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Air fryer recipes - What can you cook in an air fryer?  

Introduction to air fryer cooking 

Air fryers have revolutionised home cooking, offering a healthier way to enjoy crispy, delicious food without drowning it in oil. Think of an air fryer as a mini convection oven for your countertop, using hot air circulation to achieve that golden crunch we all love. 

Using an air fryer is simple: 

  • Preheat for best results (if required). 
  • Avoid overcrowding; arrange food in a single layer for even cooking. 
  • Shake or flip food halfway through for perfect crispness. 
  • Adjust times and temperatures as each air fryer differs slightly. 

These compact gadgets heat up quickly, cook food faster than traditional ovens, and are easy to clean. A time-saver and a health win? Yes, please! 

What can you cook in an air fryer?  

An air fryer is surprisingly versatile. Here’s a list of delicious possibilities: 

Proteins 

  • Chicken: Wings, thighs, breasts, drumsticks, nuggets, or breaded tenders. 
  • Fish and Seafood: Salmon, white fish fillets, shrimp, and even scallops. 
  • Pork: Pork chops, ribs, or bacon. 
  • Beef: Meatballs, burgers, or steak. 

Vegetables 

  • Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers. 
  • Potatoes: Fries, wedges, hash browns, or baked potatoes. 
  • Snacks: Crispy kale chips, sweet potato fries, or chickpeas. 

Frozen Foods 

  • French fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, spring rolls, or fish fingers - great for quick dinners for kids!  

Snacks and Appetisers 

  • Cheesy Options: Stuffed jalapeños or halloumi sticks. 
  • Crispy Treats: Breaded mushrooms or samosas. 
  • Dough-Based: Mini pizzas or cinnamon rolls. 

Baked Goods 

  • Muffins, cookies, or even small cakes. 

Miscellaneous 

  • Hard-boiled eggs. 
  • Toasted nuts. 
  • Reheating leftovers for a crispy finish. 

Top 10 most popular things to cook in an air fryer 

Showcase your air fryer’s versatility with these crowd-pleasers: 

  • Crispy chicken wings: Perfectly crunchy without deep frying. 
  • French fries: Golden, crispy, and oil-light. 
  • Roasted vegetables: Achieve caramelised edges effortlessly. 
  • Salmon fillets: Crispy outside, flaky inside in under 10 minutes. 
  • Homemade potato chips: Low-fat and irresistibly crunchy. 
  • Chicken pieces: Deliciously crispy without excess oil. 
  • Pork chops: Juicy and tender with a golden crust. 
  • Mozzarella sticks: Perfect gooey centres with crispy exteriors. 
  • Roasted nuts: Flavourful and crunchy snack perfection. 
  • Baked potatoes: Fluffy interiors and crispy skin in record time. 

 

These air fryer recipes are just the beginning. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and coatings to make these dishes your own. Remember, a little practice goes a long way in perfecting your air frying technique! 

Common air fryer cooking mistakes to avoid 

Even the most experienced cooks can make a few blunders when it comes to air fryer cooking. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for: 

Overcrowding the basket: It's tempting to chuck everything in at once, but this leads to uneven cooking and soggy food. Stick to a single layer with some space between pieces. 

 Skipping the preheat: While some models don't need it, preheating for a few minutes can ensure more consistent cooking and crispier results.  

Going overboard with oil: Remember, the beauty of air frying is using minimal oil. A light spritz or brush is usually enough. 

 Forgetting to shake or flip: For even cooking, give the basket a shake or flip your food halfway through, especially for things like chips or veggies. 

 Trying to cook wet batters: Air fryers and wet batters don't mix well. Stick to breadcrumb coatings for crispy results.  

Not checking on your food: While timers are handy, it's crucial to peek at your food periodically. Cooking times can vary based on your specific model and food quantity. Learning how to use an air fryer effectively means avoiding these pitfalls. Remember to adjust cooking temperatures and times as needed, use appropriate accessories like parchment paper liners, and don't be afraid to experiment with different foods and recipes. You'll be an air frying pro in no time! 

Recommended air fryers available at Briscoes 

Ready to jump on the air fryer bandwagon? Briscoes has got you covered with a range of top-notch options. Here are a few recommendations to consider: 

Philips Premium Air Fryer XXL: Perfect for families, this large-capacity model uses rapid air technology for crispy results with little to no oil.  

Sunbeam Multi-Function Air Fryer: A versatile option that can air fry, roast, grill, and bake. Ideal if you want to explore various cooking methods.  

Russell Hobbs Express Air Fryer: Compact and efficient, this model is great for smaller households or kitchens with limited counter space. 

 Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer: This multi-functional appliance combines an air fryer with a convection oven, offering 10 cooking functions in one sleek unit.  

Kambrook Air Chef Air Fryer: An affordable option that doesn't skimp on performance, featuring adjustable temperature control and a dishwasher-safe basket.  

When choosing an air fryer at Briscoes, think about things like capacity, cooking functions, and ease of cleaning. Many models have non-stick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts, which makes cleanup a breeze. Keep an eye out for Briscoes' regular sales and promotions too - you might snag a great deal on your new kitchen buddy.  

With the right air fryer, you'll be whipping up healthier versions of your favourite fried foods in no time, all while cutting down on oil and cooking time. And once you've got your shiny new air fryer, don't forget to check out our guide on How to Clean an Air Fryer. It'll help you keep your new appliance in tip-top shape for years to come.  

Ready to start your air frying adventure? Head over to our Air Fryer section to browse our full range.  

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