What to cook in an air fryer

While air fryers have revolutionised the kitchen appliance market, it’s important to understand how they work before investing in one. Air fryers function in a similar way to a traditional oven, just in a more compact device. A heating element sits above the basket while a powerful fan circulates hot air around the food. This convection method is more energy efficient than an oven range and requires less oil than deep-fat fryers. Air fryers ensure even cooking and very crispy results due to their concentrated heat source.

Due to their convection heating method, air fryers can cook just about anything. A popular choice among air fryers users is frozen foods like chips or chicken nuggets as you can achieve a crisp and crunchy finished product. Try a batch of our golden-brown Chunky Chips made with British potatoes or our bite-sized Breaded Chicken Munchies, sourced from M&S Select Farms. Or start your day with some crispy bacon or sausages for breakfast. We love this Dry Cured Smoked Bacon and these Collection Pork Sausages, all made with outdoor bred, RSPCA Assured pork.

You can cook lighter options in an air fryer too, like hearty veggies and sides. Try our soy and ginger salmon fillets, or roast broccoli florets, carrots, courgettes, or Brussels sprouts to perfection – just make sure to rotate them for even cooking. Try crisping up chickpeas or chunks of sourdough to use as a crunchy topping for soup. Leftovers like pizza or quiches and tarts can be reheated in the air fryer, too – you'll get a better textural result versus using a microwave, which may make the food soggy.

There are some great reasons why so many people have adopted an air fryer into their kitchen. This handy kitchen appliance tends to be more energy efficient than running a large oven. It's quicker, as you generally don’t have to preheat an air fryer and the cooking time is shorter than in an oven. They’re also very easy to use so they’re great for beginners and those who may not have access to a full kitchen, like students. An air fryer requires far less oil than a deep-fat fryer so they can be a healthier option, too.

But there are some factors you may want to take into consideration. If counter space is very limited in your kitchen, you may not want to add another appliance into the mix. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may not be able to fit large portions in the basket and have it cook evenly, so it may not be the best option if you’re cooking for large groups of people.