Think your air fryer is just for reheating leftovers, making crispy fries? Think again. This versatile appliance is capable of so much more than most people realize. From breakfast pastries to complete dinners, these 10 surprising foods will revolutionize how you use your air fryer. Check this out for quick dinner or snack ideas and put your air fryer out for a spin.
10. Apple Chips
Toss your processed potato chips with crispy apple chips. Air fryers remove the moisture but still maintain the fruit’s natural sweetness. Just slice your apples thinly and place them in your air fryer at the lowest temperature (usually around 200°F) for 15-20 minutes. The result? Chips with intense apple flavor.
9. Stuffed Peppers
Air fryers create perfectly tender peppers with nicely browned tops in about 15 minutes. It’s much faster than traditional oven methods. Choose bell peppers that sit upright and trim the bottoms if needed to create stability. Pre-cook the filling slightly since the peppers won’t take long to soften. Remember, rice, ground meat, and vegetables should be about 80% cooked before stuffing. Fill peppers with your mixture, then cook at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until peppers are tender and toppings are golden.
8. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Skip heating the entire oven for small batches, as air fryers bake chocolate chip cookies in just 8-10 minutes. Although it requires slight adjustments, they work well. The key is using less batter per cookie since the intense heat circulation can cause excessive spreading. Place cookie dough balls on parchment paper cut to fit your air fryer basket, leaving plenty of space between cookies for air circulation. Cook at 320°F for 8-10 minutes, checking at 6 minutes, then enjoy.
7. Whole Chicken
An air fryer is no red flag to a properly seasoned whole chicken to your liking. Around 3-4 pounds of chicken works best. Simply pat the chicken completely dry, season inside and out with your favorite herbs and spices. Cook breast-side down at 360°F for 30 minutes before flipping and cooking breast-side up for another 20-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The result? crispy skin and juicy meat in restaurant style.
6. Pizza Rolls
Yup, air fryer pizza rolls can be achieved through smart appliance use. Whether using store-bought frozen rolls or making them from scratch with pizza dough, the air fryer creates the ideal cooking environment. For homemade versions, roll out pizza dough, add sauce and cheese, then roll into logs and slice into portions. For frozen varieties, simply arrange in the air fryer basket without thawing. Cook at 380°F for 6-8 minutes for frozen rolls or 8-10 minutes for fresh ones, until golden brown.
5. Cinnamon Rolls
The air fryer cinnamon roll shows its ability to handle complicated baked goods. Simply arrange refrigerated cinnamon rolls in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between each roll for air circulation and expansion. Cook at 320°F for 8-12 minutes until golden brown, checking frequently since the intense heat can brown them quickly.
4. Homemade Donuts
The reduced oil means you can enjoy fresh donuts without the guilt! Its magic lies in how the circulating air creates expansion and browning simultaneously. Take refrigerated biscuit dough and cut holes in the center using a small cookie cutter or bottle cap. After, brush them lightly with melted butter before air frying at around 350°F for 5-6 minutes, flipping once.
3. Baked Potatoes
Air fryer baked potatoes benefit from the same reasons that make them superior to microwave versions: the dry heat creates proper texture, while the circulation ensures even cooking. Simply pierce your potatoes all over with a fork and rub with a little olive oil and salt. Cook them at 400°F, flipping halfway through. For the best results, choose potatoes of similar size and don’t overcrowd the basket.
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Forget what you know about grilled sandwiches messing with your air fryer. The key to its success lies in understanding how your air fryer’s convection heating works differently from a stovetop pan. Simply start by buttering the inside of your bread slices and adding cheese as usual. After, place the sandwich directly in the air fryer basket at 350°F for 3-4 minutes per side. The result? Perfectly grilled cheese sandwich that’s melty and oozing.
1. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Forget boiling eggs in hot water. Your air-fryer works like a charm, as you’ll have hard-boiled eggs in 15 minutes. The science behind it is that the consistent 270°F temperature creates even cooking, which prevents the rubbery texture often associated with overcooked boiled eggs.