You Just Got an Air Fryer—Here Are 17 Low-Carb Recipes to Make First (2024)

FAQs

What is the first thing I should cook in my air fryer? ›

Make homemade sweetcorn and spring onion fritters in the air fryer for easy, energy-efficient cooking. These would be perfect as a veggie lunch, starter or side.

Looking for a light and delicious dish to "fry" up in your new air fryer? Try one of these flavor-packed, low-carb recipes. From protein-packed mains to veggie sides, these dishes contain no more than 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving, which means they meet our parameters for low-carb recipes.

Some manufacturers recommend running the air fryer empty for 10 minutes before you actually cook with it, to let it off-gas. There might be a slightly chemical smell (one manual referred to it as a “new appliance smell”), so have the vents on or windows open.

Multiple cooking zones

Simply put, these air fryers have different compartments, so you can cook two delicious dishes at once - ideal for a complete meal. Some have two layers, while others have both a pot and a removable basket (ideal for chips).

Air frying uses less oil

This means that your food has fewer calories. Still, food isn't necessarily healthier just because it contains less oil. Extra virgin olive oil, for example, is rich in polyphenols and has known heart health benefits. Overall, air frying is healthier than deep-frying.

What type of pasta is lowest in carbs? "Vegetable-based pastas, such as zucchini noodles or hearts of palm noodles, tend to be lowest in carbs and calories," says Sassos. "They are also packed with nutrient-dense vitamins and minerals and are naturally gluten-free.

As with all dry-heat cooker methods (grilling, broiling, pan frying and oven roasting), tender beef cuts perform best in the air fryer. Those cuts include Top Sirloin, KC Strip, Ribeye, Tenderloin and Tri Tip. Ground beef also can be easily prepared in an air fryer.

Summary. In conclusion, while air fryers offer certain benefits such as reduced calorie intake and faster cooking times, they are not without their limitations. Size constraints, limited cooking options, and concerns about crispiness are driving some people to look for alternatives.

To keep the machine free from debris and prevent any greasy build up, the machine should be cleaned after every use or every few uses. When cooking in batches, try to remove any debris by letting the machine cool a bit and carefully wiping out with a paper towel in between batches.

What happens if I don't wash the air fryer before first use? ›

It's a good idea to give your air fryer a quick clean before using it for the first time, removing any factory smells and making sure it's totally germ-free before coming into contact with your food. It might sound obvious, but make sure there's no extra packaging lurking in the machine, such as cardboard inserts.

Due to its smaller size, an air fryer generally cooks food faster than a conventional oven. So you'll need to convert the oven recipe to suit air fryer temperatures. The general rule of thumb is to lower the cooking temperature by 25°F and shorten the time by roughly 20-25%.

When Cooking for a Family of 2: If it's mostly you and your beau sitting around the dinner table, the air frying aficionados recommend a 2- or 3-quart air fryer. The basket provides enough space to cook approximately six chicken wings at a time or enough vegetables for two people.

Absolutely! Air fryers are versatile appliances that can cook a variety of foods, including ready meals. They use hot air circulation to create a crispy texture similar to frying, making them a great option for heating up convenience foods.

While you would typically add oil to a pan before adding your food, the case is not the same when using an air fryer. In a bowl, toss your food in a few teaspoons of vegetable oil or olive oil along with your seasoning before putting it in the air fryer. This method works best for cooking fresh meats and vegetables.

When taking a recipe from oven to air fryer, the general rule is to reduce the temperature by 20ºC – 30ºC, and cook for 20% less time.

Yes, you'll need to give your air fryer a chance to warm up before use. The good news is, unlike a traditional oven or hob, it only takes minutes! Preheating times will vary depending on the model of your air fryer, the temperature you're cooking at and the programme you want to use.