Air Fryers: Tips, Hacks, and Recipes
Air fryers have revolutionised the way we cook, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying without compromising on flavour or texture. If you're new to the world of air frying or looking to up your air frying game, we've got you covered with some handy tips, easy hacks, and delicious recipes to try in your Air Fryer.
Tips for using your Air Fryer
Preheat your Air Fryer: Just like with a traditional oven, preheating your air fryer can help ensure even cooking and crispy results.
Use a light mist of oil: While air fryers require less oil than traditional frying methods, using a light mist of oil can help achieve a crispy exterior on your food.
Don't overcrowd the basket: To ensure proper air circulation and even cooking, avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches if needed.
Shake or flip food halfway through cooking: For even cooking, shake the basket or flip your food halfway through the cooking time.
Use parchment paper or a silicone mat: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, consider using parchment paper or a silicone mat in the air fryer basket.
Experiment with seasonings: Get creative with your seasonings to add flavour to your dishes. Try different spice blends, herbs, or marinades.
Easy Hacks for Air Fryer
Revive soggy foods: If your leftovers or previously cooked foods have gone soggy, give them new life by reheating them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up.
Make crispy bacon: Place strips of bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 200°C for 8-10 minutes, or until crispy.
Reheat pizza: Reheating pizza in the air fryer can help revive the crust and make it crispy. Cook at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through.
Roast nuts and seeds: Toss nuts or seeds with a little oil and your favourite seasonings, then air fry at 180°C for 5-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Crispy chicken wings: Toss chicken wings in your favourite sauce, then air fry at 200°C for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Recipe: Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Place Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 190°C for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until Brussels sprouts are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish or snack.
Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Blue cheese dressing, for dipping
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with buffalo sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 190°C for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until cauliflower is crispy and tender.
- Serve hot with blue cheese dressing for dipping.