Air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying without sacrificing taste and texture. These versatile kitchen appliances use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in crispy, delicious meals with less oil. While many people know about using air fryers for classics like French fries and chicken wings, there are numerous other foods that taste shockingly good when cooked in an air fryer. Here are six unexpected but delightful foods to try in your air fryer.
1. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, but when cooked in an air fryer, they transform into a crispy, caramelized treat that even skeptics can’t resist. The air fryer’s high heat ensures that the sprouts get a wonderful char on the outside while remaining tender inside.
How to Cook:
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Trim the ends and cut them in half. For an extra crispy result, you can also quarter them.
- Season: Toss the sprouts in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like (garlic powder, paprika, or Parmesan cheese are great options).
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
The result is a batch of Brussels sprouts that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor.
2. Bacon
Cooking bacon in an air fryer might seem unconventional, but it’s one of the best ways to achieve perfectly crispy bacon without the mess of a stovetop. The air fryer allows the bacon to cook evenly, and the excess fat drips away, making it slightly healthier than traditional methods.
How to Cook:
- Arrange the Bacon: Lay the bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cut the strips in half to fit them better.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the bacon for 8-10 minutes, checking periodically to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
The result is bacon that’s crispy and evenly cooked, perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or as a topping for salads and soups.
3. Avocado Fries
Avocado fries are a delightful twist on traditional fries, offering a creamy interior with a crispy, golden exterior. Cooking them in an air fryer gives them a perfect crunch without the greasiness of deep frying.
How to Cook:
- Prepare the Avocado: Slice a ripe but firm avocado into wedges.
- Coat the Wedges: Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Dredge each avocado wedge in flour, dip in egg, and coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Arrange the avocado wedges in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve your avocado fries with a dipping sauce like ranch or chipotle mayo for a tasty snack or appetizer.
4. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Yes, you can make hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer! This method is not only easy but also ensures perfectly cooked eggs with minimal effort.
How to Cook:
- Place the Eggs: Place the eggs directly in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 270°F (130°C). Cook the eggs for 15-17 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness.
- Cool and Peel: Immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for a few minutes before peeling.
The result is hard-boiled eggs with a perfectly set yolk, ideal for salads, snacks, or breakfast.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A grilled cheese sandwich is a comfort food classic, and the air fryer can make it even better. The hot air circulation creates an evenly toasted, crispy exterior while melting the cheese perfectly inside.
How to Cook:
- Assemble the Sandwich: Butter two slices of bread on one side each. Place your choice of cheese (cheddar, American, or a mix) between the slices, with the buttered sides facing out.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C). Place the sandwich in the basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
You’ll end up with a golden-brown grilled cheese sandwich that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, perfect for dipping in tomato soup.
6. Ravioli
Fried ravioli is a popular appetizer, and the air fryer can make it healthier and easier. This method gives you crispy, golden ravioli without the need for a deep fryer.
How to Cook:
- Prepare the Ravioli: Use fresh or thawed frozen ravioli. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and Italian seasoning.
- Coat the Ravioli: Dredge each ravioli in flour, dip in egg, and coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the ravioli in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until crispy and golden.
Serve the fried ravioli with marinara sauce for a delicious and easy appetizer.
Conclusion
The air fryer is a versatile tool that can transform a wide range of foods into crispy, delicious dishes with less oil and effort. From vegetables like Brussels sprouts to breakfast favorites like bacon and hard-boiled eggs, and even creative snacks like avocado fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, and fried ravioli, the possibilities are endless. These six foods are just the beginning of what you can achieve with an air fryer. So, get creative and start experimenting with your own recipes to discover new favorites. Whether you’re looking to make healthier versions of your favorite fried foods or simply want to save time in the kitchen, the air fryer is an invaluable addition to your culinary arsenal.