Your ultimate guide to Air-Fryer cooking: Tips, benefits, recipes and more!

The air fryer is finding its place in an increasing number of kitchens and has become one of the most popular search topics on Cookpad. In this blog, we'll delve into all things air fryer:

1- How air-fryers work
2- The benefits of using an air fryer
3- Tasty air-fried recipes and creative ideas
4- Helpful tips to make the most of your air fryer

1- How air-fryers work:

Ever wondered how an air fryer magically turns your favorite foods crispy without loads of oil? Well, it's all about hot air. The air fryer uses a powerful fan to circulate super-hot air around your food. This hot air quickly surrounds every inch of your meal, creating that perfect, crunchy exterior. So, you get the taste of deep-fried goodness without the guilt of excess oil.

2- Benefits of using an air-fryer

• Healthier Fried Food: Craving the delicious taste and crunchiness of fried dishes like chicken wings and French fries? Air-frying maintains the flavors you love while using significantly less oil, making your favorite fried foods a healthier option with fewer calories.
• Faster cooking for busy home-cooks: Unlike ovens that typically use heating elements at the top and bottom, air fryers circulate hot air around the food, cooking it quickly and evenly. Plus, you don't need to wait around for the air fryer to preheat for almost half an hour before cooking!
• Odor-free kitchens: Air fryers have a ventilation system that quickly eliminates cooking odors, ensuring your kitchen stays fresh and free from lingering food smells.
• Energy-saver: Air-fryers can help save on your electricity bills compared to ovens. Their compact size and powerful fans mean they use less energy to cook your food quickly.
• Versatile kitchen appliance: Whether you're in the mood for crispy fries, roasted veggies, a batch of cookies, or simply reheating your food, your air fryer has you covered. Check below our top selection of air-fryer recipes.
• Environmentally friendly: Air fryers use less oil and less electricity than traditional cooking methods, which not only saves you money on energy bills but also reduces your carbon footprint. So, you can enjoy tasty meals while being kind to the planet. 🌎🌿

There are plenty of other fantastic benefits to using an air fryer that make it your ideal kitchen companion. 💫🍽️

3- Tasty air-fried recipes and creative ideas

Not just chicken wings! Air fryers are incredibly versatile, allowing you to prepare a wide range of dishes. Here’s a selection of recipes shared by our Cookpad home-cooks.

Appetizers and starters:

Wow your guests with a mouthwatering selection of appetizers! Create these crispy mozzarella sticks, stuffed mushrooms, or these Thai Fish Sauce Chicken Wing Nibbles.  

Mains:

Dinner time just got more exciting. Its rapid cooking method locks in flavor and guarantees that golden, crispy finish we all crave. Try out this Sriracha Mayo and Panko Crusted Salmon, or if you want something fancy, these air-fryed lamb chops are just what you need!

For vegetarians, this Air-fried Pita Margherita Pizza is the answer.

Snacks and sides:

Treat yourself with this Air-Fried Chana Masala Chickpeas which are vegan and gluten-free, or savor the easiest and crunchiest Crispy Kale.

Desserts:

For your sweet tooth, why not try this Chocolate blueberry cheesecake or these outstanding Non-fried old fashioned doughnuts?

Bread:
Yes, using an air fryer is a convenient way to quickly bake bread items like naan and bagels.

Try out the Air-fryer bagels recipe by @Andrea with that perfect golden top and crunchy edges, or experiment with the two ingredient Naan bread recipe by @lubnaskitchen for and easy and delicious treat.

4- Here are some tricks and tips to make the most of air-fryers:

• Use Parchment Paper: To prevent food from sticking to the basket or tray, consider using parchment paper. Just make sure it's specifically designed for air frying. It's a convenient way to keep your air fryer clean.
• Don't Overcrowd the Basket: For optimal air circulation and even cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed. Overloading the basket can result in unevenly cooked food.
• Preheat for Certain Foods: While not all foods require preheating, certain dishes benefit from a few minutes of preheating. For baked goods like muffins or biscuits, preheating can help them rise properly.
• Seasoning Tip: When seasoning food, it's a good idea to season it lightly before cooking and then add more seasoning, if necessary, after it's done. Some seasonings can become bitter when exposed to the high heat of the air fryer.
• Mist Food with Oil: Instead of drenching your food in oil, invest in a good quality oil mister or spray bottle. Lightly misting your ingredients with oil can achieve that crispy texture without excess oil.
• Experiment with Baking: Air fryers are excellent for baking. You can make cookies, brownies, and even small cakes. Consider using silicone molds or ramekins to shape your baked goods.
• Grease the Basket: For foods prone to sticking, lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. This can be especially helpful for delicate items like fish.
• Get Creative and make everyday cooking fun! Don't limit yourself to traditional recipes. Experiment and get creative with your air fryer. Search for “Air-fryer” recipes on Cookpad for more ideas.