All hail the mighty air fryer! Capable of cooking the basics, these revolutionary countertop ovens can also make quick and crispy work of some unexpected things. Read on for ten things you didn't know you could cook in an air fryer.
If the microwave revolutionized cooking accessibility in the '70s and '80s, and the single-use coffee maker became ubiquitous in the '90s and 2000s, then the air fryer is definitely the ultimate appliance of the 2010s and beyond.
Similar to a convection oven, the countertop lifesaver, a.k.a air fryer, heats food by rapidly circulating hot air. The perforated basket or tray within the air fryer helps the hot air reach all sides of the food, producing quick and crispy results.
Air fryers are great because they're fast and don't need a lengthy pre-heat. They're also a terrific introduction to cooking for bigger kids. While they still get very hot and should be used under adult supervision, air fryers are easier to navigate than the oven, and most turn off on their own.
You already know how easy it is to whip up some fries and nuggies in the air fryer, but here are 10 things you maybe didn’t know you could be cooking in the air fryer. Don't forget to always consult your air fryer’s manual for what temperature and how long to cook things for.
1. Ravioli
Correct, placing fresh ravioli or tortellini in the air fryer is a fast, no-boiling-or-deep-frying-needed way to get crispy, appetizer-adjacent bites of stuffed pasta. Try them alongside a bowl of marinara for dipping. Have them as an after-school snack or with dinner when you’re feeling restaurant-at-home vibes. Or, to make them truly restaurant-style, first coat the ravioli in an egg wash, then breadcrumbs.
2. Bacon
OK, maybe this one is a no-brainer, but skip the grease, splatter and mess of the frying pan by cooking your bacon strips to crispy perfection in the air fryer. This hack is especially handy for on-the-go or a quick bacon crumble in wraps or in salads.
3. Grilled cheese
Rather than hover over a stove and flip, put your grilled cheese – cheese between buttered bread – into the air fryer and enjoy a gooey, nostalgic sandwich in minutes. We recommend tomato soup alongside, of course.
4. Corn on the cob
Does anyone else hate the slog of boiling a huge stockpot of water to cook the season’s bounty of corn? The results are, of course, delicious, but cooking cobs in the air fryer is faster, cleaner and has an enhanced sweetness due to the corn's natural sugars caramelizing within the circulating hot air. To make, place buttered or oiled cobs in a single layer without overcrowding. Heat air fryer to about 400°F and air fry for about 6 to 10 minutes. You want the kernels to be tender and slightly charred.
5. Cake
Larger air fryers are better for cakes as you will still need to place your cake pan within the mini oven. Because of the circulating hot air, the top of the cake may brown too quickly, so it's important to check in on the cake and consider covering it halfway with aluminum foil. Test with a toothpick, let cool and frost.
6. A whole chicken
There’s something so comforting and satisfying about a roast dinner. While it’s not as quick as grabbing a rotisserie from the deli, you can cook a whole chicken in your air fryer in about 40 minutes to an hour. Season the bird with your fave herbs and spices, turn halfway through and ensure the final product has a minimum internal temp of 165°F.
7. Cookies
OK, cookies baking in an oven is not so—WHAT?!—but what is clever is the fact that you can cook a smaller batch of cookies, or cookies-on-demand, if you will. Just line your air fryer with parchment paper and evenly space the dough. In about 8 to 10 minutes at 325°F, you’ll have an ooey-gooey treat.
8. Roasted garlic
When roasted up, garlic takes on a sweet and rich flavour that can be added to anything from homemade Caesar salad dressing to pasta to marinades to hummus. Instead of heating the whole oven to achieve these delicious caramelized cloves, just heat the air fryer to 375°F, cut the top off a head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil. This should take about 20 minutes, or until soft.
9. S’mores
The campfire treat needn’t be reserved for camping trips. Enjoy that toasted marshmallow flavour anytime you want by placing a ‘mallow on top of a graham cracker for 2-3 min at 350°F (watch them; these can burn quickly), then in the last minute of cooking, adding a graham cracker topped with chocolate to the air fryer basket. Carefully remove, press the tops and bottoms together and enjoy.
10. Mac and cheese balls
OK, hear us out. Yes, you could bake your mac and cheese in the air fryer, but if you happen to have any leftover mac and cheese, the air fryer is an excellent vessel to crisp them up into a fun appetizer. It’s important that you use leftover mac and cheese that has been in the fridge for at least 24 hours. This helps the balls keep their form. To make, scoop and roll leftover mac and cheese, dredge in egg and then coat in bread crumbs. Toss into the air fryer with a spritz of oil for 6 to 10 minutes at 375°F.
