You've probably seen a lot of chatter online lately and are wondering what all the fuss is about. Let me give you the short version; it's a healthier version of a deep fat fryer.
A tablespoon of oil is literally all that is required to make an air fryer convert your previously deep-fried goodies into a meal that still tastes delicious. The best part, especially for a reluctant cook like me, is that it is really fool-proof to use.
Let's be clear; an air fryer is still no substitute for greasy, salty, battered onion rings from your local chipper when you've had a few beers or simply because it's the weekend, so don't be under any illusion that something coming out of the air fryer will be better tasting.
But! We did get an air fryer just before Christmas and I have to say it is used every single day (in between chipper visits). So, what foods can you cook in an air fryer?
1. Chips
Either home-made or frozen pre-cut chips are absolutely perfect from the air fryer - better than oven-baked and using significantly less oil than if made in a deep fat fryer. Let's call them Midweek Chips.
2. Sausages
We eat veggie sausages in our house and they are divine from the air fryer. So think breakfast sausages, hot dogs, bangers for your mash - all perfect!
3. Spring Rolls
Little bite-sized goodies are fab in the air fryer and the thin pastry on spring rolls are just so yum and crisp when they are done!
4. Mozzarella Sticks
Crisp on the outside, perfectly cooked and gooey on the inside - just as my accompanying tomato relish dip intended.
5. Veggies
If you usually roast veggies for dishes like lasagne or soup, the result from them being air-fried instead will really pleasantly surprise you. Just cube them up first.
6. Falafel
By the time you have defrosted your flatbread, chopped up your salad, found your tahini and patted yourself on the back for coming up with such a great sandwich for lunch... your falafel will be ready in the air fryer.
7. Chicken Wings
You know the ones you get at the restaurant that are just that little bit crispy on the outside? Those are what you get from air frying chicken wings. Hurrah!
8. Baked Goodies
There is not a huge amount of room to cook or bake in an air fryer, so think about small portions of tasty bites. A couple of cookies from the freezer, cinnamon rolls and mini doughnuts spring to mind. I mean, if you are going to own one, you may as well go all out and try a full-course meal!
Happy Cooking!
