Somewhere between the guilt of deep-fried indulgences and the frustration of oven-baked patience, the air fryer sits like an unproblematic middle child — efficient, mess-free, and oddly satisfying. If you are someone who gets up late and wants a quick breakfast or if you hate cleaning the stove after supper because of oil, this handy tool is for you.
Here's how you create some traditional favourites without little effort.
WHY AN AIR FRYER?
Offering a better substitute than conventional cooking techniques, it fries food to perfection without using too much oil. Using the air fryer allows you to enjoy the crispy nature of your chosen foods without feeling bad about too much oil.
Imagine a meal combining the convenience of microwave reheating, the nutritive value of baking, and the crispiness of deep-frying. Imagine now being able to create your food without gallons of unneeded oil or washing off a greasy burner. That's the air fryer's magic. It's a flexible tool that will change your cooking experience, increasing enjoyment, and reducing messiness. You will know why the air fryer is revolutionary if you have ever cursed under your breath while deep-frying alur chop.
AIR FRYER BURRITOS
Who doesn't love a good burrito? But the struggle of wrapping one, only to have it split open on the pan, is real. The air fryer solves that by crisping up your burrito to golden perfection without you having to flip it five times in a frying pan.
Ingredients
1 large tortilla wrap
1 cup shredded chicken (or beef, or mashed beans)
½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
¼ cup diced onions
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp oil (for brushing)
Method
To suit your taste, feel free to add or change ingredients. To make it vegetarian, just use additional beans and corn in place of the chicken. Turn the air fryer 180° C. Arrange the shredded chicken, cheese, onions, sour cream, paprika, salt, and pepper around the tortilla's middle. Tightly fold the tortilla then gently brush with oil. Place in the air fryer and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway for an even crisp. Serve with salsa or guacamole.
EGG BAGEL
If your mornings involve mindlessly scrolling through your phone while pretending to make breakfast, this one's for you.
Ingredients
1 bagel, sliced in half
2 eggs
1 tbsp butter
¼ cup shredded cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Butter the insides of the bagel halves. In each bagel half, crack one egg into the hole. Cook them for five minutes at 160° C in the air fryer. Before serving, season with salt, pepper, and cheese.
Pro tip: For an added flavour boost, add a piece of smoked turkey or chicken before air-frying.
CHICKEN NUGGETS
Gone are the days of sad, microwaved nuggets with rubbery edges. Air-fried nuggets are crispy, golden, and honestly, dangerously addictive.
Ingredients
2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup flour
1 egg, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp oil (for brushing)
Method
On the air fryer, crank the heat to 200° C. Before submerging the chicken bits into the beaten egg, coat them with flour. Finish with a scattering of breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook, turning once, in the basket of the air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes. Serve hot with ketchup, honey mustard, or another sauce.
Did you know that made from scratch nuggets are better tasting and healthier than their frozen cousins? It will get kick with more peri-peri spice or chilli flakes.
FRIED SHRIMPS
Let's be honest — deep-frying prawns is a messy business. An air fryer gives you that crispy finish without turning your kitchen into a war zone.
Ingredients
250g shrimps, peeled and deveined
½ cup flour
1 egg, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp oil (for brushing)
Method
Set the air fryer for 190° C preheat. Toss shrimp in a flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper combination. Put in the air fryer dipped in beaten egg, breadcrumb coating. Cook until golden brown, or 8 to 10 minutes. Present with a squeeze of lemon and chilli sauce.
Pro Tip: For a Bangladeshi twist, mix in some chaat masala and serve with tamarind sauce.
BAKED POTATOES
Sometimes, you just want a warm, buttery potato without waiting an eternity.
Ingredients
2 large potatoes
1 tbsp oil
Salt to taste
2 tbsp butter
Method
Preheat the air fryer to 200° C. Rub potatoes with oil and salt. Place in the air fryer and cook for 40 minutes, turning once. Cut open, fluff with a fork, and top with butter.
Extra Flavour Hack: Add a sprinkle of roasted garlic, cheese, or leftover beef bhuna for a heartier version.
BUFFALO WINGS
Spicy, crispy wings without the greasy regret? Sign us up.
Ingredients
500g chicken wings
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp oil
¼ cup buffalo sauce
Method
Set the air fryer for 200° C preheat. Toss the wings in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oil. Halfway, shake the basket in the air fryer and cook for 25 minutes. Toss with buffalo sauce, then present right away.
An alternate sauce idea would be to use soy sauce and brown sugar or honey and mustard, in lieu of buffalo sauce for a sweet-savoury twist.
After each usage, thoroughly clean the basket and tray with warm, soapy water. One may clean the outside using a moist towel. Regular maintenance and cleaning can help your air fryer remain in good shape for many years to come. For everyone weary of oil spatter and never-ending dishwashing, the air fryer represents a revolution rather than merely a shortcut. Whether you're a busy professional or someone who just hates cooking but loves eating, it makes life easier.
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