Air fryers may be one of the greatest wonders of the world. Truthfully, there aren’t that many things you can’t make in an air fryer! Want to hear a dirty little secret? Air fryers are just mini convection ovens. I know it may seem disappointing, but having a quick heating and small form factor convection oven is usually PERFECT for home use. There really isn’t a limit to what you can cook in one and the results are often surprisingly delicious.
Check out these 12 crazy things you can make in your own air fryer!
Fabulessly Frugal (a YouTuber) did a fantastic video on this. We are going to cover a few so you can see which ones most catch your eye. Make sure to watch her video on it at the bottom!
1. Quick and easy ground beef
Ground beef is the perfect weeknight food. You can use it in tacos, casseroles, and a TON more. Simply toss a pound into your air fryer, break it apart, and season. Fry for 380 for 4 minutes, break it up again, and back in the fryer for 4 more minutes. Even more, all the grease falls to the bottom so you don’t have to worry about that extra oil!
2. Nachos
Place some parchment paper in the basket. Toss some of your fav chips in the basket on top (whichever brand you prefer for your nachos)! Add some cheese (you can use pre-shredded but the starch on the individual strands could make it a bit lumpy). Then, add the meat that you made from the LAST tip we told you. After that, turn it on 350 for 4 minutes and you are golden!
3. Croutons
Homemade croutons are in a different universe than the ones you buy in a bag. Chop up some bread you have laying around and spray it with a bit of oil. Add your favorite seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasonings are typical). Set it at 370 for 5 minutes and you can use them on pretty much anything!
4. Hot dogs and toasted buns
This one is SUPER easy. Toss in your hotdogs and let them go at 350 for 3 minutes. Then, add them into your buns and let them go for one more minute. Enjoy!
5. Corn on the cob
Spray some oil on prepared corn (dehusked and cleaned). Put them in the basket at 400 for 8 minutes. Flip when halfway through and don’t forget to add your butter!
6. The EASIEST hardboiled eggs
Preheat to 270. Place them on a rack so they don’t roll and let them fo on 270 for 15 min. While they are cooking, get an ice bath ready to stop them from cooking when you pull them. After a 5 min soak, they’re ready and good to go!
7. Fried Pickles
First, beat an egg and prepare your breadcrumbs (seasonings are HIGHLY recommended in the breadcrumbs). Dip your pickles slices in the egg, then the breadcrumbs, then place in the basket. Spray with a bit of oil, and let them go at 400 for 8-10 minutes.
8. The perfect dinner side: Garlic bread
Grab a loaf of bread and cut it up. Add your butter (mix in garlic and parsley for bonus points), and season. Toss it in the ait fryer at 340 for 3 minutes and it comes out delicious.
9. Smores (without a fire)
Place your crackers in the basket and snip off the bottom of a big marshmallow to stick onto the tops of the crackers. Fry at 370 for 3 minutes and then press on your chocolate and the tops. One more minute later and they are good to go!
10. Candied nuts
This perfect snack is super easy. In a bowl, combine a tablespoon of melted butter, a cup of brown sugar, a dash of nutmeg, a dash of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Toss in your walnuts and mix it up till all the nuts are coated. Place them in the pizza pan accessory at 340 for 8 minutes and you will have the best snack ever!
11. Asparagus
Asparagus are a delicious and healthy way to add some fun to dinner. Wash and dry asparagus, toss with oil, and season (recommend salt, pepper, and garlic powder). Cook at 400 for 6-8 min and toss them around the halfway point.
12. Fried plantains!
First, pick the color: green is a milder more potato taste, and the more ripened (yellow), the sweeter they will be. Chop the ends off and score them to peel them. After slicing, spray the basket with oil and add the plantains at 350 for 5 min. Then, squish them with a glass and add them back at 250 for 5 minutes. Then, spray with more oil and season (cinnamon sugar is what she uses) and add back into the fryer at 200 for up to 15 minutes.
Make sure you check out her video below for more ideas and step-by-step instructions!
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