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Air Fryer for Meal Prep: How to Meal Prep with an Air Fryer

  • By: Kitchen Informant
  • Date: May 10, 2024

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Air Fryer for Meal Prep: How to Meal Prep with an Air Fryer

Clear plastic containers with prepped meals.



Air Fryer for Meal Prep: How to Meal Prep with an Air Fryer. Meal prepping is a great way to save time and stay on track with healthy eating.

It involves planning and preparing meals in advance so that they can be easily reheated and enjoyed throughout the week.

One kitchen appliance that can make meal prepping a breeze is an air fryer.

The Benefits of Meal Prepping with an Air Fryer


An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air and a small amount of oil to cook food.

It can be used to prepare a variety of meals and snacks, including proteins, vegetables, and even desserts.

Here are some of the benefits of using an air fryer for meal prepping:

Time-saving


An air fryer cooks food quickly and efficiently, making it a great option for meal prepping. You can cook multiple meals at once, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.

Healthy cooking


Air fryers use very little oil, which means that the meals you prepare will be lower in fat and calories than meals cooked using traditional frying methods.

This makes it a healthier option for meal prepping.

Easy cleanup


An air fryer has a non-stick basket, which makes it easy to clean. This makes it an ideal option for meal prepping, as it means you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meals.

Versatility


An air fryer can be used to prepare a wide range of meals and snacks. You can use it to make crispy chicken, roasted vegetables, and even air fryer desserts like apple chips.

How to Meal Prep with an Air Fryer


If you’re new to meal prepping with an air fryer, it can be helpful to have a plan in place before you start cooking. Here are some tips on how to get started:

Choosing ingredients

Fresh vegetables sitting on a cutting board.


When selecting ingredients for your air fryer meals, it’s important to choose items that will reheat well. Here are some ingredients to consider using:

Proteins


Chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, shrimp, and tofu are all good options for air fryer meal prep.

Vegetables


Bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and cauliflower are all great choices for air fryer meal prep.

Seasonings


Use a variety of herbs and spices to add flavor to your air fryer meals.

Some great options include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano.

Planning and preparing meals


Once you’ve chosen your ingredients, it’s time to plan and prepare your meals.

Batch cooking


To save time and make meal prepping more efficient, consider batch cooking your proteins and vegetables.

This means cooking a large quantity at once, and then dividing it into smaller portions for the week.

Storing meals


Once your meals are cooked, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer. This will help keep them fresh and make it easy to grab and go.

Cooking the meals

Closeup of an Air Fryer with cooked chicken in the basket.


When it comes time to cook your meals in the air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Temperature and time guidelines


Refer to the manual of your air fryer for specific cooking instructions, the temperature and time will depend on the type of food you’re cooking.

Tips for keeping meals fresh


To keep your meals fresh, make sure to store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer.

Reheating and serving


When you’re ready to eat your meal-prepped air fryer meals, reheating them is easy.

Simply take them out of the refrigerator or freezer and pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes.

Recipes and Meal Ideas


Here are some recipes and meal ideas to get you started with your air fryer meal prepping:

Breakfast

Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes


Cut potatoes into wedges, season with your choice of spices, and air fry for 15-20 minutes. Serve with eggs or topped with veggies and cheese for a breakfast burrito bowl.

Air Fryer French Toast


Dip slices of bread in a mixture of eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, then air fry until golden brown.

Lunch

Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Salad


Air fry chicken breast, dice and place on top of romaine lettuce with your desired toppings.

Air Fryer Vegetable and Tofu Stir-Fry


Cut vegetables and tofu into bite-sized pieces, and air fry until vegetables are tender and tofu is crispy. Serve over rice or quinoa.

Dinner

Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp


Marinate shrimp in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, and air fry for 8-10 minutes.

Air Fryer BBQ Pork Tenderloin


Rub pork tenderloin with your favorite BBQ seasoning and air fry for 15-20 minutes.

Snacks

Air Fryer Crispy Kale Chips


Toss kale with olive oil, salt, and your choice of spices and air fry for 5-7 minutes.

Air Fryer Apple Chips


Slice apples thin and season with cinnamon, air fry for 8-10 minutes.

Conclusion


Using an air fryer for meal prepping is a great way to save time and eat healthy.

With its quick and efficient cooking, easy cleanup, and versatility, an air fryer can help make meal prepping a breeze.

Give these recipes and meal ideas a try and see how an air fryer can help simplify your meal prepping routine.


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