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9 Things You Never Knew You Could Cook in an Air Fryer (and 5 Things You Can’t)

by Flavour Network
updated October 1, 2024

Previously underrated, the humble air fryer has been the talk of kitchens everywhere this year, and frankly, it’s about time. Thanks to the cooking appliance’s convection-like method of circulating hot air, it will prepare your favourite fried dishes with 90 per cent less oil in almost half the time. Translation: the air fryer transforms guilty-pleasure dishes into healthier alternatives in a snap. But this versatile kitchen staple can do a whole lot more than cook up fries and wings. Read on for nine surprising recipes you can make in an air fryer (and five you really, probably shouldn’t).

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Homemade Funnel Cakes
1/5

Can't Cook: Fried Dough

When it comes to making churros and zeppoles, it’s best to stick with hot oil. Its runny batter won’t set or form its shape in an air fryer. But on the plus side, an air fryer is the perfect appliance for cooking other sweet, warm treats with the help of castings. You can also try this scrumptious homemade funnel cakes.

butternut squash and arugula pizza
2/5

Can't Cook: Leafy Greens

Greens like spinach and arugula will likely crisp up like kale chips when cooked in the air fryer (not ideal). To sauté these greens, stick to the stove or oven and whip up this tasty butternut squash and arugula pizza. However, since air fryers hit ingredients with high heat from all sides, it’s the perfect appliance for roasting veggies like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, potatoes, squash and mushrooms.

A plate of gnocchi with brown butter sage sauce
3/5

Can't Cook: Rice or Pasta

Unlike other cooking appliances (pressure cookers and slow cookers), air fryers aren’t designed with the same heating technology that can bring water to a boil to perfectly cook fluffy rice and pasta (the exception here are the TikTok pasta chips. With that said, you can still use an air fryer to reheat leftover rice and pasta dishes, like this pan fried gnocchi with sage, lemon, and brown butter, in lieu of a microwave.

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mushroom tibs with a side of injera
4/5

Can't Cook: Stir-Fries

Ah, stir-fries. Although this easy-to-make dish usually requires one wok or pan, replicating the same crunch, texture and flavours of the various, complementary ingredients in an air fryer is almost impossible without the constant stirring and adjustment of heat. So, on a day when you’re giving your air fryer a break, try this simple easy Ethiopian mushroom stir-fry.

Fried chicken sandwich on a potato roll with a side of fries
5/5

Can't Cook: Wet Battered Food

Wet battered foods like tempura and beer battered fish are best prepared deep-fried in oil to create that irresistible crispy shell, like with this spicy fried chicken sandwich (AKA Nima sandwich) recipe. If they were to be cooked in an air fryer, the coating will drip while the food cooks, creating nothing but mess. To achieve the crunch you desire, coat your food in flour, egg wash and panko bread crumbs.