Fresh Ideas
These delicious air-fryer recipes make satisfying meals, healthier snacks and even sweet treats.
Air fryers have become an essential kitchen appliance for so many Aussie families because they’re an easy way to create fabulous meals in a flash. Try Claire’s selection of sweet and savoury air-fryer recipes – you won’t be disappointed!
“I’m hooked on air fryers, because they’re a great way to maximise flavour while minimising fat content. Air fryers aren’t just for cooking whole meals though; try roasting nuts or chickpeas to create healthier snacks. I often toss nuts in herbs and spices (and a bit of salt) before air-frying to create a delicious snack. Leftovers – such as pizza or even roast veggies – also get a new lease on life if you reheat them in an air fryer. The trick to perfect results is to not overfill your air fryer. If you’re feeding a family, invest in a larger machine if you can, or cook in batches. Once I’ve finished cooking, I wash my air fryer by hand, as a dishwasher can damage the non-stick surface quite quickly.”
- Claire
01
Air-fryer Korean-style chicken wings
I love serving up a plate of these when friends visit. The trick to air-frying any kind of food with a high fat content is to either line an air-fryer with baking paper, or add a little water to the base of the drawer (if it has one) to prevent the fat from sticking and smoking. For a perfect family dinner, serve these sticky, honey-soy-coated niblets with steamed rice and a bowl of Chinese-style steamed greens.
02
Air-fryer salmon with teriyaki glaze
This is one of my go-to midweek faves because it takes just 20 minutes; is super flavoursome; and features plenty of veggies. The microwave rice and a ready-to-go Asian style salad kit are the icing on the convenience cake! If you’re only cooking for one or two people and have any rice leftover, transfer it to the fridge in an airtight container as soon as it’s stopped steaming, then make a veggie-packed rice salad for lunch the next day.
03
Air-fryer zucchini fries
This is another quick and easy winner for friends and family. The crunchy, golden zucchini fries are so moreish on their own, and even better when you dip them in the zucchini tzatziki. This must be one of the best ways to get kids to eat veggies, too. For the ultimate crunch factor, give the crumbed zucchini a quick shake halfway through cooking.
04
Gluten-free air-fryer chicken schnitzel bites
I love these mini schnitties. They make a perfect gluten-free snack, but when I serve them as a meal I’ll add a couple of sides to round them out. Air-fryer potato chips would be my first choice, of course, along with a crunchy coleslaw with buttermilk dressing. If your air fryer doesn’t have a solid base, try lining the rack with a layer of foil slightly smaller than the size of the rack. The air can still circulate under the basket, but the crumbs will stay on the schnitzels.
05
Air-fryer crispy pork belly with mandarin salad
For a simple yet sensational summer dinner, it’s hard to go past this pork-belly recipe. I love it because it has the perfect balance of crunch from the salty crackling, juiciness from the succulent meat and sweetness from the fresh mandarins. This is one of those recipes where it’s important not to overload the air fryer to ensure you get optimal crispness on your crackling.
06
Air-fryer healthier veggie chips
For chip lovers, this recipe is a game changer; not only can you use up the veggies hanging around in your fridge, but the recipe calls for very little oil for brilliantly crisp - and healthier - results. To me, this is what air fryers are all about. This colourful mix of beetroot, carrot and potato chips is great on its own, but I often serve them with a vegan beetroot dip for a perfect vegetarian starter.
07
Easy air-fryer scones
Everybody has their favourite scone recipe, right? Well, this one’s mine. It’s got just three ingredients (plus a little oil spray) and bakes like a charm in the air fryer. Who needs to turn on the oven in the middle of summer anyway? If guests arrive at short notice, I can whip these up for morning or afternoon tea and serve them with a dollop of fresh cream and the easy homemade strawberry jam I always keep handy. For best results, only knead the dough briefly or the scones will become tough.
08
Easy air-fryer doughnuts
I love the idea of being able to make this popular sweet treat without any deep-frying required, so this recipe has a special place in my heart. You can get creative with the kids and use whatever coloured icing and sprinkles you like. The recipe says these doughnuts are best eaten on the day they’re made – at my place, that’s never been an issue!
