Sure, air fryers achieve a satisfyingly crisp finish with just a fraction of the fat, putting a healthier spin on fried foods. But there’s another reason to love your air fryer: the mind-blowing array of exciting new dishes you can add to your everyday repertoire.
We’re talking not just entrees and sides, but snacks and sweets, too. ChefWave, makers of the Magma 16-Quart Multifunctional Air Fryer Oven, encourages you to think outside the deep fryer basket. Get creative with air fryer foods you never thought you could make at home—and things you’d never dreamed could be fried.
1. Chips, chips, chips!
Air fryers can turn just about anything into a crispy snack. Get a good mandolin and cut a medley of root vegetables into paper-thin rounds—we love carrots, parsnips, beets, sweet potatoes, and taro—and fry ‘em up. Apple or pear chips? Why not? Kale chips? Make your own and save big bucks at the store.
2. Pasta perfection
You’re at a cocktail party and somebody passes you a tray of air-fried ravioli. Whaaat?? Yes—many kinds of pasta can be transformed into crispy nibbles with your air fryer. Whether you make your own gnocchi or buy frozen tortellini, you may never need a jar of marinara sauce again. Get imaginative with the dipping sauce and you’ve got an elegant appetizer.
3. Pickles
If you’re not up on today’s fried pickle craze, you may be due for a trip to the State Fair. Or better yet, make up a batch of your own. You’ll need to dab them dry before coating them with breadcrumbs or flour, seasoned your way. Try these air-fried pickles. Be prepared to get hooked!
4. Jerky
High in protein and low in fat, jerky is basically the stuff of air fryer dreams. Take some super-thin strips of beef, turkey, or salmon and marinate them overnight in the flavor profile of your choice (salty, sweet, spicy, smoked, herbed, or some/all/none of the above). Then pop them on the rack of your air fryer and cook low and slow. Try out the Teriyaki Beef Jerky! Shout-out to the vegans: tofu or mushrooms can also be ‘jerkified’ to excellent results.
5. Sneaky sides
Ever wonder how to make healthy veggies they’ll actually want to eat? Hello, air fryer! Try crisping up string beans, baby carrots, brussels sprouts, zucchini, cauliflower and broccoli…even radishes. A spritz of cooking spray beforehand, a dash of herbs, and maybe some grated cheese when they come out. Then watch them disappear.
6. Versatile wonton wrappers
Your ticket to air fryer magic is waiting in your grocer’s refrigerator or freezer section. Wonton wrappers will take you wherever you want to go. We’re talking about savory meat and veggies. Gooey goodies stuffed with fiery jalapeño-cream cheese. Sweet delights with fruit, nut butter, or caramel centers. You can even cut them in strips and air-fry them plain with a dusting of powdered sugar.
7. Just desserts
Air-fried donuts are kind of a no-brainer, but brownies? Yes, please! The secret is out: the Internet is filled with recipes for baked goods like pies, cookies, bread pudding, and even lava cake á la air fryer. Check out all these air-fryer desserts. Sweet!
8. Got meat?
Skip the smoky kitchen—cook up a nice thick ribeye, sirloin, or juicy ribs to tender perfection in the basket of your air fryer. How about serving up steak bites. And who knew you can air fry a meatloaf!
9. Be a good egg
Mornings are busy enough. Who wants to cook? With your trusty air fryer, you can whip up some fluffy omelets (hint: prepare the mixture the night before) or even a batch of perfect “hard-boiled” eggs.
10. Toasted sandwiches
Dial snack time up a notch with some exotic Mianbaoxia Shrimp Toasted Sandwich, the Korean finger food that’s crunchy on the outside and luscious on the inside with just the right amount of umami.
The ChefWave Magma 16-quart. Multifunctional Air Fryer Oven does it all, easily. This versatile workhorse also includes a rotisserie and dehydrator! You also get all the accessories you need, plus a recipe book full of air fryer foods you should try!