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If you’re wondering if the air fryer is worth it and hesitant to jump on the trend, this list of 15 air fryer recipes proves this cooking appliance is more than just a lot of hot air for making fried food without the added fat.
The Best Air Fryer Recipes
Every now and then new kitchen appliances come out that promise to make our lives easier, only to get used twice and put into storage. I’m finding this isn’t the case with my air fryer.
The air fryer is a great option for anyone who craves the crispness of french fries, chicken nuggets, and melty crisped mozzarella sticks but wants to avoid the guilt and calories from the extra oil and fat the deep fryer or seems to sadly miss the mark when baked in the oven.
But, there’s even more reasons to hop onto the air fryer oil-less cooking trend.
What Is an Air Fryer?
Air fryers are essentially counter-top convection ovens that have a fan that circulates high heat at a high speed around the food so it crisps and cooks.
The food sits in a cooking basket and is best used for smaller batch cooking so the food isn’t crowded.
The best results are also achieved when cooking traditionally fried foods that don’t have runny batters or liquid coatings, and clean up is easiest in an air fryer with a non-stick cooking basket.
Is an Air Fryer Healthy?
Compared to oil-fried foods, cooking in an air fryer is definitely going to come out healthier than deep fried foods.
But limiting air fryers to just cooking the usual oil-fried foods is a missed opportunity for cooking foods quick, easy, and healthfully.
Cooking foods like broiled or baked fish, chicken, vegetables and even cakes and muffins can all be done in the air fryer too.
The Best Air Fryers
Like every kitchen appliance that starts to trend, makers are quick to jump on the bandwagon so they don’t miss the boat. The air fryer is no different. There are several different air fryer makers and everyone seems to have a preference.
When I purchased my air fryer two years ago I went to Consumer Reports for their air fryer reviews. After searching about, I decided on the higher rated Power AirFryer XL. For 2019 it comes in at #6 on their ratings list.
I’ve been happy with the Power AirFryer XL for it’s air circulation for crisp cooking and the 5.3 quart capacity cooking basket, but I do wish it had a stacking tray or cooking rack like the NuWave Brio 10 Quart Air Fryer. What I really like about it is the non-stick basket makes clean up is a breeze.
See the Consumer Reports Best Air Fryers of 2019 Reviews here.
15 Easy Air Fryer Recipes to Try Now
Not sure what you can cook in an air fryer? This list of 15 recipes for an air fryer shows just how easy it is to make any day a happy “Fry-day” for healthier and tastier way to curb your fried food cravings. And if you think that air fryers are only good for traditionally fried foods, think again.
1. Air Fryer Pizza
Plain Chicken
The air fryer makes a perfectly crisp crust in just 8 minutes, less time than calling to order in.
2. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Platings + Pairings
These panko-crusted zucchini fries are a lighter way to get your crunch fix without skimping on flavor, thanks to a zesty lemon tarragon dipping aioli.
3. Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
Noble Pig
Air fryers aren’t just for fries and chips, cooking deliciously juicy salmon is one step away with this easy recipe.
4. Crispy Parmesan Buttermilk Chicken Tenders
FoodieCrush
These flaky tenders may be a healthier alternative to the classic, but the air fryer makes them extra juicy, and a parmesan crust delivers crunch and flavor.
5. Perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Glue & Glitter
Achieve a crispy shell and tender insides for your brussels, oil-free! Abandon the hassle of pans and roasting for this easy alternative method.
6. Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Chips
Karissa’s Vegan Kitchen
Also oil-free, these chips are the ultimate guilt free snack. Freshly crushed garlic and vegan parmesan make them vegan friendly!
7. Air Fryer Roasted Asian Broccoli
Food Faith Fitness
The crunch of healthy is in the bag—and the air fryer basket—when vegetables like broccoli skip the oven for a fast and super crisp crunch you’ll be craving all week long.
8. Chicken Parmesan in the Air Fryer
Skinnytaste
Who could say no to cutting into these crispy cutlets topped with tomato sauce and stringy melted cheese for a super healthy twist on an Italian classic.
9. Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato
Courtney’s Sweets
A sweet twist on the classic: this creamy baked potato is quick to make, and pairs well with all your favorite toppings. Courtney suggests salt, butter, parsley, and brown sugar. (Yum!)
10. Air Fryer Sriracha-Honey Chicken Wings
Karen’s Kitchen Stories
This sweet and spicy rooster sauce glaze is sure to make these crispy wings your new party fave.
11. Killer Garlic Fries with Rosemary
FoodieCrush
Skip the ball game and make these copy catGordon-Biersch garlic fries at home when you start with frozen french fries laced with the flavor of this garlic and herb drizzle. Totally killer!
12. Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Crunchy Creamy Sweet
Make these nuggets ahead of time in less than 10 minutes, and freeze for a convenient after school snack that everyone will love.
13. Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn Recipe
Add A Pinch
Make this delicious sweet corn street favorite right in your own home. The air fryer works perfectly each step along the way, from cooking the corn to melting the cheese and fix-ins.
14. Keto Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi
Two Sleevers
This keto-friendly dish uses zoodles and mashed cauliflower to create the savory, scrumptious scampi you know and love.
15. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Show Me the Yummy
Who doesn’t crave going all in on the cheesiest mozzarella cheese pull and feel good frying them up at the same time?
What Else Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?
Did this list of easy air fryer recipes wet your appetite for healthier food with crunch? My friend and NY Times best-selling author Gina hom*olka has written a cookbook with even more recipes to make in your air fryer.Pre-order your copy of theSkinnytaste Air Fryer Cookbook:The 75 Best Healthy Recipes for Your Air Fryerfor 75 more healthy recipes from appetizers to dessert to make in any air fryer now.
Thanks for stopping by and visiting FoodieCrush. Have something to say or a recipe round-up request to make your dinnertime meal making easier? I’d love to hear from you. Email me at [emailprotected] or let me know in the comments below.
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