What Can Air Fryers Do Discover Their Amazing Versatility

Air fryers do far more than just fry—they deliver crispy, golden results with little to no oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep frying. From roasting and baking to reheating and dehydrating, these compact appliances handle a surprising range of cooking tasks with speed and consistency. Whether you’re cooking frozen snacks, fresh veggies, or even desserts, air fryers offer unmatched versatility in one sleek countertop device.

Key Takeaways

• Air fryers cook faster: Reduce cooking time by up to 20% vs. conventional ovens.
• Healthier meals: Achieve crispy textures with 70–80% less oil than deep frying.
• Versatile functions: Bake, roast, reheat, and even dehydrate beyond just frying.
• Easy cleanup: Non-stick baskets simplify maintenance and dishwasher-safe parts save time.
• Energy efficient: Use less electricity than full-sized ovens for smaller portions.
• Perfect for leftovers: Revive crispy textures on pizza, fries, and more without sogginess.

What Can Air Fryers Do? Discover Their Amazing Versatility

Let’s be honest—when air fryers first hit the market, I thought they were just another kitchen gimmick. I mean, how different could they be from a convection oven or a toaster oven? But after using one for over a year (and testing a few models along the way), I can confidently say: air fryers are so much more than just a trend. They’ve become a staple in my kitchen, and for good reason. From crispy fries to juicy salmon, they deliver results that often rival traditional deep frying—without the mess, the oil, or the guilt.

If you’ve been on the fence about getting an air fryer or are curious about what can air fryers do beyond reheating frozen snacks, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a busy parent, a health-conscious eater, or someone who just loves good food, air fryers offer a surprising range of functions that go far beyond what most people realize. In this post, I’ll walk you through the real-world capabilities of air fryers, sharing what I’ve learned through trial, error, and a whole lot of delicious meals. No hype, no fluff—just honest, practical insights to help you get the most out of this compact kitchen powerhouse.

1. The Core Function: Crispy, Oil-Light Frying

At its heart, the air fryer is designed to mimic the crispy, golden-brown results of deep frying—but with far less oil. Using rapid air circulation (think of a mini convection oven on steroids), the air fryer heats food from all sides, creating a Maillard reaction (that’s the science behind browning) without submerging it in oil. But what can air fryers do in this category? Let’s dig in.

Frying Without the Fat

The biggest selling point of air fryers is their ability to deliver crispy textures with as little as 1–2 teaspoons of oil—or even none at all. For example, I’ve made homemade French fries with just a light spray of olive oil, and they came out with that satisfying crunch you’d expect from a diner, not a health food spot. Same with onion rings, mozzarella sticks, and chicken wings—all with 70–80% less fat than traditional frying.

Here’s a pro tip: don’t overcrowd the basket. Air fryers rely on airflow, so stacking food too tightly blocks circulation and leads to soggy results. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness. And if you’re using frozen foods (like tater tots or chicken nuggets), no need to thaw—just add 1–2 minutes to the cooking time.

Healthier Versions of Your Favorite Snacks

Ever crave a bag of potato chips but feel guilty about the oil and salt? With an air fryer, you can make your own. Slice russet or Yukon gold potatoes thinly (use a mandoline for consistency), toss with a tiny bit of oil and your favorite seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, or even nutritional yeast for a “cheesy” kick), and air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes. Shake the basket every 5 minutes. The result? Crispy, golden chips with way less oil and more control over flavor.

You can even air fry plantain chips, kale chips, or apple slices for a sweet-savory snack. Just remember: thinner cuts cook faster and crispier. And if you’re worried about acrylamide (a compound formed when starchy foods are cooked at high temps), opt for lower temperatures (around 350°F) and shorter cook times.

Reheating Leftovers Like a Pro

One of the most underrated uses of an air fryer? Reheating. Unlike microwaves, which often leave food soggy or rubbery, air fryers restore crispness. I’ve reheated leftover pizza, fried chicken, and even spring rolls—and they came out tasting almost as good as fresh. Just set the temp to 350°F, cook for 3–5 minutes, and enjoy.

2. Baking and Roasting: From Cookies to Whole Chickens

Think air fryers are only for frying? Think again. One of the most surprising things I discovered is what can air fryers do when it comes to baking and roasting. They’re not just for crispy snacks—they can handle full meals and desserts, too.

Roasting Vegetables to Perfection

Roasting vegetables in a full-sized oven can take 30–40 minutes. In an air fryer? 12–15 minutes, tops. I’ve roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes with just a light coating of oil and a pinch of salt. The high heat and airflow caramelize the edges beautifully, giving you that restaurant-quality texture in a fraction of the time.

Try this: chop vegetables into even-sized pieces, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 12–15 minutes. Add a splash of lemon juice or balsamic glaze after cooking for extra flavor. For denser veggies like potatoes or carrots, cut them a bit smaller or parboil for 2 minutes to speed things up.

Baking Small Batches of Desserts

Got a sweet tooth but don’t want to bake a whole cake? Air fryers can handle small-batch desserts with ease. I’ve made chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and even mini cheesecakes in mine. The key is using oven-safe containers or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

For cookies: place 2–3 dough balls in a greased ramekin or on parchment, air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes. They’ll come out soft in the middle with slightly crisp edges. For brownies: pour batter into a greased 6-inch pan, air fry at 325°F (163°C) for 12–15 minutes. Check with a toothpick—moist crumbs mean it’s done.

Whole Roast Chicken or Chicken Parts

Yes, you can roast a whole chicken in an air fryer—but only if it fits (most 5–6 quart models can handle a 3–4 lb bird). I’ve done it, and it’s a game-changer. Season the chicken (I like lemon, garlic, and thyme), rub with a little oil, and air fry at 360°F (182°C) for about 40 minutes, flipping halfway. The skin gets beautifully golden, and the meat stays juicy.

For smaller cuts: chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even bone-in breasts cook in 20–25 minutes at 375°F (190°C). No flipping needed—just set it and forget it. And because the air circulates so well, you get even cooking without drying out the meat.

3. Grilling and Searing: Indoor Flavor Without the Grill

Living in an apartment or dealing with rainy weather doesn’t mean you have to skip grilled flavors. Air fryers can sear and grill with impressive results—especially for meats, fish, and even plant-based proteins.

Searing Steaks and Chops

I was skeptical, but air frying a steak actually works. The high heat creates a decent sear, especially if you pat the meat dry and preheat the air fryer for 3–5 minutes. I’ve cooked ribeye, pork chops, and lamb chops with great success. Season well, air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 8–12 minutes (depending on thickness), and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Pro tip: for a better crust, sear the steak in a hot pan for 1–2 minutes per side before air frying. This gives you that restaurant-style crust with the convenience of the air fryer for even cooking.

Grilling Fish and Seafood

Fish can be tricky—it dries out easily and sticks to grates. But in an air fryer, it’s a breeze. I’ve cooked salmon fillets, shrimp, and even cod with excellent results. Just brush with a little oil, season, and air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 8–12 minutes. The skin crisps up nicely, and the flesh stays moist.

For shrimp: skewer them to prevent curling, toss with garlic and paprika, and air fry for 5–7 minutes. Serve over salad or with rice. For salmon: try a honey-soy glaze applied in the last 2 minutes of cooking for a sweet-savory finish.

Plant-Based “Grilling”

Even tofu, tempeh, and portobello mushrooms benefit from the air fryer’s searing power. Marinate tofu in soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic, then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway. The edges get slightly crispy, and the inside stays tender—perfect for stir-fries or grain bowls.

4. Dehydrating and Preserving: Make Your Own Snacks

Here’s a feature most people don’t know about: many air fryers (especially higher-end models) have a dehydrate function or can be used for low-temperature drying. This opens up a whole new world of what can air fryers do—from making fruit chips to jerky.

Dehydrating Fruits and Vegetables

I’ve made apple chips, banana chips, and even zucchini strips in my air fryer. Slice thin (1/8 inch), lay in a single layer (use parchment if needed), and dehydrate at 140–160°F (60–71°C) for 2–4 hours. The result? Chewy, flavorful snacks that last for weeks.

For fruit: sprinkle with cinnamon or lemon juice to prevent browning. For veggies: try a light salt or chili powder for a savory twist. And if your model doesn’t have a dehydrate setting, set the lowest temp (usually 170°F) and prop the basket open slightly with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape.

Making Homemade Jerky

Beef jerky in an air fryer? Yes! Slice lean meat (like top round) thinly, marinate in soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and spices for at least 2 hours, then dehydrate at 160°F (71°C) for 3–5 hours. Flip every hour. The result is chewy, savory jerky with no preservatives.

For plant-based jerky: use thick-cut mushrooms or marinated tofu. The texture is slightly different, but the flavor is spot-on. And it’s a great way to use up extra produce.

Preserving Herbs and Flowers

Got a garden overflowing with basil or mint? Air fryers can help preserve them. Spread herbs in a single layer (no overlapping), dehydrate at 95°F (35°C) for 1–2 hours, then store in airtight jars. They’ll retain more color and flavor than oven-drying. You can even dry edible flowers for teas or garnishes.

5. Reheating, Defrosting, and Beyond: Unexpected Uses

Air fryers aren’t just for cooking. They can handle a surprising range of kitchen tasks—many of which you might not have considered.

Defrosting Frozen Foods

Need to defrost chicken breasts or ground beef fast? Set your air fryer to 100°F (38°C) for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway. It’s not instant, but it’s faster than the fridge and safer than room temp. Just don’t cook it at this stage—defrosting only.

Reviving Stale Bread and Baked Goods

Stale bagels, rolls, or even croissants? Toss them in the air fryer at 300°F (149°C) for 2–3 minutes. The heat rehydrates the crust while keeping the inside soft. For extra crispness, brush with a little water before air frying.

Cooking from Frozen (Without Thawing)

One of the best features: air fryers cook frozen foods directly. No need to thaw frozen dumplings, egg rolls, or even chicken tenders. Just add 1–2 minutes to the recommended time and check for doneness. I’ve made frozen lasagna and even frozen mac and cheese with surprisingly good results.

Sanitizing Kitchen Tools

Yes, really. Heat kills germs. Place small, heat-safe items (like silicone spatulas or wooden spoons) in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 5–10 minutes to sanitize. Just make sure they’re completely dry first.

6. Comparing Air Fryer Models: What to Look For

Not all air fryers are created equal. Here’s a quick comparison of key features based on my experience testing multiple models.

Feature	Basic Basket-Style	Toaster Oven-Style	Multi-Function (with Dehydrate)
Capacity	3–5 quarts	12–20 quarts	5–8 quarts
Best For	Snacks, small meals	Whole chickens, large batches	Dehydrating, baking, roasting
Ease of Use	Simple dials	Digital controls, pre-sets	Multiple programs, touchscreen
Cleaning	Basket is dishwasher-safe	Interior harder to clean	Removable trays, non-stick coating
Price Range	$40–$80	$100–$200	$80–$150

For most people, a 5-quart basket-style model is perfect for everyday use. But if you cook for a family or want more versatility (like dehydrating or baking large items), consider a toaster oven-style or multi-function model. Just remember: bigger isn’t always better if you’re short on counter space.

Final Thoughts: Is an Air Fryer Worth It?

So, what can air fryers do? As you’ve seen, they’re far more than just a tool for crispy snacks. From frying and roasting to baking, grilling, dehydrating, and even sanitizing, air fryers offer a level of versatility that most kitchen appliances simply can’t match. They save time, use less oil, and deliver consistent results—all in a compact, easy-to-clean package.

Are they perfect? Not quite. They have limitations—like size constraints and the need for occasional shaking. And they won’t replace your oven or stovetop for everything. But for quick meals, healthy snacks, and even creative cooking experiments, they’re a game-changer.

If you’re still on the fence, start with a mid-range model and try a few simple recipes. Make some fries. Roast a tray of veggies. Reheat last night’s pizza. Once you see how easy and effective it is, you’ll start asking not “what can air fryers do?”—but “what can’t they do?” And that, my friend, is when you’ll truly appreciate the magic of this little kitchen wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can air fryers do besides frying?

Air fryers can bake, roast, grill, and even reheat leftovers with little to no oil. Their convection technology circulates hot air for crispy, evenly cooked results across various cooking methods.

Can an air fryer replace my oven or other appliances?

For many tasks—like roasting vegetables, baking small batches, or reheating—an air fryer can replace a conventional oven or toaster oven. Its compact size and faster preheating make it ideal for quick meals.

What can air fryers do to make healthy meals?

Air fryers use up to 80% less oil than traditional frying, reducing fat and calories while maintaining a crispy texture. You can cook proteins, veggies, and even desserts more healthily without sacrificing flavor.

Can I cook frozen foods in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fryers excel at cooking frozen foods like fries, nuggets, or pizza rolls directly from the freezer with minimal preheating. The rapid hot air circulation delivers a crispy exterior and thaws food evenly.

What can air fryers do for meal prep?

Air fryers are great for batch-cooking proteins, roasting veggies, or reheating pre-cooked meals without sogginess. Their quick cooking time and easy cleanup make them perfect for efficient weekly meal prep.

Are air fryers safe for reheating leftovers?

Absolutely. Air fryers reheat leftovers—like fried chicken, pizza, or casseroles—while preserving crispiness better than microwaves. Just adjust the temperature and time to avoid overcooking delicate items.