When it comes to quick cooking with quality results, nothing beats the modern air fryer. The microwave and toaster oven have their shortcomings, making the air fryer a standout option. Some surprising foods that are perfect for the air fryer include roasted chicken, salmon, burgers, chicken cutlets, cauliflower steak, leftover pizza, and hot dogs. These foods can be cooked with ease and produce delicious results in the air fryer, making it a versatile kitchen appliance.
Salmon is a food that can be cooked quickly and perfectly in the air fryer, in just 8 minutes. Roasted salmon is a healthy meal option that can be challenging to make in the oven or on the stove without creating a mess. With the air fryer, salmon can be cooked in a closed cooking chamber, reducing the fishy smell and making cleanup easier. This makes salmon a go-to dish in the air fryer for those looking for a quick and tasty meal.
Roasting a whole chicken in the air fryer may be surprising to some, but it is a revelation for those who have tried it. Air-fryer roasted chicken cooks quickly and evenly, with crispy skin and juicy meat. This method takes about 45 minutes, making it 15% quicker than using an oven. The air fryer simplifies the process of making roasted chicken and results in a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Bacon cheeseburgers are another unexpected food that can be cooked in the air fryer. Air fryer cheeseburgers are a cleaner and healthier alternative to pan frying, as the burger cooks in its own grease. Adding bacon and buns to the air fryer for a complete meal with minimal cleanup makes this a convenient option for a classic American dish. The air fryer produces a lighter and tastier burger without sacrificing flavor.
Chicken cutlets are a versatile food that can be cooked to perfection in the air fryer. The air fryer method produces less oily fried chicken with less mess compared to pan-frying. Using boneless chicken thighs and coating them in bread crumbs before cooking ensures a crispy and flavorful chicken cutlet. This method can also be used with chicken breasts, although there is a higher risk of drying out the meat. Overall, air fryer chicken cutlets are a picture-perfect dish that is easy to make.
Cauliflower steak and leftover pizza are two unexpected foods that can be cooked or reheated in the air fryer. Cauliflower steak is a hearty side dish or main course that can be cooked quickly and easily in the air fryer. The air fryer gives it a beautiful caramelized crust without making the inside mushy. Leftover pizza, fried chicken, grilled meats, and vegetables can be revived in the air fryer, giving them a crispy crust and even heating that a microwave cannot provide. These foods are given a second life with the help of the air fryer.
Hot dogs are a simple and quick food that can be cooked perfectly in the air fryer in just a few minutes. Air fryer hot dogs come out perfectly charred with no cleanup required, making them a convenient option for a quick meal. The superconvection oven of the air fryer ensures that hot dogs are cooked evenly and quickly, giving them a delicious browning in just a couple of minutes. Overall, the air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of foods with ease and quality results.
