Must-Try Air Fryer Recipes for Health-conscious Foodies

When we want something crunchy and delicious without having to fix it to fry without smells, but also when we want to cook a dish quickly without turning on the oven, beneficial help comes from the air fryer. In recent years, it has become trendy in developed countries because it is very versatile, does not produce foul smells, and cooks very quickly.

Air fryer: a precious ally in the kitchen

Unlike standard fryers, the air fryer does not use oil as a heat carrier. When frying, the oil is typically used to reach the high temperatures necessary for cooking food. In the air fryer, on the other hand, it is the air that is heated and circulated at high speed in the basket up to the ideal temperature to cook the food evenly.

The air fryer is easy to clean and has the advantage of using very little or no oil. It allows you to check the result often, as the basket can be pulled out whenever needed. And, cooking indoors, it produces almost no odor.

Some delicious ideas on what to cook in the air fryer

You can prepare many air fryer recipes, from appetizers to desserts. Usually, in the package or on the dedicated application for some models, there is an agile recipe book, which allows you to follow the preparations step by step and avoid making mistakes. I want to leave you some simple and quick recipes but of significant effect. You will see, few will notice the difference!

1. Squid rings: easy and light recipe

Squid rings can also be prepared with an air fryer since the secret to perfect cooking is to use a little oil! To prepare the squid rings in the air fryer, you need 2 clean, fresh squids (about 300 grams), 1 teaspoon of oil, flour to taste, and salt.

After cleaning the squid well and rinsing them, you need to cut them into rings, dry them, and pass them well in the flour, sieving the excess. Then spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with some oil. A clever trick is to find a spray bottle! Place the floured squids without overlapping them, spray again with a bit of spray oil, and cook at 200°C for 7–8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the squids.

2. Crispy chicken nuggets

We can do The same thing with the breaded and fried chicken nuggets recipe. If we don’t want to fry them, we can cook them in the oven or use the air fryer. The breading will be very crunchy thanks to the cornflakes left in somewhat coarse pieces.

To cook them in the air fryer, we have to set them at 180°C for about 10 minutes, then open them, turn the morsels, and cook them again for more or less the same time.

3. Chickpea balls: crispy outside, soft inside

Fried chickpea balls are prepared in no time and with simple ingredients. Perfect for those who follow a vegetarian diet or have an alternative to the classic meatballs, they are ideal as an appetizer, aperitif, or even a second course. And you can air fry them!

For an even better result, a clever trick is to mix a teaspoon of oil with the dough, so when we form the balls to put them in the air fryer, a genuinely irresistible crunchy crust will be created! They should be cooked at 200°C for 10–15 minutes, occasionally turning until perfectly browned.

In conclusion,

The air fryer has revolutionized our cooking by providing a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Its ability to produce crunchy and delicious dishes without excessive oil makes it a valuable ally in the kitchen.

With its versatility, easy cleaning process, and odorless cooking, the air fryer has recently gained popularity. Whether you’re craving squid rings, crispy chicken nuggets, or flavorful chickpea balls, the air fryer offers a quick and efficient way to prepare these dishes with remarkable results.

Embrace the possibilities of this innovative kitchen appliance and elevate your cooking experience to new heights.