Yes, in many cases, you can cook the same foods in an air fryer that you would cook in a regular oven. Air fryers are versatile kitchen appliances that use hot air circulation to cook food, and they can replicate many oven-baked dishes with similar or even better results in terms of texture and flavor. Some examples of foods you can cook in an air fryer include:
French fries and potato wedges: Air fryers are excellent for making crispy and flavorful fries with less oil compared to traditional deep frying.
Chicken wings and drumsticks: Air fryers can produce crispy and juicy chicken with a similar texture to oven-baked or deep-fried chicken.
Vegetables: Air fryers are great for roasting vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus, giving them a crispy exterior while maintaining their tenderness inside.
Fish and seafood: You can air fry fish fillets, shrimp, and other seafood, resulting in a crispy crust without excessive oil.
Baked goods: Air fryers can handle a variety of baked goods, including muffins, cookies, and even small cakes. They may require slight adjustments in cooking times and temperatures compared to a regular oven.
Chicken nuggets and tenders: Air fryers can make crispy and healthier versions of these popular snacks.
Frozen foods: Air fryers are perfect for cooking frozen foods like frozen fries, chicken nuggets, and fish sticks, providing a quicker cooking time than an oven.
Roasted nuts and seeds: Air fryers can roast nuts, seeds, and chickpeas, adding delicious crunch and flavor.
Despite their versatility, there are certain limitations to air fryers compared to conventional ovens. Air fryers have smaller cooking capacities, so larger batches of food may require multiple rounds of cooking. Additionally, some recipes that rely on baking pans or dishes might not be suitable for an air fryer due to its smaller size and different cooking method.
In summary, air fryers are excellent for a wide range of dishes and can be a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional oven cooking for many recipes. However, for certain large-batch or baking dish-based recipes, a regular oven might still be the more practical choice.