3 Easy Air Fryer Recipes That Use Batter

Looking to whip up some delicious dishes with your air fryer? Look no further! In this article, you’ll discover three mouthwatering recipes that not only utilize your trusty air fryer but also make use of a delectable batter. But hold on a second, can you even use batter in the air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes! So let’s roll up our sleeves, grab our ingredients, and get ready to indulge in some crispy, golden goodness.

1. Air Fryer Batter 101

1.1 What is an air fryer batter?

An air fryer batter is a mixture of ingredients that is used to coat various foods before they are cooked in an air fryer. The batter helps to create a crispy and flavorful outer layer, similar to the texture of deep-fried foods, without the need for excessive oil. It adds a delicious crunch and enhances the overall taste and texture of the dish.

1.2 Why use batter in an air fryer?

Using batter in an air fryer has several benefits. Firstly, it helps to create a crispy coating on the food, giving it a satisfying crunch. Additionally, the batter helps to seal in the moisture of the food, ensuring that it remains juicy and succulent on the inside. By using batter, you can achieve a texture that is similar to deep-fried foods, but with significantly less oil. This makes it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods without compromising on taste.

2. Basic Air Fryer Batter Recipe

2.1 Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold water

2.2 Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Gradually add the cold water to the dry ingredients, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. Keep whisking until a smooth batter is formed.
3. Allow the batter to rest for about 10 minutes. This will help the gluten in the flour relax and result in a lighter and crispier texture.
4. Your basic air fryer batter is now ready to be used with various recipes.

3. Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings

3.1 Ingredients

• 2 large onions, sliced into rings
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup bread crumbs

3.2 Instructions

1. In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, ensuring that it is coated evenly on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Next, dip the flour-coated onion ring into the milk, making sure it is fully immersed.
4. Once the onion ring is coated in milk, transfer it to a separate bowl filled with bread crumbs. Press the bread crumbs onto the onion ring to ensure a thick and even coating.
5. Place the breaded onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
6. Cook the onion rings in the air fryer for approximately 8-10 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
7. Once cooked, remove the crispy onion rings from the air fryer and serve them hot as a tasty appetizer or side dish.

4. Fluffy Air Fryer Pancakes

4.1 Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

4.2 Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly blended.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense pancakes.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
5. Pour approximately 1/4 cup of the pancake batter onto the preheated air fryer basket. Repeat this step to cook multiple pancakes, leaving space between each pancake to allow for expansion.
6. Cook the pancakes in the air fryer for around 4-5 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the batter starts to bubble.
7. Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they become fluffy and fully cooked.
8. Serve the fluffy air fryer pancakes with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruits, or whipped cream.

5. Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

5.1 Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• Cooking spray

5.2 Instructions

1. In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Next, dip the flour-coated chicken tender into the beaten eggs, making sure it is fully covered.
4. Transfer the egg-coated chicken tender to a separate bowl filled with bread crumbs. Press the bread crumbs onto the chicken tender to form a thick and even coating.
5. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
6. Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray to promote browning.
7. Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
8. Once the chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the crunchy and flavorful air fryer chicken tenders as a delicious main course or appetizer.

6. Sweet Air Fryer Banana Fritters

6.1 Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Oil for spraying

6.2 Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
3. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the banana fritter batter into the air fryer basket, spacing them apart to allow for even cooking. You can shape them into small fritter rounds if desired.
5. Cook the banana fritters in the air fryer for approximately 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
6. Once the banana fritters are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
7. Serve the sweet air fryer banana fritters as a delightful dessert or enjoy them as a tasty snack.

7. Savory Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

7.1 Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis, grated
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

7.2 Instructions

1. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess moisture.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, green onions, lightly beaten egg, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the zucchini fritter mixture into the air fryer basket, spacing them apart to allow for even cooking. Flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon.
6. Cook the zucchini fritters in the air fryer for approximately 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process for even browning.
7. Once the zucchini fritters are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
8. Serve the savory air fryer zucchini fritters as a delicious appetizer or enjoy them as a healthy side dish.

8. Spicy Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

8.1 Ingredients

• 8 jalapeno peppers, halved and seeded
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• Cooking spray

8.2 Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
3. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the halved and seeded jalapeno peppers, evenly filling each pepper half.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Dip each cream cheese-filled jalapeno popper into the panko bread crumb mixture, pressing the bread crumbs onto the poppers to form a thick coating.
6. Lightly spray the jalapeno poppers with cooking spray to promote browning.
7. Place the coated jalapeno poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the poppers are golden brown and the cheese is hot and bubbly.
8. Carefully remove the spicy air fryer jalapeno poppers from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
9. Serve the spicy air fryer jalapeno poppers as a tantalizing appetizer or enjoy them as a spicy snack.

9. Cheesy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

9.1 Ingredients

• 8 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Marinara sauce for dipping

9.2 Instructions

1. In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt. Mix well.
2. Dip each mozzarella cheese stick into the flour mixture, ensuring it is coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Next, dip the flour-coated cheese stick into the beaten eggs, making sure it is fully coated.
4. Roll the egg-coated cheese stick in the bread crumbs, pressing the crumbs onto the stick to form a thick and even coating.
5. Place the breaded mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
6. Cook the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer for approximately 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the outer coating is golden brown and crispy.
7. Carefully remove the cheesy air fryer mozzarella sticks from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
8. Serve the mozzarella sticks with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy these cheesy delights as a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer.

11. Air Fryer Funnel Cake

11.1 Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Vegetable oil for spraying

11.2 Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly blended.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense funnel cakes.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
6. Using a funnel or a squeeze bottle, pour the batter in a circular motion into the preheated air fryer. Start from the center and work your way outwards, creating a spiral shape.
7. Cook the funnel cake in the air fryer for approximately 5 minutes, or until it becomes golden brown and crispy.
8. Carefully remove the air fryer funnel cake from the basket and transfer it to a serving plate.
9. Dust the funnel cake generously with powdered sugar and serve it warm as a delightful dessert or sweet treat.

By now, you should have a good understanding of various air fryer batter recipes to try at home. Whether you’re looking for a crispy appetizer, a fluffy breakfast, or a savory side dish, these recipes will surely satisfy your cravings. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to customize the recipes to your liking. Enjoy the convenience and healthier cooking method of using an air fryer while still indulging in delicious battered treats. Happy cooking!