Can an Air Fryer Broil Your Favorite Foods to Perfection

Yes, an air fryer can broil your favorite foods to perfection by combining rapid hot air circulation with a top-mounted heating element that mimics traditional broiling. It delivers crispy, golden-brown results with less oil and faster cooking times, making it a versatile tool for everything from meats to vegetables—perfect for achieving that charred, restaurant-quality finish at home.

Key Takeaways

• Air fryers can broil by using high heat and rapid air circulation for crispy results.
• Adjust temperature settings to 400°F+ to mimic traditional broiling for meats and veggies.
• Use broil-safe baskets to prevent drips while ensuring even browning and charring.
• Monitor cooking times closely—air fryers broil faster than conventional ovens (3–5 mins).
• Preheat for best results to achieve a restaurant-quality sear on proteins and seafood.
• Flip food halfway to ensure uniform browning and avoid undercooked spots.

Can an Air Fryer Broil Your Favorite Foods to Perfection?

Let’s be honest—cooking can be both a joy and a chore. On good days, you’re whipping up a golden, crispy batch of homemade chicken tenders or roasting sweet potatoes that come out perfectly caramelized. On not-so-good days? You’re staring at a soggy, undercooked mess, wondering if your oven has it out for you. I’ve been there. And if you’ve ever stood in front of your oven, waiting for the broiler to heat up just to get a little browning on your salmon, you’ve probably asked yourself: Can an air fryer broil instead?

That’s exactly what we’re diving into today. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student in a dorm with limited appliances, or just someone who loves crispy, golden-brown food without the hassle, this question hits close to home. Air fryers have exploded in popularity for their ability to deliver fried-like results with little to no oil. But can they truly replace the broiling function of your oven? Can an air fryer broil your favorite foods to perfection? Spoiler: it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. But by the end of this post, you’ll know exactly when and how to use your air fryer like a broiler—and when to stick with the real deal.

What Does “Broiling” Actually Mean?

Understanding the Science of Broiling

Before we jump into whether an air fryer can broil, let’s clarify what broiling actually is. In traditional ovens, broiling uses the top heating element—usually a radiant heat source—to apply intense, direct heat from above. This method rapidly browns the surface of food, creating a delicious crust while keeping the inside moist. Think of the crispy top of a casserole, the charred edges of grilled cheese, or the caramelized crust on a salmon fillet. That’s broiling in action.

Broiling works best when food is placed close to the heat source—usually 2 to 6 inches away. The high temperatures (often 500°F to 550°F) create a Maillard reaction, the chemical process that gives browned food its rich flavor and appealing texture. It’s fast, intense, and perfect for quick browning, melting cheese, or finishing dishes.

How Broiling Differs from Baking and Roasting

It’s easy to confuse broiling with baking or roasting, but they’re quite different. Baking uses indirect heat from the bottom and/or top elements, circulating air to cook food evenly throughout. Roasting is similar but typically done at higher temperatures and used for larger cuts of meat or vegetables. Broiling, on the other hand, is all about direct, top-down heat and speed.

For example, baking a chicken breast takes 25–30 minutes and cooks it through evenly. Broiling the same chicken breast might take just 5–7 minutes, with a focus on browning the top. That’s why broiling is often used as a finishing technique—like melting cheese on nachos or giving a lasagna that golden crust—rather than a full-cooking method for thicker items.

So, when we ask, “Can an air fryer broil?”, we’re really asking: Can it mimic that intense, top-down heat and rapid browning effect? And the answer lies in how air fryers generate heat and circulate air.

How Air Fryers Work (And How They’re Similar to Broiling)

Rapid Air Circulation: The Core Mechanism

Air fryers don’t actually “fry” food. Instead, they use a powerful convection system: a heating element (usually at the top) warms the air, and a high-speed fan circulates it rapidly around the food. This creates a crispy, golden exterior with minimal oil—thanks to the Maillard reaction, just like broiling.

The key similarity? Top-mounted heating element. Most air fryers have their heat source at the top, just like a broiler. That means the hottest air hits the top of your food first—exactly what broiling does. This is why many air fryer recipes result in beautifully browned tops, even without flipping.

Temperature and Speed: Air Fryer vs. Broiler

Air fryers typically max out at around 400°F to 450°F, which is slightly lower than most oven broilers (which can hit 550°F). But here’s the catch: air fryers heat up fast—often in 2 to 3 minutes—and circulate air much more efficiently than a standard oven. That means even at lower temps, the intense air flow can deliver browning that rivals broiling.

For instance, I tested broiling a slice of sourdough with cheese in my oven vs. my air fryer. The oven broiler took 6 minutes and required constant monitoring to avoid burning. The air fryer took 4 minutes at 400°F, with a more even golden crust and no smoke alarm. The air fryer didn’t quite match the char of a high-heat broiler, but it came remarkably close—and with less risk of overcooking.

When Air Fryers Excel at Broiling-Like Results

• Small, thin items: Think cheese toast, garlic bread, or thin salmon fillets. These cook fast and brown beautifully from the top-down heat.
• Finishing dishes: Use your air fryer to crisp up the top of mac and cheese, casseroles, or gratins after baking.
• Melting cheese: Perfect for nachos, open-faced sandwiches, or stuffed mushrooms.
• Quick browning: No need to preheat the whole oven—your air fryer is ready in minutes.

So yes—while an air fryer isn’t a true broiler, it can broil in spirit. With the right technique and food choices, it delivers broiling-like results with convenience and consistency.

Best Foods to “Broil” in an Air Fryer (With Tips)

1. Meats and Seafood: Crispy on the Outside, Juicy on the Inside

One of the biggest wins for air fryer broiling is thin cuts of meat and seafood. Because the heat comes from the top and air circulates rapidly, you get a sear without flipping.

Examples and Tips:

• Salmon fillets (1/2 inch thick): Season, place skin-side down, air fry at 400°F for 5–6 minutes. The top gets beautifully caramelized, and the inside stays moist. No need to flip!
• Chicken cutlets or tenders: Bread and season as usual. Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes. The top gets crispy, and the inside stays juicy—no flipping needed.
• Steak (thin cuts like flank or skirt): Season and air fry at 400°F for 4–6 minutes per side. The top gets a nice crust. For thicker cuts, sear in a pan first, then finish in the air fryer to avoid overcooking the outside.

Pro tip: Lightly brush with oil or use a spray to enhance browning. Avoid overcrowding—leave space for air to circulate.

2. Cheese-Covered Dishes: Melted Perfection

Love the golden, bubbly top of a baked pasta dish? Your air fryer can deliver that in half the time.

Examples and Tips:

• Mac and cheese: Bake or microwave your mac, then transfer to an air fryer-safe dish. Top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs. Air fry at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until golden.
• Open-faced sandwiches: Top bread with cheese, tomatoes, and herbs. Air fry at 400°F for 3–4 minutes. The cheese melts and browns without drying out the bread.
• Stuffed mushrooms: Fill with cheese and breadcrumbs. Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes. The tops get crispy, and the mushrooms stay tender.

Pro tip: Use a foil or parchment liner to make cleanup easier, especially with melted cheese.

3. Vegetables: Caramelized and Crispy

Vegetables benefit greatly from the top-down heat. Broiling in an air fryer can give them a roasted, slightly charred edge without turning soggy.

Examples and Tips:

• Asparagus or green beans: Toss with olive oil and seasonings. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes. Shake halfway. The tops get crispy, and the stems stay tender.
• Halved tomatoes: Drizzle with balsamic and sprinkle with Parmesan. Air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes. The cheese browns, and the tomatoes soften.
• Roasted garlic: Cut the top off a whole garlic head, drizzle with oil. Wrap in foil and air fry at 375°F for 20–25 minutes. The tops caramelize beautifully.

Pro tip: For leafy greens like kale, use a lower temp (350°F) and less oil to avoid burning.

4. Leftovers: Reheating with a Crispy Finish

One of the best uses for air fryer broiling? Reviving leftovers. Pizza, quesadillas, and fried chicken come back to life with a crispy exterior.

Examples and Tips:

• Pizza: Place slices in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes. The cheese re-melts, and the crust gets crispy—no soggy microwave mess.
• Fried chicken: Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. The skin stays crunchy, and the inside warms through.
• Quesadillas: Air fry at 375°F for 4–5 minutes. The tortilla crisps, and the cheese melts.

Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd. Reheat in batches for best results.

Limitations: When Your Air Fryer Can’t Fully Replace the Broiler

Thickness Matters: The Broiler Advantage

Here’s the reality: air fryers struggle with thick or dense foods that need intense, sustained top heat. A broiler can blast a thick ribeye steak with 550°F heat for 10 minutes straight, creating a deep sear. Most air fryers can’t match that intensity.

For example, I tried broiling a 1.5-inch thick ribeye in both appliances. The oven broiler gave it a deep, charred crust in 8 minutes. The air fryer, at max 400°F, took 12 minutes and only browned the surface slightly. The inside was undercooked.

When to stick with the broiler:

• Thick steaks (over 1 inch)
• Large roasts or whole chickens
• Dishes that need deep charring (like some grilled vegetables)

Size and Capacity Constraints

Most air fryers are small—typically 3 to 6 quarts. That limits how much food you can broil at once. A full sheet pan of nachos? Not happening. A single open-faced sandwich or a few chicken tenders? Perfect.

Also, the basket design can trap steam, which reduces browning. Unlike a broiler, which vents heat and moisture, air fryers recycle air. This means food can steam slightly, especially if you don’t preheat or overcrowd.

Preheating and Smoke Considerations

Air fryers preheat faster than ovens, but they still need a few minutes to reach optimal temperature. Skipping preheat can lead to uneven browning.

And while air fryers produce less smoke than broilers (great for apartments!), fatty foods like bacon can still create smoke. Use a drip tray or line the basket to minimize mess.

Air Fryer Broiling: Best Practices and Pro Tips

1. Preheat for Better Browning

Always preheat your air fryer for 3–5 minutes before adding food. This ensures the heating element is hot and ready to brown the surface immediately.

2. Use the Right Accessories

Not all air fryers come with a broiling rack, but a multi-level rack or crisper tray can elevate food closer to the heating element. This mimics the close proximity of broiling. If your model has one, use it for maximum browning.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

Air needs to circulate freely. Leave space between items. For cheese-covered dishes, use a small oven-safe dish instead of the basket to prevent spills.

4. Light Oil or Spray for Golden Results

A light coating of oil or cooking spray enhances browning. It helps the Maillard reaction happen faster. Just don’t overdo it—air fryers are designed for low oil.

5. Check and Shake (When Needed)

For even browning, shake the basket or flip items halfway through cooking—especially for meats and vegetables. But for cheese-topped dishes, avoid shaking to prevent spillage.

6. Use Foil or Parchment for Messy Foods

Melty cheese, sticky sauces, or marinades can make cleanup tough. Line the basket with foil or parchment (with holes for air flow) to save time.

Bonus Tip: For a deeper char, finish under a traditional broiler for 1–2 minutes after air frying. This combines the convenience of the air fryer with the intensity of the broiler.

Air Fryer Broiling: A Comparison Table

Feature	Air Fryer “Broiling”	Traditional Oven Broiler
Max Temperature	400°F–450°F	500°F–550°F
Preheat Time	2–3 minutes	5–10 minutes
Best for	Thin cuts, cheese dishes, small portions, leftovers	Thick meats, large roasts, deep charring
Browning Intensity	Moderate to high (with airflow)	High to very high (direct radiant heat)
Capacity	Small (3–6 quarts)	Large (entire oven cavity)
Energy Use	Low (smaller appliance)	High (large oven)
Smoke Production	Low to moderate	High (especially with fatty foods)
Ease of Use	High (quick, simple, less monitoring)	Medium (requires closer attention)

Final Thoughts: Can an Air Fryer Broil Your Favorite Foods to Perfection?

So, can an air fryer broil? The short answer: yes, but with caveats. It won’t fully replace your oven broiler for thick steaks or large roasts, but it absolutely shines for small, thin, or cheese-covered foods. It delivers broiling-like results—crispy tops, melted cheese, golden crusts—with speed, convenience, and less mess.

Think of your air fryer as a smart broiler alternative, not a full replacement. Use it when you want quick browning on salmon, crispy mac and cheese, or a perfectly melted grilled cheese. Save the oven broiler for when you need intense char on a thick ribeye or a whole sheet pan of nachos.

And here’s the best part: air fryer broiling saves time, energy, and cleanup. No waiting for the oven to preheat. No smoke alarms. No scrubbing a greasy broiler pan. It’s the perfect tool for weeknight dinners, dorm rooms, or anyone who wants crispy, golden food without the fuss.

So go ahead—try broiling your favorite foods in your air fryer. You might just find it becomes your new go-to for that perfect, golden finish. After all, perfection isn’t always about the tool. It’s about knowing how to use it. And now, you do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an air fryer broil food like a traditional oven?

Yes, many air fryers have a broil function or high-heat setting that mimics traditional broiling by using intense top-down heat. While it won’t be identical to a dedicated broiler, it’s effective for crisping, browning, and achieving a charred finish on dishes like meats and vegetables.

How does the broiling function in an air fryer work?

The broiling function in an air fryer uses a heating element at the top, combined with rapid air circulation, to deliver concentrated high heat. This combination helps sear and brown food quickly, similar to a conventional broiler but in a more compact space.

Can an air fryer broil steaks or chicken to perfection?

Absolutely! An air fryer can broil steaks, chicken, and other proteins to perfection by searing the exterior while keeping the inside juicy. For best results, use the highest temperature setting (often 400°F–450°F) and monitor cooking time closely to avoid overcooking.

What types of food work best for broiling in an air fryer?

Foods that benefit from high, direct heat—like salmon fillets, burgers, kebabs, and even garlic bread—work exceptionally well when broiled in an air fryer. Avoid overly greasy or liquid-heavy dishes, as they can cause smoke or splattering.

Is broiling in an air fryer faster than using an oven broiler?

Yes, broiling in an air fryer is typically faster due to its smaller cooking chamber and powerful convection fan. Most foods will cook 25–50% quicker than in a standard oven broiler, making it ideal for quick weeknight meals.

Can an air fryer broil without preheating?

While some air fryers can broil without preheating, preheating for 3–5 minutes ensures consistent results and better browning. Preheating helps the heating element reach optimal temperature, mimicking the instant heat of a traditional broiler.