With warmer weather on the horizon, now is the perfect time to rethink how we cook. Summer meals should be quick, delicious, and healthy—without heating up the entire kitchen or making a mess. That’s where air fryers come in!
If you’re still thinking air frying is just for frozen fries, think again. The West Bend dual-basket air fryer is a game-changer for cooking everything from crispy grilled cheese and juicy steaks to chicken wings, sweet treats, and even homemade dehydrated fruit—all with less oil, less mess, and in record time.
Plus, air frying keeps you lean and healthy all summer long by cutting down on unnecessary fats while keeping food flavorful and crisp.
Let’s dive into some unique, easy, and delicious air fryer recipes that will transform your summer meals!
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Wings
These crispy, juicy wings are air-fried to perfection—without all the extra grease!
Ingredients:
• 2 lbs chicken wings (flats and drumettes)
• 1 tbsp baking powder (for crispiness)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Olive oil spray
• Buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, or seasoning of choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, toss wings with baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and arrange wings in a single layer.
5. Air fry for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
6. Toss in your favorite sauce and serve hot!
👉 For extra crispy wings, cook an additional 2-3 minutes!
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Perfectly crispy outside, gooey inside—this grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food made effortlessly in the air fryer.
Ingredients:
• 2 slices of bread (white, sourdough, or whole wheat)
• 2 tbsp butter (or mayonnaise)
• 2 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, or your favorite)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F.
2. Spread butter or mayo on one side of each bread slice.
3. Place cheese between the unbuttered sides.
4. Air fry at 360°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
👉 Pro Tip: Add a slice of ham or tomato for extra flavor!
Air Fryer Petite Sirloin Steak
Get restaurant-quality steak with a perfect sear—all without a grill!
Ingredients:
• 2 petite sirloin steaks (6-8 oz each)
• 2 tsp olive oil
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Brush steaks with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Place in the basket without overlapping.
4. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Medium-rare: 10 minutes (130°F internal temp)
• Medium: 12 minutes (140°F internal temp)
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
👉 For extra flavor, top with garlic herb butter while resting.
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Drumsticks
Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, these drumsticks are an easy protein-packed meal.
Ingredients:
• 4-5 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Mix baking powder, seasonings, and brown sugar.
3. Coat drumsticks evenly, then lightly spray with olive oil.
4. Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, flip, then cook for another 6-8 minutes or until 165°F internal temp is reached.
5. Let rest before serving.
👉 For extra crispy skin, use the air fryer’s grill function in the last few minutes!
Air Fryer Cherry Dump Cake (Loaf Pan Method)
Yes, you can bake in your air fryer! This chocolate-cherry delight is as easy as it gets.
Ingredients:
• 1 box (15.25 oz) devil’s food cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Instructions:
1. Mix cake mix, eggs, and cherry pie filling in a bowl.
2. Pour into a greased air fryer-safe loaf pan.
3. Air fry at 325°F for 20 minutes.
4. Stir gently at the 20-minute mark to ensure even cooking.
5. Cover loosely with foil and air fry at 350°F for another 20–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool 10 minutes before flipping onto a plate.
👉 Note: If using mini loaf pans, skip the stirring step—smaller portions cook evenly on their own!
Peeps S’mores Dip (Easter Favorite!)
A fun, gooey Easter dessert that’s perfect for dipping!
Ingredients:
• 1 bag of Peeps (any color)
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• Graham crackers for dipping
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
2. Spread chocolate chips in an oven-safe dish that fits inside your air fryer basket.
3. Arrange Peeps on top.
4. Air fry for 4-5 minutes until chocolate melts and Peeps are toasted.
5. Serve warm with graham crackers!
👉 Pro Tip: Adjust portions based on the container size that fits inside your air fryer. Add a drizzle of peanut butter for extra flavor!
Air Fryer Dehydrated Pineapple Cups (Healthy Easter Treat!)
Want a healthy, naturally sweet snack? Try dehydrated pineapple—perfect for Easter baskets!
Ingredients:
• 1 fresh pineapple, sliced into rings or chunks
Instructions:
1. Slice pineapple into thin pieces.
2. Place in the air fryer on dehydrate mode at 135°F.
3. Dehydrate for 4-6 hours, flipping occasionally.
4. Store in an airtight container.
👉 Use as a snack, topping for oatmeal, or even in Easter goodie bags!
Final Thoughts: Stay Lean & Cool This Summer!
With your West Bend dual-basket air fryer, summer meals are quicker, healthier, and more energy-efficient. Whether you’re cooking wings for game night, prepping steak for dinner, or making a fun Easter dessert, air frying keeps things lean, crispy, and delicious—without heating up the kitchen.
What will you cook first? Happy healthy cooking!❤️💋
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