Air fryers, aka the hottest kitchen gadgets of the moment, offer speedier cooking times than traditional ovens as well as a healthier alternative to frying. Recent research by Utilita showed these appliances are around £260 a year cheaper to run than electric ovens - perfect for those looking to be more energy efficient.
Despite the rise in popularity of air fryers, research from Ocado has highlighted that many of us are still playing it safe when it comes to cooking, with chicken and chips topping the list of foods people are most likely to air fry. With that in mind, Ocado recipe developer Jules Domanski has some tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your air fryer, from smart recipe hacks to the foods you didn’t know you could cook in them.
Jules explains: “Air fryers are a great way of making quick, energy-efficient meals - and they go far beyond simply making great crispy chips. We know our customers are after more creative ways to use their air fryers, so we’ve compiled our top ten hacks to feed the whole family, from quick and easy dinners, to speedy lunchbox or after school snacks.”
- French toast - For an indulgent morning treat, coat sliced bread in a custard mixture of beaten egg, milk, vanilla extract and cinnamon, shaking off any excess liquid before adding to your air fryer to cook for around three minutes on each side. It’s also a good idea to use a liner in the basket to catch any residual liquid.
- Crispy tofu - The texture of tofu can be divisive, but crisp it up and it completely transforms. Use firm tofu, pressing as much moisture out of it as possible, before cutting into cubes and coating with cornflour, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil and a smattering of chilli flakes. Air fry for 10 to 15 minutes for the perfect crunch.
- Pizza - For a speedy way of making mini homemade pizzas, use pitta bread or tortilla wraps as an alternative base, spread over tomato sauce, and air fry for around eight minutes until crisped up around the edges. Add your cheese and toppings, pressing them firmly into the base to prevent them flying around, and cook for a further three minutes until the cheese is deliciously molten.
- S’mores - Air fryers can be used for more than just savoury treats. An American classic, it’s about time we embraced s’mores this side of the pond. For a British twist, grab your chocolate digestives, split large marshmallows in half and press the sticky side down onto the biscuit. Cook for seven minutes until the marshmallow tops are golden and gooey (check after four). Remove and top with a square of milk chocolate, finishing with another digestive on top to encase your oozy choccy sandwich.
- Cookies - For a quick fix dessert, whip up your favourite choc chip cookie recipe, refrigerating the cookie dough for an hour to firm up. Line the air fryer with baking paper or an air fryer liner and break off bits of your dough before rolling them into golf-sized balls. Place them into the basket and cook for six to seven minutes until the edges crisp up but the centre remains gooey. Leave in the fryer for 5 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack, or if you can’t wait, enjoy them warm with a glass of cold milk.
- Pasta chips - Although we don’t recommend cooking traditional pasta dishes in the air fryer, pasta chips are a tasty snack that can be cooked to crisp perfection with this appliance. Boil the pasta first until al dente before draining and patting dry with kitchen paper, Toss the pasta with grated parmesan and your favourite seasonings - I love a blend of sea salt and a pinch of smoked paprika. Cook in the air fryer for seven to 10 minutes until golden and crunchy, and serve with a tasty aïoli or tangy tomato dipping sauce.
- Fruit and veggie crisps - Thinly sliced apple, parsnip, sweet potato and beetroot are all great options for a healthier take on your usual bag of crisps. The best part? No oil involved. Use a sharp knife to thinly slice your chosen fruit or veg and toss through with salt and pepper for a savoury snack, or cinnamon and nutmeg for something sweet. Cook in a single layer for four to five minutes or until crisp.
- Avocado fries - Here’s a tasty new way to snack on avocado. Slice your avocado halves into long fingers and coat each in flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dip the floured fingers into beaten egg and then roll them in panko breadcrumbs. Repeat this process twice for a thick, crunchy coating. Pop your fries into the basket and cook for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
- Crispy chickpeas - Chickpeas aren’t only delicious in curries and salads, they’re also a great standalone snack. Drain and rinse your chickpeas before patting them dry with kitchen paper. Coat them in a spicy paprika seasoning made up of salt, black pepper and smoked paprika then cook the chickpeas for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times during the cooking time to prevent sticking and to ensure even crisping.
- Mozzarella sticks - DIY mozzarella sticks are the perfect fast-food alternative. Take string cheese and coat in seasoned flour (dried oregano, salt and pepper will do the trick), beaten egg and then breadcrumbs, repeating the process twice through. Cook for six to seven minutes until golden-brown and molten.
