Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods without sacrificing flavor or texture. From crispy appetizers to succulent main courses and delectable desserts, the versatility of the air fryer knows no bounds. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a collection of 27 tantalizing Asian air fryer recipes that will take your culinary skills to new heights.
Asian cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, rich aromas, and diverse ingredients. Whether you’re craving the bold spices of Thai cuisine, the savory umami of Japanese dishes, or the comforting warmth of Chinese classics, there’s something for everyone in Asian cooking. With the convenience and efficiency of the air fryer, you can now recreate your favorite Asian-inspired dishes with ease and precision.
Ingredients:
Spring roll wrappers
Shredded cabbage
Carrots, julienned
Bean sprouts
Shrimp or tofu (optional)
Soy sauce
Sesame oil
Garlic powder
Ginger, minced
Olive oil spray
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, bean sprouts, and your choice of protein (shrimp or tofu).
Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and minced ginger.
Spoon the mixture onto spring roll wrappers and fold according to package instructions.
Preheat the air fryer and lightly coat the spring rolls with olive oil spray.
Cook in the air fryer until golden and crispy, turning halfway through.
Ingredients:
Chicken wings
Korean BBQ sauce
Soy sauce
Honey
Garlic, minced
Ginger, grated
Sesame seeds
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Marinate chicken wings in Korean BBQ sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer and place the marinated wings in a single layer.
Cook until crispy and cooked through, brushing with extra marinade halfway through.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Ingredients:
Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Coconut flakes
Egg
Flour
Salt and pepper
Sweet chili sauce (for dipping)
Instructions:
Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
Dredge each shrimp in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat with coconut flakes.
Preheat the air fryer and arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer.
Cook until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Serve with sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Ingredients:
Edamame, thawed if frozen
Sesame oil
Garlic, minced
Soy sauce
Sesame seeds
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
Toss edamame with sesame oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes.
Preheat the air fryer and spread the seasoned edamame in a single layer.
Cook until slightly charred and tender, shaking the basket halfway through.
Ingredients:
Pork dumplings
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Arrange frozen pork dumplings in the air fryer basket.
Preheat the air fryer and cook until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Serve hot with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Ingredients:
Cauliflower florets
Cornstarch
Soy sauce
Hoisin sauce
Rice vinegar
Honey
Garlic, minced
Ginger, grated
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sesame seeds
Instructions:
Toss cauliflower florets in cornstarch until coated.
Preheat the air fryer and arrange the cauliflower in a single layer.
Cook until crispy and tender, shaking the basket halfway through.
In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook until thickened.
Toss cooked cauliflower in the sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Ingredients:
Salmon fillets
Teriyaki sauce
Garlic powder
Ginger powder
Sesame seeds
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Marinate salmon fillets in teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer and place the marinated salmon fillets in the basket.
Cook until salmon is flaky and cooked through, brushing with extra marinade halfway through.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Ingredients:
Firm tofu, pressed and cubed
Cornstarch
Olive oil
Sweet chili sauce
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Garlic, minced
Ginger, grated
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Toss cubed tofu in cornstarch until coated.
Preheat the air fryer and lightly brush tofu cubes with olive oil.
Cook until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.
In a saucepan, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook until heated through.
Toss cooked tofu in the sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Ingredients:
Shrimp, peeled and deveined
Mayonnaise
Sweet chili sauce
Sriracha sauce
Lime juice
Cornstarch
Olive oil
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Toss shrimp in cornstarch until coated.
Preheat the air fryer and lightly brush shrimp with olive oil.
Cook until crispy and cooked through, shaking the basket halfway through.
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, and lime juice to make the bang bang sauce.
Toss cooked shrimp in the sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Ingredients:
Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
Soy sauce
Sake
Garlic, minced
Ginger, grated
Cornstarch
Olive oil
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
Marinate chicken thighs in soy sauce, sake, minced garlic, and grated ginger for at least 30 minutes.
Toss marinated chicken in cornstarch until coated.
Preheat the air fryer and lightly brush chicken pieces with olive oil.
Cook until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.
Serve hot with lemon wedges for squeezing.
Ingredients:
Eggplant, cubed
Thai basil leaves
Soy sauce
Fish sauce
Brown sugar
Garlic, minced
Thai chilies, sliced (optional)
Olive oil
Rice (for serving)
Instructions:
Toss cubed eggplant with soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and sliced Thai chilies.
Preheat the air fryer and lightly coat eggplant with olive oil.
Cook until eggplant is tender and slightly charred, shaking the basket halfway through.
Add Thai basil leaves to the cooked eggplant and toss until wilted.
Serve hot over rice.
Ingredients:
Soft-shell crabs, cleaned and halved
Tomato ketchup
Chili sauce
Soy sauce
Ginger, grated
Garlic, minced
Green onions, chopped
Olive oil
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix tomato ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped green onions to make the chili crab sauce.
Preheat the air fryer and lightly coat soft-shell crabs with olive oil.
Cook until crispy and cooked through, brushing with chili crab sauce halfway through.
Serve hot with extra sauce for dipping.
Ingredients:
Green beans, trimmed
Szechuan peppercorns
Soy sauce
Hoisin sauce
Garlic, minced
Ginger, grated
Sesame oil
Olive oil
Instructions:
Toss trimmed green beans with Szechuan peppercorns, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Preheat the air fryer and lightly coat green beans with sesame oil and olive oil.
Cook until green beans are tender-crisp and slightly blistered, shaking the basket halfway through.
Ingredients:
Firm tofu, pressed and cubed
Rice noodles, soaked in hot water until softened
Pad Thai sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Bean sprouts
Scallions, sliced
Crushed peanuts
Lime wedges
Olive oil
Instructions:
Toss cubed tofu in olive oil and air fry until golden and crispy.
In a wok or skillet, stir-fry softened rice noodles with pad Thai sauce until heated through.
Add cooked tofu, bean sprouts, and sliced scallions to the noodles and toss until combined.
Serve hot garnished with crushed peanuts and lime wedges.
Ingredients:
Firm tofu, pressed and cubed
Coconut milk
Cornstarch
Shredded coconut
Sweet chili sauce (for dipping)
Instructions:
Dip tofu cubes in coconut milk and coat with a mixture of cornstarch and shredded coconut.
Preheat the air fryer and arrange the coated tofu in a single layer.
Cook until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Serve hot with sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Ingredients:
Japanese eggplant, halved lengthwise
Miso paste
Mirin
Soy sauce
Maple syrup
Olive oil
Sesame seeds
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together miso paste, mirin, soy sauce, and maple syrup to make the miso glaze.
Preheat the air fryer and lightly brush eggplant halves with olive oil.
Cook until eggplant is tender and caramelized, brushing with miso glaze halfway through.
Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
Ingredients:
Shrimp, peeled and deveined
Tempura batter mix
Ice-cold water
Olive oil
Soy sauce (for dipping)
Wasabi (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare tempura batter according to package instructions using ice-cold water.
Dip shrimp in the batter and shake off excess.
Preheat the air fryer and lightly brush battered shrimp with olive oil.
Cook until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Serve hot with soy sauce for dipping, and wasabi if desired.
Ingredients:
Rice paper wrappers
Rice vermicelli noodles, cooked
Shrimp, cooked and sliced in half lengthwise
Lettuce leaves
Cucumber, julienned
Carrots, julienned
Mint leaves
Thai basil leaves
Dipping sauce (hoisin sauce mixed with peanut butter and water)
Instructions:
Dip rice paper wrappers in warm water until softened.
Lay softened wrappers flat and arrange cooked vermicelli noodles, sliced shrimp, lettuce leaves, julienned cucumber, carrots, mint leaves, and Thai basil leaves.
Roll tightly, tucking in the sides, to form spring rolls.
Preheat the air fryer and lightly coat spring rolls with olive oil spray.
Cook until wrappers are crispy and golden.
Serve with dipping sauce on the side.
Ingredients:
Chicken wings
Thai red curry paste
Coconut milk
Fish sauce
Brown sugar
Lime juice
Olive oil
Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice to make the marinade.
Marinate chicken wings in the mixture for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the air fryer and lightly brush chicken wings with olive oil.
Cook until crispy and cooked through, brushing with extra marinade halfway through.
Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Ingredients:
Pork cutlets
Panko breadcrumbs
Eggs, beaten
All-purpose flour
Salt and pepper
Tonkatsu sauce
Cabbage, shredded (for serving)
Steamed rice
Olive oil
Instructions:
Season pork cutlets with salt and pepper.
Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
Preheat the air fryer and lightly brush pork cutlets with olive oil.
Cook until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Serve hot with tonkatsu sauce, shredded cabbage, and steamed rice.
Ingredients:
Ground meat (beef, chicken, or turkey)
Panko breadcrumbs
Egg
Garlic, minced
Ginger, grated
Soy sauce
Honey
Olive oil
Sesame seeds
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix ground meat with panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and honey.
Roll the mixture into meatballs.
Preheat the air fryer and lightly brush meatballs with olive oil.
Cook until golden and cooked through, shaking the basket halfway through.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Ingredients:
Firm tofu, pressed and cubed
Cornstarch
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Red chili flakes
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Toss cubed tofu in cornstarch until coated.
Preheat the air fryer and lightly brush tofu cubes with olive oil.
Cook until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.
In a skillet, sauté minced garlic and red chili flakes until fragrant.
Add soy sauce and rice vinegar to the skillet and simmer until slightly thickened.
Toss cooked tofu in the garlic chili sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Ingredients:
Cauliflower florets
Flour
Cornstarch
Baking powder
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Sesame seeds
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
Toss cauliflower florets in the flour mixture until coated.
Preheat the air fryer and lightly coat cauliflower with olive oil.
Cook until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Ingredients:
Firm tofu, pressed and cubed
Five-spice powder
Cornstarch
Olive oil
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Toss cubed tofu in five-spice powder and cornstarch until coated.
Preheat the air fryer and lightly brush tofu cubes with olive oil.
Cook until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce and rice vinegar.
Toss cooked tofu in the soy sauce mixture until evenly coated.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Ingredients:
Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cornstarch
Olive oil
Orange zest
Orange juice
Soy sauce
Brown sugar
Rice vinegar
Garlic, minced
Ginger, grated
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch until coated.
Preheat the air fryer and lightly brush chicken with olive oil.
Cook until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.
In a saucepan, combine orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook until thickened.
Toss cooked chicken in the orange sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Ingredients:
Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cornstarch
Olive oil
Soy sauce
Honey
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Garlic, minced
Ginger, grated
Sesame seeds
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch until coated.
Preheat the air fryer and lightly brush chicken with olive oil.
Cook until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.
In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook until thickened.
Toss cooked chicken in the sesame sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Ingredients:
Chicken wings
Cornstarch
Olive oil
Honey
Soy sauce
Garlic, minced
Ginger, grated
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Toss chicken wings in cornstarch until coated.
Preheat the air fryer and lightly brush chicken with olive oil.
Cook until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.
In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook until thickened.
Toss cooked chicken wings in the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
From crispy appetizers to succulent main courses and delectable desserts, these Asian air fryer recipes showcase the incredible versatility of this kitchen appliance. Whether you’re craving the bold flavors of Korean BBQ, the aromatic spices of Thai cuisine, or the comforting classics of Chinese cooking, there’s a recipe here to satisfy every craving. With these easy-to-follow recipes, you can bring the taste of Asia into your own kitchen and impress family and friends with your culinary skills. So fire up your air fryer and get ready to embark on a delicious culinary journey through Asia!
Air fryers have become a staple in many kitchens, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. With their ability to cook food quickly and evenly using hot air circulation, air fryers have revolutionized the way we prepare our favorite dishes.
Asian cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and diverse ingredients. Here are ten global flavors that you can incorporate into your air fryer recipes to add an extra dimension of taste:
Soy sauce is a staple ingredient in many Asian dishes, known for its rich umami flavor. Use it as a marinade for meats or drizzle it over vegetables before air frying for a savory kick.
Fresh ginger adds a zesty and aromatic flavor to dishes. Grate or finely chop ginger and mix it with other seasonings to create marinades or sauces for your air-fried creations.
Garlic is another essential ingredient in Asian cooking, prized for its pungent flavor and health benefits. Crushed or minced garlic can be used to season meats, vegetables, and seafood before air frying.
Sesame oil has a distinct nutty flavor that enhances the taste of Asian dishes. Use it sparingly as a finishing oil or as part of a marinade to infuse your air-fried recipes with a rich and aromatic taste.
Sriracha sauce adds a spicy kick to any dish, perfect for those who love a bit of heat. Drizzle it over chicken wings or toss vegetables in Sriracha before air frying for a fiery flavor explosion.
Hoisin sauce is a sweet and tangy condiment commonly used in Chinese cuisine. Brush it onto meats or glaze vegetables with Hoisin before air frying to create a caramelized coating that is bursting with flavor.
Rice vinegar adds a subtle acidity to dishes, balancing out rich flavors and enhancing the overall taste. Use it in marinades, dressings, or sauces for a refreshing twist on your air-fried creations.
Five-spice powder is a blend of aromatic spices commonly used in Chinese cooking. Sprinkle it over meats or vegetables before air frying to impart a complex and savory flavor to your dishes.
Lemongrass has a bright and citrusy flavor that adds depth to Asian dishes. Finely chop or crush lemongrass and mix it with other herbs and spices to create marinades or seasoning pastes for your air-fried recipes.
Coconut milk adds a creamy and tropical flavor to dishes, perfect for curries, soups, and marinades. Use it as a base for sauces or marinades to infuse your air-fried creations with a hint of sweetness and richness.
One of my favorite air fryer recipes is Crispy Air-Fried Tofu with Peanut Sauce. This dish is packed with flavor and texture, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option. Here’s how to make it:
This dish is perfect for vegans and vegetarians but is sure to satisfy even the most devout meat-eaters with its crispy exterior and creamy peanut sauce.
Air fryers offer a convenient and healthier way to cook a wide variety of dishes. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results when using your air fryer:
Preheating your air fryer ensures that it reaches the optimal cooking temperature, resulting in crispier and more evenly cooked food. Most air fryers only take a few minutes to preheat, so be sure to factor this into your cooking time.
To prevent food from sticking to the air fryer basket, lightly coat it with cooking spray before adding your ingredients. This will help ensure that your food cooks evenly and avoids a mess in the basket.
For the best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leaving space between the food allows for proper air circulation, which is essential for achieving crispy and evenly cooked dishes. If necessary, cook food in batches to ensure even cooking.
To ensure that your food cooks evenly on all sides, flip or shake it halfway through the cooking process. This will help to achieve a crispy exterior while ensuring that the interior cooks thoroughly.
One of the best things about air fryers is their versatility. Experiment with different seasonings, marinades, and sauces to create unique flavor combinations. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out new ingredients to elevate your air-fried dishes.
Air fryers cook food quickly, so it’s essential to monitor the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking. Keep an eye on your food and adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve the desired level of crispiness and doneness.
To maintain optimal performance and prevent any lingering flavors from affecting your food, be sure to clean your air fryer regularly. Most air fryers have removable parts that are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients, recipes, and cooking techniques in your air fryer. Whether you’re air frying vegetables, meats, or desserts, the possibilities are endless, so have fun and get creative in the kitchen!
As a busy cook, finding ways to save time in the kitchen is essential. Here are some time-saving strategies that you can use when cooking with your air fryer:
Take some time at the beginning of the week to prep ingredients such as chopping vegetables, marinating meats, or preparing sauces and marinades. This will save you time during the week when you’re ready to cook.
Maximize the capacity of your air fryer by cooking food in batches. While one batch is cooking, you can prep the next batch, allowing you to make multiple dishes in less time.
Frozen ingredients such as vegetables, meats, and seafood can be cooked directly in the air fryer without the need for thawing. This saves you time and allows you to whip up a quick and easy meal with minimal effort.
Take advantage of pre-packaged ingredients such as pre-cut vegetables, pre-marinated meats, and pre-made sauces to streamline the cooking process. These convenient options can help you save time without sacrificing flavor.
Create simple and delicious one-pot meals in your air fryer by combining all the ingredients in the basket and cooking them together. This not only saves time on prep and cleanup but also allows the flavors to meld together for a delicious meal.
Consider investing in accessories such as racks, skewers, and baking pans designed specifically for air fryers. These accessories can help you maximize the versatility of your air fryer and cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
When time is of the essence, stick to simple recipes that require minimal ingredients and prep work. Focus on dishes that can be cooked quickly and easily in your air fryer without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Spend some time on the weekend meal prepping for the week ahead. Cook large batches of food in your air fryer and portion them out into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
In conclusion, air fryers are a versatile and convenient kitchen appliance that can help you create delicious Asian-inspired dishes with ease. Whether you’re craving crispy spring rolls, succulent dumplings, or flavorful stir-fries, the possibilities are endless with an air fryer. By incorporating the top global flavors, experimenting with different ingredients, and utilizing time-saving strategies, you can elevate your air-fried creations to new heights. So dust off your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey through Asia right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Happy cooking!