{“title”:”Air Fryer Uses: Surprising Ways to Cook Beyond Frying”}

This fryer is popular for its compact size and the promise of lighter, fat-free meals. These small appliances have become a common fixture in many kitchens, allowing people to fry a range of foods with little to no oil, which reduces fat and calories. Croquettes, chips, and meatballs come out lighter and, many find, tastier than traditional frying methods.

Yet there is more to this device than simply producing healthier fried foods. It holds a variety of additional uses in the kitchen, and there are three practical, surprising ways to put it to work that may have never crossed your mind.

The secret of air fryers that no one wants to tell

Three nontraditional ways to use an air fryer can broaden its role in daily cooking. While the main goal remains healthier fried meals, these devices excel at tasks that surprise many users and open up quick, efficient cooking options that fit busy lives. By exploring these ideas, cooks can expand their repertoire without buying extra equipment or heating up the whole oven.

Three non-deep-fried things you can cook in your air fryer

The ultimate aim for air fryer buyers is lighter, healthier results. But the device is capable of more than just lean fried foods. It enables several simple, unexpected recipes that showcase versatility and efficiency. Below are three standout ideas that often catch people off guard.

Roasting chestnuts in the microwave: the biggest trick

Autumn brings chestnut season, a time to savor roasted chestnuts. The air fryer can produce roasted chestnuts with a delightful texture and flavor. Start by washing and drying the chestnuts thoroughly, then score the shells with a knife to prevent splitting as they heat. Place them in the fryer basket without piling, and bake at two hundred degrees for about ten minutes. If the chestnuts seem oily, a couple more minutes can bring them to perfection. The result is warm, fragrant chestnuts with a pleasantly roasted finish.

Discover how to fry chestnuts in the air fryer. free

Place the chestnuts in a single layer in the basket and bake at two hundred degrees for ten minutes. If the chestnuts are very oily, add two or three more minutes for better roasting.

The air fryer can also help you with your breakfast: learn how

For a simple breakfast option boiled eggs can be prepared in the air fryer. There is no need for a pot of water or oil. Place the egg in the fryer and cook at one hundred seventy degrees for seven minutes to achieve a hard-boiled texture. If a softer yolk is preferred, reduce the time by a couple of minutes. The method offers a quick, hands-off way to start the day with reliable results.

You can also cook hard-boiled eggs in the air fryer using this approach. If you want the eggs to be just soft, shave off a minute or two from the initial time, or extend the cooking time a bit for a fully set white and yolk.

How to make chicken patties in an air fryer – you’ll lick your fingers

Popcorn is another light, tasty option that can be pantry friendly when made in an air fryer. To prepare a small batch, mix a teaspoon of oil with a quarter cup of corn kernels. Place the mix in the fryer basket and cook at two hundred degrees for about five minutes or until the kernels pop. The result is airy, delicate popcorn with far less oil than traditional methods.

Be cautious when opening the appliance so the popcorn does not spill out. If some kernels remain unpopped after the initial cook time, return them to the fryer for a brief additional interval to finish popping.

With a bit of experimentation, home cooks can discover even more quick, healthy options that fit into a busy schedule. The air fryer proves to be a versatile tool beyond straightforward frying, capable of quick snacks, breakfast essentials, and simple sides that please the whole family.