Air Fryer Recipes that are both quick & nutritious the Whole Family will love - Cathy Richards, RD (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to the air fryer? ›

Cook food in a single layer, in batches

The air fryer is all about — well — air. Meaning, you need to allow for good airflow to create all the browning and crisping the appliance was designed for. As such, you don't want to crowd the food in the basket too much, leaving space for the air to circulate.

Veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms & onions, and cauliflower all turn out incredible in the air fryer. You can also make your main dish IN the air fryer.

What are Disadvantages of Using an Air Fryer? Air fryers vary in the amount of foods they can hold, but usually do not have a large capacity. Air fryers may not be convenient when cooking for large groups. Foods that are air fried have different sensory characteristics than foods that are deep fried.

Households are shelving their air fryers in favour of another kitchen appliance that is cheaper to run, and just as healthy.

Air Fryer Vegetables Tips

If these pieces are too large, they won't cook through by the time the zucchini and peppers are tender. Don't crowd the air fryer basket. The #1 rule of air frying! In order for the vegetables to become caramelized and crisp, the hot air must be able to contact them on all sides.

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

It is safe to cook raw meat in the air fryer if it is fully defrosted, seasoned, and monitored. Some fully cooked foods, including chicken tenders or fries, can be placed frozen in the air fryer. However, with raw meat, it's recommended to thoroughly defrost to allow more even cooking and a tasty final product.

Bananas: Bananas are my favorite fruit to air-fry.

They retain their shape, but the tops of the slices get deep golden brown. It's like a crème brûlée but with no need for any sprinkling of sugar. Add them (with berries!) to your almond butter toast in the morning.

Can you cook hamburgers in a air fryer? ›

Season on both sides with salt, pepper, and burger seasoning. Preheat air fryer to 370°F. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip and cook another 5 minutes on the other side. If adding cheese, open the air fryer, top with cheese slices, then immediately close again to let the cheese melt for 1 minute after the burgers are done.

Do professional cooks use air fryers? Yes, many pros utilize them for quick and efficient cooking, but traditional methods still hold sway in high-end establishments.

Insider asked chefs to share their favorite things to make in an air fryer. Their favorite dishes to make in this appliance include gnocchi, chicken, and crunchy chickpeas. It's also possible to make flavorful steak, bacon, and chicken nuggets in an air fryer.

Though Gordon Ramsay is clearly a fan of using an air fryer to cook steak, at his restaurants, his go-to method involves using a pan instead. Because you can only cook steak one or two at a time in them, an air fryer isn't the best option if you're feeding a crowd.

The answer to this question is, yes – anything is possible with these magical machines. We all know the hassle of waiting for something to defrost before you can cook it, but with an air fryer, you can simply pop the item inside, in its frozen state, and start cooking.