Hong Kong home cooks are turning to air fryers for guilt-free versions of classic comfort foods, from molten cheese toast to crispy salt and pepper tofu.
The air fryer has become a staple in modern kitchens across Hong Kong, prized for its ability to produce crispy, golden dishes with little to no oil. Now, a new collection of ten easy-to-follow recipes is helping even complete beginners master the art of air-frying, offering healthier takes on beloved snacks, desserts, and main courses. From golden fried milk to sticky-sweet sweet and sour pork, these dishes prove that cutting back on oil doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour or texture.
Why the Air Fryer Has Taken Over Hong Kong Kitchens
The appeal of the air fryer lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal preparation, cooks food quickly, and eliminates the need for deep-frying—a major plus for health-conscious home cooks. According to recent lifestyle trends, air fryers have become a household staple in Hong Kong, prized for their ability to produce crispy results with a fraction of the oil traditionally required.
For beginners, the learning curve is almost nonexistent. Most recipes require only basic ingredients and straightforward steps, making the air fryer an accessible tool for anyone looking to prepare restaurant-quality snacks and meals at home.
10 Must-Try Air Fryer Recipes for Healthier Indulgence
1. Golden Fried Milk
This classic Shunde dessert gets a modern makeover. Combine 300ml milk, 30g cornstarch, and 35g sugar, then heat until thickened. Chill until firm, cut into pieces, coat in egg and breadcrumbs, and air fry at 180°C for 10 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes.
2. Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu
A dai pai dong favourite made lighter. Cut firm tofu into cubes, pat dry, then coat in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper, then air fry at 180°C for 10 minutes. The result is a crunchy exterior with a soft, silky centre.
3. Molten Cheese French Toast
A Hong Kong cha chaan teng classic reimagined. Spread peanut butter and butter on thick bread, add cheese, dip in egg wash, and air fry at 180°C for 5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. The cheese pulls are guaranteed.
4. Crispy Taiwanese Salt and Pepper Chicken
Marinate boneless chicken thigh pieces in soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and five-spice powder for at least 10 minutes. Coat in sweet potato flour and air fry at 180°C for 15 minutes. No oil needed—just pure crunch.
5. Crispy-on-the-Outside, Soft-on-the-Inside Doughnuts
Mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, egg, and milk, then add butter. Let the dough rise for an hour, shape into rings, and let rise again. Brush with oil and air fry at 180°C for 6 minutes per side. Top with sugar or chocolate sauce.
6. Royal Scones by Former Buckingham Palace Chef Darren McGrady
This recipe, shared by the chef who served Queen Elizabeth II, calls for flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and cold butter rubbed into fine crumbs. Add egg and milk gradually, then fold in raisins. Press the dough to 2.5cm thickness, brush with egg yolk, and air fry at 160°C for 10–15 minutes. The result: golden, crumbly scones fit for royalty.
7. Exploding Scotch Eggs
A British classic made accessible. Boil eggs for 6 minutes, then cool and peel. Mix mashed luncheon meat with sautéed onion, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Wrap each egg in the mixture, coat in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then air fry at 185°C for 10 minutes per side. The yolk stays gloriously runny.
8. Classic Cinnamon Apple Pie
Sauté diced apples with butter, lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon until dry. Fill flattened bread slices with the mixture, fold, seal with a fork, and air fry at 170°C for 8 minutes. A healthier twist on a fast-food favourite.
9. Cheese Lava Toast
Inspired by Taiwan’s “coffin bread,” this dish involves air-frying a thick slice of bread at 200°C for 5 minutes, hollowing it out, and filling it with a creamy mushroom and chicken mixture. Top with cheese and air fry for another 2 minutes until bubbling.
10. Sweet and Sour Pork
Marinate pork pieces, coat lightly in cornstarch, and air fry at 200°C for 6 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Toss with pineapple, bell peppers, and a tangy sauce for a dish that rivals any dai pai dong version.
Keeping Your Air Fryer in Top Shape
Beyond the recipes, proper maintenance is essential. The heating coil and fan assembly require regular cleaning to prevent smoke and ensure even cooking. Experts recommend using a soft brush or a homemade cleaning tool to gently remove grease and food residue from the coil. A clean air fryer not only performs better but also lasts longer.
The Bigger Picture: A Shift Toward Healthier Cooking
The popularity of these recipes reflects a broader trend. Home cooks are increasingly seeking ways to enjoy their favourite fried foods without the health drawbacks of traditional deep-frying. The air fryer offers a practical solution, and as more people experiment with it, the range of possible dishes continues to expand.
For those new to air frying, starting with these ten recipes provides a solid foundation. Each dish is designed to be forgiving, allowing beginners to build confidence while producing impressive results. As the technology evolves and more recipes emerge, the air fryer is likely to remain a fixture in Hong Kong kitchens for years to come.
Related reading: For those looking to maintain their appliance, a separate guide on cleaning the air fryer’s heating coil and using homemade tools is available. Proper care ensures consistent performance and extends the life of the device.