Air Fryers are not just for cooking French Fries. We have 12 great ways to use your air fryer for quick convenient dishes without heating up the kitchen and with minimal cleanup!
You’ve joined the air fryer revolution, and oh man, are you in for a treat! This countertop convection oven is about to change your life (and your tastebuds) in ways you can’t even imagine yet. But don’t just settle for frozen french fries – your air fryer is a versatile powerhouse waiting to be unleashed!
A Brief History of Hot Air Cookers
While air fryers seem like a modern marvel, the concept of using hot air to cook foods has been around for decades. As early as the 1970s, convection ovens that relied on a fan to circulate hot air were a staple in many restaurants. The air fryer we know today was first patented in 2005 by Philips Electronics company. By using rapidly circulated hot air and just a touch of oil, air fryers can mimic the crunchy texture of deep frying with a fraction of the fat and calories. Genius!
Air Fry Like a Pro
Before we get to the fun stuff, we have a few air frying pro tips for you:
• Preheat that baby! Just a 3-minute preheat helps food crisp up better.
• Use a light oil mist or spray to get that crispy, golden-brown perfection.
• Shake or toss frequently during cooking to ensure even crispiness.
• Start with less cooking time than you think, as air fryers work quickly.
12 Great Ways to Use Your Air Fryer
Now, let’s get to those genius air fryer hacks!
1. Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
Grab a can of chickpeas, drain, pat dry, toss with spices and a touch of oil, and air fry to crispy perfection for an addictively crunchy and protein-packed snack.
2. Homemade Bagel Bites
That’s right, make your own mini bagel pizzas in the air fryer! Top bagel halves with sauce, cheese, and fave toppings for an easy lunch or snack.
3. One-Minute Baked Potatoes
Zap baby potatoes for 30-60 seconds to make the perfect crispy-skinned air fryer baked potatoes, in far less time than the oven.
4. Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Gone are the days of mushy, stinky Brussels Sprouts! Toss them in the air fryer with oil and your favorite seasonings for an irresistibly crispy cruciferous treat.
5. Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts
All you need is canned biscuit dough and a dash of cinnamon sugar to whip up hot, fresh-air-fried doughnuts in minutes. Drool!
6. Personal Air Fryer Pizzas
From scratch or store-bought crust, load up personal pizza masterpieces and let the air fryer create a gloriously crispy crust.
7. Cumin Lime Roasted Chickpeas
The savory, zesty flavors in these crispy green treats are shockingly addictive. The hardest part is not eating the whole batch!
8. Unbelievable Coconut Shrimp
Ditch the greasy deep fryer – your air fryer can create crave-able coconut shrimp with the perfect shatter-crisp coating.
9. Green Bean Fries
Green beans get the crispy French fry treatment with a quick toss in the air fryer and a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and parmesan. Healthier AND more fun!
10. Avocado Fries with Cilantro Dip
Guide to viral TikTok success: Coat avocado wedges in a crispy panko crust, air fry to perfection, and serve with a creamy cilantro dipping sauce. You’re welcome.
11. Air Fryer Apple Chips
Channel your inner dehydrator with this ingenious air fryer hack. Thinly slice apples, air fry until crispy, and enjoy a healthier, homemade chip.
12. Loaded Hasselback Potatoes
This show-stopping side dish gets a jumpstart in the air fryer. Once potatoes are crispy, load ’em up with cheese, bacon, and green onions and get ready for love at first bite.
In Conclusion, 12 Great Ways to Use Your Air Fryer
From main dishes, breakfast and snacks, to sides and desserts – your air fryer can do it all! Get creative, have fun, and pretty soon you’ll be the prince or princess of this versatile hot air machine.
The only limit is your imagination…well, that and maybe the air fryer basket size. But other than those two things, the crispy-crunchy possibilities are endless!
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