Aldi air fryer picks that always crisp up

If you're like me and love the convenience of using an air fryer, Aldi is a great place to start for budget-friendly options that deliver excellent results. Their frozen food aisle is packed with items perfect for air frying, each promising a crispy, delicious finish. Let's take a closer look at some top picks that consistently offer that perfect crunch.

Classic Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are a classic favorite, and Aldi’s version doesn’t disappoint. The air fryer is ideal for cooking wings as it renders the fat beautifully, leaving the skin crispy while keeping the meat juicy. You can find a variety of flavors, from spicy buffalo to garlic parmesan, ready to pop into your air fryer for a quick and satisfying meal. The best part? They require minimal prep time, making them perfect for a quick dinner or a party snack.

For those looking to add a personal touch, try marinating the wings in your favorite sauce or seasoning before air frying. A quick 20 to 25 minutes in the fryer, tossing halfway through, yields perfectly crispy wings. Pair them with a side of celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic combo.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries, offering a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors. Aldi’s pre-cut sweet potato fries are a staple in my freezer. They cook quickly in the air fryer, usually in about 15 minutes, and come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect as a side dish or a standalone snack, these fries are a hit with both kids and adults.

To elevate their flavor, sprinkle some sea salt and paprika before air frying. A dash of cinnamon can also enhance their natural sweetness. Serve them with a garlic aioli or a spicy ketchup for an extra kick.

Breaded Fish Fillets

For a taste of the sea, Aldi’s breaded fish fillets are a fantastic choice. These fillets cook up beautifully in the air fryer, achieving a golden, crunchy exterior without the need for deep frying. They’re a quick and easy option for a weeknight dinner, ready in just 12-15 minutes. Pair them with a homemade tartar sauce and a squeeze of lemon for a classic fish and chips experience.

For a complete meal, serve the fillets with a side of coleslaw or a simple salad. The air fryer ensures the fish remains moist and flaky, making it a reliable choice for seafood lovers.

Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a crowd-pleaser, and Aldi’s version is perfect for air frying. These cheesy delights cook up quickly and evenly, achieving that coveted stretch of melted cheese encased in a crispy coating. They’re ideal for a party appetizer or a late-night snack, ready in just about 7-8 minutes.

To enhance the flavor, serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. For an extra crunch, consider double coating the sticks in breadcrumbs and freezing them before air frying.

Vegetable Spring Rolls

Vegetable spring rolls are a great addition to any meal, offering a crispy shell filled with a mix of veggies. Aldi’s spring rolls come pre-packaged and cook up to perfection in the air fryer. In about 10 minutes, you’ll have golden, crisp rolls ready to serve. They make a fantastic appetizer or side dish, suitable for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Pair these spring rolls with a sweet chili dipping sauce or soy sauce for added flavor. They’re also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your meal.

Crispy Tofu Cubes

For those exploring plant-based options, crispy tofu cubes are an excellent choice. Aldi offers tofu that, when air-fried, turns into a crispy, protein-packed delight. Cut the tofu into cubes, season them to your liking, and then air fry for about 15 minutes. The result is a crunchy exterior with a soft, flavorful inside.

Use these tofu cubes as a topping for salads or grain bowls, or enjoy them as a snack. Tofu is incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with various seasonings and sauces to suit your taste.

Zucchini Chips

Zucchini chips are a healthy and tasty alternative to potato chips. Aldi’s fresh zucchini can be sliced thinly and seasoned with your favorite spices before air frying. In just about 10 minutes, you’ll have a batch of crispy, guilt-free chips ready to enjoy.

To ensure even cooking, place the zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Experiment with flavors by trying different spices like garlic powder, paprika, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Spicy Cauliflower Bites

Spicy cauliflower bites are an excellent snack for those who love a bit of heat. Aldi’s cauliflower, when coated in a spicy batter and air-fried, transforms into a crunchy and flavorful treat. This snack is perfect for game days or as a side dish, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.

For an added zing, toss the bites in hot sauce after frying and serve with a cool ranch dip. These bites are a delicious way to enjoy cauliflower, even for those who aren’t typically fans of the vegetable.

Homemade Potato Wedges

Homemade potato wedges are a classic side dish that never disappoints. Aldi provides quality potatoes that, when cut into wedges and seasoned, come out perfectly crispy in the air fryer. Cook them for about 20 minutes, tossing halfway to ensure even crispiness.

These wedges pair wonderfully with a variety of dips, from ketchup to aioli. For a gourmet touch, sprinkle them with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme right after air frying.

Apple Cinnamon Chips

For a sweet yet healthy snack, apple cinnamon chips are a must-try. Aldi’s apples can be thinly sliced, sprinkled with cinnamon and a touch of sugar, and then air-fried until crisp. They’re a delightful treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without the guilt, and they’re incredibly easy to make.

Store these chips in an airtight container for a snack that stays crispy. They’re perfect for packing in lunchboxes or enjoying as an on-the-go snack. For more snack ideas, check out this list of Aldi’s best foods to pack in your lunchbox.