Buckinghamshire-based Clare Andrews is behind the hugely popular Instagram page @AirFryerUK – and now she has released a cookbook. We find out more…
When did an air fryer first come into your life and what did you know about them at the time?
My first air fryer was a gift in lockdown from my mum. Honestly, when I first opened the box and turned it on I had absolutely no idea what to cook in it! I started doing research on what to cook, I found that there were not many healthy recipes out there, it was mainly beige food like chips and wedges. So I took myself on a journey to find out what else I could cook and create in my new air fryer. Some ideas worked, some not so much. I decided to document it all on Instagram. I didn’t in a million years foresee it growing to nearly 80k followers! It seems that so many people were feeling the same as I was, a tad lost with their air fryer.
What was the first thing you cooked in it?
I had half a baguette left over from lunch (I don’t like to waste food), so I made garlic bread. The second was bacon… Wow, bacon in the air fryer was an absolute game changer! I never cook it any other way now.
How soon were you won over by it?
Straight away! The food tasted so crispy and fresh, the vegetables kept their vibrant colours and all recipes took less time than turning on the oven.
What are the benefits of an air fryer?
So many. For me it was the fact you don’t need to use much oil, if any at all. Some of my recipes I’d add olive oil, but you really don’t need to. With the current cost of living, air fryers really are a cheaper alternative to putting your oven on. I know I’m conscious of what I cook in my oven now. If I must put my oven on, I will make sure I do some batch cooking at the same time, maybe like a big bolognaise or a curry.
When did you start creating recipes to share?
It was straight away really, but it was more for my reference to begin with. The more I posted, the more popular my account became, and I started to realise that I wasn’t alone on my journey.
What was the reaction like on Instagram?
So incredibly positive! I know social media has its dark side, but I have found the food community in particular to be such a positive space. Everyone has been so supportive and if you need any advice or help, there’s always someone there to help you out.
Was a cookbook always the ultimate goal?
To have a cookbook published is an absolute dream, but it was never the intention. The more my followers increased, the more I saw a need for one. So I kept on posting and creating more recipes and in September last year Penguin Michael Joseph contacted me with an exciting proposal.
Did you enjoy putting together The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook?
I absolutely loved every single minute! I didn’t want it to stop. Creating new content and recipes everyday was just fantastic. It wasn’t easy, we had a tight deadline, but every step of the way thankfully I had such amazing support by the team at Penguin Michael Joseph. To work with such a creative and supportive network of people has been a dream.
What kind of recipes will we find inside?
You will find all kinds of recipes. My main objective was to create recipes with ingredients we can all access. Simple and easy to follow instructions and above all affordable ingredients. In some of my recipes I often use up leftovers. To not always have to rush out and buy more food, especially for a recipe, to use what we have. My recipes can be changed up a bit too. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, use normal potatoes. If you don’t like coriander, don’t put it in! It’s important to me for you to enjoy creating your own dishes and be creative with the flavours.
What do you hope readers get from the cookbook?
I hope my readers find the recipes easy to follow and above all delicious too and maybe after using their air fryer a little more, they can gain more confidence to start creating their own dishes. I’m sure they will love the stunning photographs that really bring the food to life.
Do you know what comes next?
I have no idea, I will take each day as it comes, be thankful for the journey and enjoy every single minute.
How long have you lived in Shabbington and what do you love about it?
I have lived in Shabbington for about six years now. The village has such a wonderful community spirit, we all look out for one another and support each other too. For me that’s what village life is all about and I love it. There’s always something going on, be it an open mic session at the local pub or a coffee morning in the hut at the end of our road!
On the nights when you leave the air fryer behind, where would you go to eat?
My son and I just love food, so eating out is a real treat for us. We love a roast in our local pub and on the weekends to head into Oxford and enjoy a pizza or some sushi for lunch.
The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook: Quick, Healthy, Low-Energy Recipes for Every Occasion by Clare Andrews (Penguin Michael Joseph, £20)
(Photography: Miriam Smith for author photo / Danielle Woods for recipe photos)
