Food waste is a growing concern, but with a little creativity and with the help of an air fryer, you can turn everyday kitchen scraps into a tasty snack. Whether it’s the ends of your veggies or a slice of stale bread, these overlooked bits can be repurposed into crispy, golden snacks.
Here’s how you can transform your scraps into treasures.
Why the air fryer is your secret weapon
Air fryers have gained a substantial following over the years, loved for their convenience, compact size, and health benefits. Using your air fryer gives scraps texture and crunch that most conventional ovens struggle to achieve.
7 Unexpected scraps you can air fry into delicious snacks
1. Potato peels = Crunchy ‘fries’
- Toss with olive oil, salt, and paprika
- Air fry until crisp, like potato chips but more rustic
2. Broccoli stems = Veggie fries
- Peel and slice stems into French-fry-like pieces
- Season with garlic powder and parmesan
- Air fry until crisp and golden on the outside, and sweet and tender on the inside
3. Leftover beetroots = Beetroot crisps
- Peel and slice beetroots into thin rounds
- Coat in some olive oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper
- Air fry until crisp, like Lays, but purple
4. Stale bread = Homemade croutons
- Cube or slice stale bread and toss with herbed oil
- Air fry until golden and crisp
- They’re perfect for sprucing up salads or munching on while you wait for the braai to start
5. Tinned chickpeas = Crispy roasted chickpeas
- Drain, dry well, and season with a mix of your favourite spices like curry powder, paprika, or cumin
- Air fry on high until golden and crispy
- Enjoy these crunchy, protein-rich snacks
6. Cheese bits = Crispy cheese bites
- Chop the leftover cheese bits into a rough dice
- You can choose to coat them in olive oil, salt and pepper, or crumb them in a herby panko crumb mix
- Air fry on high until golden, and enjoy when you’re feeling snackish
7. Zucchini ends = Zuchini chips
- Thinly slice zucchini (aka baby marrow) ends and salt to draw out their moisture
- Pat dry, season, and air fry on high
- Perfect with a creamy dipping sauce or to spruce up a game day snack board
Tips for reducing waste with your air fryer
Reducing your kitchen’s waste doesn’t have to be a tedious or overwhelming task. With just a few habit changes, you’ll be turning food scraps into tasty snacks in no time. Here are some tips to make the journey easier:
- Keep a scrap bowl or container handy while you cook
- Use air fryer liners or baking paper for easier clean up
- Batch-cook your weekly scraps for a continuous supply of crispy snacks
With a few simple tweaks and a little inspiration, your kitchen scraps can become your new favourite snack. Next time you’re prepping dinner, think twice before tossing those peels; you might just have the makings of a delicious treat.
First published by Food & Home
