Best Air Fryer Recipes UK: From Roast Potatoes to Welsh Cakes

By / May 10, 2026

Why Air Fryers Are a Game Changer in UK Kitchens

Air fryers have exploded in popularity in the UK, and for good reason. They offer a quick, healthy, and convenient way to cook your favourite meals. Based in Cardiff, I’ve been testing various air fryers and recipes for years, and I’m constantly amazed by the versatility of these appliances. From achieving that perfect crispy roast potato to baking delicious Welsh cakes, an air fryer can truly revolutionise your cooking.

This guide will walk you through some of the best air fryer recipes in the UK, catering to both classic British dishes and modern culinary creations. You’ll find something to suit every taste and occasion.

What Makes a Great Air Fryer Recipe?

Not all recipes translate perfectly to the air fryer. The best ones leverage the air fryer’s ability to circulate hot air rapidly, resulting in crispy exteriors and moist interiors. They also save time and energy compared to traditional oven cooking. Here are a few key characteristics:

  • Quick Cooking Times: Air fryers significantly reduce cooking times.
  • Healthier Cooking: Less oil is needed for frying, making meals healthier.
  • Crispy Texture: Achieve that desirable crispy texture without deep-frying.
  • Easy Cleanup: Air fryer baskets are generally easy to clean.

Classic British Air Fryer Recipes

Let’s start with some classic British dishes which benefit massively from the fast, efficient cooking of an air fryer.

How do you make air fryer roast potatoes?

For perfectly crispy roast potatoes in the air fryer, parboil your potatoes first, then toss them in oil and seasoning before air frying at 200°C / Gas Mark 6 for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Roast potatoes are a staple of any good Sunday roast, and the air fryer makes them incredibly easy to achieve that perfect golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy and soft. Here’s a simple recipe:

  1. Peel and chop your potatoes into evenly sized pieces. Maris Pipers or King Edwards work best.
  2. Parboil them for about 8-10 minutes until slightly tender.
  3. Drain the potatoes and rough them up in the colander to create fluffy edges.
  4. Toss the potatoes in a bowl with olive oil (or rapeseed oil), salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings like garlic powder or rosemary.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C / Gas Mark 6.
  6. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd.
  7. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Can you cook Yorkshire puddings in an air fryer?

Yes, Yorkshire puddings can be cooked in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer, add a little oil to the base, pour in your batter mix and cook them at 180°C / Gas Mark 4 for around 15 minutes.

Yorkshire puddings are another essential part of a traditional Sunday roast. Cooking them in the air fryer ensures they rise beautifully and have a lovely, golden-brown colour. Here’s how:

  1. Make your Yorkshire pudding batter according to your favourite recipe.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C / Gas Mark 4.
  3. Place a small amount of oil in the bottom of the air fryer basket or in individual ramekins if using.
  4. Pour the batter into the hot basket or ramekins.
  5. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, until the puddings have risen and are golden brown.

How to make toad in the hole in the air fryer?

Toad in the hole is a British classic featuring sausages cooked in Yorkshire pudding batter. Use Quorn sausages to make sure it’s vegetarian. Air fry it at 180°C / Gas Mark 4 for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Toad in the Hole is a delightful combination of sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter. The air fryer cooks this dish evenly and quickly. Follow this recipe for a perfect Toad in the Hole:

  1. Prepare your Yorkshire pudding batter as above.
  2. Lightly grease your air fryer basket.
  3. Arrange your favourite sausages (Cumberland or Lincolnshire work well) in the basket.
  4. Pour the batter over the sausages.
  5. Air fry at 180°C / Gas Mark 4 for 20-25 minutes, or until the batter is golden brown and the sausages are cooked through.

Modern Air Fryer Recipes for UK Home Cooks

Beyond the classics, air fryers are fantastic for modern recipes that require a quick and healthy approach. Here are some popular choices:

Can you air fry chicken shawarma?

Yes, chicken shawarma can be air fried. Marinate thin strips of chicken and then air fry them at 200°C / Gas Mark 6 for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and slightly crispy.

Chicken Shawarma is a delicious Middle Eastern dish that can be easily made in the air fryer. The air fryer ensures the chicken is cooked evenly and has a delightful crispy exterior. Here’s how to make it:

  1. Slice chicken breasts into thin strips.
  2. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, and paprika for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C / Gas Mark 6.
  4. Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  5. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly crispy.
  6. Serve in pita bread with salad and your favourite sauces.

What’s the best way to cook sweet potato fries in an air fryer?

For the best sweet potato fries, cut them into even strips, toss with oil and seasoning, and air fry at 200°C / Gas Mark 6 for 15-20 minutes, shaking occasionally, until crispy.

Sweet potato fries are a healthier and equally delicious alternative to regular fries. The air fryer cooks them to perfection. Try this simple recipe:

  1. Peel and cut sweet potatoes into even strips.
  2. Toss the fries in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings like paprika or garlic powder.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C / Gas Mark 6.
  4. Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd.
  5. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.

How do you make Welsh cakes in the air fryer?

Welsh cakes can indeed be air fried! Preheat your air fryer to 160°C / Gas Mark 3, and cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. This gives them a slightly crisper outside than traditional griddle cooking whilst keeping the inside deliciously soft.

As a Cardiff local, I had to include Welsh cakes! This traditional treat is surprisingly good in the air fryer:

  1. Prepare your Welsh cake dough according to your recipe, rolling it out and cutting into circles.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 160°C / Gas Mark 3.
  3. Place the Welsh cakes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded.
  4. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
  5. Sprinkle with caster sugar and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Air Fryer Success

  • Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating helps ensure even cooking and crispy results.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
  • Shake or Flip Food: Shaking or flipping food halfway through cooking ensures even browning.
  • Use a Little Oil: A light coating of oil helps achieve a crispy texture.
  • Clean Regularly: Clean your air fryer basket after each use to prevent buildup and ensure optimal performance.

What are Emma’s top tips for air fryer cooking?

  • Try different oils to find your preference. I like rapeseed oil for savoury and coconut oil for sweet.
  • Experiment with spices and herbs. Air frying concentrates flavours.
  • Always check the internal temperature of meat to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly.

Is an air fryer worth buying?

Absolutely! Air fryers are quick, efficient, and offer a healthier way to enjoy your favourite foods. They’re perfect for busy families and anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine. UK households are increasingly embracing this kitchen gadget, and for good reason.

Where to buy an air fryer in the UK?

You can find a great range of air fryers at various UK retailers, including:

Conclusion: Embrace the Air Fryer Revolution

The air fryer has become a must-have appliance in UK kitchens, and for good reason. From classic British dishes to modern culinary creations, the possibilities are endless. So, go ahead, experiment with these recipes and discover the convenience and deliciousness that air frying has to offer. Happy cooking!

Similar Posts:

    None Found

Exit mobile version