Milly's 101: Air Fryer Tips
When we first introduced the air fryers to our range here at Milly's I’ll admit I was a bit of a sceptic. These machines had all the hallmarks of those old Winter Show gimmicks (remember those?): single-use wonders that never lived up to the hype. As my grandfather used to say, “All hair oil and no socks.”
But credit where credit's due - our team were more open-minded than I was. We grabbed a demo, took it for a spin … and a week later, we were hooked. Converted. Obsessed. I even bought one myself.
Yes, it’s a healthier alternative to deep-frying. But air fryers are so much more than that. From scones to steaks and crispy reheats, here’s what we’ve learned in the Milly’s kitchen (and at home too).
Baking in Minutes (Yes, Really!)
Turns out you don't need to crank up the oven at the drop of a craving for something sweet! Scones, brownies, mini loaves, banana bread, cookies and biscuits - they all work a treat in small batches in the air fryer. Steph's 9-minute cheese scones have become dangerously popular around here!
Milly's tip: Freeze cookie dough as balls or logs then bake off just a few at a time. You can even bake from frozen (dangerous!) Desserts in an instant whenever the craving strikes!
2. Dry Rubs - Maybe Rethink That
Because an air fryer uses hot air circulation, dry seasonings can blow about like confetti in a Wellington southerly. The fix? Mix your herbs and spices with a little oil first. It'll stick better, taste better, and stay where it’s meant to.
3. Steak Night Just Got Better
Perfect steak, with no pan-faff or smoke alarm panic? Yes, please! Preheat your air fryer for 10 minutes, then add your oiled and seasoned steak - cook, and flip halfway. The hot air gives a crisp seared edge—without splatters or stress.
How long? Depends on thickness and how you like it. But it’s fast, clean and delicious.
4. Roast a Whole Chicken (Seriously!)
A). You can cook a whole chicken, up to the size you can ‘fit’ in your air fryer* Season your chicken with a marinade or wet rub of your choice, retaining a third for basting midway, then brush the rest over the chicken making sure to cover it evenly entirely.
B). Preheat the air fryer to 160ºC. Place the chicken, breast-side down, into the basket and cook for 20 mins. Flip then brush with the reserved marinade. Cook for 10-20 minutes at 180ºC. Check the doneness** of the chicken after 10 minutes. Depending on the size of your chicken, it might be cooked and won’t need the full 10 minutes at 180. Turn the temperature up to 200°C and cook for another 5-10 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes then carve and serve.
* Make sure there’s plenty of space for air-circulation. A bird that's too large for your particular machine won't allow the air to circulate properly.
**A whole chicken is cooked when the juice runs clear when you cut between the drumstick and the breast. As long as the meat is opaque and white to the bone (no pinkness) it is cooked. The meat should read 75ºC on a meat thermometer. Remember that all meats will continue to rise in temperature as they rest so we recommend you remove your chicken from the oven when it reaches 70C.
5. Fast, Fuss-Free Roasting
Roast vege? Tick. Baked kumara? Tick. Chicken breast, crispy fish or side salad toppers? All done in about 20 minutes without heating your whole oven.
Just toss with oil, salt and pepper, pop them in at 160°C for 15–20 minutes and enjoy. Bonus: leftovers make amazing soups or tart fillings.
6. An Air Fryer Is Your Reheating Hero!
Leftover pie in the microwave? You deserve better. The air fryer is your go-to for anything that should stay crispy: pizza, burgers, dumplings, tacos, quiche.
Batch cooking + air fryer = midweek meals made easier!
7. Less Oil, Not No Oil
It’s called air frying, but don’t ditch the oil completely. A light mist or brush of oil makes a world of difference to texture and flavour. You’ll still use far less than pan or deep frying, but the results will be so good you won't even know you're eating healthier!
8. Cleanup Is Easy - And Necessary!
A quick wash keeps flavours fresh and prevents wayward crumbs from gatecrashing your next cook-up. Most baskets are non-stick and easy to clean—so no excuses. Salt and pepper squid cookies are nobody’s idea of a good time.
If you’ve been on the fence about air fryers, we get it- we were too. But we’re now full-blown converts. They’re efficient, easy to use, and surprisingly versatile. From steak nights to scone o’clock, they’ve earned a spot in our kitchens (and hearts).
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