Can You Cook Meat and Chips Together in Air Fryer? (Save Time and Energy)

Have you ever wondered if you could simultaneously cook meat and chips in your air fryer? The answer is YES! You can air fry both types of food together in one batch. It can be an easy and delicious way to enjoy your favorite meal without all the guilt of deep-frying.

air fryer
Air fryer. Credit: canva

But before we get into how to do it, let’s discuss why this is a great idea. 

air fryer
Cooking potato chips in an air fryer. Credit: canva

Cooking Meat and Chips Together in the Air Fryer

Pros and Cons

There are several benefits to cooking meat and chips together in an air fryer.

  • It saves time: Instead of cooking two separate dishes, you can throw everything into one appliance and have a complete meal ready in minutes.
  • It also saves energy: You don’t have to heat two separate appliances or use extra pans on your stovetop.
  • Evenly cooked: It’s a great way to ensure that all of your ingredients are cooked evenly since they will simultaneously be exposed to the same temperature. 
  • Healthier food: Air fryers are known for producing healthier dishes, as they use less oil than traditional frying methods.
  • Less cleaning: One of the best benefits of cooking in an air fryer is less mess and cleanup required.

While there are several advantages to cooking meat and chips together in an air fryer, there are also some potential drawbacks.

  • Different ingredients may require different temperatures for optimal cooking results: If you try to cook everything at once, some ingredients may end up overcooked while others remain undone.
  • May create too much smoke: if you plan on using oil or butter for your dish, this could create too much smoke or even cause a fire if not used properly with your air fryer.
  • The risk of cross-contamination: Depending on the type of food being cooked, there is always a risk of cross-contamination when cooking multiple foods together in one appliance. 
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Types of Meat Dish

What meat dishes can be cooked with chips in your air fryer?

  • Steak: A steak is a classic option for air fryer cooking. Simply season the steak with your favorite spices, then cook for 5 minutes at 190C (374F).
  • Chicken breast: Chicken breasts are another popular choice. Brush the chicken with oil and seasonings, then cook in the air fryer for 10 minutes at 180C (356F).
  • Pork chops: Pork chops are a great way to get creative with your air fryer. Season the pork chops, then cook for 8 minutes at 180C (356F).
  • Pre-cooked meats such as sausages or nuggets: If you’re looking for a quick meal, pre-cooked meats are just the thing. Place in the air fryer and cook for about 5 minutes at 190C (374F).
  • And many more. The possibilities are endless. You’ve just got to be creative.
Cooking chicken in an air fryer. Credit: canva

How to Air Fry Meat and Chips Together

Step 1: Prepare the Meat and Chips 

  • The first step is to prepare your meat and chips for cooking.
  • Season it with your favorite spices or marinades if you’re using raw meat.
  • Before putting them into the air fryer, pre-cooked meats such as sausages or nuggets should also be given a light oil coating.
  • For chips, if you make them from scratch, cut the potatoes into thin strips so they will cook evenly in the air fryer. Or you can also use frozen chips to save time.

Step 2: Set the Temperature 

  • Most air fryers have adjustable temperatures, so you can set it to whatever temperature works best for your ingredients.
  • The key to successfully air-frying meat and chips is finding the right balance of temperature and timing.
  • Generally speaking, higher temperatures are better for chips, while lower temperatures are better for meats. Set the temperature so that it will work for both foods.
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Step 4: Set the Time

  • Regarding time, keep in mind that potatoes take longer to cook than most meats do, so adjust your cooking times accordingly.
  • When both ingredients are prepped and ready, place them into the basket of your air fryer and set a timer for 20 minutes (or until golden brown).
  • Depending on what type of meat and potatoes you’re using, this could mean cooking them together for longer or shorter periods.

Step 4: Cook It Up! 

  • You can place the meat first, then the chips, or the chips first, then the meat, or at the same time. It depends on your meat and whether you use raw or frozen chips.
  • Make sure to check on it every few minutes to make sure nothing is burning or sticking to the surface of the basket!
  • Once done, remove from heat and serve hot with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!  
Air Fryer Steak and Chips

Air Fryer Steak and Chips Recipe

Steak and chips are a classic combination, and now you can make them in your air fryer! Let’s get frying! 

Step 1: Prepare the Steak 

  1. First, season your steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Put them aside while you prepare the chips. 

Step 2: Preparing the Chips 

  1. Cut your potatoes into chip-like shapes (or buy pre-made chips if you don’t want to bother).
  2. Toss them with a tablespoon of oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread them out in a single layer on the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overlapping each other, or they won’t cook evenly. 

Step 3: Frying Time! 

  1. Place your chips in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 190°C/374°F and cook for 20 minutes
  2. Place your steak in the air fryer basket on top of the chips. The meat juice will run down and help flavor the chips!
  3. Set the temperature to 190°C/374°F and cook for 10 minutes (or until done to your liking). Flip over after 5 minutes so that both sides get cooked evenly.                            

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy! 

  1. Once everything is cooked, take it out of the air fryer and serve it immediately with a side salad or your favorite condiments.
  2. Your steak ‘n’ chips are ready to be enjoyed!  
See also  How To Reheat Chicken Pot Pie In Air Fryer
Cooking on an air fryer. Credit: canva

Tips

  • If you’re using frozen chips, add a few extra minutes of cooking time.
  • Grill the steak for an extra smoky flavor.
  • You can also use pre-cooked meats such as sausages or chicken nuggets.
  • Don’t forget to season your steak for maximum flavor!
  • For an extra chip crunch, try adding some Parmesan cheese before serving.
  • If you want to get creative, add other vegetables, such as sliced bell peppers or onions, to your air fryer basket along with the steak and chips. 

FAQs

Can you cook chicken and chips in an air fryer together?

Yes. Just make sure to adjust the temperature and cooking times accordingly so they’re not under or overcooked.

Can you cook a whole meal in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Modern air fryers can bake, roast, grill, steam, and even dehydrate your food.

You can make all kinds of delicious dishes like homemade French fries or creamy mac and cheese. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can cook whole chicken or fish fillets with wonderful crispiness. 

Can you cook meat and vegetables at the same time in an air fryer?

Yes, remember that different ingredients require different cooking times.

For example, potatoes will take longer to cook than most meats, so adjust your cooking times accordingly.

Also, ensure that the food is spread out evenly in the basket to ensure even cooking.

Finally, keep an eye on the food while cooking to ensure nothing is burning or sticking to the surface.

What cannot be cooked in Airfryer?

It is not recommended to cook items such as wet batter, liquid sauces, and raw dough in an air fryer. Additionally, delicate foods like eggs or fish may not hold up well when cooked in an air fryer.

Finally, deep-frying with oil is best done using traditional methods rather than in the air fryer.

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