AIR FRYER BLACK MAGIC - Kitchen gadget turns the whole family into master chef

When ranking must-have kitchen gadgets, my air fryer takes the top spot. 

My air fryer is the best thing that has ever happened to my kitchen. 

My dear friend, air fryer, how do I even begin to explain how much you make my life easy? My deputy chef, where have you been? 

I truly cannot imagine life before we had air fryers. It’s like trying to remember life before WiFi, we survived, but how?

The convenience of using an air fryer is unmatched. How I can easily throw in food and go do something else and at a beep, my food is ready. 

Wait, before the beep, let’s talk about time and how much faster it cooks. 

One no longer spends hours in the kitchen; it’s an in-and-out affair. It’s super quick!

The big reveal, when I open the drawer and the food is golden crispy, juicy and tasty. 

What do you mean that I prepared this dish in under 45 minutes? It is cooked to perfection. And the beauty of an air fryer is you can cook almost anything in it. 

If you are like me with children who love potato chips, the air fryer has your back. 

And even better, you don’t need klomp cooking oil. This means, your Black Friday oil will last you longer.

I truly cannot remember when I last used my oven, while I use my stove occasionally. 

Oh, my teen boy knows how to use the air fryer? Chicken nuggets and pizzas are for him to make.

“Mom, we are hungry” has turned into “Mom, can I please make chicken nuggets?”

For my last air fryer card up my sleeve (drum roll please): my husband is a pro at cooking with an air fryer too, which means I get to take a breather from cooking. 

It’s amazing how this little machine has brought teamwork back into the kitchen, everyone taking a turn with confidence.

Finally, a creation that men can easily use without complaining. 

Air fryer, you deserve a bow!

Air Fryer Whole Chicken with Oranges and Cranberries (see picture above)

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (1.2-1.5 kg)

2 oranges, sliced

1 cup dried cranberries

2 tbsp butter, melted

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp mixed herbs

Salt and pepper

Method

Pat chicken dry and rub with butter, honey, paprika, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper.

Place a few orange slices inside the cavity.

Scatter remaining orange slices and cranberries around the chicken.

Air fry at 170°C for 25 minutes, breast side down.

Flip the chicken, add a little extra honey if you want colour, and cook for another 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Let rest for 10 minutes before carving. Spoon the orange-cranberry juices over the meat.

Serving Tip: Perfect with roast potatoes, couscous, or a fresh festive salad.

Crispy Air Fryer Fries

Ingredients

4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into fries

1-2 tbsp cooking oil

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

Soak potato fries in water for 15-20 minutes (this removes excess starch for extra crispiness).

Drain and pat dry with a paper towel.

Toss fries in oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Preheat the air fryer to 200°C.

Air fry in batches for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway for even cooking.

Serve immediately with tomato sauce, atchar, or your favourite dip.

Tip: For extra golden fries, spray lightly with oil before air frying.

Air Fryer Roasted Mixed Vegetables

Ingredients

1 small cauliflower, cut into florets

2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 red bell pepper, cut into strips

1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips

200g mushrooms, halved

1 red onion, cut into wedges

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or mixed herbs)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

Toss all vegetables in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper.

Preheat the air fryer to 180°C.

Spread the vegetables evenly in the air fryer basket or tray (try not to overcrowd).

Cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking or stirring gently halfway through to ensure even roasting.

Serve hot as a colorful, festive side dish.

Tip: The vegetables should be cut to roughly the same size so they cook evenly in one batch.

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients ( 6-8 cookies):

½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

½ cup (100g) brown sugar

¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

¾ cup (135g) chocolate chips

Method

Mix wet Ingredients: In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mix well.

Mix dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.

Combine: gradually add dry ingredients to wet, and then fold in chocolate chips.

Form Cookies: scoop cookie dough balls (about 1-2 tbsp each). Flatten slightly.

Preheat Air Fryer: 160°C for 3-4 minutes.

Cook: Place cookies in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Cook at 160°C for 7-9 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are soft.

Cool: Let cookies cool for 2-3 minutes before removing-they firm up a bit