Some semi-pro tips for using the Air Fryer I'll have to let you know how they turn out, but I'm pretty optimistic. I'm thinking about trying the hush puppies or the coconut shrimp from Small Bites in the air fryer.

If I had known that air fryers would become so popular and widespread, I would have tested a lot of the recipes in Gluten Free Small Bites in the air fryer and provided notes in the cookbook. I'll have to make my KFC Chicken and report back about how it compares to the deep fry. But there's no way around at least some of the mess of the whole procedure of deep frying, and the lingering smell in the kitchen isn't pleasant. I'm actually quite a big fan of deep-fried foods, as when cooked in the proper oil at the proper temperature, the food absorbs very little oil. When you bake them in the oven, the breadcrumb coating may get browned, but the crust doesn't form in the same way. These chicken nuggets have a much thicker, more satisfying crunch than anything that is baked in the oven (like these coconut chicken fingers my family adores) could possibly have. They're too expensive and have too many issues. My Air Fryer came with a non-aerosol oil mister, but it's not so easy to use. Be sure not to use an aerosol oil spray, as that has additives that can damage the nonstick coating of the fry basket. Not only has the food been great, but the appliance heats up very quickly (I haven't found it necessary to “preheat” it at all) and the clean-up is simple. How about some Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites? Don't mind if I do! So far, aside from many, many batches of today's Air Fryer chicken nuggets, I've made a few different kinds of chicken (all have turned out great), incredibly crispy French fries, Air Fryer fried wontons, and even some yeast-raised donuts. Frankly, I was fairly certain this experiment would be a failed one and I'd be bringing my “fryer” back within a week. I would have preferred to buy mine at Bed Bath & Beyond since I could have used a 20% off coupon and their return policy is second-to-none, but they didn't have any in stock. That's an affiliate link for, but of course feel free to shop around. I have the As Seen on TV version (I am a SUCKER for As Seen On TV), which is the Power Air Fryer XL 5.3 Quart. Then, I bought the biggest one they had because I had read that they can be frustratingly small.

It's research, right? Well, first I made sure I could find a place in my growing collection of electric kitchen appliances to store an Air Fryer. Whether you got an Air Fryer for the recent holidays, or you're just considering buying one, I went ahead and took the plunge. Now for the back story: With January resolutions in mind, I asked on Facebook what you thought about Air Fryers: did you have one, and would you like to see recipes designed for it? Although a few of you said no thanks (which is why there are conventional oven baking directions below!), many, many of you said a resounding yes! Please feel free to share your personal experiences in the comments below! I only have experience with one particular brand (which I'll explain as fully as I can below), but I know there are many for sale these days. The bottom line is this: If you can afford the price of an Air Fryer and you have space in your life to store one, yes.

If you're wondering how to use this new fun appliance, they're a great place to start! Of course, they can also be baked in the oven or deep-fried in oil. These Air Fryer chicken nuggets really are super crispy but made with almost no oil and in just minutes.

Ground chicken nuggets recipe