2021 is the year of the reset. For businesses, for schools and especially for our health. Time to pull out the air fryer and get fit.
Air fryers have been an under-the-tree staple since they hit the mainstream market a few years ago. The main idea behind an air fryer is making fried foods - or making foods that taste fried - without actually frying then. They cook without all the oil needed with deep frying. You can make your favorite crispy style fries, nuggets, tenders, shrimp and all those fun appetizer and game day foods without the guilt. But if that is all your are doing with your air fryer, you are missing a delicious opportunity to jazz up your dinner. Think veggies, whole chickens, jerky and more.
Here are five things you can make in an air fryer that aren’t breaded - and more importantly, not frozen. Yes, this is all fresh!
Rotisserie Chicken or Pork Loin
We love a good supermarket chicken as much as you do, but there is nothing like the aroma that wafts through the house when you roast your own. And rotisserie chickens are all that and more. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can cook a whole chicken in it, creating a moist, plump juicy inside with beautifully brown, crispy skin outside. Same goes for a juicy pork loin. Just brush with a little EVOO and seasoning and the result is simple and delicious.
Vegetables
Your air fryer can turn simple broccoli and brussels sprouts into things of actual beauty. Again, all it takes is your favorite seasonings and toss in a small amount of EVOO (about a tablespoon for 16 oz) and set to air fry at 390 degrees for around 20 mins. We use the same technique for veggies like zucchini, carrots, asparagus, green beans, cauliflower, potatoes and more.
Seafood
If you're pressed for time and want to cook a simple fish dish without worry of drying it out or overcooking, your air fryer is your best friend. Try cooking shrimp, salmon, cod, scallops and more in your cooker. Some brands have tray inserts so you can do both sides and seafood at the same time making it a complete meal in one.
Fruits
Green Apron Kitchen is a big fan of DIYing your own food coloring and we do that by dehydrating fruits and then pulverizing them to create a colored powder. Works great with strawberries, pineapple, dragon fruit and more. If your air fryer has a dehydrate setting, please try it! If not, fear not because you can make delicious air-fried peaches, pineapple, strawberries and even blueberries. Every fruit varies with cooking time, but the basic idea remains the same. Simply sprinkle your fruit with your favorite spices (cinnamon is always a good idea), pop it in the air fryer and cook until the fruit is extra sweet and totally delicious. But your air fryer can also create snacks like apple and banana chips and more
According to TikTok user @mmaddiemay, air-fried apples are the next big dessert. Just slice an apple and roll it in cinnamon sugar. Once each slice is seasoned, cook in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, flipping each slice every three or four minutes. Once the apples are fully cooked, top the fruit with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and dig in. She swears the dessert tastes “just like apple pie!”
Jerky
Skip the nitrates and filler and make jerky at home with your own choice of meat. First, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture and place into your air fryer basket. Do not overlap the pieces for even cooking. Close the top or drawer and allow to cook at 180 degrees for 2 hours. Yes, that's right, 120 minutes is what it takes for them to be perfect tender jerky made right at home!
Unsure how to get started with your air fryer?
Join us for an in person or virtual online cooking class to learn!