What can i use an air fryer for
How to Use an Air Fryer (Beginner's Guide)
Home » Air Fryer » How to Use an Air FryerPublished on December 29, 2021
Wondering how to use your new air fryer? In this beginner’s guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started using this versatile kitchen appliance. How to use an air fryer, what you can cook in an air fryer, safety precautions, how to preheat an air fryer, reheating food in the air fryer, how to clean your air fryer, and the best air fryer recipes for beginners.
I held off on getting an air fryer for quite a while. Honestly, I wasn’t sure that I needed another kitchen appliance, given how much I love and use my Instant Pot and slow cooker. But then I finally made the leap into air fryer cooking, and I’m so glad I did!
An air fryer can help you to get quick, healthy, delicious meals on your table. It has the amazing power to make foods extra crispy while using very little oil. Proteins cook up especially tender and juicy. And when it’s hot outside, using an air fryer instead of your oven allows you to cook without heating up your kitchen.
What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer
You can cook just about anything in an air fryer! Proteins like chicken, fish or pork, healthy vegetable side dishes, appetizers such as zucchini fries or chicken wings, and even desserts and baked goods. For some cooking inspiration, see my collection of my best air fryer recipes.
The air fryer is especially suited for cooking foods that you want extra crispy or crunchy, such as French fries, fried chicken and baked potatoes with crispy skins. It’s also one of my favorite ways to cook meats such as steak or chicken, since they always turn out juicy and flavorful.
Jump to my Favorite Air Fryer Recipes
What is an Air Fryer
An air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can air fry, roast, bake, broil, crisp, dehydrate and reheat foods. It’s easy to use, and once you get the hang of it you’ll be hooked on air frying!
There are two main types of air fryers: basket air fryers and air fryer ovens.
Basket air fryers have a removable basket in which you put food. Air fryer ovens look similar to a toaster oven and have racks inside on which you put food. Air fryer ovens have more cooking functions and more room for food inside, but they also take up more space in your kitchen. Both types of air fryers work in a similar way.
How Does an Air Fryer Work
An air fryer has a heating element that radiates heat and a fan that circulates hot air around the food in the air fryer basket. The hot air circulation allows you to use significantly less oil than you might in the oven, while still getting the crispy foods that you crave. I also find that food browns nicely, giving you delicious flavor, especially on the caramelized edges.
Air Fryer Safety
It is important to read and follow all of the safety precautions that are included in your air fryer’s manual. Here are a few tips for how to safely use your air fryer:
- An air fryer is designed for air frying, not traditional oil frying, and you should never fill the basket with oil.
- Always cook in a well-ventilated area. Leave plenty of space around the air fryer for the exhaust to ventilate. Do not put it close to a wall.
- With some foods, such as bacon, you have to be aware of the smoke point of the fat that you are cooking. It’s best to cook bacon at a temperature lower than the smoke point of bacon grease, to prevent the bacon from smoking or burning. I cook Air Fryer Bacon at 350° F.
- Be aware of the smoke point of the cooking oils that you use. It may be best to avoid using oils with low smoke points, or to use a lower cooking temperature. You do not want oils to smoke, burn or splatter on the heating element.
- Protect your hands and countertops from the hot air fryer basket after use. I usually set the hot basket on a silicone trivet or pot holder/hot pad when I take it out of the air fryer.
- Unplug the air fryer when it is not in use.
- Never set your air fryer on the stove.
Best Air Fryer
There are so many air fryers on the market, it can be hard to know which air fryer is best for you.
After lots of research, I decided to purchase the Cosori Air Fryer Max XL 5.8 quart air fryer. I am very happy with this air fryer. It has a relatively large square basket that allows for more room for food, which is perfect for my large family. Other popular air fryers include:
- Ninja Air Fryer
- Power XL Air Fryer
- Ninja Foodie Air Fryer
- Instant Pot Air Fryer
- Cuisinart Air Fryer
- Gourmia Air Fryer
- Nuwave Air Fryer
- Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer
- Walmart Air Fryer
How to Use an Air Fryer
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. To get foods crispy and promote even cooking, food should always be in a single layer in the air fryer basket, not stacked or layered. You can cook in batches as needed.
- It’s ok to pull the basket out to check on the progress of your food during the cooking cycle.
- Choose the right temperature. A general rule of thumb when determining the temperature to set your air fryer is to lower the temperature by 25 degrees from the temperature that you would use if cooking in an oven.
Your air fryer manual likely includes recommended temperatures for different foods, or follow recipes from trusted sources. Below I’ve linked to many of my favorite tried-and-true tested air fryer recipes. - Shake or flip part way through to cook evenly. When cooking food in small pieces, such as Brussels sprouts or French fries, give the basket a good shake about half way through the cook time to promote even cooking and browning. When cooking meat such as pork chops or chicken, flip the pieces over about half way through.
- Dry foods well to get them crispy. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Before adding oil, seasonings or placing food in the air fryer basket, pat food dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Air frying presets. Most air fryers have a number of preset programs with cook times and temperatures for common foods. I usually use the manual air fry function, rather than the presets, so that I can set the cook time and temperature myself.
How to Preheat Air Fryer
Do you have to preheat your air fryer before cooking? It depends. Most air fryer instruction manuals state to preheat the air fryer before placing food inside it. Preheating can help food to cook properly, similar to how you preheat an oven before placing food inside. If you don’t preheat the air fryer, it may take a few minutes longer to cook and/or food may not brown as well.
With that being said, sometimes I don’t preheat my air fryer. When cooking foods that brown quickly on the edges but take longer to become tender in the center, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, I start cooking in a cold air fryer to keep them from burning on the edges before the centers cook through.
How to Reheat in an Air Fryer
Using your air fryer is a great way to reheat foods and crisp them back up. It usually takes only a few minutes to reheat foods in an air fryer. A guideline when reheating is to use a temperature that is about 30 degrees lower than the temperature at which you would air fry to cook the food.
- To reheat pizza in an air fryer, air fry at 320° F for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. Be sure to place the pizza in a single layer in the air fryer, so that the slices are not overlapping. Thicker crust will take longer to heat through than thin crust pizza.
- To reheat fries in an air fryer, air fry at 350° F for 3-5 minutes, or until hot and crispy. Shake the basket after 2 minutes of air frying time. For the crispiest fries, it is best to air fry only a single layer of fries at a time.
How to Clean Your Air Fryer
Most air fryers have a nonstick coating that helps to make clean up easy.
- How to clean the air fryer basket. Most basket-style air fryers have an inner and outer basket that can be taken apart for washing. You can wash the basket in warm, soapy water. Be sure to use a non-abrasive cloth or sponge so as not to damage the nonstick coating.
- You can check your instruction manual to see if the baskets for your model of air fryer are dishwasher safe.
However, I recommend hand washing because the parts should wash up easily and it may make them last longer. - For the easiest clean up, rinse the basket right after cooking.
- The removable parts of an oven-style air fryer can be cleaned in a similar way, with warm soapy water or in the dishwasher.
- If the surface of the air fryer base unit gets dirty, wipe it clean with a soft, damp cloth.
- Can you put foil in an air fryer to make clean up easier? Yes, you can put aluminum foil or parchment paper in the air fryer. You can buy sheets of perforated parchment paper designed for air fryer use. The holes allow air to flow through when cooking. Never run your air fryer with parchment paper or foil in it without food on top of the paper/foil, or the paper may lift up and touch the heating element.
Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners
Now it’s time to get cooking! To get you started, here are some of my family’s favorite air fryer recipes.
Click through the links below for recipes for how to cook chicken, bacon, salmon, pork and more in your air fryer.
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a favorite game day snack.
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast is one of my very favorite ways to cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts. It’s so easy and turns out perfect every time.
- Air Fryer Pork Chops are tender, juicy and flavorful.
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with garlic and Parmesan are the best crispy Brussels sprouts!
- Air Fryer French Fries are so simple to make and irresistibly crispy!
- Air Fryer Bacon is extra crispy and so easy to make.
- Air Fryer Baked Potato: perfectly fluffy inside with the crispiest skin.
- Air Fryer Salmon is tender and flaky inside with a delicious caramelized crust made from the best seasonings.
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a crispy family favorite!
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs turn out perfectly juicy every time.
- Air Fryer Potatoes are a versatile, easy side dish.
Just like roasted potatoes, but made in your air fryer! - Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are my favorite way to make sweet potato fries. Healthy and so delicious!
- Air Fryer Steak cooks quickly to tender, juicy perfection.
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken is my healthier take on fried chicken. It’s so crispy and perfectly seasoned.
- Air Fryer Shrimp is perfect for enjoying as an appetizer or serving with pasta or rice.
- More Best Air Fryer Recipes!
If you have questions about how to use an air fryer that were not answered in this air fryer beginner’s guide, leave them in the comments below.
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88 Air-Fryer Recipes You Need to Try [Easy, Healthy +Tasty!]
Looking for a healthier alternative to deep-frying? Meet the air fryer, your new favorite gadget.
Check out these air-fryer recipes for crispy chicken wings, fried pickles, coconut shrimp—and desserts, too! 1 / 89
Get Ready to Air Fry!
Put your air fryer to work! This handy gadget can make pretty much everything, from appetizers to main dishes—and even desserts! You’ll find the details for the recipes in this video in the following slides. By the way, here’s what an air fryer really does to your food.
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I call this America’s best-loved air-fryer chicken recipe. The secret is in the herby, golden brown breading that makes the chicken super moist and flavorful. —Elaina Morgan, Rickman, Tennessee
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Want to know the secret to crispy, golden-brown air-fried food? We’ve got air fryer tips that’ll help every recipe come out perfectly.
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This air-fryer Brussels sprouts recipe is my go-to Thanksgiving side dish.
It’s healthy and easy, and it doesn’t take very much time or effort to make. I usually use rosemary for my turkey, so this lets me use up some of the leftover herbs! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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Take a look at these other air fryer vegetable recipes.
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Taste of Home
This one’s for all our readers who are plugged into kitchen appliances, including food processors, panini presses, indoor grills and more, and who enjoy prepping meals in them. Your air-fried pasta chips sound like a sensational snack. That slow-cooker lo mein is a desk lunch to love. Plus, your sous-vide beef stew is a supper worthy of second helpings. And that’s not to mention the Instant Pot Bundt cake that your crew craves. Submit your best dish made in a gadget with 12 ingredients or fewer for a chance to win $500.
Enter the Contest
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When I figured out this air-fryer pizza recipe, I was in pizza heaven! It’s super easy to make these personal pies, and now that my boys can customize their own, everyone is happy.
—Margo Zoerner, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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If you’re making dinner classics like pizza in your air fryer, you’ll love our air fryer cooking time guide.
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This air-fryer garlic bread turns out perfectly toasted in a hurry. I use fresh garlic, but substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if you don’t have any fresh on hand. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
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I am always on a quest for meatballs that pack a sweet and savory punch. These air-fryer meatballs are a snap to pull together and can be served over rice or buttered noodles.—Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
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This air-fryer asparagus recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to the lemon-garlic dressing that the spears are tossed in before roasting.
It’s a simple, quick side that goes with almost anything. —Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
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Coconut flakes and panko crumbs give my spicy air-fryer coconut shrimp recipe its crunch. It’s perfect for an appetizer or for your main meal. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
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I am crazy about chocolate chips, and this chewy cookie has enough to satisfy me. My husband and kids love these cookies. This big batch is perfect for our family. —Diane Neth, Menno, South Dakota
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For years, I tried to find the perfect bottled barbecue sauce for chicken legs. After a few years, I threw in the towel and created my own using ketchup, honey and spicy brown mustard. It works perfectly with this air-fryer chicken legs recipe.
—Kathleen Criddle, Lake Worth, Florida
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Enjoy deep-fried pickles? You’ll love this version even more. Dill pickle slices are coated with panko bread crumbs and spices, then air-fried until crispy. Dip them in ranch dressing for an appetizer you won’t soon forget. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
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Looking for easy air fryer recipes? Try these simple fish and chips. The fish fillets have a fuss-free coating that’s healthier but just as crunchy and golden as the deep-fried kind. Simply seasoned, the crispy fries are perfect on the side. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado
(Try these other air-fryer fish recipes, too!)
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You can make these air-fryer donuts in advance and then refrigerate them. It's important to bring the dough to room temperature before frying.
—Renee Murphy, Smithtown, New York
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Or make these classic air-fryer doughnuts!
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Trying new recipes—like this air-fryer Wellington—is one of my favorite hobbies. I replaced the filet mignon with ground beef, while still keeping the beefy goodness. —Julie Frankamp, Nicollet, Minnesota
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Thanks to the air fryer, you can make crispy calamari that tastes just as good as your favorite Italian restaurant’s version! A quick coat in crunchy panko bread crumbs and a few minutes in the air fryer are all it takes to make this air-fryer calamari appetizer. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
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While visiting a friend in St. Louis, Missouri, I tried fried ravioli at almost every restaurant we visited. When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and I think this air-fryer ravioli recipe comes pretty close.
—Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin
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This air-fryer bread pudding is a fun dish because the chocolate makes it different from traditional recipes. It's a rich, comforting dessert. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
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Also check out these 17 air-fryer desserts you’ll want to make tonight.
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These air-fryer chicken drumsticks are flavorful, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Sometimes I'll add some red pepper flakes in addition to the curry powder if I want to spice them up a bit. I like to serve them with chicken-seasoned rice and boiled broccoli. —Zena Furgason, Norman, Oklahoma
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Don’t miss these addicting air-fryer appetizers.
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These stuffed sweet potatoes are the perfect holiday side dish.
Try preparing them ahead of time in the morning and then bake just before serving. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Next, try making these air-fryer stuffed peppers.
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I love combining classic flavors in new ways. This healthy recipe combines crispy popcorn shrimp and tacos! It’s one of my family’s favorites. To make the tacos lower in carbs, use lettuce instead of tortillas. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
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We all know that almost everything is improved with bacon—and avocado is no exception. Since it's made in an air fryer, this appetizer is one to remember. It will definitely impress your friends! —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
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Zesty salsa and tender strips of meat make these air-fryer steak fajitas extra special.
—Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Ready for a healthy crunch? You can make air-fryer tortilla chips with way less oil than deep-fried tortilla chips!
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Panko crumbs give this spicy air-fryer coconut shrimp its crunch. It’s perfect as an appetizer or for your main meal. — Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
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Here’s our Test Kitchen’s complete guide to air fryers.
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Whether you’re serving a party of two or making a bigger batch for company, you’ll find this air-fryer sweet and sour pork a succulent choice. —Leigh Rys, Herndon, Virginia
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With wasabi in both the crab cakes and the dipping sauce, this festive appetizer brings its own heat to the holiday party. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
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I first served these fresh and fruity air-fryer wontons as an appetizer at a summer luau.
My family and friends now enjoy this fried wonton recipe for dessert at special occasions throughout the year. —Melissa Birdsong, Gilbert, South Carolina
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An air fryer makes these easy apple fritters healthier than old-fashioned fritters, yet they are still just as delicious. They're a quick and easy dessert that includes a scrumptious brown butter glaze! —Alyssa Castriotta, North Scituate, Rhode Island
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I have been following a keto diet for a year and a half and have lost 130 pounds. With this recipe for air-fryer keto meatballs, you won't miss the breadcrumbs at all! I like to eat these saucy meatballs on their own, but they're also great over zucchini noodles. —Holly Balzer-Harz, Malone, New York
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Why serve tacos only in ordinary flour or corn tortillas? For a mouthwatering change of pace, try these air-fried tacos baked in flaky, golden crescent rolls.
My family enjoys them for a warm lunch or light dinner. —Carla Kreider, Quarryville, Pennsylvania
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For Christmas one year, I received an air fryer. Potato chips are simple to make in it and are an essential, crispy side for lunch. —Melissa Obernesser, Oriskany, New York
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My family loves the flavors of these zippy kabobs. I usually grill them outside, but if it’s cold or rainy, I love cooking them in my air fryer. —Jasey McBurnett, Rock Springs, Wyoming
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One of the greatest things about the air fryer is it's conducive to making small, quick treats—like this air-fryer carrot cake. The little cake bakes in about 30 minutes and is perfect for enjoying with your morning coffee. —Leigh Rys, Herndon, Virginia
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Get ready for rave reviews.
These crisp breadsticks are twisted with Greek-inspired goodness and are best served warm with cool tzatziki sauce. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
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Looking for a low-carb supper that's ready in a flash? These buttery sole fillets are covered with a rich sauce and topped with toasty bread crumbs. They're super speedy thanks to your air fryer. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Radishes aren't just for salads anymore. These fried radishes make a colorful side for any meal. Plus, they're quick to make in your air fryer. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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37 / 89
Refrigerated crescent roll dough makes this ham, egg and cheese pocket recipe a snap to prepare. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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I grew up with a family that looked forward to Thanksgiving leftovers.
But we didn't just reheat turkey and spuds in the microwave—we took our culinary creativity to a new level with recipes like these air-fryer turkey croquettes. Serve them with a crisp green salad for an unforgettable meal. —Meredith Coe, Charlottesville, Virginia
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This quick recipe makes it easy to prepare air-fryer French toast sticks. Have them handy in the freezer for a hearty breakfast in an instant. They're also wonderful for buffets and eating on the go. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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The first time I grew a garden, I harvested summer squash and cooked it with garlic and herbs. This fried patty pan squash recipe is a creative twist. —Kaycee Mason, Siloam Springs, Arkansas
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We love arancini, but they're not the healthiest option! I wanted to make a version that we could enjoy guilt-free.
I substituted quinoa for rice and tried baking instead of frying. Now we can have these air-fryer arancini anytime. —Sabrina Ovadia, New York, New York
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I added all of the components of a loaded baked potato—cheddar, potato, bacon, sour cream and chives—to my air-fryer chicken tenders recipe. Every kid will love this quick and easy dish! —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida
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Whether you have to run out the door in the morning or you take a few minutes to relax at the table, these breakfast egg rolls will hit the spot. The egg and sausage mixture can be made the night before, so in the morning, just roll, fry and go! —Anne Ormond, Dover, New Hampshire
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Cauliflower florets are fried to a crispy golden brown, then coated in a sauce with just the right amount of kick.
This General Tso's cauliflower is a fun alternative to the classic chicken dish. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
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These tasty appetizers scale down classic beef Wellington to an ideal party size. They feel fancy and fun! —Dianne Phillips, Tallapoosa, Georgia
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These air-fryer pork chops get their rich flavor from Creole seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Bonus: They're low in carbs, too! —Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia
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Adults and kids alike will love these Southwest-inspired air-fryer hot dogs. This meal is not only budget-friendly, but it's hot, cheesy and delicious, too. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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48 / 89
Air-fryer pork chops are delicious and so easy to make.
My husband loves them. —Lynn Moretti, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
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Chickpeas are a common ingredient in many dishes in Pakistan, where I grew up. I try to incorporate the tastes of my home country when cooking for my American-born daughters. With these air-fryer fritters, I have combined the light spice of Pakistani foods with the love of deep-fried finger foods that many Americans, including my daughters, enjoy. —Shahrin Hasan, York, Pennsylvania
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These air-fryer spring rolls are a fabulous appetizer to have waiting in the freezer! While we were in the Bahamas, friends suggested a restaurant that serves amazing chicken spring rolls. When I got home, I created my own version. —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
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This recipe is one of my husband's favorites because it reminds him of his German roots.
Cooking pork schnitzel in an air fryer is genius because we can eat in a jiffy. —Joyce Folker, Paraowan, Utah
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This is for lovers of red and green tomatoes. When I ran across this recipe, I just had to try it and it proved to be so tasty! —Barbara Mohr, Millington, Michigan
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I love the flavor of this air-fryer catfish recipe. I'm not a big fish lover, so any concoction that has me loving fish is a keeper in my book. It's wonderful served with a nice buttery herb rice pilaf and corn muffins with butter and honey! —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
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These air-fryer French toast cups make any morning special. I made this recipe for my mom on Mother's Day, and we both enjoyed it. —Sandi Tuttle, Hayward, Wisconsin
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I adore the combo of pears, blue cheese and walnuts in a salad, so I turned them into this ham and cheese turnover recipe—and they were a hit.
I added black forest ham to make it a meal in one. Just add a salad of field greens with a balsamic vinaigrette and you have a decadent (and healthy!) dinner. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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My husband loves crispy coconut shrimp and po'boys, so I combined them with a spicy remoulade and voila! This air-fryer shrimp is a big hit with family and friends and is frequently requested. For catfish po'boys, substitute cornmeal for the coconut and add a few minutes to the cooking time. —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Want to score indoor s'mores? Try these air-fryer crescent rolls made with Nutella. The kids will love to help with this rolled-up version of the campfire classic. —Cathy Trochelman, Brookfield, Wisconsin
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These crispy air-fryer fish tacos are good enough to challenge the best food truck.
I love that the fish is deliciously guilt-free because it’s air-fried instead of deep-fried. —Lena Lim, Seattle, Washington
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I like to make these air-fryer quesadillas for party appetizers. Just cut them into thinner triangles. You can also switch up the cheese and the salsa to suit your taste. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
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An iconic American cookie, this version is so easy to mix up and bakes even faster in the air fryer. With these air-fryer peanut butter cookies, cravings can now be satisfied in mere minutes. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
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I love these any-occasion air-fryer taquitos. Spice them up by adding sliced jalapenos, if desired. —Mark Webber, Valdez, Alaska
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Tired of the same old ground beef burgers? These quick air-fryer hamburgers, with their creamy cheese filling, will wake up your taste buds.
—Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio
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These quick air-fryer shrimp are so good you won’t even miss the fat! Eat them alone with cocktail sauce or put them on a salad or sandwich. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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I live in Tennessee and absolutely love our state's famous Nashville hot chicken. To make cooking it easier, I thought I’d try air-frying. I’m so glad I did—this Nashville hot chicken recipe is almost better than the original. —April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee
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Being landlocked in the Midwest, my kids always thought they disliked fish. This air-fryer salmon dish definitely changed their minds! I cook it on the grill a lot during the summer months but found that it is just as tasty and more convenient in the air fryer, especially on busy days! —Jill Fisher, Portland, Indiana
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This is my take on fried tortellini.
Air-fryer Italian street food recipes like this one are crunchy and gooey. Use the best quality tomatoes you can find for the sauce—it's so good that you'll want to double it and serve it over pasta. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey
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Air-fryer carrots make a super side—big on flavor and a breeze to cook. Plus, I can actually get my husband to eat these fragrant, deeply spiced veggies. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida
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My family raves about these air-fryer chimichangas. Infused with green chiles, the beefy snacks are guaranteed to liven up the party! —Kathy Rogers, Hudson, Ohio
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Air-fryer burritos are quick and easy—the perfect dinner for the whole family. Don't be afraid to load your tortillas with pork, beans, cheese and rice.
—Fiona Seels, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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This cinnamon treat reminds me of baklava; but with only a few easy ingredients, it's a fraction of the work. My Aunt Adele shared the recipe with me, and I think of her whenever I make it. It's one of my favorite air-fryer snacks! —Sue Falk, Sterling Heights, Michigan
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This air-fryer acorn squash recipe was adapted from the one my passed down from my grandma, who always served it at Thanksgiving. I make it in my air fryer whenever I'm feeling nostalgic. —Rita Addicks, Weimar, Texas
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I am always on a quest for meatballs that pack a sweet and savory punch. These air-fryer meatballs are a snap to pull together and can be served over rice or buttered noodles.—Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
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Kids and adults alike will devour these unusual yet comforting pockets.
With creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheese and flavorful seasonings, what's not to love? —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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This air-fryer pork is an amazing dish to make on a weeknight, and it's special enough for company. The recipe starts with pork tenderloin, which is quick to cook and economical compared to many meats, and it tastes delicious. —Leigh Rys, Herndon, Virginia
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Coconut flakes and panko crumbs give my spicy air-fryer coconut shrimp recipe its crunch. It’s perfect for an appetizer or for your main meal. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
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This recipe is the perfect combination of savory and sweet. The bourbon-soaked bacon adds a smoky, savory, bold taste to the cinnamon rolls.
The ginger and pecan topping makes for a crunchy, spicy finish. —Shannen Casey, Citrus Heights, California
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When rhubarb starts popping up in gardens and at farmers markets, I like to prepare these quick and simple air-fryer bone-in pork chops. —Bonnie Bufford, Nicholson, Pennsylvania
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Chicken fingers have long been a favorite of mine. Actually, almost any finger-shaped deep-fried goodie seldom escapes my reach. These air-fryer chicken fingers have taken a lot of the guilt out of my guilty pleasure. —Dianne DeGarmo-Carr, Alexander, Arkansas
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I love the flavor profile of everything bagels, so I re-created it with traditional breaded chicken fingers. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
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80 / 89
I have used this "frying" method with eggplant slices for years and decided to try it for my green tomatoes.
It worked! Now my family loves them in BLTs. —Jolene Martinelli, Derry, New Hampshire
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81 / 89
These small-batch fudgy air-fryer brownies come together so quickly, and no oven is required. Top with nuts or powdered sugar for a quick homemade treat. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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82 / 89
Our family loves roasted green beans, but they can take a long time in the oven. I tried these air-fryer green beans and we loved them! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
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My family adores this chicken recipe. Marinating enhances the taste, and the coating keeps the chicken nice and moist. The result is delicious. —Stephanie Otten, Byron Center, Michigan
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I love a Reuben sandwich, so I tried the same classic filling in a pizza pocket instead of on rye bread.
This hand-held dinner is a big-time winner at our house. —Nickie Frye, Evansville, IN
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Here's a refreshing variation of my grandmother's sugar cookie recipe. Lemon pudding mix and icing add a subtle tartness that tingles your taste buds. —Melissa Turkington, Camano Island, Washington
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86 / 89
These air-fryer Scotch eggs are amazing hot right after cooking, but I also love eating them cold for a snack before a soccer or baseball game. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas
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It never ceases to amaze to see warm chocolate pudding ooze out of the center of this tender chocolate cake. These cakes are a showstopper on a plate! Serve lava cakes with whipped cream or ice cream. —Carolyn Crotser, Colorado Springs, Colorado
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These air-fryer brats are a nod to my German heritage.
I serve them with a green vegetable and some french fries or mashed potatoes on the side. For a deeper sauce flavor, try using a lager or stout beer. —Allison Ochoa, Hays, Kansas
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These air-fryer meatballs were created as hors d'oeuvres for a friend's wedding and became an instant hit. Now we enjoy them often at our house. —Steve Hansen, Redmond, Washington
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Originally Published: October 01, 2021
Nicole Doster
Nicole is the Content Director of TMB's Strategy and Performance team. She oversees the brand's shopping and trend editorial teams and assists with content planning across Taste of Home, Family Handyman, Reader's Digest, The Healthy and Birds & Blooms. With over seven years of experience writing and editing in the food and home space, she enjoys sharing cooking tips, recipe picks and product recommendations that make life a little easier.
When she's not hunched over her laptop, she's either practicing latte art or fixating on her latest DIY home renovation.
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.
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 cooking 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).
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.
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.
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.
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;
- 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.
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.
Less oil, more benefits. Cooking articles and life hacks
Modern household appliances make cooking much easier. But she takes on only a part of everyday worries, while any housewife wants to get a universal assistant in the kitchen, who will cook deliciously, quickly and a lot. It is important that at the same time the dishes are beneficial, do not harm the figure in any way and are liked by the whole family. There is such an assistant - this is a Philips air grill. We will talk about its main advantages in our article.
No place for fat
One of the main advantages of the Philips Airfryer is its incredible ease of use. All you need to do is load the prepared products into the removable basket of the air fryer, set the necessary parameters and turn on the "Start".
Thanks to the unique Rapid Air technology, the air fryer can roast meat like in an oven, grill vegetables or bake homemade cakes. The principle of Rapid Air technology is quite simple. Hot air streams with temperatures up to 200 °C continuously circulate inside the working chamber. Due to the comprehensive heat treatment, the products are baked quickly and evenly. Inside they turn out juicy and tender, and on the outside they are covered with a golden crispy crust. Plus, all the beneficial nutritional properties are preserved in full.
The most important advantage of an airfryer is that you use a minimum amount of oil to cook any dish. No unpleasant odors, carcinogens and greasy soot. Products retain a delicate aroma and natural taste, and ready-made meals are less high-calorie and more healthy.
Aesthetic sensations are also on top. Smart technology is embodied in an elegant, concise design. Such modern household appliances will organically fit into any interior and become its decoration. By the way, the convection oven takes up little space, so it will not bother you even in a small kitchen.
One Touch Cooking
If you are cooking with a Philips Airfryer for the first time, you will quickly understand the settings. On the light touch display indicators of temperature and cooking time are displayed, which you can adjust at your discretion.
For convenience, there is a hint on the airfryer panel, where it is written which product is suitable for this or that mode. For example, chicken drumsticks are cooked for 20 minutes at 180°C, vegetables for 15 minutes at 180°C, and muffins for 15 minutes at 180°C. For options for other products and step-by-step instructions, see the Recipe Booklet for low-fat recipes. By the way, these recipes were developed by professional chefs.
In the future, you can save the settings for your favorite dishes in the airfryer's memory and launch the desired program with one touch of a button.
Airfryer bowl capacity 1.2 kg, 50% more than previous models. This means you can easily prepare a full meal for a large family or a dinner party for friends in one session. The bowl, the inner grill, as well as other accessories for the air grill, you can safely load into the dishwasher. However, manually washing them is not difficult.
From country potatoes to croissants
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Admit it, someone in your family loves fried potatoes. Perhaps you yourself are not averse to tasting it, but allow yourself this pleasure only occasionally. Still, dishes cooked in a large amount of oil are extremely heavy and unhealthy food. The Philips Airfryer will help you make a healthy version of this dish. After all, in an air grill you can cook delicious potatoes, while using 80% less oil, compared to conventional cooking.
In this version, potatoes are much healthier. At the same time, the slices are crispy and at the same time soft and not overdried inside.
Of course, this is by no means the only dish that can be cooked with an airfryer. The possibilities of the grill are quite wide. Juicy spiced beef steaks, tender red fish, crispy chicken legs or wings, smoky vegetables and mushrooms, skewers from your favorite meat, breaded shrimp - you can cook all this on the grill without leaving your home.
For those who like to experiment with home baking, the Philips Airfryer is a real treat. After all, in it you can bake delicious delicacies for every taste. Strawberry custard croissants, date syrup chocolate muffins, cranberry oatmeal cookies, banana honey cake, coconut flan with condensed milk. Keep your figure and prefer low-calorie treats? Then treat yourself to cottage cheese stuffed apples or banana chips. Now you will always know what to serve with tea and how to meet unexpected guests.
