The air fryer has become an (almost) indispensable ally in the kitchen, thanks to its ability to cook food with flavor and ease, over time overshadowing its healthy vocation. In recent years, in fact, it has proven to be extremely versatile (often becoming an alternative to the oven) in the preparation not only of French fries, but also of vegetables, fish, desserts, and even meat. Many use it to make crispy chicken bites or delicious meatballs, easy dishes that please even the littlest ones, but excellent results can be achieved by trying your hand at more "important" recipes such as tagliata, steak, or lamb chops.
Ideas for Cooking Meat in The Air Fryer
Let's start with a premise. There are cuts that come from the same animal or from different animals (pork, beef, chicken, turkey, etc.): they have characteristics and, consequently, specific needs. Even fryer models are not all the same: the power of the appliance, the capacity of the basket, the cooking programs combined with the origin, the amount of fat and the thickness of the meat influence the final result, causing variations in timing and temperatures. Choose to cook expensive cuts of meat only when you have developed a good feeling with the tool and keep a cooking thermometer handy, as it proves useful in many situations. Below, we have collected some ideas for preparations that can be made with the air fryer and which usually require different techniques but, as a famous movie says, with the right amount of attention, "it can be done!"
The Prime Cuts of Beef
Beef is suitable for air fryer recipes, as long as you choose cuts with good marbling, so they'll be tender and juicy. Pay attention to the thickness of the piece and its fat content, taking into account the different cooking levels (rare, medium, or well-done), which each require different cooking times. You can make a hearty burger, delicious meatballs, and more.
Steak
Let's start with a great classic: as with traditional grilling or griddling, the choice falls on premium cuts, such as rib eye, which can be boned or boneless, thanks to the balance between fat and lean meat. Let the meat rest out of the refrigerator for an hour, patting it dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid. To reduce the amount of oil in the dressing, use a spray bottle: a simple spritz on both sides will suffice, along with salt, pepper, and any herbs to taste. Typically, medium cooking (140-145°F/60-63°C at the core) for a 3cm-thick piece is around 390°F/200°C for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tagliata
The same rules apply more or less as for steak, since the cuts used are practically the same, whether rib eye or sirloin. Once ready, the tagliata should be pink on the inside and with a delicious crust on the outside: calculate a thickness of two fingers and a temperature of 390°F/200°C for between 12 and 15 minutes. If you have purchased a leaner fillet, the cooking time will be slightly shorter, between 8 and 10 minutes. In this case too, let it settle before slicing.
Pork, From Sausage to Roast
Pork is a very tasty meat, which should be eaten well-cooked. It can be divided into cuts that risk becoming stringy (for example, the loin) , the so-called "shoe soles," and very fatty cuts that, with the help of the air fryer, can lose some of their heaviness.
Sausage
Convenient, economical, and tasty: sausages are perfect for a barbecue or as a pan-fried main course. They're certainly not light in the air fryer, but they stay soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and less greasy. Cooking times vary depending on the quantity and thickness, as there are thicker and thinner varieties: set the appliance to 200°C (392°F), and it will take 14 to 20 minutes. There's no need to pierce them, add oil, or salt: place them on the grill without overlapping them to cook them evenly.
Ribs
Ribs are another must-have, incredibly delicious, and should be eaten strictly by hand. To ensure tenderness and flavor, we recommend marinating them in extra virgin olive oil, spices, and herbs of your choice for at least 30 minutes. Arrange them in the basket, spaced apart, and drained: to be tender, they require longer cooking, about 20 minutes at a lower temperature, around 355°F/180°C. Turn them after the first 10 minutes. If they're not browned enough, you can increase the temperature to 390°F/200°C for a few minutes.
Roast
A Sunday roast prepared with the air fryer: why not? We usually deal with lean cuts, such as fillet or loin, which therefore need to be treated in the best possible way to prevent them from drying out. Pat the meat dry with kitchen paper and massage with a tablespoon of oil and a little salt. A good idea is to create a protective crust: you can do this with a mix of spices or with chopped pistachios. To cook, you can give it a boost at the beginning at a higher temperature (to seal), or do this towards the end: in total, it will take about 35 minutes between 355°F/180°C and 390°F/200°C.
Lean and Delicate Chicken and Turkey Cuts
Chicken and turkey are lean, versatile, and easily digestible white meats that are widely used in various air fryer recipes: chicken nuggets, including frozen ones, have quickly become a staple for preparing a delicious dish without actually frying, even suitable for children. The secret to success is maintaining the right amount of moisture.
Cutlets
As delicious as croquettes, these cutlets are a must. Making a healthy version is very simple, as the outer casing will keep the breast tender, adding the typical golden and crispy coating. Double-breading is recommended, with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, as they will better withstand the air circulation of the fryer. For an inviting browning, you can spray or brush with a little oil. Depending on the thickness, the temperature will be 375-390°F/190-200°C, while the cooking time will be 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through.
Lamb Chops
We conclude with lamb: a traditional star of the Easter menu, it's a meat with a distinctive, bold flavor that's very popular in gourmet cuisine. Cooking it isn't the easiest: it can easily be overcooked or undercooked. A true specialty are the lamb chops.
Chops
The air fryer, thanks to its chamber that allows for even cooking, simplifies the preparation of this dish, which should be dry (in a positive sense) on the outside and tender on the inside. You can marinate the meat for several hours or not, otherwise simply season it with salt, pepper and a drizzle of oil, or even lightly coat it with breadcrumbs and aromatic herbs. Arrange the ribs without overlapping them and cook at a high temperature (390°F/200°C): the average time is 10-12 minutes to reach 150°F/65°C and 155°F/68°C at the core, but it can also be as long as 20 minutes depending on various factors, such as thickness and quantity.
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