When using your air fryer for the first time, start with something simple like frozen french fries or chicken tenders. These simple foods are perfect for getting used to your air fryer’s settings and timing. As you get more confident, you can move on to exciting recipes like Air Fryer Vegetables, Chicken BLT Burritos, Homemade Hamburgers, Chicken Wings, and Salmon.
Starting simple and progressing gradually is the key to becoming an air frying pro and whipping up tasty, crispy treats.
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Top 11 Things to Cook in an Air Fryer
Starting with simple recipes to build your air frying skills is crucial. Here is a list of the top 10 things you can cook in an air fryer.
1. Air Fryer Vegetables
Air frying is perfect for healthy veggies. Roast asparagus at 400°F for 6-8 minutes after misting with oil and seasoning. Corn on the cob takes 8-10 minutes at 400°F with a mid-cook rotation. For frozen broccoli, go for 10 minutes at 300°F. You can also air fry Brussels sprouts, carrots, and zucchini. And if you’re a bacon lover, stay tuned for a great air-fried bacon tip.
2. Chicken BLT Burritos
Chicken BLT burritos are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a delicious filling with cooked chicken, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and a dollop of mayo. Roll the mixture tightly in tortillas and air fry for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway. The result? Crispy, handheld Chicken BLT Burritos, perfect for lunch.
They pair perfectly with rice and beans for a well-rounded meal. These burritos are beloved in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine and provide ample protein, vitamins, and minerals for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
3. Teriyaki Chicken and Stir Fry Veggies
Air-frying chicken and veggies together is a breeze. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Toss the chicken and your favorite stir-fry veggies in a teriyaki glaze. Air fry at this temperature for 15-20 mins, remembering to toss them halfway through for even cooking.
The teriyaki infusion brings this dish a delightful, sweet, and savory twist. Additionally, it offers nutritional benefits with a balance of protein from chicken and fiber from vegetables.
4. Homemade Hamburgers
These juicy homemade hamburgers are a treat. Fire up the air fryer at 375°F (190°C). Prepare your hamburger patties with seasoned ground beef. Cook these juicy delights for 10-12 mins, ensuring you flip them halfway for that perfect sear. If you love cheese on your burgers, add a slice for the final minute of cooking. Serve them on soft buns, garnished to your liking.
5. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are celebrated for their universal appeal with a sweet and chewy texture. It contains a blend of butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and chocolate chips. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), shape cookie dough into balls, ensuring they don’t touch, and air fry for 8-10 mins until golden with gooey centers. Perfect with milk or coffee, they’re a cherished facet of Western dessert culture. Enjoy in moderation due to their high sugar and calorie content.
6. Maple Bars in the Air Fryer
For a sweet treat, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Pop in your maple bars for 4-5 mins until they’re delightfully golden brown. These fluffy pastries are a perfect canvas for a drizzle of maple glaze. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to indulge in this delectable dessert. However, moderation is advised due to their indulgent and sugary nature.
7. Bean and Cheese Burritos
Prepare bean and cheese burritos in your air fryer by heating it to 350°F (175°C). Then cook bean and cheese burritos for 6-8 mins, turning halfway for even heat. These burritos, filled with refried beans, cheese, and various toppings, offer a customizable and satisfying meal. Paired with salsa or guacamole, they are deeply rooted in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines, providing a hearty and wholesome option rich in fiber and protein.
8. Air Fryer Empanadas
Air-fried empanadas are a tantalizing fusion of Latin American flavors, featuring a golden, flaky crust enveloping either meat or vegetable fillings. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook empanadas for 10-12 minutes, ensuring a crispy exterior and perfectly cooked interior.
These handheld snacks or appetizers are traditionally served with zesty aji sauce or chimichurri for an extra flavor kick. Nutritional content varies based on the chosen filling.
9. Chicken Wings
Crispy air-fried chicken wings are celebrated for their adaptability and diverse sauce options. Made from chicken wings seasoned to perfection and paired with various flavorful sauces, they’re traditionally enjoyed with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing. A common sight in American sports bars and gatherings, these wings are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, providing a protein-rich treat, although they can be calorie and fat-intensive.
10.Salmon
Air-fried salmon is renowned for its delicate flakiness and delectably seasoned flavor. For a health-conscious meal, air-fry salmon at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes. Season your salmon with preferred herbs and spices, then air-fry to achieve tender, flaky salmon with a crispy exterior. It’s often served alongside asparagus or complemented with a zesty lemon dill sauce.
This dish can be found in diverse culinary traditions and serves as a nourishing and heart-healthy main course, thanks to its abundant omega-3 fatty acids.
11. Ham and Cheese Sliders
Craving a delightful snack or party treat? Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and air fry these sliders for 8-10 mins. The outcome? Melted cheese, toasty buns, and savory ham create bite-sized delights that pair perfectly with condiments. These sliders are crowd-pleasers, making them ideal for sharing at gatherings and events.
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Preparing for Your First Air fryer Meal
Preparing for your first air fryer meal is essential to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Here are detailed below:
Assemble Your Airfryer and Get Familiar With the Components
Begin by unpacking and assembling your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically involves attaching the basket, drawer, and any included accessories. Take time to understand the control panel, timer, and temperature settings for smooth operation.
Clean the Basket and Prepare It for Cooking
Prior to your initial use, take a moment to clean the cooking basket and accompanying accessories. Use warm, soapy water and thoroughly rinse them to ensure any lingering soap residue is gone. Ensure everything is completely dry; this precaution is vital for preventing undesirable odors or flavors from affecting your food while it cooks.
Read the Instructions Carefully Before Use
Thoroughly review the provided instruction manual for your specific air fryer model. Pay close attention to safety guidelines, cooking recommendations, and maintenance instructions. Understanding these details will help you cook safely and efficiently, maximizing the benefits of your new appliance.
Tips for First-Time Air Fryer Users
Here are essential tips for first-time air fryer users:
Do Not Overcrowd the Basket or Tray
It’s crucial not to force too many items into the air fryer’s basket or tray. Overcrowding can obstruct the hot air from reaching all surfaces of your food, resulting in uneven cooking. To ensure that everything cooks evenly and gets that desired crispiness, leave sufficient space between items.
Use Little to No Oil When Cooking with an Air Fryer
One of the key advantages of air frying is its ability to achieve crispy and delicious results using minimal oil. In many cases, a light oil spray or even no oil is sufficient, reducing calorie and fat content making it a healthier alternative to deep frying. Always follow your air fryer’s specific guidelines for oil usage, which may vary based on the dish.
However, you’ll generally find that air frying allows for healthier yet equally flavorful outcomes with less oil.
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FAQs
Can I Bake in My Air Fryer as a First-time User?
Yes, you can bake in your air fryer as a first-time user. It’s a straightforward way to explore your air fryer’s capabilities. You can begin with simple items like frozen cookie dough or store-bought biscuit dough. For example, you can make air fryer doughnuts using the latter, which bake in just about five minutes.
Are There Specific Foods to Avoid When Starting With an Air Fryer?
Certain foods are best avoided when using an air fryer. Skip battered items with excessively wet coatings, like the cornmeal batter on corndogs, as they won’t cook well in an air fryer. Heavy and wet coatings tend to drip through the perforated basket before they crisp up.
What is the Best Thing to Put on Bottom of Air Fryer?
Parchment paper is a commonly used lining option for the air fryer’s base. It’s non-stick, simplifies cleanup, and serves as a protective barrier. It prevents food from sticking to the basket or tray, streamlining your cooking process and making cleanup a breeze.
What is the Secret to Air Frying?
To master air frying, follow these essential tips and tricks:
· Preheat.
· Avoid using too much cooking spray.
· Consider rack placement.
· Adjust cooking time.
· Use less oil.
· Use a perforated tray or basket.
· Set a baking sheet on the lower rack.
Final Verdict
The first adventure with your air fryer should be something easy and exciting. You don’t want to be overwhelmed. Go for crispy, golden, and delicious hamburgers, chicken wings, and salmon. These cook up quickly and allow you to familiarize yourself with your air fryer’s settings and cooking times.
It’s a fantastic way to get started before delving into more complex culinary journeys. So, seize your air fryer, let it roar to life, and embrace the joy of hassle-free cooking. Your taste buds will thank you!
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