3 Air Fryer Recipes for Quick, Budget-Friendly Maltese Meals

Three Air Fryer Recipes That Showcase Its Versatility Beyond Chips

As the school season kicks off in Malta, many families find themselves juggling busy routines—packing lunches, managing after-work dinners, and trying to avoid spending long hours in the kitchen. Enter the air fryer, an appliance that has evolved from a lockdown novelty to an essential tool for quick, nutritious meals. Whether you’re whipping up golden potatoes, succulent chicken wings, or a Vietnamese-inspired baguette with sesame-crusted meatballs, the air fryer makes weeknight cooking faster, healthier, and more convenient.

For food lovers in Malta looking to balance flavor, health, and affordability, these three recipes are a game-changer. In collaboration with Sorted Food, we’re highlighting dishes that are quick, budget-friendly, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like olive oil, fresh tomatoes, and vibrant herbs. Perfect for busy families, professionals on-the-go, or anyone aiming for a healthier lifestyle, these meals prove you don’t have to compromise on taste or nutrition.

To make your life easier, we’ve compiled a shopping list so you can streamline your weekly grocery trip. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner after a late commute or trying to keep your food expenses in check, these recipes deliver delicious results without the stress.

Shopping List

• 5 cloves garlic
• 30g fresh ginger
• 1 fennel bulb
• 1 medium carrot
• 250g new potatoes
• 200g cherry tomatoes
• 1 lime
• 1 lemon
• 30g fresh parsley
• 30g fresh coriander
• 250g beef mince
• 500g chicken wings
• 2 salmon fillets, skin on
• 500g pre-cooked gnocchi
• 1 baguette
• 5 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 3 tsp honey
• 1 tbsp gochujang
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp + 1 tsp cider vinegar
• 2 tsp light soy sauce
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp caster sugar
• 30g dried panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp capers

---

1. Salmon with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Capers, and New Potatoes

This vibrant dish combines flaky salmon with jammy tomatoes, garlic, capers, and crispy potatoes—all cooked effortlessly in the air fryer. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, it’s a heart-healthy option that feels indulgent yet requires minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 250g new potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 200g cherry tomatoes
• 2 tbsp capers
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 salmon fillets, skin on
• 1 lemon
• 30g fresh parsley

Method:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 190°C. Quarter or halve the new potatoes, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and air-fry for 10–12 minutes until golden and nearly cooked through.
2. Add cherry tomatoes, capers, and sliced garlic to the potatoes. Toss together and cook for another 6–8 minutes until the tomatoes soften and become jammy.
3. Pat the salmon fillets dry, season with lemon zest, salt, and pepper, and rub with olive oil. Place them skin-side down on top of the potatoes and tomatoes. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flaky.
4. Stir half the parsley into the potatoes and tomatoes before plating. Top with the salmon, a squeeze of lemon juice, and the remaining parsley.

This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp salad or some steamed greens for a wholesome Mediterranean-inspired meal.

---

2. Honey-Lime Ginger Wings with Gnocchi Salad

Sticky-sweet chicken wings meet a zesty gnocchi salad in this crowd-pleasing recipe. With bold flavors and minimal prep, it’s a fresh take on comfort food that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tsp light soy sauce
• 1 lime
• 15g fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic
• 500g chicken wings
• 500g pre-cooked gnocchi
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp gochujang
• 1 tsp caster sugar
• 1 tsp cider vinegar
• 10g fresh coriander

Method:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C. Mix honey, soy sauce, lime zest and juice, grated ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add the chicken wings, toss to coat, and air-fry for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
2. Meanwhile, boil the pre-cooked gnocchi in hot water for 5 minutes, then drain.
3. For the gnocchi salad dressing, whisk mayonnaise, gochujang, grated garlic, caster sugar, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss in the drained gnocchi and mix well.
4. Sprinkle chopped coriander into the salad, reserving some for garnish. Serve the wings and gnocchi salad together, topped with extra coriander.

This recipe is a delightful mix of sweet, spicy, and fresh flavors, making it ideal for those who enjoy bold, satisfying meals.

---

3. Sesame-Crusted Beef Meatball Banh Mi

A banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich known for its vibrant flavors and textures. This version, featuring sesame-crusted beef meatballs and tangy pickles, delivers a unique dining experience that feels like a treat but is simple to prepare at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 fennel bulb
• 1 medium carrot
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• 2 tbsp cider vinegar
• 250g beef mince
• 2 cloves garlic
• 15g fresh ginger
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 30g dried panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 baguette
• 20g fresh coriander

Method:

1. Thinly slice the fennel and peel ribbons of carrot. Toss with sugar, cider vinegar, water, and salt to pickle.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C. Combine beef mince with grated garlic, ginger, fish sauce, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Shape into 8 meatballs and roll in sesame seeds. Cook for 10–12 minutes until golden.
3. Mix mayonnaise, sriracha, and honey for a spicy sauce. Slice the baguette, spread the sauce, and fill with meatballs and drained pickles. Top with torn coriander.

Serve with extra pickled vegetables on the side for an added crunch and zing.

---

Why Air Fryers Are Perfect for Malta’s Lifestyle

In Malta’s fast-paced lifestyle, air fryers are a blessing for busy families and health-conscious foodies alike. They offer a way to create flavorful meals with less oil, fewer calories, and reduced cooking times. With fresh, local produce readily available across the islands, these recipes celebrate the vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients that are staples of Mediterranean cuisine.

From heart-healthy salmon to protein-packed chicken wings and creative meatball sandwiches, these dishes showcase the air fryer’s versatility while keeping your food budget in check. Try them out and experience how this countertop hero can transform your meals into something truly special.

For more easy, affordable, and nutritious recipes, follow us for monthly updates and dining tips tailored to Malta’s unique culinary scene.