Air fryers have taken kitchens by storm, and it’s easy to see why. They’re versatile, quick, and can make your favorite foods taste crispy and delicious with less oil. But knowing what you can cook in an air fryer (and what you can’t) will help you get the most out of this nifty appliance.
How does an air fryer work?
Think of an air fryer as a mini convection oven. It circulates hot air around your food at high speed, cooking it quickly and giving it that fried texture without all the grease. It’s a good way to enjoy crispy foods while eating healthy.
Are air fryers healthy?
They can be! Since you use less oil than traditional frying, you cut down on fat and calories. It’s a great way to enjoy your favorite “fried” foods while staying healthy.
What is the best food to cook in an air fryer?
The best part of owning an air fryer? You can cook a huge variety of foods!
- Crispy chicken wings: Season your wings, toss them in, and get that golden crunch without deep frying.
- French fries: Have your favorite restaurant fare at home! You can use fresh potatoes or frozen fries.
- Vegetables: Zucchini, mushrooms, peppers, and more! They turn out perfectly crispy in the air fryer. A little vegetable oil and seasoning go a long way.
- Frozen foods: Mozzarella sticks, fish fillets, and frozen pizza rolls cook up fast and taste better than microwaving.
- Bacon: No more stovetop splatter! The air fryer cooks bacon evenly and keeps your kitchen cleaner.
Can you cook raw meat in an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can cook raw meats like chicken, pork chops, and steaks in your air fryer. Just make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure they’re fully cooked.
- Chicken breast: Season it, toss it in, and in less than 20 minutes, you’ll have a juicy, perfectly cooked chicken breast.
- Pork tenderloin: Air fryers give it a crispy crust while keeping the inside tender.
- Meatballs: They’re quick to make and come out evenly browned.
What shouldn’t be cooked in an air fryer?
Air fryers are versatile, but they don’t pair well with every kind of cuisine.
- Baked goods: Air fryers can dry out your baked goods. These are better cooked in a conventional oven.
- Wet batters: Foods like tempura and beer-battered onion rings can make a mess in your air fryer, and they’ll cook better immersed in oil.
- Leafy greens: Greens like spinach can fly around due to the air circulation, leading to uneven cooking.
Reheating food in an air fryer
One of the best-kept secrets? Air fryers are amazing for reheating leftovers. Pizza, fried chicken, and even fries regain their warmth and crispy texture in just a few minutes — no soggy microwave meals here!
