at 160ºC for 12 minutes and 8 minutes for a runny egg. Other things worth trying is kale chips.

Here is a recipe I came up with that did work well.

Mexican style corn, cheese and courgette fritters with avocado salsa

Ingredients.

• 1 courgette, grated, then pressed to extract as much liquid as possible
• 1 pack (225g) halloumi, grated
• 1 tin (160g) sweet corn, drained
• 2 tbsp of picked green jalapeños or rajas (which are mild green chillis, poblanos, in tins, see stockist in notes)
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• handful chopped fresh coriander

Avocado Salsa

• 1 small red chilli, roasted
• 1 avocado, diced
• 2 limes, juice of
• 1 tsp sea salt

Instructions

• Mix together the grated courgette, halloumi, sweet corn, jalapenos.
• Add the whisked eggs, and salt.
• Add the coriander, leaving some for garnish.

Avocado salsa

• Roast the red chilli (roasting chillis makes them milder and gives a charred flavour) on the stove top until the skin is slightly black.
• Scoop out the avocado and dice.
• Add the lime juice. You can also add the zest.
• Add the salt and coriander.
• With a large tablespoon, drop the mixture onto the air fryer rack in the drawer. Cook in batches in the air fryer at 200ºC for 9 minutes.
• Serve with the avocado salsa.

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Reader Interactions

August 22, 2022 at 12:45 pm

I love my airfryer (Cosori). I made crispy “seaweed” You one you get in a Chinese restaurant. I just use kale in small pieces cut up and a few splashes of oil. Then I run my hands through the kale before putting in the pre-Heater airfryer. It takes 3 mins at 185C. Then I shake it out & add a few shakes of sugar and salt on it…. Or more… adjust to your taste.

August 22, 2022 at 1:12 pm

Yes wa thinking I should try that with my cabildo Nero in the garden!

September 27, 2022 at 10:04 pm

Also a big fan of the chips, they are superbo!

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Pizza Rolls Air Fryer Recipe & Homemade How To Guide

By: Author Nicole Austin

Posted on Published: June 20, 2024

Learn how to make pinwheel-style and Totinos copycat pizza rolls using an air fryer.

Let’s cut to the chase — I’m thinking about pizza, which means I’m also thinking about how to make pizza rolls in the air fryer. I am going to share our best homemade pizza roll recipes and tips for how to make your pizza goodies in the air fryer. 

Why? Because I love pizza, and I love convenience.

I was just discussing with my friend that I could eat pizza daily. I would like to laugh it off and say I’m exaggerating, but I’m not.

I love pizza in all forms — the round, doughy pizza we all think of first, English muffin pizzas, bagel pizzas, pizza rolls , you name it. Even foods laid out like pizza, such as our awesome taco pizza are an instant hit with me.

There’s something about the comfort and joy of this dish. It’s one of many kids’ first favorite foods and quickly becomes associated with parties, sleepovers, babysitting, and all things fun in childhood.

Do you remember going to the video store on the weekend to pick a newly released movie and having pizza while you watched it? Me, too. Some of the coolest things we did growing up are a thing of the past.

Thankfully, pizza stands the test of time, and now we can modify it to work with things we use daily in our kitchen — this time, we’re going to address air fryers.

Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe – Totinos Copycat

I love Totinos Pizza Rolls — they’re like little pockets of cheesy lava. That’s because I don’t wait even briefly to eat this easy snack after making them, which you should 100% do.

(Our editor will bite a little bit off the corner of the grocery store version to let some of the hot air out, giving them a lower temperature faster so he can wait less time to enjoy his pizza bites without burning himself.)

I don’t advise burning yourself just to eat them sooner, but I do advise trying to make them from home.

The best part about making them at home is having total control.

No evil supervillain laughter here. It’s true. It’s great to decide what you want to eat or experiment with.

For these Totino’s pizza rolls, I’ll share how to make them using pepperoni, but you can put in whatever you want. The best thing about making these delicious pizza rolls yourself is it takes just minutes to cook and there’s no deep frying required, meaning you can take care of your game day snack (or midnight hankering) in as much time as it takes you to read this post.

Ingredients:

• Egg roll wrapper
• Cubed or diced pepperoni
• Pizza sauce
• Mozzarella cheese

How to make pizza rolls using egg roll wrappers:

• Quarter your egg roll wrappers.
• Add filling to one side of the square. Wet all sides and roll it up.
• Press the edges down to create a seal, then roll up once to further seal the contents.
• Press the edges down using your fingers or the rounded side of a spoon.
• Place your rolls in a single layer in a lightly oiled air fryer basket. (You can use cooking spray for this, if desired.)
• Air fry at 400°F for 2 minutes, then flip them over.
• Cook another 2 minutes or until golden brown.

Let your mini pizza rolls site for a couple of minutes — but not too long! — to avoid burning your mouth and then enjoy with your favorite sauce.

Homemade Pizza Rolls Recipe – Pinwheel Style

If you prefer your pizza rolls pinwheel style, we’ve got recipes for you!

We have a tried-and-true Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels Recipe , but I am going to offer you yet another option!

In this pinwheel-style recipe, you will either need to use premade refrigerated dough, or make your own.

You can use any recipe for pizza dough , but I’ll share another!

Here’s a simple recipe for pinwheel pizza dough:

• 4 cups flour
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 4 tsp instant yeast
• 1 ½ tsp table salt

Instructions for the dough:

• Set aside 3 cups of flour.
• In an electric stand mixer with a dough hook, or in a large bowl stirred by a spoon, stir together one cup of flour and all of the other ingredients.
• Mix on low speed or hand mix, adding the flour until the dough clears the bowl and forms a soft ball.
• Knead 3-4 minutes and allow to rest in a covered bowl for 15 minutes.

To make the pizza rolls:

• 3 cups pizza sauce (can be regular tomato sauce)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup pepperoni, chopped
• 1/3 cup cornmeal
• ¼ cup fresh parmesan cheese

Follow these steps:

• Separate your dough into two pieces.
• On a lightly greased countertop or large cutting board, press one portion of dough into a thin rectangle.
• Spread ½ to ¾ cup pizza sauce of your choice evenly across the top.
• Sprinkle with half the mozzarella cheese and half the pepperoni.
• Starting on the long side of the dough rectangle, roll up as you would a cinnamon roll, pinching the seam together to seal.
• Place your cornmeal into a shallow bowl. Cut your roll of dough with fillings into 1-inch sections.
• Press the bottom of each rolled section into the cornmeal and place cornmeal side down into an aluminum foil-lined air fryer basket. If you don’t have aluminum foil, here’s our guide to what you can use to line your air fryer with !
• Keep them about 1 inch apart for adequate airflow during the cooking process. This means making multiple batches, but it’s worth it!
• Cook at 350 degrees for 6 minutes.
• For best results, sprinkle with fresh parmesan cheese and then return to the air fryer for 1 minute.

FAQ: Can you recycle pizza boxes?

How to Store Homemade Pizza Rolls

Storing leftover pizza rolls follows the same rules and methods as storing any pizza.

As you know, pizza is great when reheated after freezing — and so are pizza rolls!

You can store them uncooked or cooked in an airtight container.

We have compiled a comprehensive guide to storing and reheating pizza to help answer all of your pizza-related leftover questions.

How to Make Pizza Rolls Taste Better

The best way you can make your crispy pizza rolls taste better is by adding dips and sauces!

Marinara sauce or alfredo sauce are my favorite dipping sauce choices for these. You can also drizzle these across the top for a fancier presentation!

You can mix the two sauces together for a different flavor, or even use extra pizza sauce for dipping. And of course there are a wide range of other options too, like ranch dressing.

Another way to make pizza rolls taste different is to brush them before cooking.

Mix together olive oil, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning in a bowl and brush the top of your pizza rolls before air frying.

You can also brush uncooked pizza rolls with a garlic butter, like the one featured in our garlic butter puff pastry pinwheels recipe .

What to Have with Pizza Rolls

Serve your air fryer pizza rolls with a delicious side salad and Italian dressing!

And don’t forget dessert — you can use the air fryer yet again to make chocolate orange cupcakes ! If you are trying a pinwheel-type pizza recipe, try your hand at baking cinnamon rolls in the air fryer for a cool swirly theme.

Another fun idea: Experiment with air fryer garlic bread pizza! Use our how-to guide to make air fryer garlic bread , cut the cook time short and top with pizza sauce, cheese, and your toppings of choice. Then finish air frying!

Air fryers are good for more than just veggies , so give it a go today.

A note about air fryer recipes: All air fryers are different, so you may need to adjust temperatures and cooking time.

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May 23, 2024

Time to Experiment! 46 New Air Fryer Recipes to Discover

Published on May 23, 2024 . Updated on May 23, 2024 . By Tayo . This post may contain affiliate links. See Disclosure . Leave a Comment

Hey there, food lover! Ready to try something new in the kitchen? It’s time to experiment with some amazing air fryer recipes. Get excited for crispy, tasty, and fun dishes. You won't believe how easy it is! Let's discover delicious new recipes together!

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

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Perfectly seasoned with a mix of delicious spices, these juicy  air fryer turkey burgers  are the perfect protein for any meal! They come together quickly and will be a new family favorite for those busy weeknights!

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Enjoy these air fryer chicken legs with crispy skin and delicious dark meat in every bite. Coated in my homemade chicken seasoning, these juicy chicken drumsticks are full of delicious flavor and will become a new family favorite!

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

These juicy air fryer turkey thighs are packed with flavor and only take about a half hour total, making this a great alternative to cooking an entire turkey. This recipe is sure to be a hit with your Thanksgiving dinner guests!

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Dazzle your family and friends with this insanely delicious air fryer cornish hen recipe! It's perfect for a small family gathering and adds elegance to a special occasion.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Ninja Foodi Chicken Thighs

This delicious yet simple ninja foodi chicken thighs recipe will quickly become a favorite go-to dish in your home. It takes little to no time to prepare and is extremely healthy and delicious!

Get The Recipe: Ninja Foodi Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

Whip up a platter of insanely delicious air fryer buffalo chicken wings in a heartbeat! They're so healthy and nutritious, and your entire family will ask for seconds. And thirds!

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Meatloaf

Savory, tender, and full of flavor, this air fryer meatloaf is a delightful spin on this classic comfort food that will leave your buds (and your whole family) wanting more. Thanks to the air fryer, this delicious meatloaf will cook in less time, making it the ideal easy dinner for busy weeknights!

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Meatloaf

Air Fryer Steak Bites

Craving steak bites but trying to stay healthy? Look no further – air fryer steak bites are the perfect way to have your steak and eat it too!

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Bites

Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

If you need a quick and delicious way to cook salmon, try this air fryer salmon recipe! It comes together in less than 10 minutes and has become one of my go-to dinners paired with some veggies.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Craving juicy, tender chicken with a crispy skin? Look no further than these amazing Air Fryer Bone-in Chicken Thighs! With the air fryer's magic touch, you'll get perfectly cooked chicken that's packed with flavor.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Bone-in Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Calling all lamb lovers! Elevate your taste buds with the succulent and delightful Air Fryer Lamb Chops. These chops are seasoned to perfection and cooked to juicy tenderness in the air fryer, making them a delightful dish you won't be able to resist.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Air Fryer Turkey Wings

Get ready to savor the most flavorful turkey wings ever! Air Fryer Turkey Wings are the ultimate finger-licking treat you need to try. The air fryer's magic transforms these wings into golden and crispy delights, making them a hit at any gathering.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Wings

Air Fryer Catfish Steaks

If you're a seafood lover, these Air Fryer Catfish Steaks will make your taste buds dance with joy. With a perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness, these catfish steaks are a surefire way to satisfy your cravings.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Catfish Steaks

Ninja Foodi Chicken Wings

Chicken wings like you've never experienced before! These Ninja Foodi Chicken Wings are packed with flavor and boast an irresistible crispy texture. You won't be able to stop munching on these finger-licking goodies!

Get The Recipe: Ninja Foodi Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Scallops

Treat yourself to a gourmet experience with these delectable Air Fryer Scallops. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, these scallops are tender, succulent, and bursting with flavor. It's a dish that will impress your taste buds and your guests.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Scallops

Ninja Foodi Pork Chops

Say goodbye to boring pork chops with these incredible Ninja Foodi Pork Chops. Moist, flavorful, and with a crispy coating, these pork chops will become your new go-to comfort food.

Get The Recipe: Ninja Foodi Pork Chops

Air Fryer Pork Belly

Indulge in the rich and savory taste of Air Fryer Pork Belly. With a perfect combination of tender meat and crispy skin, this dish is a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly

Air Fryer Broccoli

Looking for a delicious and healthy side dish? Look no further than Air Fryer Broccoli! With the air fryer's magic touch, you'll get crispy and perfectly seasoned broccoli that's both nutritious and mouthwatering.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings

Craving some finger-licking chicken wings? These Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings are a must-try! Seasoned to perfection and cooked to crispy perfection, these wings will be a hit at any party or game night.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings

Ninja Foodi Whole Chicken

Impress your family with a mouthwatering Ninja Foodi Whole Chicken Rotisserie. Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, this rotisserie chicken will be the star of your dinner table.

Get The Recipe: Ninja Foodi Whole Chicken Rotisserie

Ninja Foodi Turkey Breast (Air Fryer)

Looking for a delicious and lean turkey dish? Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Turkey Breast is the answer! With a crispy skin and tender meat, this turkey breast is a showstopper for any occasion.

Get The Recipe: Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Frozen Chicken Wings in Ninja Foodi

Craving restaurant-quality chicken wings at home? These Frozen Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer are the way to go! Quick, easy, and finger-licking good, these wings are perfect for game day or a fun family dinner.

Get The Recipe: Frozen Chicken Wings in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Enjoy a healthy and delicious meal with Air Fryer Chicken Breast, no breading needed! These juicy chicken breasts are seasoned to perfection and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, making them a guilt-free delight.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Breast, No Breading

Crispy Skin Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Get ready for a finger-licking feast with Crispy Skin Baked Chicken Drumsticks. Baked to perfection, these drumsticks have a satisfying crunch on the outside and juicy tenderness on the inside, making them a family-favorite dish.

Get The Recipe: Crispy Skin Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage Links

Start your day with a burst of flavor and protein with Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage Links. Quick and easy to make, these sausages are a tasty addition to your breakfast spread.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage Links

Ninja Foodi Bacon

Indulge in the irresistible goodness of Ninja Foodi Bacon Air Fryer. With perfectly crispy bacon that's cooked to perfection, this dish is sure to satisfy all your bacon cravings.

Get The Recipe: Ninja Foodi Bacon Air Fryer

Air Fryer Turkey Bacon

Discover the delectable world of Air Fryer Turkey Bacon. A healthier alternative to pork bacon, this turkey bacon is crispy, flavorful, and perfect for your breakfast or sandwiches.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Bacon

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Elevate your side dish game with Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus. The combination of savory bacon and tender asparagus creates a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for any meal.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts

Take frozen Brussels sprouts to a whole new level with Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these sprouts will make you fall in love with this nutritious vegetable.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Spice up your appetizers with Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower. These crispy and spicy cauliflower bites are a fantastic alternative to traditional buffalo wings, perfect for your next party or snack time.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp

Elevate your seafood game with Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp. These succulent and flavorful shrimp are a breeze to cook in the air fryer, making them a perfect choice for a quick and delicious meal.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp

Air Fryer Green Beans

Get ready for a burst of freshness with Air Fryer Green Beans. Crispy and vibrant, these green beans are seasoned to perfection, making them a delightful and healthy side dish.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Green Beans

Air Fryer Frozen Okra

Discover a new love for veggies with Air Fryer Frozen Okra. With a crispy exterior and tender inside, this okra is a delightful and nutritious addition to your meals.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Okra

Air Fryer Chicken Hearts

Embrace your adventurous side with Air Fryer Chicken Hearts. These little wonders are a unique and flavorful delicacy that will leave you pleasantly surprised.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Hearts

Air Fryer Chicken Gizzards

Satisfy your taste buds with Air Fryer Chicken Gizzards. Cooked to perfection, these gizzards are a savory and delightful treat that's perfect for snacking or as a side dish.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Gizzards

This air fryer chicken thighs recipe is pure, tasty comfort food! This recipe serves up juicy and flavorful chicken every single time, with minimal cleanup. Plus it takes less than 30 minutes to cook, so you can treat yourself and your family with this delicious dish without spending all night in the kitchen.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer French Toast

Crunchy on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside, air fryer French toast is the perfect combination of easy and delicious. Serve it right away or make it ahead of time and freeze to enjoy a mouthwatering breakfast at your leisure!

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer French Toast

Air Fryer Okra

Air fryer okra is the BEST way to enjoy this often overlooked vegetable. The air fryer turns what many refer to as a “slimy” texture into crispy, crunchy okra fries. Seasoned simply but irresistibly, this recipe will have you falling in love with okra!

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Okra

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Air Fryer Salmon Bites are about to become your favorite way to eat salmon! They come out crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated with amazing flavor.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Tuscan Chicken Thighs 

These Tuscan chicken thighs can be made in three different ways. But no matter how you make them, they cook up fast and easy. Prep takes less than 10 minutes!

Get The Recipe: Tuscan Chicken Thighs 

Oven Fried Potato Wedges

Much better than deep-fried, these air fryer or broil roasted potatoes are lighter, and, in my opinion, much more flavorful. Broasted potatoes go great with roasts. Maybe you'll try this air fryer or oven-fried potatoes if you are feeling like French fries for dinner but want something lighter or to avoid frying.

Get The Recipe: Oven Fried Potato Wedges

Cordon Bleu Chicken Air Fryer

Chicken cordon bleu, the famous French "Blue Ribbon" breast chicken rolls stuffed with slices of ham and swiss cheese, coated with crispy golden panko breadcrumbs, is one of the most popular ways to serve chicken breasts. And now you can try a more effortless, non-fried air fryer cordon blue chicken that will pleasantly surprise you.

Get The Recipe: Cordon Bleu Chicken Air Fryer

Air Fryer Candied Pecans

Air fryer candied pecans  are the perfect delicious snack to enjoy this holiday season. These coated pecans are flavored with sweet maple syrup, sugar, and cinnamon with the perfect crunch in every bite.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Candied Pecans

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp  make a delicious and crispy appetizer or meal with a hint of tropical flavor. The air-frying technique ensures a light and satisfying dish without the need for excessive oil, making these coconut shrimp a healthy appetizer for any occasion.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Zucchini

Air fryer Bacon Wrapped Zucchini  is a low-carb and gluten-free vegetables snack or healthy side dish. This easy-to-make recipe transforms humble zucchini into crispy, bite-sized delights. It’s a great way to get the whole family eating more veggies.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Zucchini

Air Fryer Country Style Ribs

Craving tender ribs without the hassle of the grill or oven? These quick and easy  Air Fryer Country Style Ribs  are boneless ribs that cook up with a lightly crispy outside and juicy, tender insides. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, backyard gatherings, or anytime you need a flavorful and easy recipe.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Country Style Ribs

36 Speedy Recipes That Will Have You Dining in No Time

Hey, hungry pals! Craving something delicious but short on time? Get ready for speedy recipes that'll have you dining in no time! These recipes are quick and easy, perfect for when you're in a hurry. Say goodbye to long waits and hello to tasty meals in a flash! Let's whip up some magic in the kitchen together!

Running Out of Kitchen Inspiration? Check Out These 34 Easy Fixes

Feeling bored of cooking? Can't think of what to make for dinner? Don't worry! We've got some super easy fixes to get your kitchen mojo back. Say goodbye to kitchen boredom and hello to delicious meals in no time! Let's spice things up together!

26 Delicious Reasons to Stay in and Cook Tonight

Why go out when you can make tasty meals at home? Cooking tonight can be super fun and easy. You get to choose your favorite ingredients and try out cool recipes. Plus, you can impress your family with your cooking skills. So, grab your apron and let's make something delicious!

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• Kitchen & Household

Forget the Grill. An Air Fryer Is the Ultimate Summer Cooking Tool

The air fryer lets you cook in the comfort of your air conditioning without overheating the kitchen. Air fryers are the perfect summer sidekick and we have the data to prove it.

The air fryer just may be the perfect summer cooking companion.

I'm no stranger to tickling the flames over a sizzling grill , and grilling is still one of my favorite summer traditions. But when the temperature creeps into the high 80s or 90s, standing outside over a hot flame is rather unpleasant. But you still gotta eat, right? 

Enter the air fryer which cooks food like cheeseburgers , salmon and chicken -- all classic grill foods -- from the comfort of your air conditioned home in far less time than a large oven. Best of all, an air fryer doesn't heat up the entire kitchen like a wall oven will.

To prove it, I ran some tests to see how much the oven heats up the kitchen versus an air fryer and the air fryer trounced the oven barely raising the temperature at all. Air fryers also cook quickly and need almost no preheat time so you'll keep from turning that all-important space into a sauna

A heat wave requires creative thinking to keep the home cool and an air fryer is my ticket to getting through those sweltering summer spells without starving. The best, part? A quality air fryer can be had for as little as $50  And since air fryers use less energy than an oven or grill, they'll save you money on your monthly energy spend. 

Trendy air fryers are all they're cracked up to be, especially when it's hot out.

How much my oven heated my kitchen after 30 minutes

The air fryer turns out juicy chicken thighs in under 20 minutes.

To find real-world differences, I roasted chicken thighs in my KitchenAid wall oven (less than 10 years old) and a 4-quart Dreo air fryer, according to two popular recipes from a well-known cooking site. I tested the temperature before, during and after to see how much of a difference each machine makes.

My Brooklyn apartment kitchen is on the small side, but it's not enclosed and opens up to the rest of the apartment. I kept the windows closed for the test, although it's worth noting that recent studies  show cooking with natural gas in an enclosed kitchen can be a health risk. 

I'm finding fewer and fewer reasons to turn on the big oven these days.

The standard oven recipe called for the chicken to be roasted at 375 degrees for 30 minutes in the oven. Because of its smaller chamber, the air fryer recipe only required 20 minutes of cooking at the same temperature. The air fryer requires only about a minute to come to temperature, while the oven takes more than five.

An ambient thermometer is all I needed to test how much hotter a gas oven can make the kitchen. 

I placed a standard ambient thermometer in the middle of the kitchen -- about 5 feet from the stove -- at counter height. I took a reading before the oven or air fryer was turned on. I took another reading halfway through the cooking time and the last one at the end of the cooking time. Between the two sessions, I waited for the kitchen to return to a resting temperature before starting the next one. 

The big oven made my kitchen 12 degrees hotter than the air fryer

Ovens have more capacity than air fryers but it's still rarely worth it to heat the house up during summer.

As I suspected, my oven heated the kitchen far more than the air fryer. Midway through the recipes (15 minutes), the oven raised the temperature of my kitchen by 15 degrees from 71 F to too-hot 88 F.

After 10 minutes of cooking with the air fryer on 375 F, the temperature in my kitchen had gone up only 5 degrees F, from 72 F to a pleasant 77 F. While you can feel the emanating from the air fryer if you stand close enough, it's not enough to significantly change the temperature of the kitchen. 

Read more:   Here's How to Keep Your Kitchen Cool (and Lower Your Energy Bill) During a Heat Wave

Not only did the air fryer cause less of a temperature spike, but I only needed to have it running for roughly 20 minutes with one minute of preheat time. The oven took 30 minutes to cook the chicken and 6 minutes to preheat.

Using the air fryer will cut down on energy bills

Even modern ovens use significantly more energy than an air fryer.

During a heat wave, your air conditioner is already working hard. Heating the kitchen up with your oven will only require them to work harder, using more energy to bring the room back down to your desired temperature. For the AC to make up the difference for one 20- or 30-minute cooking session with an oven, it may not be a total budget-buster. But spread that out over time or for longer cooking sessions and using the oven during hot months can have real fiscal ramifications. For more on this, read my breakdown of exactly how much more an oven costs to run than an air fryer .

What can you make in an air fryer?

Roasted chicken in the air fryer is dynamite and takes less time than in the large oven.

An air fryer can do almost any cooking job that an oven can, although air fryers are typically smaller than wall ovens so you can't cook as much in one go. 

I've been tinkering with the air fryer a lot this year. I discovered the joy of cooking whole chickens in the air fryer, filets of salmon and even bacon cheeseburgers. The air fryer goes well beyond its reputation for cooking crispy wings and french fries. You can make dinner party-level recipes in the air fryer without breaking a sweat, literally.

Here are seven foods that I only make in the air fryer now not just because they keep my kitchen cooler but because the results are as good or better than other methods. And here's our complete guide to air fryers , everyone's favorite new kitchen appliance.

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The Best Early Prime Day Deals on Ninja Appliances: Save Up to 50% on Top-Rated Air Fryers, Blenders and More

From high-performance air fryers to durable cookware, shop the best early prime day deals on ninja's best-sellers..

Ninja AF101 Air Fryer

$130   $90 Amazon

Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender

$100   $80 Amazon

Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker and Air Fryer

$200   $140 Amazon

Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium 3-Piece Cookware Set

$170   $100 Amazon

Ninja Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker with Rapid Cold Brew

$150   $120 Amazon

As temperatures heat up and kitchens buzz with preparations for summer celebrations, the air is filled with the delightful aromas of home-cooked delights. From roasted veggies to fruity smoothies, the summer season ushers in delightful recipes and refreshing flavors. To help you elevate your kitchen and make home cooking a breeze, Amazon is rolling out early Prime Day deals on appliances and cookware from top-rated kitchen brand, Ninja.

Whether you're looking for a high-performance blender to whip up a super-creamy cocktail or an indoor grill to cook BBQ favorites at home, the best Ninja deals include everything you need to upgrade your kitchen. With various summer festivities on the horizon, it's the perfect time to take advantage of discounts of up to 50% on Ninja's best-sellers.

Amazon's early Prime Day deals feature standouts like  Ninja's AF101 Air Fryer  and Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo . Ahead, shop all of the best Amazon deals on Ninja appliances to experiment with new seasonal recipes and prep delicious meals all year long.

The Best Early Prime Day Deals on Ninja Appliances

Make meal prepping a breeze with this top-rated Ninja Air Fryer.

Whip up your favorite smoothies and soups with Ninja's Professional Blender, which features 1000 watts of professional power and advanced Total Crushing Technology.

Ninja's SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker and Air Fryer allows you to create an entire meal in just one pot in as little as 15 minutes.

$200   $140

Ninja's 3-piece cookware set features NeverStick Technology to withstand high-heat cooking and aggressive scrubbing for years. 

$170   $100

Brew the perfect cup of coffee with this Ninja coffee maker, featuring an over-ice function, that delivers rich-flavored iced coffee, never watered down.

$150   $120

Ninja Foodi Smart XL Pro 7-in-1 Indoor Grill/Griddle Combo

Whether you're whipping up pancakes in the morning or grilling steaks for dinner, this Ninja appliance features a grill grate and flat top BBQ griddle, designed to deliver perfect char-grilled results.

$370   $180

Ninja BL770 Mega Kitchen System

Save big on Ninja's Mega Kitchen System, boasting a 1500-watt motor base for effortless ingredient processing. 

$200   $150

Ninja Foodi NeverStick PossiblePan

Ninja's easy-to-use Foodi NeverStick PossiblePan replaces a stainless-steel fry pan, nonstick fry pan, sauté pan, skillet, saucier, saucepan, steamer, strainer, spatula, cast iron skillet, roasting pan and baking dish.

$130   $100

Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill with Air Fry

Designed with Cyclonic Grilling Technology, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill delivers perfectly char-grilled results.

$260   $200

Ninja WC1001 Thirsti Drink System

Rather than making an entire bottle of sparkling water, the Ninja Thirsti lets you customize each glass. 

$180   $150

Thinking about becoming a Prime member? We’ve got all your  Prime Day 2024  answers covered — plus  early Amazon deals  you can snag right now on home,  fitness gear , tech and more.

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