Air Fryer by Harvard Common Press Editors

Air Fryer, by the editors of the Harvard Common Press, is a compact yet visually appealing guide designed to help readers unlock the full potential of one of today’s most popular kitchen appliances. Positioned within the Time-Pressed Cook series, it promises speed and simplicity while maintaining a focus on healthy, low-oil cooking.

The book opens with a practical introduction to air-frying, outlining its advantages, versatility, and energy efficiency. While clearly aimed at beginners, even seasoned air fryer users will likely pick up a few new tricks from these opening pages. The guidance on optimal cooking techniques, cleaning, and maintenance is straightforward and concise, making it accessible without being condescending.

The core of the book is its collection of 75 recipes spanning breakfast, snacks, party food, salads, mains, and desserts. Dishes such as Teriyaki Salmon with Broccoli, Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Waffles, and Cheesy Cauliflower Bake showcase the range possible in an air fryer, moving beyond the predictable chips and nuggets. The inclusion of vegan and vegetarian main courses is a welcome touch, broadening its appeal to those with varied dietary preferences. Recipes like Churros with Chocolate Dipping Sauce and Caramelised Peach Shortcakes ensure that indulgence is not forgotten.

However, some readers may find that a number of recipes rely on stove-top preparation for key components, which slightly undermines the air fryer’s promise as a one-appliance solution. In addition, the book does not provide nutritional information, which may be a drawback for health-conscious cooks. While the variety is generally good, a notable portion of recipes lean heavily on bold, spicy flavours, which may not suit all palates.

That said, the book’s layout is clean, inviting, and supported by vibrant photography that makes each dish enticing. The step-by-step instructions are clear and approachable, with no overly technical jargon. Although some recipes could have been more efficiently adapted to make fuller use of the air fryer’s capabilities, the overall range demonstrates both creativity and practicality.

For new air fryer owners, Air Fryer serves as both a confidence booster and a springboard for experimentation. It might not satisfy those seeking highly specialised or nutrition-specific recipes, but it succeeds in showing that the appliance is far more versatile than its name suggests. This is a lively, attractive, and useful addition to any time-pressed cook’s bookshelf, and it will likely inspire more adventurous (and healthier) home cooking.

Reviewer: Chris Reed

Harvard Common Press