People Just Discovered Everything You Can Cook In An Air Fryer, Including A Whole New Type Of Fry
People Just Discovered Everything You Can Cook In An Air Fryer, Including A Whole New Type Of Fry
Dust Off Your Air Fryer—It Has More Uses Than You Think
You know, despite how useful air fryers are, home cooks don't use them to their full advantage. Sure, they might stick some potato wedges in there. They might make some chicken wings. But, air fryers are so much more than classic dinners! It’s time to think outside the box and get creative with options because we’ve got a handful of items you can try.
1. Donuts
Air-fried donuts are as easy as you make them, which is to say, they can be a total breeze! Start from scratch with a few simple ingredients or turn to pre-made biscuit dough for golden treats coated with a delectable glaze. Even better, if glaze isn’t your thing, you can always coat them in cinnamon sugar instead.
2. Avocado Fries
French fries, smench fries. You don't need greasy potatoes to enjoy the best of both worlds: healthy fats and an air-fried taste. All you have to do is slice some avocados, toss them in breadcrumbs, and stick ‘em in the air fryer for a snack that’s crispy and creamy.
3. Cauliflower
Cauliflower often gets a bad rap for being “bland,” but it’s all about how you season those florets. Dipping them in ranch won't cut it. Instead, toss them in olive oil with freshly cracked pepper, garlic salt, or paprika to turn this veggie into the perfect side dish.
4. Pizza Rolls
Homemade pizza rolls are the star of any party, and best of all, they even don’t take much to make. A little dough, pepperoni, and cheese in an air fryer leaves you with a simple meal that’s crispy on the outside, but gooey on the inside.
5. Bell Peppers
Stuffed peppers are already one of the easiest dinners to make, but in an air fryer? They somehow get even better. Perfect for anyone in a hurry, they take all of 20 minutes to make (if that) and only need a couple of ingredients for the filling. You'll still score all the flavor of the original recipe, but it's done in half the time!
6. Bacon
As delicious as bacon is, no one wants to deal with the mess afterward. With an air fryer on deck, now you don’t have to worry about it! Stick a couple of strips in the air fryer for a crispy breakfast side and easier-than-ever cleanup.
7. Mozzarella Sticks
Sure, you can grab boxed mozza sticks, but why would you with an air fryer at home? Don’t worry, they’re not hard to make! You’ll only need cheese strings, a bit of breadcrumbs, eggs, and flour for this beloved appetizer—you can also add a dash of Italian seasoning.
8. Blooming Onion
Don’t let blooming onions intimidate you. Despite its name and appearance, it's actually quite simple to make at home. Plenty of online recipes only call for a couple of ingredients, so you can whip up a healthier version of this classic app. Just don’t forget the dipping sauce!
9. Potato Wedges
Stop limiting yourself to french fries! Air-fried potato wedges are crispy, golden, and a mouth-watering side dish with far less grease. The best part about them is that you can coat them in whatever seasoning floats your boat.
10. Chicken Parmesan
Who doesn’t love a good chicken parm dinner? Actually, a better question may be who actually has the time to make one? You do, now that you have an air fryer! All you need is a good chicken breast, cheese, and marinara sauce to make it happen. Our favorite part about this version is that it's also a healthier option.
11. Salmon
Oven-roasted or pan-fried are tried-and-true cooking methods, but it’s time to work another into the mix. Air-fried salmon fillets are quick, easy, and loaded with flavor. You can even make some simple sides in the fryer once you’re done.
12. Breakfast Burritos
Sometimes the morning calls for a burrito, and air fryers can help you get there. Gather all the usual suspects: scrambled eggs, cheese, bell peppers, and a little bacon. Wrap it all in a flour tortilla and then air-fry it for that satisfying crispiness you'd get in any diner!
Cajsa Lilliehook from Portland on Wikimedia
13. Boiled Eggs
Speaking of eggs, did you know that you can also make hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer? Okay, okay, they’re not exactly “boiled,” but you can still plop them in the basket and soak them in a nice ice bath once you’re done. They’re not only easy to make, but they're also even easier to peel.
14. Onion Rings
Say what you want about air fryers, but they know how to enhance simple appetizers! Onion rings are a staple at gatherings, and you can pop your very own into the fryer for a one-and-done snack. It only takes about half an hour and a handful of ingredients, too.
15. Jalapeno Poppers
Are you in the mood for a spicy dish instead? Don't you worry, we have just the thing. Making poppers at home doesn't take miuch time or any fancy ingredients, so whether you’re watching a big game or simply inviting some friends over, you can easily get mouths (and eyes) watering.
16. Potato Chips
Let's be honest: today’s chips are way too expensive. That means it’s time to make your own! You’ll need thinly sliced potatoes, a dash of salt, and some olive oil for this homemade creation—and it's all ready in under half an hour.
17. Chocolate Chip Cookies
You’d never think to make cookies in an air fryer, but it’s amazing how far we’ve come. Grab all the ingredients for traditional cookies, line your air fryer with parchment paper, and scoop in a couple of dough balls. You’ll then have golden, gooey cookies loaded with chocolate.
18. Swedish Meatballs
Bet you didn't know how easy it was to bring home a taste of IKEA! For Swedish meatballs, yu’ll need a good number of ingredients beforehand, but the actual frying doesn’t take more than 20 minutes or so. Trust us, all that foraging will be worth it.
19. Spare Ribs
You won’t get a rack of ribs in the air fryer, but you can still score a juicy cut doused in sauce. A good rub and about half an hour are all you really need to bring restaurant-quality ribs to your dinner plate.
Alexandru-Bogdan Ghita on Unsplash
20. Turkey Breast
We don’t want Thanksgiving dinner done in the air fryer, but we do a healthy turkey breast! What's so great about this healthy option is that turkey breasts go hand-in-hand with fryers, often only needing an hour or so to cook through.
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