Air fryers are well-known for their ability to create crispy, delicious dishes with minimal oil. Some of the most common air-fryer uses include snacks like french fries and chicken wings, but these countertop convection ovens are good for so much more. With a little creativity, there’s almost no limit to the ways you can use an air fryer to prepare foods that taste good and are good for you. Here are some of the best lesser-known ways to get the most out of your air fryer.
Apple Chips
Turn ordinary apples into irresistibly crispy and healthy chips by slicing them into thin rounds, sprinkling them with a touch of cinnamon, and air frying at 350°F for around 10-15 minutes. The result is a sweet and crunchy chip that makes a perfect guilt-free snack. You can also try layering them with some yogurt and granola for a homemade parfait, or crushing them and sprinkling over your favorite salad.
Toaster Pastries
Skip the store-bought toaster pastries and make your own quickly and easily using pre-made pie crusts and whatever fillings you have on hand. Cut the crusts into rectangles, place a few spoonfuls of filling in the center, then place another layer of crust on top and press around the edges with a fork to create a seal. Fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or until the crust appears golden brown. Experiment with different jams, chocolate, or even marshmallow fluff as fillings.
Dehydrating Herbs
If you’ve got extra fresh herbs lying around but aren’t sure what to do with them, dehydrating them in an air fryer is a great way to make sure that they don’t go to waste. Spread your herbs evenly on the air fryer rack, set the temperature to 100°F and dehydrate for approximately 2-3 hours, or until the herbs are completely dry. Once they’re ready, crumble the herbs into jars for future use.
