How Do Foods Get Cooked In Air Fryer

Learning what to cook in an air fryer is a must-do, every bit it's the healthiest mode to bask an indulgent fried treat. Many opt for one of the best air fryers because they want to enjoy a low-fat way of eating their favorite foods, but air fryers can do a lot more than than just cook frozen food and French fries.

'There are plenty of things yous can air fry,' says Adele Brennan, Home Electrics heir-apparent at VonHaus (opens in new tab). 'From healthier snacks, such as sweet spud or peppers, to more indulgent treats like fried salary or frozen chicken strips – air fryers are completely versatile.

'When it comes to the best foods for air frying, it all comes down to food preferences, although salary, doughnuts and bootleg fries are known to be popular choices.'

What to cook in an air fryer

Beneath, you tin see our summit suggestions for what to cook in an air fryer, plus tips on getting the best results for tasty nutrient.

1. Delicious burgers and patties

'Burgers and fast-nutrient all cook and crisp up in minimal time whilst retaining flavour and colour in an air fryer,' says Zoe McClean, Senior Dwelling house Economist at Breville (opens in new tab).

'Homemade burgers accept about 10to 15 mins at a medium to high heat. Place these direct into the basket or rack, (no oil needed) season and cook. As air fryers get hot really rapidly there is no demand to preheat as yous would with a regular oven or grill. I like to turn mine half way through cooking to encourage even browning merely this isn't necessary.

'Tip: If you're edifice a cheeseburger, assemble the burger on the bun, add the cheese and any savour etc, popular the complete burger into the now turned off air fryer and allow this sit in the warm oven for a few minutes. This melts the cheese and warms the staff of life. Succulent!'

She adds: 'Frozen shop bought burgers tin can be cooked from frozen, merely reduce the temperature a lilliputian to a medium temp, these have around 15 minutes to melt. Ever ensure burgers are cooked through.'

2. French fries

What to cook in an air fryer breaded chicken and chips by VonHaus

One of the best things about an air fryer is the ability to indulge in the odd 'guilty pleasure' – with a lower fat intake.

Homemade French fries are crispy and delicious when made in an air fryer, with less calories than deep fat frying. Just cut them all to a like size and place them in your air fryer basket in a single layer (yous tin can exercise batches if you need a large corporeality).

Air fry for around 12 to 15 minutes, tossing one-half way through. You tin can check the cooking process to come across how they are coming along by only pulling the air fryer basket out to look.

Want a healthier selection? Brand sweet potato fries instead, and season with a little paprika, salt and pepper for extra gustatory modality before air frying.

iii. Reheated leftovers

Nosotros're not ones to waste product food, and an air fryer can ensure you make the most of your takeaways and indulgent fast-food dinners.

Zoe McClean suggests: 'Use the air fryer for re-crisping or reheating takeaway leftovers, like fried chicken or pizza, and enjoy your meal for a 2nd fourth dimension.

'Why air fry left over pizza when yous can microwave information technology? Air frying notwithstanding keeps the base of your pizza nice and well-baked, whereas microwaving tends to soften the base.

'I like to wrap leftover pizza in aluminum foil before air frying equally this helps to prevent the topping from drying out. Identify in a single layer direct into the handbasket or rack and cook on high for 5 to 7 minutes.'

4. Frozen chicken goujons

what to cook in an air fryer chicken goujons by Von Haus

An air fryer is a versatile investment, and is slap-up for cooking frozen food speedily on days when you lot're specially fourth dimension-poor.

Chicken goujons or tenders are a lovely choice, and should take around viii to 12 minutes to get nice and crisp from frozen at around 400°F/205°C.

Put them in a single layer in the air fryer basket; flip them at around 10 minutes and cook for another ii minutes, or until crisp.

Zoe McClean comments: 'Frozen fast food items like chicken goujons, fish fingers, breaded or battered vegetables can all be air fried from frozen and similar all the other foods: no waiting time for your oven to pre-estrus.

'Simply place straight into the basket or on the rack and cook for eight to 12 minutes, depending on nutrient type. Medium to high heat.'

5. Crispy bacon

Vegetarians look away now... bacon is said to be a delicious option for air frying.

Breville's Zoe McClean says: 'To air fry salary (this is the best!) place the bacon in a unmarried layer in the basket or rack and cook on high for five to 8 minutes. The bacon volition be browned and beautifully well-baked.'

You can as well prepare salary in a fraction of the time y'all'd need to cook on the stove, and it won't be pond in its own fat equally it cooks, which gives y'all a crispier and slightly healthier result.

6. A succulent roast craven

What to cook in an air fryer roast chicken by Breville

A moist however crispy chicken is easy to achieve in an air fryer with a rotisserie part, and you can as well do this in some of the best toaster ovens.

Cooking it couldn't be simpler: 'A minor whole chicken tin roast beautifully in threescore minutes,' says Zoe McClean. You'll be left with a delicious roast chicken that's got a crispy skin. Our top tip? Use the juices that gather at the bottom of the oven to prepare a gravy.

7. Crispy roast potatoes

Is there anything more palate-pleasing than a crispy roast irish potato? Nosotros call up non.

'We love to brand our Lord's day dinner roast potatoes in the air fryer,' says Zoe. 'But parboil the potatoes first, allow to drain and dry out out. Then, fluff with a fork, flavour and identify in a pocket-size tin or tray in the air fryer with a spoonful of duck fatty (or vegetarian alternative).

'Roast on 390ºF/200ºC for 30 minutes, turning/shaking occasionally to encourage even browning.'

What'due south best to cook in an air fryer?

Our experts agree that the best matter to melt in an air fryer is bacon because it comes out crispy, perfectly cooked and less fatty than when cooked under a grill or in a pan.

That said, we call up fruit is wonderful cooked in an air fryer – particularly bananas, which caramelize beautifully if put into the air fryer sliced or whole and brushed lightly with oil or melted butter.

Ruth Doherty is an interiors writer who has worked for Homes & Gardens and Ideal Home magazines among many others.