Foods that can be cooked in an air fryer

29 of 143

Delish

Party in an Air Fryer: 75+ Air Fryer Recipes from the Editors at Delish

$26 AT AMAZON

This best-selling 160-page spiral-bound guide includes photos for every recipe and it lies flat to make it that much easier for you to prepare crispy, crunchy food—without the oil! You’ll find guilt-free recipes for everything from onion rings and mozzarella sticks to roasted vegetables and juicy chicken, plus pro tips for using your air fryer and genius hacks for making your favorite recipes even better.

PHOTO: JOEL GOLDBERG; FOOD STYLING: HADLEY SUI

30 of 143

Air Fryer Bang Bang Broccolini

Bang bang sauce already has a kick to it, but if you really like the heat, bump up the amount of Sriracha or add an extra drizzle before serving. For an over-the-top addition, drizzle with a little mayo too (trust us!).

Get the Air Fryer Bang Bang Broccolini recipe.

What to cook in an air fryer? 10 things you need to try |

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Alamy)

Knowing what to cook in an air fryer has its benefits – whether you're looking for a fast (but delicious) dish after work or experimenting with low-fat cooking at home. 

Once you have found the best air fryer for your kitchen, you can begin to enjoy its advantages. And while this appliance is known for its ability to cook healthy food fast (air fryers are 70% faster than ovens and 95% less oil compared to deep frying*), it is good for your wallet, too.  

A recent study by *Instant Brands revealed that cooking in electric ovens can cost more than 5 times that of cooking in air fryers and electric pressure cookers. 'We can make simple tweaks to help reduce the amount of energy we use,' says lead researcher Dr. Ximena Schmidt Rivera. 'Electric ovens are a big culprit, using 5 times more energy than air fryers and pressure cookers.'

What to cook in an air fryer

'There are plenty of things you can air fry,' says Adele Brennan, home electrics buyer at VonHaus . 'From healthier snacks, such as sweet potato or peppers, to more indulgent treats like fried bacon or frozen chicken strips – air fryers are completely versatile. 

The best food for you comes down to personal preference. However, bacon, doughnuts, and homemade chips are known to be popular choices. Here's what else the experts are enjoying in this emerging kitchen must-have.

Below, you can see our top suggestions for what to cook in an air fryer, plus tips on getting the best results for tasty food.

1. Roast chicken 

As Instant Brands suggests, cooking in an air fryer is one of the easiest sustainable kitchen ideas you can follow. And the food at the peak of their must-try list is roast chicken. 

'We've undertaken an independent study with researcher Dr. Ximena Schmidt Rivera, a sustainability researcher, and lecturer at Brunel University London. It found that cooking chicken in an air fryer can save you more than 80% of energy and therefore cost compared to an electric oven,' explains Instant's marketing manager, Laura Wilkinson.

(Image credit: Alamy)

Zoe McClean, the senior home economist at Breville , reinforces this suggestion. 

'A small whole chicken can roast beautifully in 60 minutes,' she says. You'll be left with a delicious roast chicken that's got a crispy skin. Our top tip? Use the juices that gather at the bottom of the oven to prepare a gravy. '

A moist yet crispy chicken is easy to achieve in an air fryer (with a rotisserie function), but you also practice this in one of the best toaster ovens, too.  

2. Tofu

Air fryers use 95% less oil than deep frying so that you can achieve a crispy but healthy finish. And the process behind tasty tofu is easy. 'Simply season or marinate before popping them in the air fryer,' Laura says. 

And, if you choose an air fryer with a window, you can keep track of its cooking process and remove your tofu when it is the perfect color for you.  

3. Whole roasted garlic 

It's easy to love garlic – the pantry staple that instantly elevates an abundance of dishes. And, if you're looking for a more sustainable and cost-effective way to enjoy its flavor, you will find the solution in your air fryer. 

'It's much more energy efficient to air fry a garlic bulb in the concentrated area of an air fryer rather than having to heat a whole oven for a small item of food,' Laura explains. 

4. Burgers and patties

'Burgers and fast food all cook and crisp up in minimal time whilst retaining flavor and color in an air fryer,' Zoe says.  

'Homemade burgers take about 10 to 15 mins at medium to high heat. Place these directly into the basket or rack (no oil needed), season, and cook. As air fryers get hot really quickly, there is no need to preheat as you would with a regular oven or grill. I like to turn mine halfway through cooking to encourage even browning, but this isn’t necessary.

'Tip: If you're building a cheeseburger, assemble the burger on the bun, add the cheese and any relish, and pop the complete burger into the now turned-off air fryer and let this sit in the warm oven for a few minutes. This melts the cheese and warms the bread.'

She adds that frozen shop-bought burgers can be cooked from frozen; however, you should reduce the temperature to medium and wait around 15 minutes while they cook. It's always important to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked before eating. 

5. French fries

One of the best things about an air fryer is the ability to indulge in the odd 'guilty pleasure' – with a lower fat intake.

Homemade French fries are crispy and delicious when made in an air fryer, with fewer calories than deep fat frying. Simply cut them all to a similar size and place them in your air fryer basket in a single layer (you can do batches if you need a large amount).

Air fry for around 12 to 15 minutes, tossing halfway through. You can check the cooking process to see how they are coming along by simply pulling the air fryer basket out to look.

Want an even healthier option? Make sweet potato fries instead, and season with a little paprika, salt, and pepper for an extra taste before air frying.

(Image credit: Alamy)

'If you're craving a sweet treat, but no one else is, you can easily make a dessert without having to waste energy heating the whole oven for one portion, and it also means less food waste,' Laura says. 

The expert recommends making sticky toffee apple puddings but adds that cookies are also perfect if you decide that you do want to share. 'You can make cookies in less than 10 minutes without having to wait for the oven to preheat. My favorites are peanut butter cookies.'

7. Reheated leftovers

We're not ones to waste food, and an air fryer can ensure you make the most of your takeaways and indulgent fast-food dinners. 

Zoe McClean suggests: 'Use the air fryer for re-crisping or reheating takeaway leftovers, like fried chicken or pizza, and enjoy your meal for a second time.

'Why air fry leftover pizza when you can microwave it? Air frying still keeps the base of your pizza nice and crisp, whereas microwaving tends to soften the base. 

'I like to wrap leftover pizza in aluminum foil before air frying as this helps to prevent the topping from drying out. Place in a single layer direct into the basket or rack and cook on high for 5 to 7 minutes.'

8. Frozen chicken goujons

An air fryer is a versatile investment, and is great for cooking frozen food quickly on days when you're particularly time-poor.

Chicken goujons or tenders are a lovely option, and should take around eight to 12 minutes to get nice and crisp from frozen at around 400°F/205°C. 

Put them in a single layer in the air fryer basket; flip them at around 10 minutes and cook for another two minutes, or until crisp.

Zoe McClean comments: 'Frozen fast food items like chicken goujons, fish fingers, breaded or battered vegetables can all be air fried from frozen and like all the other foods: no waiting time for your oven to pre-heat. 

'Simply place direct into the basket or on the rack and cook for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on food type. Medium to high heat.'

9. Crispy bacon

To air fry bacon (this is the best!), the experts recommend placing the bacon in a single layer in the basket or rack before cooking at a high temperature for 5 to 8 minutes. The bacon will be browned and beautifully crisp. 

You can also prepare bacon in a fraction of the time you'd need to cook on the stove, and it won't be swimming in its own fat as it cooks, which gives you a crispier and slightly healthier result.  

(Image credit: Alamy)

10. Crispy roast potatoes

Is there anything more palate-pleasing than a crispy roast potato? We think not.

'We love to make our Sunday dinner roast potatoes in the air fryer,' says Zoe. 'Simply parboil the potatoes first, allow to drain and dry out. Then, fluff with a fork, season and place in a small tin or tray in the air fryer with a spoonful of duck fat (or vegetarian alternative). 

'Roast on 390ºF/200ºC for 30 minutes, turning/shaking occasionally to encourage even browning.'

What's best to cook in an air fryer?

Our experts agree that the best thing to cook in an air fryer is bacon because it comes out crispy, perfectly cooked, and less fatty than when cooked under a grill or in a pan.

That said, we think fruit is wonderful cooked in an air fryer – particularly bananas, which caramelize beautifully if put into the air fryer sliced or whole and brushed lightly with oil or melted butter. Tempted to invest? You can shop for the best deals below.  

Today's best Instant Vortex Plus Dual Basket Air Fryer, Instant Pot Vortex 6-Quart 4-in-1 Air Fryer, Ninja Foodi 2-Basket Air Fryer with DualZone, COSORI Smart Wi-Fi Air Fryer and Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 Digital Air Fry Oven deals

Instant Vortex Plus Dual Basket Air

£200

View Deal

See all prices

Instant Pot Vortex 6-Quart 4-in-1 Air

£97.01

View Deal

See all prices

Reduced Price

Ninja Foodi 2-Basket Air Fryer with

£267.97

£199. 99

View Deal

See all prices

COSORI Smart Wi-Fi Air Fryer

£89.99

View Deal

See all prices

Reduced Price

Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 Digital Air Fry Oven

£199.99

£179

View Deal

See all prices

Ruth Doherty is an experienced digital writer and editor specializing in interiors, travel and lifestyle. With 20 years of writing for national sites under her belt, she’s worked for the likes of Livingetc.com, Standard, Ideal Home, Stylist and Marie Claire as well as Homes & Gardens.

What can be cooked in an air grill, simple recipes for dishes

Once you try to cook on an air grill, you will not be able to refuse it. It is so convenient, versatile and practical that it can be compared to a compact size convection oven. In an air grill, you can smoke, and cook pastries, and stew, and cook. And all this without the addition of fat and oil.

How to cook with an Airfryer?

Thousands of dishes are prepared on the airfryer at home. Just before starting cooking, you should study its main capabilities and features. The most important thing in it is the cover, in which the heating system, control panel and fan are built. A glass flask plays the role of an oven or chamber. In this flask, the process of cooking takes place. When the device is in operation, a halogen lamp or heating element heats the air inside the flask to the set temperature, and the fan circulates. nine0003

Modern aerogrills can not only bake meat, cook cereals and soups, but also dry fruits and berries, smoke foods or preserve them.

There are several modes for preparing different types of food. Modern air grills can not only bake meat, cook cereals and soups, but also dry fruits and berries, smoke food or preserve them.

An interesting feature of cooking is that fat is rendered from meat and poultry and possible additives that some producers may use. All the liquid drains neatly into a separate bowl (if you cook food on a wire rack). nine0003

Advantages of the device that make food tastier and cooking more enjoyable:

• multifunctionality;
• you can cook in any dish, except for plastic and wooden ones;
• no need to add oil or fat;
• simplicity and speed of preparation.

Airfryer is used instead of an oven, toaster, grill, frying pan, roaster, double boiler and other kitchen appliances. It can defrost and reheat food. Thanks to its compactness, it saves kitchen space, and you can also take it with you on the road. nine0003

Food in clay pots is especially tasty - cereals, sour cream, milk, soups, potatoes and mushrooms taste like they are cooked in a real Russian oven. Meat, fish and poultry can be baked on skewers or on a grill.

It is important for every housewife that food does not burn in the air grill at the right temperature. You can set the operating mode and go about your business. Due to the fan, each ingredient will be cooked evenly. This is especially convenient when cooking in breadcrumbs, as they usually burn on the pan. nine0003

The secret of making breaded cutlets is as follows: prepared semi-finished products or homemade cutlets are smeared with a little oil and baked on a wire rack for 10 minutes on each side. Wings or kebabs are prepared in the same way.

How to use the Airfryer?

All flask accessories included. Before cooking, you need to place in it (depending on the recipe) either a baking sheet, or a wire rack, or a heat-resistant pan. If space allows, you can place several dishes at once. It is better to cook a whole bird, large pieces of meat or fish on the lower grate. nine0003

Before the start of the working process, the temperature mode, cooking time and air circulation intensity are set. A bonus for the cook is the opportunity to observe the whole process through a transparent flask. After cooking is complete, be sure to wash the appliance.

What to cook?

What can be cooked in an air grill at home will take a very long time to list. The main types of culinary goodies include cooking recipes:

• smoked; nine0018
• grill;
• pizzas;
• casseroles;
• champignons;
• vegetables;
• baked vegetables and meat;
• soups and cereals.

Cured meats are interesting and tasty. At home, with the help of an air grill, you can get a rich and special aroma of smoked meats. Experienced chefs advise using alder shavings or "liquid smoke" for the best effect.

To cook smoked fish, cook it as usual: wash it, rub it with salt, brush it with “liquid smoke” and leave it to soak for an hour. After that, we tie it with a rope and lower it into the flask on the grate. The baking temperature for mackerel is set at 180 ^o C, for carp and other types of fish - about 150 ^o C. Cooking time is 30 minutes.

For the preparation of smoked meat, the same technology is used as for fish: we wash the meat, rub it with salt, process it with “liquid smoke” and leave it to marinate for an hour. Put the alder shavings into the heated grill and put the meat with the addition of a small amount of water. The dish is cooked for 30 minutes at a temperature of 240 ^o C with medium fan speed. nine0003

The most unusual dish cooked in an air grill will be homemade sprats. To do this, you need: 500 g of sprat sprat, vegetable oil, bay leaf, pepper, salt and alder sawdust. The cooking technology is simple: the processed sprat without entrails and head is salted and poured with oil. The fish is laid out in a bowl in layers and placed on the lower grate. Alder shavings are poured under it. Bake at a temperature of 175 ^o C for half an hour until a yellow color appears.

What can be cooked in an air fryer, recipes that can be cooked in an air fryer

Air fryer is a universal gadget on the kitchen. It cooks 1.5 times faster than an oven, does not need oil, saves the natural taste of foods and counts your calories. Doubt? Then here are 20 simple and delicious recipes for air grill for all occasions.

Shish kebab in air grill 20 minutes

To cook pork skewers in an air grill, marinate the meat in your favorite way. Classic - with salt, pepper and onions, rich - with dry red wine, parsley and dill, tender - with mustard, mayonnaise and paprika. Cut the meat into 4 cm cubes and put on wooden skewers. Spread the meat on the grill so that between kebabs and the walls of the bowl freely circulated air. An empty convection oven is warmed up to a temperature of 200 ° and then spread the skewers for 10 minutes at 230 °. After the meat is turned over and baked for another 10 minutes at 230°. nine0003

Pizza in 40 minutes

For this recipe, it is better to take the Kitfort KT-2215 model with the air fryer function. She bakes a dish until crispy and retain a juicy center. Roll out thin yeast-free dough, brush with a sauce based on canned tomatoes in your own juice (you can buy ready-made). Put the filling to taste, sprinkle with grated cheese on top. Pizza is baked for 30 minutes on parchment paper at 250°. Check the status every 5 minutes - if the dough starts to darken and bubble, reduce the temperature up to 180° and after 5 minutes serve the pizza to the table. nine0003

Whole baked trout

Air grill trout — even more convenient than steaks. It turns out more tender and juicy. The main thing - do not forget make 4-5 deep cuts on the sides of the cleaned fish for thin lemon slices. Put on foil, pour olive oil mixed with salt on both sides and black pepper, and then wrap. The main thing is that the liquid does not leak out. Then bake it for 35-45 minutes at 200°. nine0003

Roasted turkey thigh

Turkey has more trace elements and less harmful substances. But you also need to marinate it for as long as 2-3 hours - it is much larger, and the meat is denser. The easiest marinade recipe - 30 ml soy sauce and a pinch of paprika, black pepper and salt. For a rich taste, add rosemary or lemongrass. To cook poultry meat in an air grill, select a temperature of 200 ° and set timer for 35-45 minutes. nine0003

Cheese rolls in 20 minutes

It is more convenient to cook pastries in an air grill than in the oven - it quickly bakes to a crispy crust. It's all about fast hot air circulation. What can be cooked in an air grill for breakfast? original an appetizer with your favorite americano or espresso. Roll out puff pastry (you can buy ready-made) into a round cake, divide into 8 equal slices. Brush the center of each with beaten egg. put 10-15 grams of cheese near the edge. Wrap with a ringlet, slightly pressing the edge. Bake 15 minutes at 200° on parchment paper. nine0003

Pollack steaks in 30 minutes

Ready-to-cook products are suitable for this recipe or pieces from the middle of a fish carcass. The fish is poured with soy sauce, mustard, lemon juice, sprinkle with sesame seeds and leave in the refrigerator for an hour. It is better to cook pollock in air grill Kitfort KT-2218-1 with a power of 1400 W — it heats up quickly and cooks the fish evenly. At 250° the fish need only 25 minutes. This fish can be served cold - the taste is just as good. nine0003

Grilled vegetables for 1 hour

Excellent side dish for meat dishes and fish or an independent snack. Usually eggplants and zucchini are cut into rings, Bulgarian pepper - squares, onions - half rings, and carrots - large straws. You can also add an ear of young corn, divided into 5-6 parts. Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil, pepper, salt to taste. To cook vegetables in an air grill, cover the bowl with foil to cover the bottom and walls. Bake 30 minutes at 230°. Check the dish - if the onion is already darkening, discard it aside and cook for another 15 minutes. nine0003

Chicken wings in 20 minutes

Help out if you are going to go on a picnic, and it's raining outside. Aerogrill GFGril GFA-3200 with a power of 1200 W and with the function of enhanced air circulation will help get the same rich taste of the dish as at the stake. The main thing - do not forget about the sauce. Just mix mayonnaise, honey, tomato paste, soy sauce and crushed garlic. Lubricate wings, leave in the refrigerator for an hour. Pour one and a half glasses of water into the airfryer bowl, to keep the juicy middle, warm up to 190°. Bake a dish on the grill 15 minutes, then another 5 minutes at 230°, getting a crisp with caramel.

Ham in 2 hours

Reviews of what can be cooked in an air grill, they say - the dish turns out much tastier and healthier than smoked meats from the shop. Take 900 grams of lean pork - better is the part that is called "Meat Nut" Wash, make deep cuts in 5-6 places, insert a whole clove of garlic into each. Rub with salt, coarse black pepper, paprika and ground chili. Recipes advise adding curry for piquancy. Bake carbonade in parchment paper wrapped in three layers - first 30 minutes at 200°, then 1.5 hours at 170°. After the dish is cooled to room temperature and cooled in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Voila - the ham is ready. nine0003

Quick salmon steaks in 20 minutes

How to cook fish in an air grill if Is it only half an hour before the guests arrive? Take pre-cut red fish steaks (can be replaced with pink salmon, salmon or trout). Rub the bottom with salt, black pepper and lemon juice. Top - a few drops of liquid honey and a few dried leaves rosemary. Put on the air grill, bake for 15 minutes at a temperature of 230 °. nine0003

Country style potatoes or french fries in 20 minutes

Perhaps the simplest and most versatile dish. Potatoes are cut into large slices and blotted with paper towels before baking. For aroma and piquant taste, potatoes are mixed with garlic cloves and lemon juice. The air grill grate is rubbed with vegetable oil so that the potatoes do not burn. To prepare potatoes in an air grill, set the temperature to 250 ° for 25 minutes. Or just choose "Baked potato" mode in the Kitfort model KT-2209- there are 29 programs in total, for example, for steaks and salmon. Cooking french fries in an air grill is also easy - just cut it into strips and cook for 15 minutes at 230°. For a rich taste, add a pinch turmeric, red hot pepper or curry.

Classic steak in 30 minutes

Air grill beef simple - marinate a lean tenderloin. The best recipe is coarse black pepper grind, salt and a tablespoon of soy sauce. Leave in the refrigerator for 30 minutes and then preheat the air grill to 180°. The degree of roasting depends on the time. For example, 10-12 minutes is enough for Rare, 15-18 minutes for Medium, Well done - 25 minutes. Air grilled steak will be slightly drier outside - lovers of meat with a crispy crust will like it. nine0003

Stuffed chicken for 1.5 hours

Air grilled stuffed chicken less greasy than in the oven or on a frying pan. First, let's prepare the filling. glass of rice boil, mix with chopped onion and a teaspoon of lemon zest. To cook chicken in an air grill, remove the breast bone from the carcass. put stuffing - and fasten the carcass with a thread or toothpicks. Pour into the bottom of the bowl 300 ml of water and 2-3 tablespoons of dry white wine - this will preserve the chicken and juicy filling, and will also give the dish a unique flavor. Wrap chicken in foil and bake for 25 minutes at 250°. Then unfold the foil and cook for another 25-30 minutes at temperatures up to 200–220°. nine0003

Baked mackerel for 1 hour

For whole fish, a large air grill is needed, e.g. Kitfort KT-2220 with 6 liter bowl. It will fit 3-4 mackerels - for the whole family or a festive table. The cleaned fish is placed in foil with grated carrots, onion rings and one lemon wedge. To cook mackerel in an air grill quickly, each pack the fish separately and make small holes with a toothpick - this way it is better warm up. Choose a temperature of 235 ° on the air grill - and after 35–40 minutes the fish is ready. nine0003

Vegetable cutlets in 30 minutes

If you are thinking about what to cook in an air grill, recipes are not limited to meat and fish - there are also 100% diet meals. For example, vegetable cutlets - they have only 110-120 kcal per 100 grams. You need to mix mashed potatoes with grated zucchini. form small balls - do not forget to grease your hands with olive oil so that the mixture didn't stick. Bake the dish for 5 minutes at a temperature of 250 °, then another 10-20 minutes at 200°. Not sure if the cutlets are ready? Pierce them with a toothpick - puree should not stick to the stick. nine0003

Air grill quick julienne 30 minutes

Finely chop two onions, fry in vegetable oil. 500 g of canned champignons must first be stewed on the pan for 5 minutes. Then put the mixture into the form of an air grill, add 400 g sour cream, 2 tablespoons of flour and 200–250 g of grated cheese. 10-15 minutes at temperature 200 ° - and the golden crust is ready.

Lula kebabs in 30 minutes nine0087

The most interesting way to cook pork in an air grill. First you need to beat 2 chicken eggs and an onion in a blender. Adding 500 g minced meat and 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs. Sending in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Next, roll out the "sausages" on the table, sprinkled with flour. Add basil and other dried herbs to taste. Planted kebabs on wooden sticks and send to the air grill for 20 minutes at a temperature 230–240°. nine0003

Baked squid 20 minutes

Pour boiling water over squid carcasses and immediately remove the hard skin from them. Cut into strips but not to the end. Sprinkle with salt, paprika, black pepper and sesame seeds. Lay out squid carcasses on parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes at a temperature of 200 °. Serve with fresh vegetables or Greek salad.

Souffle casserole in 30 minutes

Those with a sweet tooth are often looking for what to cook in an air grill. Recipes for most desserts can be prepared in it and made them as useful as possible. For example, a tender casserole. 2 eggs are beaten in a bowl with 40 g of sugar, a pinch of vanilla sugar and salt. Then add to the curd 150 g of sour cream and mixed with the already prepared egg mass. Baked in an air grill bowl souffle 10 minutes at 160°, then 5 minutes at 200°. As soon as the crust browned until brown, the casserole is ready. Want a firmer crust? Sprinkle the dish rice flour. nine0003

Baked corn in 40 minutes

An original appetizer for the festive table. For cooking grains should be milky and soft. Rub the cob with butter and sprinkle with salt. You can add black pepper, paprika or crush a clove of garlic. We bake 40 minutes in foil at 170–180°C.

Already made a list of dietary holiday meals? Now it's up to the technique! In "Eldorado" you can buy aerogrills of famous brands including Kitfort, GFGrill and Redmond.

Learn more

• 
  Rose bush leaves are turning yellow
• 
  Over bed cabinet
• 
  Popular paint colors for dining rooms
• 
  Twins bedroom design
• 
  Kitchen corner wall cabinet
• 
  Borders for flower garden
• 
  Kitchen curtain fabrics
• 
  Living room furniture designs ideas
• 
  Tv room decor ideas
• 
  How do you get rid of blight on tomatoes
• 
  Small desk in bedroom ideas