I'm a private chef who loves my air fryer. Here are 8 of my favorite things to make in it.

Fatima KhawajaJun 16, 2024, 19:42 IST

Scallion pancakes are great in the air fryer. Danilova Janna/Shutterstock

I work as a private chef and love making quick and easy recipes in my air fryer.
I use some of my own recipes, like crispy chickpeas and chicken tenders.

I know it's ironic, but as a private chef, I barely have time to cook for myself.

After a day in the kitchen, the last thing I want to do when I get home is stand at the stove. And when I'm in the middle of school pick-up or trying to meet an article deadline, I need something to tide me over until we get back from the playground.

This is where my air fryer has become my close friend and ally. It's no wonder why the countertop appliances keep raking in profits.

I make some fresh items in my air fryer. But mostly, I like to crisp up something delicious I've picked up from the frozen aisle or batch-made in advance.

Here are some of my top choices.

Crispy chickpeas are a great snack.

I like to season my chickpeas with za'atar and smoked paprika. Fatima Khawaja

I haven't found a better way to cook frozen arepas.

The cheese gets nice a bubbly but the exterior stays crisp.Fatima Khawaja

Tots are better when they're crispy.

You can't convince me there's a better way to make tots.Fatima Khawaja

I'm always throwing frozen samosas in.

I prefer a midsize samosa over ones that are too big or small. Fatima Khawaja

My daughter can't get enough scallion pancakes.

Hot sauce and mayonnaise are great toppings for scallion pancakes. Fatima Khawaja

If you haven't tried air-fried artichokes, this is your sign.

Frozen artichoke chunks get crispy in the air fryer.Fatima Khawaja

I eat taquitos as a snack or a meal.

The rolled tacos can be topped with basically anything. Fatima Khawaja

I make my own chicken tenders and heat them up in the air fryer.

Keeping homemade chicken tenders in the air fryer has been a game changer. Fatima Khawaja

I ranked ground-beef patties from Costco, Whole Foods, and Wegmans. I'll be making the winning burgers all summer.

Cookies on the Business Insider India website