The verdict’s in, the nations most sought out Christmas gift of 2022 was the air fryer! The cost efficient alternative to the oven rose to fame after the pandemic, revolutionising household cooking and breaking into the mainstream.
Appliance stores across Nottingham, sold out of air fryers by early December. This shouldn’t come as too much of a shock as, according to a survey conducted by ITV, demand for air fryers have risen 3000% since pre pandemic.
Like many people across the country, I was one of the lucky people who woke up to an air fryer under the tree on Christmas morning, and I’ve barely cooked a meal without the aid of my beloved new appliance since.
With great difficulty, I’ve settled on my top two favourite recipes, sharing them with you here:
Creamy Cajun stuffed chicken:
This recipe is so good – so simple yet so delicious, loaded with flavour and perfectly filling.
To make this recipe (one chicken breast) you will need:
- A chicken breast
- Cajun seasoning
- 50g Soft cheese with garlic
- Lime juice
- Oregano
- Salt and pepper
Method:
Slice a pocket into your chicken breast, and season with cajun, salt and pepper.
Combine 50g of soft cheese with garlic, a squeeze of lime juice, and pinch of oregano.
Pop into pocket in the chicken breast and cook for 20 mins in the airfryer at 190 degrees.
Serve with whatever you fancy, rice, a side salad, jacket potato, wedges … or all of the above!
Pizza potato skins
Another absolute favourite of mine – the air fryer turns the potato skins perfectly crispy, whilst keeping the potato soft and creamy! Great served with a salad or rice to make it a substantial meal, perfect for grazing as well.
Ingredients used (serves 1):
- Large baking potato
- Olive oil
- 15g of tomato puree
- Seasonings – salt, pepper, garlic powder, mixed herbs
- TBSP of soft cheese
- 20g of mozzarella
- Optional fillings, bacon, salami, chorizo, chicken, sweetcorn
To make the pizza sauce:
Squeeze tomato puree into a bowl, add tbsp of water and mix.
Add a sprinkle of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mixed herbs.
Spread over potato skins before they go in the air fryer the second time.
To make the potato:
Spray olive oil on the outside of the potato and season with salt and pepper.
Set the air fryer to 200C and cook for 40-50 minutes, turning it over every 20 minutes.
Whilst your potato is cooking, cut up your mozzarella and other toppings you have chosen.
When the potato is cooked, cut it down the middle and scoop the potato from the skin.
Put this in an extra bowl, and add your cream cheese, and any other optional toppings.
Put back into the potato skins, top with mozzarella and put back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 200C.
And most importantly, enjoy!
Photo Credit: Macy Miller
