Air fryer 101: 5 recipes for students who can't cook

If most of your money is spent on Deliveroo or ready meals, then you should think about putting some of this cash towards an air fryer instead. With some budget options priced at just £30 (or even cheaper with student discounts), you could soon be rustling up easy, quick and healthy meals without taking up too much of your time and energy.

Why use an air fryer?

An air fryer is a great investment for beginner cooks. Particularly students, as they’re not too expensive to buy and are cheaper to run than an oven or hob. They take up little space on the countertop, but cook items quickly and easily, just like in a conventional oven. Plus, you’ll be cutting down on the washing up, too.

Super versatile, you can bake, fry, roast and reheat foods really easily in these appliances. Proteins, vegetables and even baked goods can be cooked in an air fryer, all using less oil, which is better for your health than deep frying. The final cooking results are also top-notch, as you can easily achieve a crispy outside and tender, juicy inside.

How to use an air fryer

The exact controls will vary between different models, but here are some useful tips for cooking with an air fryer:

• Preheat the compartment, particularly if you’re cooking at a high temperature
• Prepare your foods by cutting them into the same size, then season and lightly oil
• Load your basket with your foods, making sure not to overcrowd the compartment, as this will stop the air circulating and lead to an uneven cook
• Set the time and temperature (if you’re using a standard oven recipe, you’ll need to reduce the heat by 10 °C - 15 °C)
• Check regularly and shake or turn the items if needed to ensure an even cook
• Use oven mitts and tongs when handling food in the basket
• Once your food has been served, wash the basket thoroughly in soapy water–you may need to soak it if you’ve ended up with stubborn stains

Loaded Jacket Potatoes

Cosy, comforting and with plenty of your favourite toppings, melting, delicious jacket potatoes are easy to make in an air fryer.

• Pierce your potato a couple of times and pop it in the microwave for 15 minutes (800W)
• Let it cool slightly before halving and scooping the insides out into the bowl
• Spray the skins with a little oil and air fry at 180 °C for 7 minutes
• Meanwhile, assemble your favourite toppings and mix them into the potato insides. Cheese, spices, tuna, cream cheese and veggies like sweetcorn or leeks are all good ideas
• Spoon your mixture into the potato skin and cook again for 10 minutes until slightly crispy and melted

Chicken or Cauliflower Wings

If you crave the crispy outside and tender inside of wings, then an air fryer can hit the spot easily for you.

• Preheat your air fryer to 190 °C
• Pat your chicken wings dry and toss them with a little oil and your chosen seasonings in a bowl
• Spray a little cooking oil into the basket and place the wings in the fryer so they’re not touching, then cook for 10 minutes
• Put the temperature up to 200 °C and cook for around 6 to 8 minutes till crisp and golden
• Remove the wings and serve alongside your favourite sides and dips

For a veggie-friendly option, make a batter out of 125g flour, 1 tsp baking powder and a shake of paprika with 150ml water. Cut a medium cauliflower into florets and dip them in the batter. Then cook at 200 °C for around 10 minutes and serve as above.

Crispy Firecracker Salmon

Like your salmon spicy? Then you’re going to love this recipe:

• Preheat your air fryer to 200 °C
• Make a marinade with lime juice, honey, sweet chilli sauce, ginger and soy sauce
• Take a salmon fillet (remove the skin if you prefer) and chop it into 3 cm chunks
• Dip it into the sauce, then some panko breadcrumbs, if you like
• Arrange in your basket in a single layer. Cook for 5 minutes, turn and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes more until crispy
• Serve with rice, vegetables and whatever sauces you enjoy

Falafel

A tasty snack or filling veggie meal option when served on flatbreads or salads, here’s how you make these delicious chickpea balls:

• Smash together chickpeas, a finely chopped onion, some spices, lemon zest and olive oil together with a potato masher
• Form the mixture into balls and roll in a little flour
• Spray the basket with a bit of oil, and cook in a single layer at 190 °C for about 15 minutes

Quick Toastie or Wrap

If you fancy a hot lunch but don’t have the time to switch the hob on, make a classic toastie or hot wrap in your air fryer instead. Preheat the air fryer to 190 °C, take your bread or wrap and spread a little butter on one side. Flip over and fill with your favourite ingredients: ham, cheese, tuna, sweetcorn, spicy chicken or roasted veggies are all good options.

Roll up the wrap or make the sandwich so the buttered side faces outwards. Place in the basket and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, checking regularly. Once it’s crunchy, golden and melted, it’s ready to enjoy!