After ordering an air fryer in bed at 3 a.m., letting the box sit unattended for weeks, and then finally opening it up and trying it, a lot of people excitedly make French fries. Then they make them again. And again. And we aren’t judging that. Air fryer french fries are definitely the best homemade fries we’ve ever tried. But there’s a lot more out there to cook up in an air fryer, which is the it appliance of the moment (sorry, InstaPot, we’ll get back to you when it’s not 400 degrees outside). Here are 5 air fryer recipes to get you started on your journey into the beyond. Can you already hear those sizzle sounds?

5 Air Fryer Recipes That Aren’t French Fries

Apple Fries

First up: Apple fries. Especially perfect for brunch, they’re pleasingly sweet with an addictive crunch. All of a sudden, potatoes feel so passé. 

These apple fries are oh-so-sweet. | Brittney Chung for LIVEKINDLY

Apple Fries

Ingredients

  • 1 medium apple sliced
  • 1 tablespoon graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • Cooking spray
  • Pair with: caramel dipping sauce

Preparation

  1. 1

    Cooking time: 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Put the apple slices in a bowl and spray them with cooking spray.

  3. 3

    Sprinkle the Graham cracker crumbs in and mix it around.

  4. 4

    Arrange the slices on the air fryer basket.

  5. 5

    Sprinkle the slices with cinnamon sugar.

  6. 6

    Then bake in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit and enjoy!

Sweet Potato Tempura

Into sweet potato fries? We’re about to blow your mind. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, these little golden balls of happiness will become a regular companion to that plant-based burger.

Yes, you can even whip up sweet potato tempura. | Brittney Chung for LIVEKINDLY

Sweet Potato Tempura

Ingredients

Batter

  • 1/2 cup of cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup of flour
  • 1/4 cup of club soda
  • 2 sweet potatoes, cut into thin slices

Dipping Sauce

  • Shoyu sauce or ponzu sauce

Preparation

  1. 1

    Chop sweet potatoes into thin slices.

  2. 2

    Add dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Feel free to add any other spices/seasonings of your choosing. Mix well.

  3. 3

    Add in club soda and whisk until the batter is well-combined.

  4. 4

    Dip sweet potatoes in batter and evenly coat with panko bread crumbs.

  5. 5

    Once everything is nicely battered and coated, add into air fryer (make sure the pieces aren’t touching each other) and fry at 380 degrees F for 10 minutes (flipping halfway through). Fry in batches if needed.

  6. 6

    Transfer to a plate and set aside to let it cool.

  7. 7

    Serve tempura alongside the sauce or feel free to use whatever sauce of choice. Enjoy!

S’mores

You read that correctly. Yes, you can make S’mores in an air fryer. Perfect for a Friday night get-together with a couple of friends, it’s also an ideal centerpiece for a solid self-care routine. Pair with red wine and do not text your ex.

Dessert is served. | Brittney Chung for LIVEKINDLY

S’mores

Ingredients

  • 4 vegan graham crackers broken in half
  • 4 marshmallows
  • 1 vegan dark chocolate

Preparation

  1. 1

    Cut a small slice off the bottom of each marshmallow, and stick it to the graham cracker. This will keep it secure during cooking.

  2. 2

    Cooking time: 375˚F/191˚C for about 7-8 minutes, or until the marshmallow is golden brown.

  3. 3

    Add the desired amount of Hershey’s chocolate and top with the other graham cracker.

  4. 4

    Place back in the air fryer for another 2 minutes or until the chocolate begins to melt.

Tofu Nuggets

This meatless take on a fast-food McFave are endlessly snackable, and the perfect canvas for the 14 sauces you’ve been hoarding.

Get your dipping sauces ready. | Brittney Chung for LIVEKINDLY

Tofu Nuggets

Ingredients

  • 16-ounce block extra-firm tofu

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Breadcrumb Ingredients

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Garnish

Side

Preparation

  1. 1

    Press the tofu: Wrap the block of tofu in paper towels. Place a plate or pan on top of the wrapped tofu, and put a couple of heavy books on top of that. Let the tofu press for 20 minutes. (You can skip this step if you get the super firm variety)

  2. 2

    In a small bowl, add the almond milk, cornstarch, ground flaxseeds and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk well to combine, then set aside until the tofu is ready.

  3. 3

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper

  4. 4

    In another small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside.

  5. 5

    Slice the pressed tofu in half lengthwise, then into equal sized cubes.

  6. 6

    Whisk the wet ingredients one more time. Coat each tofu cube in the wet ingredients, then into the breadcrumb mixture. Pat with the breadcrumb mixture to get as much as possible on the tofu. Place on the prepared baking sheet with parchment paper.

  7. 7

    Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the pieces and bake for 15 more minutes, until golden and crispy. Serve immediately with dipping sauce of choice, and enjoy

Tortilla Chips

Skip the snack aisle and fry up your own tortilla chips. Perfect with your favorite salsa, or alongside that jackfruit taco recipe your foodie friend keeps hounding you about trying.

Just add guac. | Brittney Chung for LIVEKINDLY

Tortilla Chips

Ingredients

  • 6 6-inch corn tortillas
  • Avocado oil spray
  • Sea salt
  • Pair with: guac or salsa

Preparation

  1. 1

    Cooking time: 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes (check on them and move chips around) Cook for another 2-3 minutes

  2. 2

    Set your air fryer temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

  3. 3

    Cut the corn tortillas into triangles. I stacked the tortillas up, sliced all of them in half at once and then divided them out into 9 triangles.

  4. 4

    Place the tortilla chips into your air fryer basket and spray them with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt and cook them for 4 to 6 minutes. Take the basket out and give the chips a test. If the chips still aren’t crisp, continue cooking for another 2 minutes.

  5. 5

    Disclaimer: Cooking times will vary depending on what type of air fryer you use. If the settings above do not work for you adjust accordingly.


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