From the Thermomix to the Pie Maker Australians really love their appliances. There’s another kitchen tool we’re in love with that makes eating healthy so much easier. Air fryer recipes let you make fried foods without all the oil and it can be used for so much more. Here are some of the most incredible things you can make in one, from mains to sides to desserts and snacks.
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food using the convection mechanism
The technology circulates the air to temperatures up to 200 degrees, and the cooking chamber keeps the food close to the heating elements, allowing your food to be cooked in 10 to 20 minutes.
The air fryer is extremely easy to use, and requires little to no maintenance. In addition to making the process of frying easier, it also results in healthier and tastier results.
Air fryers are renowned for replicating the crisp texture of deep-frying with a fraction of the oil. This amped-up benchtop convection oven works by pushing hot air around food. The rapid circulation of air is what helps to make food crisp, but with much less oil. For example, air-fried hot chips provide 4–6g fat compared to 17g for the deep-fried equivalent. There are many sizes of air fryers; however, in our Air Fryer Cookbook we’ve used a popular well-priced and mid-sized 5.3-litre model. If you have a larger appliance, you will be able to cook larger amounts of food, while for a smaller one, you will need to decrease the quantities accordingly.
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How to safely use an air fryer
Before starting any recipe, read the manufacturer’s instructions for your appliance first. The machine can get hot, so allow sufficient space on the benchtop around it. Once the basket is pulled out of the appliance, treat it like opening an oven door – it will be hot! Take care when adding and removing items from the air-fryer basket.
How to reheat food in the air fryer
Use the air fryer to return pizza, crumbed items and pastry to their former crisp glory. Five minutes at 180°C is all that’s needed to reheat a slice of pizza!
The best hacks and tips for cooking with an air fryer
Avoid baking paper as a cover for food as it will catch fire. Instead, use aluminium foil, which may need to be weighed down with metal spoons. Seeds and loose seasonings should also be avoided, as these will fly around the appliance and burn. To assist with cleaning, line under the basket with baking paper or foil to catch any oil drippings. To ensure even browning, turn food halfway through cooking time. To prevent overbrowning, ensure there is sufficient distance between the top of the food and the element, or cover the food with foil.
Do you use oil in airfryer recipes?
Use oil sparingly in the air fryer or it will burn. Aim for 1-2 tablespoons (olive or canola oil). No additional oil is required for naturally fattier foods like sausages or meatballs. For battered, floured and crumbed recipes, spray the basket and the food lightly with oil. Some oil is required to assist with browning.
How to convert oven time to air fryer
To convert a deep-fried, baking or roasting recipe for the air fryer, reduce the cooking temperature by 20°C.
01
Air fryer frittata carbonara
An easy dinner idea that combines two of your dinner favourites!
02
Air fryer fish ‘n’ chips
This fish and chips recipe will transport you right to the beach!
03
Air fryer spiced prawn po’boys
Air fryer spiced prawn po’boys
Tuck into these air fryer spiced prawn po-boys – they’re destined to be a family favourite!
07
Best-ever air fryer roast chicken
Best-ever air fryer roast chicken
We jazzed up a classic roast chook with a turn in the air fryer and served it with crispy gnocchi – delicious!
08
Air fryer Sriracha vegetable tempura
Air fryer Sriracha vegetable tempura
No need to pop to a restaurant when you know how to make our air fryer recipe for Sriracha vegetable tempura.
09
Air fryer salt & pepper squid
The Chinese classic gets a speedy makeover in this air fryer salt & pepper squid, made with a crispy coating, chilli and lemon wedges.
10
Air fryer doughnut bites
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Make these air fryer doughnut bites the next time you’re craving something sweet.
11
Air fryer roast chicken with secret herbs and spices
Air fryer roast chicken with secret herbs and spices
Make a succulent roast chicken with herbs and spices in the middle of the week with this easy air fryer recipe. It’s delightfully moist and juicy!
12
Air fryer lemon curd and raspberry bread and butter pudding
Air fryer lemon curd and raspberry bread and butter pudding
A creamy custard mix poured over stale bread, this easy air fryer dessert has been created with tangy flavours of lemon curd and raspberry.
13
Air fryer fish tacos
Taco night just got a whole lot better! Our crispy fish tacos are made entirely in the air fryer, and is a lighter and quicker alternative to mince tacos.
14
Pick-a-flavour pizza night: Air fryer pizza supreme
Pick-a-flavour pizza night: Air fryer pizza supreme
Put the fun back in pizza night with these flavoursome air fryer pizza variations!
15
Air fryer Nutella turnovers
Treat yourself to these simple air fryer Nutella turnovers, made with just FOUR ingredients!
16
Air fryer vegetable spring rolls
Air fryer vegetable spring rolls
Next time you’re having a gathering, make these crispy air fryer vegetable spring rolls. Serve hot chilli sauce.
17
Air fryer passionfruit buttermilk cake
Air fryer passionfruit buttermilk cake
Who knew you could make a fluffy, passionfruit buttermilk cake in the air fryer! Moist and delicious!
18
Air fryer Chips and wedges
Understandably, the first recipe we’d expect to be able to make in the airfryer is the epitome of fried food – the humble potato chip. Try our six ways with air fryer chips and wedges.
20
Air fryer popcorn-coated chicken with honey bbq sauce
Air fryer popcorn-coated chicken with honey BBQ sauce
You’ve tried popcorn chicken, now try popcorn-coated chicken.
21
Air fryer lemon and herb pork schnitzels
Air fryer lemon and herb pork schnitzels
One thing the air fryer does exceptionally well, it has to be a good schnitzel. Crumbed meat fried to perfection and served with chips and aioli
22
Air fryer roast pork belly
You’ve tried everything to create the perfect crackling on your roast pork belly? Now try your air fryer with our easy air fryer recipe you’ll love it
23
Air fryer herb crusted roast beef
Air fryer herb crusted roast beef
Succulent and tender beef with a tasty herb crust is even better when cooked in the humble air fryer. Serve with creamy mushroom sauce & roast potato
24
Crisp-skinned air fryer salmon with salsa verde
Crisp-skinned air fryer salmon with salsa verde
Make tender, succulent salmon with a delightful crispy skin in 25 minutes in your air fryer and top it off with a fresh salsa verde. You’ll love it!
25
Air fryer lentil-stuffed eggplant
Air fryer lentil-stuffed eggplant
Tender roasted eggplant filled with a tasty lentil and tomato-based filling and sprinkled with fetta and parmesan for a delicious vegetarian dinner
26
Air fryer mozzarella mushroom burgers
Air fryer mozzarella mushroom burgers
Create this easy vegetarian burger in less than 30 minutes in your air fryer. With earthy mushrooms, creamy mozzarella and basil pesto for extra oomph.
27
Air fryer cheeseburgers
The family will love these hearty homemade burgers.
29
Air fryer berry frangipane galette
Air fryer berry frangipane galette
Your air fryer is for more than just chips and nuggets! You can make this gorgeous berry rustic pie for dessert in this handy appliance and impress.
Looking for the ultimate side dish? We’ve taken classic salt & vinegar seasoning to the next level by pairing it with crispy air fryer potatoes.
31
Air fryer basic vanilla butter cookies
Air fryer basic vanilla butter cookies
Make these simple vanilla butter cookies in your air fryer with a baking time of 12 mins. Add any flavours you like including nuts, choc chips or M & M’s.
32
Air fryer lemon curd scones
Yes! You can even bake scones in your air fryer. Bake light, fluffy scones using lemon curd in only 17 mins in the handy appliance.
33
Air fryer Cajun sweet potato wedges
Air fryer Cajun sweet potato wedges
You’ll love these spiced kumara wedges with Cajun spices They’re cooked in the air fryer for a tasty snack with all the flavour but only a little oil.
34
Air fryer potato gratin
Like potato bake – but fancy! With onions, gruyere cheese and cream, potato gratin in your air fryer makes it simple to add a touch of class to dinner
35
Soy and sriracha air fryer chicken thighs
This air fryer chicken recipe is perfect to add to your weeknight rotation, on the table in 30 minutes.
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