Kenyan Air Fryer Recipes to Try Out This Season

So now you’ve bought your air fryer—congratulations on upgrading your kitchen game! or you had one already, And now you’re ready to try some delicious Kenyan air fryer recipes, and let me just say, you’ve landed in the perfect place. If you’re new to the air fryer hype, welcome to the club! Remember our recently uploaded article, What Sellers Don’t Tell You About Air Fryers? One of the revelations was that air fryers aren’t just for frying. If you haven’t read it, make sure you do—after trying these recipes, of course.

What Sellers Don’t Tell You About Air Fryers

Maybe you’ve already tried making fries and chicken, but guess what? Your air fryer can handle so much more. Whether you’re looking to whip up something quick or impress guests with bold Kenyan flavors, these recipes are guaranteed to keep your air fryer busy. Let’s dig in

1. Air Fryer Mandazi

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 tbsp melted butter

Method

1. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and cardamom in a bowl.
2. Add melted butter and coconut milk, then slowly add warm water to form a soft dough.
3. Roll the dough and cut into desired shapes.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C for 3 minutes.
5. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil and place the mandazi pieces inside.
6. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.

2. Nyama Choma Skewers

Ingredients

• 500g beef cubes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water to prevent burning)

Method

1. Marinate beef cubes with salt, paprika, pepper, oil, and lemon juice for at least 30 minutes.
2. Skewer the beef cubes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C.
4. Place skewers in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through.

3. Crispy Air Fryer Chips Masala

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chips
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, blended
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp garlic-ginger paste
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Method

1. Toss the potato chips with vegetable oil and preheat the air fryer to 190°C.
2. Cook chips for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
3. In a pan, sauté onions and garlic-ginger paste until fragrant.
4. Add blended tomatoes, tomato paste, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Cook until thickened.
5. Toss the cooked chips in the masala sauce. Garnish with coriander.

4. Air Fryer Fried Bananas

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• A pinch of salt

Method

1. Coat banana slices lightly with oil and sprinkle with salt.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C.
3. Lay the slices in a single layer in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

5. Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Method

1. Rub the drumsticks with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Drizzle with oil.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C.
3. Place drumsticks in the basket and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

6. Air Fryer Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 packet instant yeast (7g)
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

Method:

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, milk, and butter. Knead into a smooth dough.
3. Let the dough rise for 1 hour. Punch it down, shape it, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.

7. Air Fryer Groundnuts

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw groundnuts
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp water

Method:

1. Dissolve salt in water and toss the groundnuts to coat evenly.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 160°C.
3. Spread the groundnuts in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking every 2 minutes for even roasting.

8. Air Fryer Fish

Ingredients:

• 2 fish fillets or a whole fish (tilapia works great)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Method:

1. Rub the fish with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C.
3. Place the fish in the basket and cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. Serve with lemon wedges.

9. Air Fryer Sausages

Ingredients:

• 6 sausages of your choice
• Oil spray (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C.
2. Place the sausages in the basket in a single layer.
3. Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked through.

10. Air Fryer Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 store-bought pizza base or homemade dough
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Your favorite toppings (e.g., sausages, onions, green peppers, mushrooms)

Method:

1. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the pizza base.
2. Add your toppings and sprinkle generously with cheese.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C.
4. Place the pizza in the basket and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the crust crisps up.

11. Air Fryer Cakes or Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking powder

Method:

1. In a bowl, mix sugar and egg until light and fluffy.
2. Add oil, milk, and vanilla essence. Stir to combine.
3. Sift in the flour and baking powder, then fold gently into the wet mixture.
4. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan or cupcake liners.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 160°C and bake for 15–20 minutes. Check with a toothpick—it should come out clean.

Personal Thought

Trying out these recipes made me realize just how versatile an air fryer can be. It’s not just a healthier alternative to deep frying; it’s a complete game-changer in the kitchen. If you haven’t experimented with your air fryer beyond fries, you’re missing out. Trust me, once you try these, your air fryer will earn a permanent spot on your countertop.

And there you have it—mouthwatering Kenyan recipes to try out with your air fryer. Whether you’re in the mood for crispy samosas, guilt-free banana chips, or juicy nyama choma, your air fryer is up to the task. What’s even better? These recipes are faster, healthier, and less messy compared to traditional methods.

So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that air fryer, and impress your family with these Kenyan classics. Oh, and if you nail these recipes, don’t forget to share your experience. 😊 Happy cooking!