Got an Air Fryer for Christmas? Here's What to Make First
Weeknight dinners and simplified sides are just minutes away.
Tons of Food Network fans purchased an air fryer this holiday season for themselves or a loved one. If you're a proud new owner of an air fryer and aren't sure where to start your air frying journey, we're here to help. The Food Network test kitchen chefs have tried recipes for everything from Brussels sprouts (yum!) to bacon (nope!) in an air fryer. While it's safe to say that not all food is meant to be air fried, there are quite a few dishes that are made better in an air frying basket.
With that in mind, we've picked out three recipes that are easy enough for air fryer newbies and but still fun to make. (After all, fun and play are the whole point of a new toy.) Before making anything in your new air fryer, though, we suggest taking a look at the user manual to gain an understanding of the machine's interface, parts and nuances. Take into account how to clean any and all parts and whether or not you should wash anything before first use.
Once you're ready to go, here's how we think you should get cooking!
Renee Comet
If this isn't the whole point of this machine, we don't know what is. Whenever we test out a new air fryer, French fries are the very first recipe we make. Homemade French fries won't feel like so much of a chore with this machine and might actually become a regular occurance once you get the hang of it. Start with a batch or two of these low-risk fries to get familiar with how quickly your air fryer heats and crisps.
Renee Comet
Sure, you could air fry chicken tenders, but why not try a pork chop instead? Consider this a way to get weeknight dinner on the table fast. After all, you've just wrapped up the holidays and could use something quick and easy. This is also a great way to get comfortable cooking meat in your fryer. Don't forget to use a meat thermometer to double-check the chops' doneness.
KATE MATHIS
Brussels sprouts are the best place to start your air-fried vegetable journey. They crisp up beautifully and take no time at all. If you're making these for a crowd, we suggest frying them up in batches as overcrowding the basket can lead to soggy results.
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