10 of the Best Foods to Make in an Air Fryer
I recently bought an air fryer, and I'm seriously not exaggerating when I say it's changed my life.
It's completely upped my game in the kitchen, and I still can't believe how versatile the machine is. If you're unfamiliar, an air fryer is a countertop convection oven which "fries" food without excess oil. Honestly, it's a pretty incredible invention, and I can't stop kicking myself that I only just now found it.
If you're new to the air fryer game, like me, you might be in need of some ideas. Keep reading for ten of the best foods to make in an air fryer.
1. Chicken
If you're anything like me and can't cook chicken to save your life, the air fryer is about to make you look like a master chef. I love making parmesan-crusted chicken tenders. Not only are they easy, but they're so juicy and delicious, too. As long as you follow your recipe and ensure it's at the right temp, it's pretty hard to screw up.
2. Kale
I was pretty hesitant to make kale in the air fryer because I'd read leafy greens don't do well in the device. Kale, however, is the exception. All I did was set the temperature, season my kale with some salt, pepper, olive oil and grated cheese, and voila, I had perfectly crisp kale chips.
Also read about: 5 Quick and Tasty Frozen Dinners to Make on a Lazy Day
3. Potatoes
I don't even know where to begin when it comes to air-fried potatoes. From sweet potatoes to french fries to baked potatoes to good old roasted potatoes, the air fryer can do it all. It's all about the cut and type of potato you end up using, but nonetheless, the results are pretty much always mouthwatering.
4. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are definitely an acquired taste, but if you're a fan (like me,) you should definitely try them out in the air fryer. Before I got my air fryer, I would typically roast my mushrooms in the oven at 425º for 25 minutes. It left me with crunchy, delicious mushrooms perfect as a salad topper. I get the same results with the air fryer, but in a quarter of the time.
5. Chickpeas
Another food I love adding to my salads is chickpeas. It might just be me, but I need some sort of crunch on my salads. Whether it's a crispy veg, croutons or quinoa, I'm not too picky. However, when it comes to chickpeas, I've discovered they're my favorite. All you need to do is drain a can and add as much seasoning as you want. And boom, you're left with crunchy chickpeas!
6. Salmon
Salmon is probably the easiest fish to cook, and it's pretty hard to screw up. Plus, there are a plethora of ways to cook it to your liking. Since I like more of a crisp to mine, the air fryer works its magic and is perfect for me. It's perfectly crispy on the outside, yet buttery and flaky on the inside. Yum!
7. Apples
I know what you're probably thinking. "Apples? Yuck." But hear me out—apples can be delicious when done right in the air fryer. My favorite way to incorporate them is by slicing them very thinly (use a mandolin if you have one) and seasoning with ingredients like cinnamon and sugar. It's the perfect snack to curb a sweet tooth.
Also read about: 5 Easy Air Fryer Recipes for Lazy Day Cooking
8. Bacon
Bacon is a staple in my diet. Whether I'm eating it with breakfast, crumbled over a salad or with a BLT, I'm a die-hard bacon fanatic. However, dealing with the mess and bacon grease is always such a pain in the butt. But, with the air fryer, it's so easy! It perfectly crisps the bacon, and the cleanup is no big deal.
9. Frozen Foods
One type of food that was seriously made for the air fryer is frozen food. Whether it's mozzarella sticks, chicken nuggets or even ravioli, there are plenty of frozen foods that you can stick in the air fryer. You'll be left with an end result that's honestly astonishing.
(via Unsplash)
10. Cookies
When I first found out cookies can be made in the air fryer, I simply didn't believe it. So, I took it upon myself to test it out. And guess what? It worked. Whether you have a go-to recipe or tend to stick to pre-made dough, the air fryer will leave you with some pretty tasty cookies.
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