Today, air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance for many households because they make cooking more convenient, take up relatively little space, and can be used for both savory dishes and desserts.
In this article, discover how to make fried bananas, baked sweet potatoes, banana cake, and fried chicken in an air fryer, along with practical tips for beginners to help every dish turn out just the way you like it.
How does an air fryer make cooking easier?
An air fryer works by circulating hot air around food, helping it cook evenly while developing an appetizingly crisp exterior. This makes it a convenient option for many households when preparing smaller meals or snacks, instead of using a large oven or frying food in a pan that requires constant attention.
However, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer. For battered foods such as fried bananas, use a batter thick enough to cling to the food and avoid pouring liquid batter directly into the air fryer basket.
Electrolux air fryers are a convenient everyday kitchen companion, offering consistent heating performance, a variety of cooking functions, and a simple design that fits easily into different kitchen styles.
Air fryer fried bananas
Fried bananas are a popular snack, loved for the natural sweetness of bananas and their crisp-outside, soft-inside texture. You can easily make fried bananas in an air fryer by using a thick coating and just a small amount of oil. This means less oil, no need to stand over the stove, and no worry about oil splattering.
How to make fried bananas
1. Slice the bananas lengthwise or cut them into thick pieces, depending on your preference.
2. Prepare a coating using rice flour, wheat flour, shredded coconut, or crushed cereal. Make sure the mixture is thick enough to cling to the bananas.
3. Dip the banana pieces into the batter, then lightly brush or spray them with oil.
4. Place them on a heat-resistant tray or suitable air fryer liner.
5. Arrange them in the basket without blocking the airflow.
6. Air fry at approximately 180°C for 10–15 minutes, turning the bananas during cooking and checking them toward the end.
7. Once cooked to your liking, serve the fried bananas warm.
It is a good idea to test 1–2 pieces first so you can adjust the cooking time to suit your air fryer model. Do not pour leftover batter directly into the air fryer basket.
Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm
Choose ripe Nam Wa bananas that are still firm enough to hold their shape during cooking. Avoid bananas that are overly soft or badly bruised. Slice them lengthwise or into thick pieces according to your preference.
Prepare the fried banana coating
Mix rice flour with shredded coconut and sesame seeds. Gradually add water until the batter is thick enough to coat the bananas and cling well to the surface. Coat the bananas evenly, then place them on a tray or accessory suitable for air fryer use, leaving enough space between each piece for hot air to circulate.
Lightly brush or spray the surface with oil to help the bananas become golden and crisp.
Add extra flavor before serving
Serve fried bananas while warm. Sprinkle with cinnamon, toasted sesame seeds, or dried coconut, and drizzle with honey if desired. You can also pair them with yogurt or coffee for an extra touch.
Air fryer baked sweet potatoes
Air fryer baked sweet potatoes are an easy choice for breakfast, a snack, or a simple side dish. Cook them whole for a soft, naturally sweet center, or cut them into pieces for a quicker option with lightly crisp edges.
How to bake whole sweet potatoes
1. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry.
2. Pierce them several times with a fork.
3. Place them in the air fryer, leaving enough space for hot air to circulate.
4. Cook until tender, checking with a fork to see if they are soft all the way through.
5. Cut in half and serve with cinnamon, coconut, yogurt, or a drizzle of honey, if desired.
How to bake sweet potato pieces
1. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, then cut them into evenly sized pieces.
2. Toss with a small amount of oil and season to taste.
3. Arrange the pieces in the air fryer in a single layer, without overcrowding.
4. Shake the basket or turn the pieces partway through cooking so they brown and crisp evenly.
5. For a savory version, season with black pepper, paprika, garlic, or Thai-style chili and lime.
6. Baked sweet potatoes can also be prepared in advance and enjoyed later. Use them as a salad topping, keep them as a snack for the day, or serve them with a fried egg the following morning.
Explore more easy air fryer breakfast ideas in our article.
Air fryer banana cake
Want to try baking at home but do not have an oven, or simply prefer something easier to use? Banana cake is a great recipe to make in an air fryer and is simple enough for beginners.
How to make banana cake
1. Mix the mashed banana, egg, and milk until well combined.
2. Add the flour and baking powder, stirring just until the mixture comes together. You can also add extras such as chocolate or cinnamon if you like.
3. Pour the batter into a baking tin, leaving some space at the top for the cake to rise.
4. Air fry at around 160°C for 25–30 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the tin and your air fryer model.
5. Insert a skewer into the center of the cake to check if it is done. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
6. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with cooking foil, provided this is suitable for your air fryer model. Check the user manual first.
7. Let the cake cool slightly before serving with tea or coffee.
Use a heat-resistant baking tin that fits comfortably inside the air fryer basket, with enough space around the sides for hot air to circulate.
Electrolux air fryers offer a wide temperature range and multiple cooking programs, making it easier to adjust the settings for different recipes.
Crispy air fryer fried chicken
For anyone craving crispy fried chicken without deep-frying it in a large amount of oil, an air fryer is a convenient alternative. Its circulating hot air helps cook the chicken evenly while giving the outside a golden, crisp finish, especially when you use a light coating of flour or breadcrumbs and a small amount of oil.
Choose the right chicken cuts
Drumsticks, wings, thighs, and smaller chicken pieces all work well in an air fryer. Because different cuts cook at different rates, try to use pieces of a similar size so they cook more evenly.
Tip: Before seasoning or coating the chicken, pat it dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture can help the outside become crispier as it cooks.
How to fry chicken in an air fryer
1. Pat the chicken dry, then marinate it with garlic, coriander root, black pepper, soy sauce, and a small amount of sugar.
2. For extra crunch, coat the chicken in seasoned flour and breadcrumbs.
3. Lightly spray or brush the surface with oil to help it turn golden and crisp.
4. Arrange the chicken in a single layer, leaving enough space for hot air to circulate. If you are cooking a larger batch, cook it in several rounds.
5. Air fry at 190–200°C. Smaller pieces may take around 10–15 minutes, while wings and drumsticks may need 20–25 minutes. Turn the chicken partway through cooking to help it cook evenly.
Food safety tips to keep in mind
Wash your hands, utensils, and work surfaces thoroughly after they come into contact with raw chicken, and keep raw chicken separate from ready-to-eat foods.
To make sure the chicken is fully cooked, check the thickest part with a food thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 74°C. Let the chicken rest briefly before serving.
Tips for cooking with an air fryer
An air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can make everyday cooking quicker and more convenient. To get the best results and use your appliance safely, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Avoid overcrowding the basket. Leave enough space for hot air to circulate, and turn or shake the food during cooking when needed.
- Prepare ingredients ahead of time. Cut sweet potatoes, prepare ripe bananas, or marinate chicken in advance to make mealtimes easier.
- Use air fryer-safe accessories. Choose baking tins, heat-resistant containers, or suitable liners that fit comfortably inside the appliance.
- Avoid very runny batter or too much oil, especially when cooking battered foods.
- Adjust the time and temperature to suit the size and amount of food you are cooking.
- Clean the air fryer after use once it has cooled to prevent grease and food residue from building up.
- Check the user manual before cooking, particularly for guidance on preheating, compatible accessories, and cleaning.
Easy, delicious, and versatile cooking with an air fryer
From crispy fried bananas and homemade banana cake to savory favorites like fried chicken, an air fryer makes it easy to prepare a wide variety of dishes for any time of day.
Try experimenting with different flavors and ingredients you already have at home to create meals that suit your tastes and routine. Explore even more easy and delicious cooking ideas with Electrolux Bold Series air fryers.
Frequently asked questions
1. How do you make fried bananas in an air fryer?
Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm, then slice them to your preferred size. Coat them lightly in batter, spray or brush with a little oil, and air fry at around 180°C for 10–15 minutes until golden and crisp. For the best results, keep the batter fairly thick so it clings well to the bananas.
2. Can battered food be cooked in an air fryer?
Yes. Use a batter that is thick enough to stay on the food, and place the food on a suitable air fryer liner or in an air fryer-safe container. Avoid pouring runny batter directly into the basket.
3. How long does it take to bake sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes generally take around 30–40 minutes at 180–200°C, depending on their size and thickness. Smaller pieces will usually cook faster than whole sweet potatoes.
4. Can you bake banana cake in an air fryer?
Yes. Pour the batter into a heat-resistant baking tin that fits comfortably inside the air fryer, then bake at around 160°C for 25–30 minutes. Check the center with a skewer before serving; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
5. How do you check whether air fryer fried chicken is fully cooked?
Do not rely on color alone, as chicken can look golden and crisp before it is fully cooked inside. Check the thickest part with a food thermometer and make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 74°C before serving.