Air fryers are incredibly versatile, and there are so many hacks to make the most out of them! Here are a few highlights from the list of 45 air fryer hacks that can truly transform your cooking experience:
Preheating
For crispier results, preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding food.
Don’t Crowd the Basket
Leave space between pieces of food for optimal air circulation and even cooking.
Shaking for Uniformity
For items like fries or veggies, shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Parchment Paper Magic
Line the basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticky foods from sticking.
Foil for Catching Drippings
Use a loose sheet of foil at the bottom of the basket to catch drippings for easier cleaning and reduced smoke.
Frozen to Crispy
Skip thawing! Air fry frozen foods like fries, nuggets, and veggies straight from the freezer for a quick and crispy result.
Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs
Steam eggs in your air fryer for perfectly cooked, easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs.
Reheating Leftovers
Revive leftover pizza, fries, or chicken wings in the air fryer for a crispy, restaurant-style reheat.
Amazing Roasted Vegetables
Roast vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts in the air fryer for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
Salmon Perfection
Cook salmon fillets in the air fryer for a quick and delicious meal with a flaky texture.
Breakfast Champion
Make fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, or golden hash browns in your air fryer for a fast and delicious breakfast.
Mini Quiches
Bake individual quiches in muffin tins placed in the air fryer for a fun and impressive appetizer.
Dessert Delights
Air fry cookies, brownies, or even small cakes for perfectly portioned and delicious treats.
Homemade Yogurt
Believe it or not, some air fryers allow you to make yogurt! Check your manual for specific instructions.
Dehydrated Snacks
Dehydrate fruits or vegetables in your air fryer for healthy and tasty homemade snacks.
Silicone Liners
Invest in reusable silicone air fryer liners for easy cleanup and reduced parchment paper usage.
Double-Decking
Use air fryer accessories like double racks or stackable inserts to maximize cooking space.
Spray vs. Brush
Use a mister to lightly coat food with oil instead of brushing, for a more even and healthier application.
The Power of Steam
Add a tablespoon of water to the basket for crispier results on some items like wings or potatoes.
The Flavor Boost
Marinate your food before air frying for an extra burst of flavor and juicy results.
Soup Revival
Reheat leftover soups or stews in the air fryer for a quick and bubbly lunch. Use oven-safe ramekins for individual portions.
Pizza Dough Transformation
Give leftover pizza dough a new life by air frying it into crispy breadsticks or garlic knots.
Homemade Potato Chips
Slice potatoes thinly, toss with oil and seasonings, and air fry for healthy and delicious homemade chips.
Roasted Chickpeas
Spice up your snack game with air-fried chickpeas seasoned with your favorite herbs and spices.
Egg Roll in a Basket
Wrap wonton wrappers around your favorite egg roll fillings and air fry for a healthier and faster alternative.
Toasting Nuts
Air fry nuts for a quick and even toast, perfect for snacking or adding to salads.
Warming Towels
Need a warm towel in a pinch? Throw it in a preheated air fryer for a few minutes (ensure it’s dry and safe for heating).
Melting Chocolate
Use your air fryer on low heat to melt chocolate chips or candy melts for baking projects.
Drying Herbs
Dehydrate fresh herbs in the air fryer to preserve their flavor for future use.
Soapy Soak
For stubborn messes, soak the basket and accessories in hot, soapy water after use.
Invest in a Cookbook
Explore air fryer cookbooks for endless recipe inspiration and discover new ways to utilize your appliance.
Join the Community
Connect with online air fryer communities to share tips, tricks, and recipes with other air fryer enthusiasts.
Breakfast on the Go
Prepare breakfast burritos or quesadillas in the air fryer for a quick and portable hot breakfast.
Crispy Samosas
Make restaurant-quality samosas at home by air frying for a delicious and healthier alternative to deep-frying.
French Fry Resurrection
Revive soggy french fries by air frying them for a second life of crispy perfection.
Seeding Vegetables
Use the air fryer to easily roast and open pine cones for seed extraction (be sure to check online tutorials for proper pine cone selection and handling).
Never Overfill
Avoid overfilling the basket to ensure proper air circulation and prevent uneven cooking or burning.
Aluminum Foil for Sticky Situations
Line the basket with a loose sheet of aluminum foil for foods prone to sticking, like cheeseburgers or fried rice. This allows for easy removal and cleanup. Just remember not to block airflow holes.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor
Don’t underestimate the power of marinades! Marinating meats, tofu, or vegetables before air frying adds incredible flavor and keeps them moist.
Skewer it Up
For small items like shrimp, scallops, or vegetables, threading them onto skewers helps ensure even cooking and prevents them from falling through the basket grate.
Batch Cooking
Since preheating takes time, consider prepping multiple batches of food to cook consecutively. This minimizes downtime and maximizes air fryer use.
Double-Duty Cooking
Utilize the air fryer while using your oven for other dishes. This is particularly helpful for side dishes or appetizers while the main course bakes.
Fresh Herbs as Garnish
Elevate the presentation of your air-fried dishes with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro.
Drizzle for Wow Factor
For a touch of visual appeal and extra flavor, drizzle your finished air-fried dishes with a sauce, glaze, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Repurpose Leftovers
Get creative with leftover air-fried ingredients! Use leftover roasted vegetables in frittatas, quesadillas, or salads. Shred leftover air-fried chicken or salmon for sandwiches or tacos.
