Blog

Air Fryer 101: A How-to Guide and 4 Recipes

by Pam Silvia

So, you got a new air fryer for Christmas, and you have no idea how to use it? Cue the superhero overture: Spencer’s TV & Appliance is here to help! We’ve got the lowdown on this cooking style and some mouthwatering recipes you can make with it.

What is Air Frying?

Specifically designed to help you whip up your favorite fried foods in your own kitchen, air frying eliminates the need for storing a deep fryer (and the messy oil changing that comes with it). Air frying is the safer and healthier option for deep-fried grubbin’—and it is now a setting in Frigidaire Gallery oven ranges!

How Does it Work?

The air-fry setting operates at a much higher temperature, which quickly crisps the surface of the food. The super-charged heat is evenly circulated throughout the oven, so every buffalo wing and churro is crisped evenly and to perfection. After a quick burst of direct heat, your air frying range gradually decreases the cooking temperature to ensure a golden, crispy exterior while maintaining a tender, juicy interior.

With just a touch of a button, you can enjoy your county-fair favorites at home—and without the guilt! Without further ado, here are 4 satisfying recipes you can make with your new air fryer:

Recipe #1: Italian-Style Meatballs

For meatballs that will have you kissing your pinched fingers like an Italian chef, preset your air frying oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and heat up some olive oil with minced shallot and garlic cloves. Then, transfer the contents of your skillet in a bowl containing some whole-wheat panko crumbs and whole milk. Throw in lean ground beef, turkey sausage, one egg, chopped parsley and thyme, Dijon mustard and kosher salt. Shape the meatballs and cook for 10 or 11 minutes!

Recipe #2: Chicken Wings

“Ain’t no thing but a chicken wing” is what we’ll say after you dig into these spicy Asian wings and look up from your plate with gusto. In other words, you’re welcome. To start making this recipe, pat your chicken wings dry and coat them well with cooking spray. Cook them at 400 degrees for 25 minutes or until the skin is very crispy, turning each piece over halfway through cooking.

Over a skillet, whisk together some low-sodium soy sauce and cornstarch, and gradually whisk in some honey, ground chili paste, finely chopped garlic and ginger, fresh lime juice and kosher salt. Bring to a simmer and wait for the mixture to thicken. Then, toss your cooked chicken in the sauce until each piece is coated.

Recipe #3: Crispy Toasted Sesame Tofu

Air frying isn’t just for meats—vegetarians can reap the benefits of this cooking style, too! Tangy toasted tofu can be yours in just a few steps. First, place your extra-firm tofu cubes on paper-lined plates to drain them further. Coat them with cooking spray and cook them in your air fryer at 375 degrees for about 14 minutes, turning over each cube at the halfway mark.

Meanwhile, whisk together fresh orange juice, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar and cornstarch in a small saucepan over high heat until the sauce thickens. Prepare some brown rice and then toss the warm tofu in the saucepan mixture. Upon serving, top your masterpiece with some chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds!

Recipe #4: Cinnamon Rolls

For a rich dessert that will have you feeling like you’re rolling in the dough, look no further than this recipe for air-fried cinnamon buns! Step 1: stir together some melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt until the mixture is fluffy. Step 2: Roll some Crescent-roll dough into a rectangle and spread the buttered mixture all over, leaving a quarter-inch border. Step 3: Form the dough into a tight swirl (as pictured). Step 4: bake them at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: To make the glaze, whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar and milk. Step 6: Drizzle that sugary goodness all over your warmed cinnamon rolls and enjoy!

For all of your questions related to our Frigidaire Gallery oven ranges, swing by Spencer’s TV & Appliance! Kick off 2020 with an all-new kitchen suite—we can help you find the right one to suit all of your culinary needs. Stop by today!