What Can I Cook with Air Fryer 15 Delicious Ideas to Try Today

Discover 15 mouthwatering dishes you can cook with an air fryer—from crispy wings to roasted veggies—all with less oil and maximum flavor. This versatile appliance delivers fast, healthy, and delicious results for everything from breakfast to dessert, making it a must-have for any kitchen. Say goodbye to soggy leftovers and hello to golden, crunchy perfection in minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Cook crispy fries with less oil for guilt-free snacking.
• Reheat leftovers to restore crunch and freshness effortlessly.
• Roast veggies quickly for caramelized, nutrient-packed sides.
• Make juicy meats like chicken wings or salmon perfectly tender.
• Bake small desserts such as cookies or brownies in minutes.
• Try frozen foods for faster, crispier results than microwaving.
• Experiment with recipes from reheating to full meals creatively.

What Can I Cook with Air Fryer? 15 Delicious Ideas to Try Today

Let’s be honest—your air fryer probably looked like a spaceship when you first unboxed it. That sleek little countertop wonder with buttons and a basket? You might have used it once for frozen fries, then tucked it away, wondering, “What else can I cook with an air fryer?”

Well, friend, that little machine is a kitchen powerhouse. It’s not just for reheating leftovers or making crispy snacks. With a little creativity, your air fryer can handle full meals, healthy swaps, and even desserts. I’ve spent the past year testing, tweaking, and taste-testing everything from chicken wings to zucchini brownies (yes, really). The results? A collection of easy, delicious recipes that make me wonder how I ever cooked without it. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone trying to eat better without sacrificing flavor, this list of 15 air fryer recipes will show you exactly what your air fryer is capable of—and how to use it every single day.

1. Crispy Snacks & Appetizers (Without the Oil)

Snacking doesn’t have to mean greasy fingers or guilt. One of the best things about an air fryer is how it delivers that golden, crunchy texture with little to no oil. You get the crispiness of deep frying—without the mess or extra calories. Let’s dive into some crowd-pleasing appetizers that are perfect for game nights, movie marathons, or just a cozy evening at home.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Who doesn’t love a gooey, melty mozzarella stick? In the air fryer, they crisp up beautifully without turning into oil bombs. I tried this with both store-bought and homemade sticks, and the results were impressive. The key? Freeze the sticks for 30 minutes before air frying. This prevents the cheese from leaking out.

• Prep: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 6-8 minutes at 400°F
• Tip: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Serve with marinara or ranch—your guests won’t believe they’re air fried.

Sweet Potato Fries

Regular fries are great, but sweet potato fries are a game-changer—especially when air fried. They come out crispy on the outside, tender inside, and only need a light spray of olive oil. No soggy mess, no flipping required.

• Cut sweet potatoes into even strips (½ inch thick).
• Toss with 1 tsp olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, and a pinch of garlic powder.
• Air fry at 390°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.

I like to serve these with a spicy mayo or maple-cinnamon dip for a sweet-savory twist.

Onion Rings (Yes, Really!)

I was skeptical too. But air fryer onion rings? Surprisingly fantastic. The batter stays light and crisp, and the onions caramelize slightly without burning.

• Dip onion slices in buttermilk, then coat in seasoned flour (add a dash of cayenne for heat).
• Lightly spray with oil.
• Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

Pro tip: Use a non-stick basket or parchment liner to prevent sticking.

Bonus: Crispy Chickpeas

Need a healthy, protein-packed snack? Toss canned chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, and smoked paprika. Air fry at 390°F for 15-20 minutes until crunchy. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They’re perfect for salads, snacking, or even as a crouton alternative.

2. Air Fryer Main Dishes That Satisfy

Forget the idea that air fryers are only for sides. With the right technique, you can cook full, satisfying meals in under 30 minutes. From juicy chicken to flaky fish, your air fryer can handle proteins like a pro—often with less mess and better results than the oven.

Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is notoriously dry when overcooked. But in the air fryer? It stays moist and tender every time. The hot circulating air seals the outside quickly, locking in juices.

• Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a little paprika.
• Spray lightly with oil (optional).
• Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Use an instant-read thermometer—165°F is your goal. I like to marinate mine in lemon juice and olive oil for 30 minutes for extra flavor.

Salmon with Crispy Skin

Salmon is a nutritional superstar, and the air fryer makes it foolproof. The skin gets beautifully crisp, and the flesh stays buttery soft.

• Pat salmon dry (this is crucial for crispy skin).
• Season with salt, lemon zest, and dill.
• Place skin-side down in the basket.
• Cook at 390°F for 8-10 minutes.

Serve with a side of roasted asparagus or a fresh salad. Dinner is ready in 15 minutes flat.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Yes, you can cook stuffed peppers in the air fryer! They come out tender, flavorful, and not at all soggy. I use a mix of ground turkey, rice, tomatoes, and cheese.

• Pre-cook rice and meat filling.
• Stuff halved bell peppers (top removed, seeds out).
• Top with cheese.
• Air fry at 375°F for 15-18 minutes.

They’re perfect for meal prep—just reheat in the air fryer for 5 minutes.

Air Fryer Meatballs

Homemade meatballs in 15 minutes? Yes, please. The air fryer gives them a nice sear without drying them out.

• Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, and salt.
• Roll into 1-inch balls.
• Spray with oil.
• Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

Serve with marinara, over pasta, or in a sub sandwich.

3. Vegetables That Actually Taste Good

Let’s face it—most of us grew up thinking vegetables were boring. Boiled broccoli, soggy carrots, mushy green beans. But the air fryer changes the game. It caramelizes natural sugars, adds crisp edges, and turns even the most reluctant veggie-eater into a fan.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Brussels sprouts used to be my nemesis—until I tried them in the air fryer. Now they’re a weekly staple. The outside gets crispy, the inside stays tender, and a drizzle of balsamic makes them addictive.

• Cut sprouts in half, remove outer leaves.
• Toss with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder.
• Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.
• Drizzle with balsamic reduction before serving.

Pro tip: Add a handful of bacon bits or toasted almonds for crunch.

Zucchini Chips

Light, crunchy, and perfect for dipping. These are a healthier alternative to potato chips.

• Slice zucchini into ¼-inch rounds.
• Toss with olive oil, salt, and Italian seasoning.
• Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

They’ll crisp up as they cool. Serve with ranch or hummus.

Caramelized Cauliflower Bites

Cauliflower is a blank canvas. In the air fryer, it becomes golden, nutty, and slightly sweet.

• Cut into small florets.
• Toss with olive oil, turmeric, cumin, and a pinch of sugar.
• Cook at 390°F for 12-14 minutes.

Great as a side, or tossed into grain bowls.

Sweet Potato Cubes

These are a favorite in my house. I cut sweet potatoes into cubes, toss with cinnamon and a little maple syrup, and air fry for 15 minutes. They come out tender inside, caramelized outside—perfect for breakfast or a snack.

4. Breakfast & Brunch in Minutes

Who says you need a stovetop or oven for breakfast? Your air fryer can handle eggs, bacon, pancakes, and even French toast. It’s faster, cleaner, and often more consistent than traditional methods.

Air Fryer Bacon

No more splattering oil or uneven cooking. Air fryer bacon is crispy, evenly cooked, and easy to clean up.

• Arrange bacon strips in a single layer (don’t overlap).
• Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.

Use a drip tray or parchment liner to catch the grease. I love using this method when I’m making breakfast sandwiches—no mess, no stress.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Yes, really. Air fryer hard-boiled eggs peel like a dream and cook in about 15 minutes.

• Place eggs directly in the basket.
• Cook at 270°F for 15 minutes.
• Immediately transfer to an ice bath.

Perfect for meal prep or quick snacks.

French Toast Sticks

Kid-friendly and adult-approved. These are great for busy mornings.

• Cut bread into sticks (I use Texas toast).
• Dip in egg mixture (eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla).
• Lightly spray with oil.
• Cook at 370°F for 8-10 minutes.

Serve with maple syrup or powdered sugar.

Breakfast Sausage Patties

Homemade sausage patties in 10 minutes? Yes. Mix ground pork with sage, salt, pepper, and garlic. Form into patties, lightly oil, and air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. They’re juicy, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast sandwiches.

5. Desserts That Will Blow Your Mind

You read that right—desserts in the air fryer. It’s not just for savory food. The even heat and rapid circulation create perfectly baked treats with less time and energy than a traditional oven.

Air Fryer Brownies

Fudgy, rich, and ready in 15 minutes. I use a boxed mix or a simple homemade recipe.

• Grease a small oven-safe dish (or use a silicone mold).
• Pour in batter.
• Cook at 320°F for 12-15 minutes.

The edges set, the center stays gooey—just like you want it. Top with ice cream or berries.

Apple Chips

Thinly slice apples, toss with cinnamon, and air fry at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. They come out crispy, sweet, and healthy. Store in a jar for a week.

Churros

Yes, churros. Use a store-bought dough or make your own. Pipe into the basket (lightly oiled), cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, then roll in cinnamon sugar. Serve with chocolate sauce.

Mini Cheesecakes

Use silicone cupcake liners. Fill with cheesecake batter. Air fry at 320°F for 12-14 minutes. Chill, then top with fruit or chocolate.

6. Leftovers, Reheated Right

One of the most underrated uses of the air fryer? Reheating food. It brings back crispiness to fried chicken, pizza, and even roasted veggies—something microwaves just can’t do.

Reheating Pizza

Microwave pizza is a sad, soggy mess. Air fryer pizza? Crispy crust, melty cheese, in 3-4 minutes at 350°F. Just place a slice in the basket and let the magic happen.

Crispy Fried Chicken (Again)

Got leftover KFC or homemade fried chicken? Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. The skin stays crisp, and the meat stays juicy. No more rubbery texture.

Roasted Vegetables

Reheat roasted broccoli, carrots, or potatoes at 370°F for 5-6 minutes. They’ll regain their crunch without drying out.

Tips for Reheating Success

• Don’t overcrowd the basket—air needs to circulate.
• Spray a little oil on dry foods (like fries or wings).
• Use parchment or silicone liners to prevent sticking.
• Shake or flip halfway through.

Air Fryer Cooking Time & Temperature Guide

Food	Temperature (°F)	Cook Time (min)	Tips
Chicken Breast	375	12-15	Flip halfway, check internal temp
Salmon	390	8-10	Skin down, pat dry first
Sweet Potato Fries	390	12-15	Shake halfway, light oil spray
Brussels Sprouts	375	12-15	Cut in half, toss in oil
Bacon	375	8-10	Single layer, use drip tray
Brownies	320	12-15	Use small oven-safe dish
Pizza (reheat)	350	3-4	No preheat, single slice

So, what can I cook with air fryer? As you can see—the answer is almost anything. From crispy snacks and hearty mains to veggies, breakfast, desserts, and even reheated leftovers, your air fryer is one of the most versatile tools in your kitchen. It saves time, reduces oil, and delivers consistent results. You don’t need a fancy model or a culinary degree. Just a little curiosity and a willingness to try something new.

Start with one recipe from this list—maybe the sweet potato fries or the air fryer bacon. Once you see how easy and delicious it is, you’ll find yourself reaching for that little machine every day. And before you know it, you’ll be asking not “What can I cook with air fryer?” but “What can’t I cook with it?” The answer, my friend, is probably nothing worth missing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I cook with an air fryer besides frozen foods?

You can cook fresh proteins like salmon, chicken breasts, and even steak with crispy edges. Try air-frying veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for a healthy, oil-free side.

Can I bake desserts in an air fryer?

Absolutely! The air fryer is perfect for mini desserts like chocolate chip cookies, brownies, or even cinnamon rolls. Its rapid air circulation ensures even baking without drying them out.

What can I cook with air fryer to replace oven meals?

From roasted whole chickens to casseroles and even pizza, the air fryer handles oven classics faster with less energy. It’s ideal for small-batch dishes like lasagna or stuffed peppers.

Is reheating leftovers in an air fryer effective?

Yes! Reheat fried chicken, fries, or even pizza to restore their crispiness—no sogginess. The air fryer’s circulation keeps textures intact better than microwaves.

Can I cook raw meat from scratch in an air fryer?

Definitely. Air-fry raw chicken wings, meatballs, or pork chops with minimal oil. Just season, set the time, and enjoy juicy, evenly cooked results.

What can I cook with air fryer for quick snacks?

Whip up mozzarella sticks, tater tots, or even kale chips in under 15 minutes. The air fryer delivers crunchy, guilt-free snacks perfect for movie nights.