best foods to cook in an air fryer
Introduction
As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy ways to prepare meals for my family. That’s why I was so excited to try out the latest trend in cooking appliances – the air fryer. In case you’re not familiar, an air fryer is a countertop convection oven that uses hot air to cook food. It’s like a healthier and faster version of a deep fryer. Here’s what I discovered about air fryers and why I think they’re worth the investment.
The Best Foods to Cook in an Air Fryer
Vegetables
One of the biggest benefits of cooking in an air fryer is the ability to make crispy, crunchy vegetables without all the oil and mess of traditional frying. My favorite veggies to cook in the air fryer are brussels sprouts, asparagus, and sweet potatoes. Just toss them in a little olive oil and seasoning, then roast them in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes. They come out perfectly cooked and crispy every time.
Proteins
The air fryer is also great for cooking proteins like chicken wings, fish fillets, and pork chops. The hot air circulates around the meat, which helps to seal in the juices and create a crispy outside. I like to season my chicken wings with a dry rub and cook them for about 20 minutes in the air fryer, flipping halfway through. The result is perfectly juicy and crispy wings – without all the mess of deep frying.
Snacks
Of course, the air fryer is also great for making all kinds of snacks, from french fries to onion rings to mozzarella sticks. I love making sweet potato fries in the air fryer – they come out crispy and delicious without all the added oil of traditional fries. And onion rings are a family favorite in our house – just dip them in some egg wash, coat them in seasoned breadcrumbs, and cook them for about 10-15 minutes in the air fryer.
Tips for Cooking in an Air Fryer
Preheating
One of the most important tips for cooking in an air fryer is to preheat it before adding your food. This ensures that the hot air is circulating properly and helps to create that crispy outside. Preheat your air fryer for about 3-5 minutes before adding your food.
Greasing the Basket
Another tip is to lightly grease the basket of your air fryer before adding your food. This helps to prevent sticking and ensures that your food comes out easily. I like to use a light spritz of cooking spray or a brush of olive oil.
Turning and Flipping Foods
Finally, make sure to turn and flip your foods halfway through cooking. This helps to ensure that all sides of your food get crispy and evenly cooked. Use tongs or a spatula to flip your food gently so as not to damage the coating.
Conclusion
All in all, I am loving my air fryer and I think it’s a great investment for any busy family. The ability to cook crispy and delicious food with little to no oil is a game-changer, and the variety of foods you can make in an air fryer is impressive. Whether you’re looking to make healthier versions of your favorite fried foods or just want a quicker way to cook your favorite proteins and veggies, the air fryer is definitely worth checking out.
List of 10 best foods to cook in an air fryer
- Now enjoy guilt free food; Air fry with up to 75 percent less fat than traditional frying methods; Tested against hand cut, deep fried French fries
- Wide temperature range: 105 degree Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit allows you to gently remove moisture from foods or quickly cook and crisp foods with convection heat
- 4 quart ceramic coated nonstick basket and crisper plate fit 2 pounds of french fries. Cord length (feet) - 2.6
- The unit will need time to preheat before coming up to temperature. We recommend that you preheat the unit for 3 minutes before adding your ingredients to achieve the best results
- Dehydrate: Create flat, chip like dehydrated foods for fun, homemade snacks pounds; The combination of low fan speed and low temperature enables thorough dehydration
- NINJA CREAMI: With the Ninja CREAMi, you can transform everyday ingredients into ice cream, gelato, smoothie bowls, milkshakes, and more.
- FROM HEALTHY TO INDULGENT: Easily enjoy a wide array of frozen treats like decadent gelato, lite ice cream, dairy-free, gluten-free and much more. The Ninja CREAMi makes delicious treats that fit your lifestyle.
- COMPACT FOR YOUR COUNTERTOP: The CREAMi is compact in size allowing for seamless storage and fitting easily on your countertop.
- FUN FOR ALL AGES: Easy-to-use functionality allows for the whole family to enjoy making frozen treats together.
- MIX-INS: Customize your flavor and texture by mixing in your favorite chocolate, nuts, candy, fruit, and more to personalize any CREAMi treat.
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer.
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more.
- COOK FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook delicious one-pot meals up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or slow cook your favorite traditional recipes – just like grandma used to make.
- QUICK AND EASY CLEAN UP: Finger-print resistant, stainless-steel sides and dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and accessories.
- PROVEN SAFETY FEATURES: Includes over 10 safety features, plus overheat protection and safe-locking lid
- DIGITAL CRISP CONTROL TECHNOLOGY: Precision-controlled temperature, heat source, and airflow for ultimate versatility and optimum cooking performance.
- 8-IN-1 VERSATILITY: The ultimate meal-making machine with 8-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Bagel, Toast, Dehydrate, and Keep Warm all in one powerful, 1800-watt appliance. The height of the interior of this machine is approximately 3".
- LESS FAT: Eat all of your air fried favorites guilt-free with up to 75% less fat when using the Air Fry function vs. traditional deep frying. Tested against hand-cut, deep fried French Fries.
- FASTER COOKING: Cooks up to 60% faster than a traditional oven on Air Roast; 60-second preheat; full meals in as little as 20 minutes.
- LARGE CAPACITY: 45% larger usable pan cooking area vs. the flat surface area of the Cuisinart toa-60 and toa-65 pan. Fits a 13" Pizza, up to 9 slices of toast, or 6 chicken breasts (6–8 oz. each).
- 4-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, broil, roast and reheat.
- EvenCrisp TECHNOLOGY: Advanced technology that drives air flow top down for a perfect golden finish and crispy, tender results every time!
- ONE-TOUCH SMART PROGRAMS: Customizable programs for one-touch wings, roasted veggies, garlicky potatoes, cookies, cinnamon buns and more!
- FAST PREHEATING: Little to no preheating time, from frozen to golden in minutes! Create gourmet meals with the versatility of a temperature range of 120 to 400° F.
- EASY CLEAN-UP: Non-stick, dishwasher safe air fry basket and tray.
- 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, broil, roast, dehydrate, bake and reheat
- EvenCrisp TECHNOLOGY: Advanced technology that drives air flow top down for a perfect golden finish and crispy, tender results every time!
- ONE-TOUCH SMART PROGRAMS: Customizable programs for one-touch wings, roasted veggies, garlicky potatoes, cookies, cinnamon buns and more!
- FAST PREHEATING: Little to no preheating time, from frozen to golden in minutes! Create gourmet meals with the versatility of a temperature range of 95 to 400° F.
- EASY CLEAN-UP: Non-stick, dishwasher safe air fry basket and tray.
- 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, broil, roast, dehydrate, bake and reheat
- EvenCrisp TECHNOLOGY: Advanced technology that drives air flow top down for a perfect golden finish and crispy, tender results every time!
- ONE-TOUCH SMART PROGRAMS: Customizable programs for one-touch wings, roasted veggies, garlicky potatoes, cookies, cinnamon buns and more!
- FAST PREHEATING: Little to no preheating time, from frozen to golden in minutes! Create gourmet meals with the versatility of a temperature range of 95 to 400° F.
- EASY CLEAN-UP: Non-stick, dishwasher safe air fry basket and tray.
- SET INCLUDES: 1.5 Quart saucepan with glass cover, 2.5 Quart saucepan with glass cover, 3 Quart saucepan with helper handle and glass cover, 8 Quart stockpot with glass cover, 8" Skillet, 10" Skillet, and 18cm Steamer insert
- COOKING AND CLEANING: Experience professional performance with an aluminum encapsulated base that heats quickly and spreads heat evenly, eliminating any hot spots and providing versatile performance. The stainless steel cooking surface does not discolor, react with food or alter flavors. Dishwasher safe, making cleanup effortless
- DURABLE & SLEEK DESIGN: Each piece designed with durability and a sleek mirror finish that will have you cooking your absolute best. Measurement markings provide you with ease of use every time
- EXCEPTIONAL HANDLING: Riveted stainless steel handles, including side grips and helper handles, which are professionally riveted to ensure a lifetime of perfect balance. You’ll receive a drip-free pour everytime and the flavor lock lid results in your best cooking results
- WARRANTY: Lifetime warranty
- MORE THAN 12-IN-1: 12 functions for Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, etc. Explore more possibilities by saving your preferred time and temperature
- FULLY MEET FAMILY NEEDS: 2-layer even cooking, The oven’s 26 quart / 25-liter capacity 1 layer fits up to 6 slices of bread, a 12-inch pizza, or a 5lbs whole chicken
- ENJOY MEALS IN MINUTES: 6 heat elements, a 2-speed fan, and temperatures up to 450°F allow cooking up to 30% faster than a traditional convection oven
- COOK SMARTER: Just pick up your smartphone and tap the VeSync app to make meals at the touch of a button, or enjoy hands-free control of your toast oven by connecting to the Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: 1 x wire rack, 1 x food tray, 1 x fry basket, 1 x user manual, 1 x recipe book（30 chef-made recipes, more on the VeSync app). Search B0B92TPHTV,B0B93CMST3, B0B8ZNVRX3 for accessories
- 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat and dehydrate
- WATCH YOUR FOOD COOK: ClearCook window and internal light to easily monitor cooking progress without opening the basket
- ODOR ERASE TECHNOLOGY: Built-in, replaceable air filters remove odors during cooking to reduce lingering cooking smells.
- EvenCrisp TECHNOLOGY: Advanced technology that drives air flow top down for a perfect golden finish and crispy, tender results every time!
- ONE-TOUCH SMART PROGRAMS: Customizable programs for one-touch wings, roasted veggies, garlicky potatoes, cookies, cinnamon buns and more!
People also ask
What are some of the best foods to cook in an air fryer?
Some of the best foods to cook in an air fryer are:
- French fries
- Chicken wings
- Vegetables such as brussels sprouts, broccoli, and asparagus
- Fish such as salmon and tilapia
- Meats such as burgers and chicken breasts
- Snacks such as chips and popcorn
Can I cook frozen foods in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen foods in an air fryer. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for 2-3 minutes before adding the frozen food. You may also need to add an extra few minutes of cooking time to ensure that the food is cooked thoroughly.
Do I need to use oil when cooking in an air fryer?
No, you do not need to use oil when cooking in an air fryer. However, adding a small amount of oil can enhance the flavor and texture of the food. If using oil, it is recommended to use a spray bottle or use a small amount of oil and brush it onto the food.
Can I cook multiple foods at once in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook multiple foods at once in an air fryer. It is recommended to cook foods with similar cooking times and temperatures together to ensure even cooking.
How do I clean my air fryer?
You can clean your air fryer by wiping the outside with a damp cloth and cleaning the inside with warm soapy water. Do not use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals on the air fryer. Some air fryers also have dishwasher safe parts that can be cleaned in the dishwasher.