Air Fryer Wonders: 10 Surprising Yet Common Recipes

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthier alternative to deep-frying. These versatile kitchen appliances use hot air to circulate around the food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.

From perfectly cooked chicken to crispy vegetables and even cakes. These dishes are crispy and delicious without the added oil of traditional deep-frying.

What can you cook in an air fryer, though? There are countless possibilities, but these are the top ten recipes that an air fryer can prepare that will surprise you:

Fried Chicken

Air fryer fried chicken is a healthier and easier version of traditional fried chicken. It’s crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. The chicken can be served with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.

Instructions:

• Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and set aside.
• In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• In a separate shallow dish, beat the egg and milk together.
• Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat in the flour mixture. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to make sure it sticks.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, making sure to not overcrowd it.
• Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time.
• Once cooked, the chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
• Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or BBQ sauce.

Enjoy your crispy and juicy air fried chicken! You can also add some herbs and spices to the flour mixture for added flavor, such as cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or thyme and rosemary for a more herbaceous flavor.

Pros	Cons
Crispy and flavorful.	High in calories and fat.
It can be made with a variety of seasonings and spices.	It can be difficult to get the right consistency.

French Fries

Air fryer French fries are a healthier and easier version of traditional French fries. They are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and dusted with an irresistible coating of salt.

Instructions:

• Rinse the potatoes and pat them dry. Cut them into fries, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
• Place the fries in a large bowl and toss with the vegetable oil and a pinch of salt.
• Arrange the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.
• Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Once cooked, the fries should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
• Sprinkle with a little more salt, if desired, and serve hot with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.

You can also add different seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, or Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Be aware that different types of potatoes may require different cooking times, so adjust accordingly. If you like your fries extra crispy, you can cook them for a few minutes more

Pros	Cons
Crispy and delicious.	High in calories.
Easy to make.	High in fat

Fried Fish

Air fryer fried fish is a healthier and easier version of traditional fried fish. It’s crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and full of flavor. 

Instructions:

• Cut the fish into desired portions, and set aside.
• In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• In a separate shallow dish, beat the egg and milk together.
• Dip each piece of fish into the egg mixture, then coat in the flour mixture. Press the flour mixture onto the fish to make sure it sticks.
• Place the fish in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it.
• Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook for 8–10 minutes. Flip the fish halfway through the cooking time.
• Once cooked, the fish should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and flaky on the inside.
• Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of your choice.

You can use any type of white fish for this recipe, such as cod, haddock, or tilapia. You can also use cornmeal or breadcrumbs in place of the flour mixture for a different texture. If you want to add some extra flavor, you can try adding some lemon juice or herbs to the egg mixture before coating the fish.

Pros	Cons
Crispy and flavorful.	High in calories and fat.
It can be made with a variety of seasonings and spices.	It can be difficult to get the right consistency

Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake

Chocolate lava cake is a rich and decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a small cake with a molten chocolate center that oozes out once you cut into it. 

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease four 6-ounce ramekins with nonstick spray and dust with cocoa powder.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, eggs, and egg yolks until pale and thick.
• Add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture and whisk until well combined.
• Sift the flour and espresso powder (if using) over the chocolate mixture and whisk until just combined.
• Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.
• Place the ramekins in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly jiggly.
• Remove the ramekins from the air fryer and let them cool for 1-2 minutes.
• Run a knife around the edges of the ramekins to loosen the cakes, then invert them onto plates.
• Serve immediately with ice cream and hot fudge.

Enjoy your decadent chocolate lava cake made in your air fryer!

Pros	Cons
Quick and easy to make, taking only 7-10 minutes to cook.	Overbaking the lava cakes can result in a dry and crumbly texture
Air fryer lava cakes have a warm, gooey center that’s rich in chocolate flavor.	Air fryer lava cakes are a rich and indulgent dessert, so they might not be suitable for those watching their calorie intake

Fried Okra

Air fryer fried okra is a healthier and easier version of traditional fried okra. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor. 

Instructions:

• Rinse the okra and slice it into 1/4 inch rounds.
• In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• In a separate shallow dish, beat the egg and milk together.
• Dip each okra slice into the egg mixture, then coat in the flour mixture. Press the flour mixture onto the okra to make sure it sticks.
• Place the okra in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it.
• Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook for 8–10 minutes.
• Once cooked, the okra should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
• Serve hot as a side dish or as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.

You can also try using different types of flour like cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs to give the okra a different texture. You can also add different spices such as cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick. Experiment with different dipping sauces such as ranch, tartar sauce, or a spicy mayo.

Pros	Cons
Crispy and flavorful.	High in calories and fat.
It can be made with a variety of seasonings and spices	It can be difficult to get the right consistency.

Cake

 Air Fryer Cake from Scratch is a simple and easy recipe that uses self-raising flour or plain flour plus baking powder, sugar, softened unsalted butter or margarine, medium eggs, semi-skimmed milk, and vanilla extract or vanilla powder.

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F).
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Add the flour, baking powder (if using plain flour), milk, and vanilla extract or powder, and mix until well combined.
• Grease an 8-inch deep cake pan with nonstick cooking spray and dust with cocoa powder.
• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
• Place the cake pan in the air fryer basket and cook for 7-10 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Remove the cake pan from the air fryer and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
• Run a knife around the edges of the cake pan to loosen the cake, then invert it onto a plate.
• Serve the cake as is or with frosting or sprinkles.

Pros	Cons
Quick and Easy to make	High in Calories and Fat.
Moist and Fluffy texture that’s perfect for any Cake recipe	Cake tops might crack and not look as visually appealing.

Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Air fryer fried macaroni and cheese balls are a delicious and easy appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. The macaroni and cheese is formed into balls and coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture.

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, mix together the cooked macaroni, shredded cheese, flour, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Form the mixture into small balls, about 2 inches (5.08 cm) in diameter.
• In a shallow dish, beat the eggs.
• In another shallow dish, put the panko breadcrumbs.
• Dip each macaroni and cheese ball into the beaten eggs and then coat it with panko breadcrumbs.
• Place the macaroni and cheese balls in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it.
• Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook for 8–10 minutes.
• Once cooked, the macaroni and cheese balls should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and the cheese should be melted and gooey on the inside.
• Serve hot as a side dish or as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.

You can also try using different types of cheese such as mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor. Experiment with different dipping sauces such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy mayo.

Pros	Cons
Cheesy and Delicious.	High in calories
Easy to make.	High in fat.

Fried Zucchini Sticks

Air fryer fried zucchini sticks are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Air fryer fried zucchini sticks have a crispy texture that’s perfect for any snack or appetizer

Instructions:

• Slice the zucchinis into 1/4 inch sticks.
• In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs.
• In another shallow dish, put the panko breadcrumbs.
• Dip each zucchini stick into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and then coat it with panko breadcrumbs.
• Place the zucchini sticks in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it.
• Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook for 8–10 minutes.
• Once cooked, the zucchini sticks should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
• Serve hot as a side dish or as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.

You can also try using different types of sugar like brown sugar or coconut sugar to give the banana slices a different flavor. Experiment with different dipping sauces such as caramel, chocolate, or peanut butter sauce.

Pros	Cons
Crispy and sweet.	High in sugar.
Easy to make.	High in calories.

Fried Banana Slices

Air fryer fried banana slices are a delicious and easy snack or dessert. Air fryer fried banana slices have a crispy texture that’s perfect for any snack or dessert.

Instructions:

• Slice the bananas into 1/4 inch slices.
• In a shallow dish, combine the flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
• In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs.
• In another shallow dish, put the panko breadcrumbs.
• Dip each banana slice into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and then coat it with panko breadcrumbs.
• Place the banana slices in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it.
• Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook for 8–10 minutes.
• Once cooked, the banana slices should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
• Serve hot as a dessert with your favorite dipping sauce.

You can also try using different types of sugar like brown sugar or coconut sugar to give the banana slices a different flavor. Experiment with different dipping sauces such as caramel, chocolate, or peanut butter sauce.

Pros	Cons
Crispy and sweet.	High in sugar.
Easy to make.	High in calories.

Fried Cauliflower Bites

Air fryer fried cauliflower bites are a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer that’s perfect. Air fryer fried cauliflower bites are quick and easy to make, taking only 10-12 minutes to cook.

Instructions:

• Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
• In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• In a separate shallow dish, pour the almond milk.
• In another shallow dish, put the panko breadcrumbs.
• Dip each cauliflower floret into the flour mixture, then the almond milk, and then coat it with panko breadcrumbs.
• Place the cauliflower bites in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it.
• Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook for 12–15 minutes.
• Once cooked, the cauliflower bites should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
• Serve hot as a side dish or as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.

You can also try using different types of flour like cornmeal or chickpea flour to give the cauliflower bites a different texture. Experiment with different dipping sauces such as ranch, marinara sauce, or a lemon-dill sauce.

Pros	Cons
Crispy and Flavorful.	High in Calories and Fat.
It can be made with a Variety of Seasonings and Spices.	It can be difficult to get the right consistency.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious and surprising things you can make in an air fryer. From crispy fried chicken to sweet fried banana slices, the possibilities are endless. Not only are these meals healthier than their deep-fried counterparts, but they also save time and make clean-up a breeze. So next time you’re looking for a new way to cook your favorite foods, give your air fryer a try and be surprised at the delicious result.

Questions You Might Have

Conclusion

Air fryers are versatile and convenient kitchen appliances that can be used to cook a variety of foods, including some that may surprise you. From fried okra to fried fish to cake, there’s something for everyone to enjoy when cooking with an air fryer .While they are tasty, they are also high in calories and should be consumed in moderation. With some experimentation, one can discover new ways to use an air fryer.