Air fryer healthy cooking tips & menu

Air fryers are one of today’s most popular appliances, but many people are still learning the best ways to use them. In this guide, Electrolux shares essential air fryer cooking tips for healthier meals, and explains how to use them properly, share healthy menus you can try at home, and highlight what foods should and shouldn’t go inside. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make the most of your air fryer for healthier, stress-free cooking.

Is an air fryer good for your home?

The short answer is yes, but before diving into recipes, let’s break down the benefits of an air fryers

Healthier cooking with less oil

The main benefit of an air fryer is that it uses hot air circulation to cook food instead of submerging it in oil. This means your favourite fried dishes — from French fries to chicken wings — can come out crispy and golden with a fraction of the fat and calories. Less oil not only supports better heart health but also makes it easier to manage weight.

Supports weight management

Because deep-fried foods are loaded with excess calories and unhealthy fats, eating them too often can contribute to weight gain. Swapping deep frying for air frying helps cut down unnecessary fat intake, making it easier to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavour.

Safer than deep frying

Another advantage is safety. Unlike deep fryers that involve hot oil and the risk of dangerous splashes, an air fryer simply heats air. While you still need to handle the basket carefully (it gets very hot), there’s no risk of oil spills or burns.

Versatility in cooking

Finally, air fryers are extremely versatile. They don’t just fry — they can roast vegetables, grill meat, bake snacks, or even reheat leftovers. For small kitchens or busy households, one appliance can easily replace several others.

How to use air fryer properly and healthily

Learning how to use an air fryer doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple steps, you can make healthier meals that taste just as good as your deep-fried favourites. The key is knowing what to put in your air fryer and what you should not put in, so you get the best flavour, texture, and nutrition every time.

Foods You Can Cook in an Air Fryer

Air fryers are more versatile than most people expect. Great options include:

• Chicken breast or wings
• Salmon fillets and fish steaks
• Roasted vegetables (broccoli, pumpkin, carrots)
• Crispy tofu or tempeh
• Sweet potato fries
• Homemade chips or bacon

From proteins to snacks, the possibilities go far beyond fried foods.

Foods you should not put in an air fryer

Some ingredients simply don’t work well in an air fryer:

• Wet battered food – won’t crisp, makes a mess.
• Cheese – melts and sticks.
• Leafy greens – blow around and burn unevenly.
• Saucy dishes – liquids cause smoke and drips.
• Popcorn – air fryers don’t get hot enough to pop kernels.

Remember this quick tip: if it’s liquid-heavy or ultra-lightweight, it’s probably not air-fryer-friendly.

Healthy menu ideas with an air fryer

Air fryers aren’t just for snacks — they can help you create balanced, healthy meals with far less oil than traditional cooking methods. Here are four versatile dishes you can make with your air fryer to add variety and nutrition to your weekly meals:

1. Crispy pork belly in the air fryer

Lean cuts of pork, such as tenderloin or pork chops, turn out beautifully in the air fryer. Simply marinate with a light seasoning of garlic, soy sauce, and pepper, then cook until juicy on the inside and slightly caramelised on the outside. Pork is a good source of protein and essential minerals like zinc and iron, making it a hearty yet healthier alternative to deep-fried pork dishes.

2. Chicken recipes for an air fryer

Crispy chicken doesn’t have to mean greasy chicken. With the air fryer, you can achieve the crunch you love with minimal oil. Coat chicken drumsticks or wings with a thin layer of breadcrumbs or panko and your favourite spices. The result: golden, crunchy chicken on the outside, tender and moist on the inside — perfect for a family-friendly dinner.

3. Egg recipes for an air fryer

Eggs are one of the most versatile ingredients for quick, healthy meals. In an air fryer, you can prepare hard-boiled eggs without water, bake mini frittatas packed with vegetables, or even make stuffed eggplant with egg topping. Rich in protein and vitamins, these egg-based dishes are perfect for breakfast or a quick post-workout snack.

4. Sweet potatoes in the air fryer

Sweet potatoes are a classic air fryer favourite — naturally sweet, full of fibre, and high in vitamin A. Slice them into wedges for healthier fries, or cube them for a roasted side dish. Lightly coat with olive oil and spices like paprika or cinnamon, and air fry until crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Sweet potatoes make a nutrient-rich alternative to regular fries and are loved by both kids and adults.

Read more: 5 best stress relieving foods to try

Expert tips for better air fryer results

Once you’ve mastered the basics, these tricks will elevate your cooking:

• Place it safely – keep on a heat-resistant surface.
• Always preheat – just a few minutes boosts crispiness.
• Mind your spices – add after cooking or coat food lightly so herbs stick.
• Use parchment or foil liners – keeps juices in place and simplifies clean-up.
• Avoid overloading – allow air to circulate freely.
• Remove basket before serving – prevents oil or juice from dripping onto food.
• Clean regularly – wash basket and tray after each use to avoid grease build-up.

Enjoy cooking with Electrolux air fryer!

Knowing how to cook with your air fryer allows you to create all kinds of meals for you and your family while avoiding excessive amounts of oil and its effects. And Electrolux air fryers with dishwasher-safe frying baskets and different cooking modes like roasting and grilling will make cooking fancy meals easier than ever. So, get cooking and make your life tastier and healthier!