If you haven't already discovered the joy of air frying, it's time you did. Using less oil than frying, creating no hazardous splatters, and cooking food faster than the time it takes to batch-fry or bake, air fryers allow you to enjoy the irresistible crunch and deliciousness of fried food without the hassle or guilt.

How does an air fryer work?

Air fryers are basically mini convection ovens. It cooks food with a mechanical fan that circulates hot air inside a chamber at high speed. As the hot air circulates, it coats the food in a thin layer of oil (you still need to use oil but generally only 1-2 teaspoons), resulting in golden crisp food.

Image via Natasha's Kitchen

What can you cook in an air fryer?

It's not just crispy fried chicken and chips that you can cook in an air fryer. Air fryers are also great for cooking steak and salmon, creating a perfect crust without compromising on juiciness. Air fryers are also not just about crumbed food. These steak and asparagus bundles (pictured) are a perfect case in point. Short on oven space for your Sunday roast? The air fryer can be used as a second oven for vegetables including baked potatoes in 35 minutes. 

Image via Bell'alimento

Air fryer finger food

Yes, air fryer chicken wings are always a winner, but if you're looking to turn up the dial, try these Sriracha honey chicken wings (pictured) smothered in a sweet and spicy sauce for finger-licking goodness. For healthier Thai fish cakes, give these salmon patties laced with red curry paste a whirl. Crisp pork dumplings have never been easier (and faster) with the air fryer. To make them vegetarian, simply substitute mushrooms and water chestnuts for the pork. Ditch preheating the oven and cook all your savoury pastries in the air fryer. These spanakopita triangles crisp perfectly in just 12 minutes. 

Image via Karen's Kitchen Stories

Air fryer vegetables

Give the hot chips a break and whip up these healthier vegies instead. We're loving these zucchini fries, moreish brussels sprout chips, cheesy cauliflower tots and buffalo cauliflower (pictured).

Image via Laura Lea Balanced

Air fryer sweet treats

Yes, you read that right. Take your pick from five-ingredient chocolate lava cake, gooey chocolate chip cookies and an irresistible banana cake. 

Image via Kitchn

Air fryer cooking tips

• ​Pat foods dry before cooking to avoid splattering and excess smoke. 
• Instead of using oil spray directly on the air fryer basket which can damage its non-stick finish, grease the basket by brushing oil with a silicone pastry brush. Alternatively, lightly spray food with oil, then transfer to the basket. 
• For even heat circulation, ensure there's enough space all around your air fryer in the kitchen and don't overcrowd the basket when you're loading it with food. 
• Don't cut vegetables too small to avoid them burning or falling through the basket.
• When cooking vegetables, give the basket a shake halfway through to ensure the food doesn't stick together and browns evenly. 

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