Some years back, an innovative kitchen appliance called the air fryer hit the market. It promised to let people enjoy deep-fried foods without all of the added calories and fat associated with frying in oil.
An air fryer utilizes a convection heating system similar to that of a fan oven, cooking your food to perfection with minimal fat and calories than traditional deep-frying. The machine cooks your meals using high speed air and the Maillard reaction, creating an irresistibly browned exterior while avoiding unhealthy levels of saturated fat that may lead to heart disease or other health issues.
We may be a bit late to the party, but there are some delicious and healthy air fryer recipes out there that we can’t wait to share with you! From sweet treats you can make at home to savory dishes that’ll change how you think about fried foods, here is our collection of our top picks for air fryer recipes for every meal – there’s something here for everyone!
Air-Fryer Potato Chips
There’s nothing quite like potato chips, but you can make them healthier by using an air fryer instead of a deep fryer. Our Test Kitchen has discovered that many different kinds of potatoes work well in an air fryer, such as sweet potato chips or even kale chips. These make great options for kids who love potato chips but don’t want all the calories or fat associated with regular bags of chips.
Air-Fryer Zucchini Chips
Are you a big fan of fried veggies, an air fryer can be your new best friend. Plus, it’s perfect for using up any produce that may have gone off or become soggy in your fridge.
Some vegetables, particularly leafy greens, may not perform well in an air fryer; therefore it’s wise to select ones with some weight such as broccoli or zucchini instead. Be sure to coat your chips in enough oil so they cook evenly and weigh them down.
Air-Fryer Donuts
Donuts make the ideal breakfast or dessert, and they’re easier to make in an air fryer than an oven. You can buy pre-made biscuit dough or even make your own using SimplyScratch’s simple recipe.
Keep in mind that some battered foods, like burgers and fish, may not work well with an air fryer because they don’t set as evenly. To prevent this from happening, line your basket with parchment paper or foil before inserting your battered food into the air fryer.
We’ve noticed that air fryers can be a bit too hot for raw vegetables, so be careful not to overcook yours. For best results, opt for frozen veggies when possible; however, if you want something crunchy that can be cooked in an air fryer, try these eggplant fries or these fruity grapes and bananas recipes!