You Can Cook A Flavorful Steak In An Air Fryer
Yankel Polak, head chef at ButcherBox, told Insider that it’s possible to cook a delicious steak in an air fryer.
“Rub the steak with a little olive oil and a generous amount of salt and pepper before cooking,” he said. “The olive oil helps it get a really good sear and the salt and pepper give a simple, yet satisfying flavor.”
To make sure your steak cooks evenly, Polak said, flip it over halfway through the cooking time. This ensures both sides of the meat have contact with the hot surface of the basket.
Whats The Big Deal With Air Fryers
At first, the cooking worlds latest craze of air frying might seem too good to be true. Dont know what it is? We have a longer explanation here, but its essentially a device that gives the texture of deep frying with only a fraction of the oil. With such a device comes the promise that fried foods dont necessarily have to be reserved for state fairs and fast food, especially with this healthier alternative. To find out if this device was all its cracked up to be, we asked our Test Kitchen pros, What can you cook in an air fryer? They let us know what works and what definitely does not.
Check out our Test Kitchens entire guide to air fryers.
Make The Most Of Your Air Fryer
When we think about all of the reasons to love the air fryer, versatility is always at the top of our list. You can use it to make easy appetizers, dinnertime mains, veggies to serve alongside and even chocolate chip cookies for dessert. And, although not everything made in the air fryer is automatically healthy, plenty of your favorites can be made with less fat and oil by utilizing this smart countertop appliance. Youll be surprised at how many different foods you can make in it. You cant go wrong with any of the recipes in this roundup but these kid-friendly chicken fingers are a good place to start. Theyre a healthier alternative to the ones you order from your local pizzeria and guaranteed to please young and old alike.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
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Honey Lime Air Fryer Shrimp
An easy weeknight dinner for when you have no idea what to make, start with frozen shrimp and whip them up in the air fryer in minutes. You can serve this sweet and tangy shrimp on rice, in tortillas, or with your favorite vegetable. Get the recipe for honey lime air fryer shrimp here.
Air Fryer Zucchini Corn Fritters
I can hear some of you saying, What is a fritter? I mean they arent exactly the most common appetizer out there. But heres the thing: THEY SHOULD BE. Fritters are lightly-fried patties made of just about anything you love: apple, onion, chicken, or in this case, fresh summer zucchini and sweet corn. Youre gonna love them!
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What Is The Difference Between An Air Fryer And A Toaster Oven
Air fryers have a single fan and heating element on top of the oven. Some toaster ovens may have an air fryer function but usually have heating elements on the top and the bottom.
We do have one which we tried for a while but ended up breaking down and buying a standard machine.
It works better. Some multi function machines work well, I dont think this combo is quite as good. I suggest buying JUST an air fryer machine vs. a crisplid too. The biggest difference with the new lids are that its a small area to fry so you cant cook a lot and with things like air fryer frozen sausage you wont get it as browned.
Some things you can cook and crisp in a countertop oven. Frozen tilapia air fryer directions in both would be fairly similar except a much messier clean up. Frozen cod in air fryer would be the same.
Can You Make Dessert In An Air Fryer
YES!! This gooey air fryer cake is a great example of perfection. OR make a small batch of air fryer cookies after dinner.
- Air fryer French toast can be for the morning or after dinnertime really.
Want a small batch of air fryer cupcakes? You can make just 6 at a time or all 18 and never have to heat up your oven.
Air fryer monkey bread could be dessert or breakfast! And during the Fall youve gotta try our air fryer pumpkin pie or air fryer pumpkin bread recipes you see here.
But wait, there is more.
Weve even made the best apple crisp in this handy machine.
- Stuff our 2 ingredient bagels with strawberry cream cheese for a morning treat.
- Make semi-homemade air fryer dumplings with apple pie filling! Or use fresh fruit and make some air fryer peaches for dessert some night.
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Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
Some fresh vegetables, including broccoli, can turn out too dry or too soggy after being cooked in an air fryer. But frozen florets are a whole different story. Frozen broccoli is amazing in the air fryer, says Yoder. You will never want to go back to steamed broccoli again. In an air fryer, the broccoli defrosts and cooks at the same time, making them deliciously crisp-tender instead of limp. To give your stalks slightly crispy tops, spritz them with some olive oil before the last minute or so of cooking. When it comes to broccoli or anything else, heres how long food lasts after you pull it out of the freezer.
LauriPatterson/Getty Images
Is Air Fryer Healthier Than Oven
I wouldnt say there is much more of a benefit between these two devices, but your finger food will get crispier this way! AND with things like air fryer frozen bacon the grease drains away from your food! From cheese sticks to air fryer tuna patties and everything in between this can do it all I tell you.
If youre comparing a deep fryer to this though there is a BIG guilt free health difference!
- The benefit is youll get that same fried food crispiness with NO oil needed .
- This is my favorite olive oil spray I use for almost all of these healthy air fryer recipes.
- For things such as air fryer sausage patties it IS much healthier because the grease drains away as it cooks.
- Appetizers made like air fryer crab cakes that would normally be deep fried take on way less fat and calories this way.
You can air fry any and all vegetables you want. This method makes them tender but with a little crisp on the edges which we love cauliflower steaks air fryer style is a game changer.
Just a little spray on top at the end makes the outside of everything turn out extra crispy and tastes fried. No need to deep fry anymore when making air fryer artichoke hearts, just do it this way! Just look at these air fryer flautas and/or our air fryer empanadas.
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Air Fryer Veggie Chip Medley
Sweet, earthy beets and crispy, salty potatoes come together in this easy air-fryer chip medley that’s inspired by the favorite store-bought variety. It will take a couple batches to complete, but the final result is a super satisfying snack you can enjoy any time of the day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Veggie Chip Medley
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
This one is incredibly delicious, and something not a lot of people know that you can make in the air fryer, says Yoder, author of Air Fryer Recipes: 150+ Yummy Air Fryer Recipes. Its way better than the rotisserie chicken you can buy at the store. Whats more, buying a whole chicken is more cost effective than buying individual pieces or a precooked bird. For best results, Yoder suggests rubbing your chicken with a spice rub and a tablespoon or so of oil, and then cooking it, turning once, until it reaches about 165 degrees.
One note: The size chicken you use will depend on the size of your air fryer, so make sure you know your air fryers dimensions before buying your bird. But if it fits, a whole chicken is one of the best things to make in an air fryer.
bhofack2/Getty Images
Recommended Reading: Breville The Smart Oven Air Fryer Review
Unpack Your Air Fryer
Yes, this is a pretty obvious step so I wont say much. It goes without saying to make sure you remove all of the packaging from your air fryer. This includes any packing from inside your air fryer. Thats right, air fryer manufacturers often like to put things such as cardboard inserts inside the cooking compartment of their air fryers to prevent damage during shipping. Make sure to check out your air fryer in full to make sure everything is removed. You dont want that first air frying session to turn into a panicked call to your local fire department
Ninja Af161 Max Xl Air Fryer
The Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer cooks, crisps, roasts, bakes, reheats and dehydrates. It has a 5.5-Quart capacity and a modern and sleek high gloss finish. With a 5.5-quart capacity, you will be able to cook large meals with ease. The high gloss finish on the outside of the machine will also add a touch of class to your kitchen.
Additionally, the air fryer has seven different functions which include: roasting, baking, reheating, and dehydrating your food. This means that you will be able to cook almost anything with this one appliance. The Ninja AF161 is one of the best air fryer for dehydrating.
Key Features:
- LESS FAT: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers 450 degrees of superheated air to cook foods up to 30 % faster for hotter, crispier results with little to no oil for guilt-free fried favorites.
- XL CAPACITY: The 5.5 QT ceramic coated nonstick basket and crisper plate fit 3 pounds of french fries or chicken wings.
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Includes 7 versatile cooking programs: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate.
- EASY CLEANING: The ceramic basket is both nonstick & dishwasher safe.
- WHATS INCLUDED: Max XL Air Fryer, 5.5 qt. Nonstick Basket & Chef-Inspired 20 Recipe Book.
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What Should You Look For In An Air Fryer With A Dehydrator Function
Air fryers with a dehydrator function offer a versatile way to cook, allowing you to prepare both fried and dried foods with one appliance.
When choosing an air fryer with a dehydrator, there are several factors to consider.
- Cooking capacity
One of the first things to consider is the capacity of the air fryer. If you plan on using it to cook large meals or host dinner parties, then youll want to choose a unit with a larger capacity.
Conversely, if you only plan on using it for smaller snacks or side dishes, then a smaller unit will suffice.
- Size of the air fryer
The size of the appliance is also an important consideration. If you have limited counter space, then youll want to choose a smaller unit. Air fryer with dehydrator function comes in a range of sizes, so there is sure to be one that will fit your needs.
When selecting an air fryer with dehydrator function, youll also want to consider the features and functionality that are important to you. Some units come with additional features like a Timer or automatic shut-off, while others offer more simple functions. Its important to choose a unit that has the features that you need and will use.
As with any appliance, the price is an important consideration. Air fryers with dehydrator function range in price from around $60 to $200. Its important to decide how much you are willing to spend on an air fryer before beginning your search.
To Preheat Or Not To Preheat
That is the question.
Unlike the big oven on your range, an air fryer does not need a whole half hour to get to temp. A few minutes of preheating should do it. Some air fryer models have a light that indicates when the unit is preheated.
Manufacturers recommend preheating, but if you like, you can skip preheating altogether. I never preheat my air fryer. Try it both ways, and see what gives you the best result. It might depend on the recipe.
Also Check: How To Make Sweet Potato Fries In An Air Fryer
Can You Cook Raw Potatoes In The Air Fryer
Can you cook raw potatoes in the air fryer?
The answer is yes, you can cook raw potatoes in the air fryer. However, there are a few things you need to know before you do.
First, you need to make sure that your potatoes are washed and dried thoroughly. Then, cut them into small, evenly-sized pieces.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the potatoes to the air fryer, and cook them for 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
Thats all there is to it! Cooked potatoes make a great side dish for almost any meal.
Can You Use Pam In An Air Fryer
If so, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, pam is an artificial flavor that should not be used in high heat foods like french fries or chicken nuggets because it will create a burnt taste. Second, ingredients like oil and butter should always be measured by weight, not volume.
Third, use low or no heat when cooking food to avoid creating too much heat inside the air fryer. Finally, remember to turn off the air fryer when finished cooking so that it can cool and stop cooking the food.
Read Also: How Do You Make Fried Chicken In An Air Fryer
Air Fryer Taquitos And Charred Salsa
Taquitos are the ultimate finger foodmini rolled tacos that are warm, cheesy and super crunchy! An air fryer makes this crowd-pleasing snack surprisingly easy to cook up at home. We fill them with chunks of chicken and melty Colby Jack, but you can customize the ingredients to please even the pickiest of eaters with different proteins and cheeses. And while you have the air fryer fired up you can make a delicious charred salsa to serve alongside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Taquitos and Charred Salsa
What Are Your Favorite Air Fryer Accessories
I dont have many air fryer accessories, but here are a few things Im always using along with my air fryer at any given meal time!
Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray I use this oil spray for 90% of the cooking I do in the air fryer. I get them in bulk from Costco at a very reasonable price! Avocado oil has a high smoke point which is good for air frying. Plus the spray function helps distribute a little bit of oil very rapidly!
OXO 9-Inch Silicone Head Tongs A solid pair of tongs is very necessary for air fryer cooking! These are my favorite and I use them for everything. I especially love the silicone heads so the tongs dont damage my Dutch oven or non-stick pans. Useful for lots of cooking applications!
WISHLIST: Air Fryer Rack This is the rack that fits my Philips Air Fryer and its the next accessory I plan to buy! I think it will help boost the capacity and let me air fry more at once. Also, theres skewers! Buying this ASAP!
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Works Well: Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds, say hello to your new best friend. The air fryer is an easy way to get those yummy little seeds baked to crispy perfection. While traditional methods would take you around an hour to complete, youll save plenty of time by using an air fryer.
No air fryer? No problem. We have a guide to roasting pumpkin seeds the traditional way, too.
Making A Blooming Onion
Who says you have to go out to a chain restaurant just to eat a blooming onion? While it’s always been possible to make this fun novelty dish at home, deep frying an onion can make a huge mess, and that may not be ideal when you’re in a rush and you’re trying to keep your kitchen clean. If you want an easier, less messy, and healthier version of a blooming onion, just try making it in your air fryer.
According to Take Two Tapas, it should take around 20 minutes to prepare and cook. First, you’ll just prepare it like you would if you were going to deep fry it. Then, you put it in your air fryer and cook it on 300 F. Just remember to spray your blooming onion with cooking spray so you get that lovely deep-fried flavor you’re going for. We love that you don’t have to use too much oil in this recipe.
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Healthy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken With Broccoli
This chicken gets incredibly crunchy, thanks to a light coating of panko and Parmesan and a quick cook in the air fryer! Serve it with charred broccoli and a tangy yogurt sauce for a healthy and complete meal you can throw together any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken with Broccoli
