Can You Broil in an Air Fryer Discover the Surprising Truth

Yes, you can broil in an air fryer—many models feature a broil function or high-heat setting that mimics traditional broiling for crispy, golden results. This versatile kitchen hack lets you achieve the same charred, seared perfection without needing an oven, saving time and energy.

Key Takeaways

• Air fryers can’t true broil: They lack top-down heating elements for authentic broiling.
• Use convection for crisping: Simulate broiling with high heat and quick air circulation.
• Preheat for better results: Mimics broiler intensity by starting hot.
• Smaller batches work best: Ensures even exposure to heat for browning.
• Rotate food mid-cook: Achieves even browning since air fryers heat from below.
• Skip the water: Dry foods broil better—pat ingredients before cooking.

What Does “Broiling” Really Mean?

Let’s be honest—cooking terms can be confusing. One minute you’re sautéing, the next you’re searing, and now someone’s asking if you can broil in an air fryer. If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen, staring at your air fryer like it’s a mysterious kitchen oracle, wondering if it can handle that golden, crispy top layer on your chicken or the bubbly cheese on your casserole, you’re not alone.

Broiling, for the uninitiated, is a high-heat cooking method that uses radiant heat from above. Think of your oven’s broiler setting—those glowing red coils at the top that sear, crisp, and brown food quickly. It’s the magic behind perfectly charred steaks, melty nachos, and that satisfying crust on a baked mac and cheese. But here’s the real question: can your air fryer pull off the same trick? Can it deliver that same broiled finish without needing your full-size oven? The answer might surprise you—and it’s not a simple yes or no. It’s more like, “Well, kinda, but with a few tricks.”

When I first got my air fryer, I assumed it could do everything my oven could—just faster and with less mess. I tried to “broil” a salmon fillet by cranking the heat to 400°F and letting it cook for 10 minutes. The result? Dry, overcooked salmon with zero browning on top. My husband took one bite and said, “This tastes like a science experiment gone wrong.” That’s when I realized: air fryers don’t exactly broil. But with the right techniques, they can get pretty darn close. And that’s what we’re diving into today—how to simulate broiling in your air fryer, what works, what doesn’t, and how to get that restaurant-quality finish without turning on your oven.

How Air Fryers Work (And Why That Matters for Broiling)

The Science of Air Frying

Before we tackle whether you can broil in an air fryer, let’s talk about how these little machines actually work. Air fryers use a powerful fan to circulate hot air around food at high speeds. This process, called convection, crisps the outside of food while cooking it through. It’s why your fries come out golden and crunchy instead of soggy.

But here’s the catch: air fryers heat from below, not from above. The heating element is typically at the bottom of the unit, and the fan sits above it, pushing hot air downward and around the food. This is the opposite of broiling, which relies on radiant heat from above. So while an air fryer excels at crisping the bottom and sides of food, the top often stays pale—unless you take action.

Broiling vs. Air Frying: Key Differences

Let’s break it down:

• Heat source: Broiling uses direct radiant heat from above (like a grill turned upside down). Air frying uses convection heat from below, with air circulating around the food.
• Cooking speed: Broiling is fast—often 5–10 minutes. Air frying is also fast, but the heat distribution is different.
• Food texture: Broiling creates a charred, seared top layer. Air frying creates a crispy, even crust all around—but the top can be lighter.
• Control: Broilers often have high/low settings. Most air fryers have temperature dials (typically 180°F–400°F) and timers, but no dedicated “broil” mode.

So, can you broil in an air fryer? Technically, no—not in the traditional sense. But you can simulate the results with smart techniques. Think of it as “air fryer broiling”—a hybrid method that borrows the best of both worlds.

When Air Frying Mimics Broiling

Here’s the good news: air fryers are fantastic at creating browned, crispy tops—if you know how to use them. For example:

• Cheese toppings: A layer of mozzarella on a personal pizza? Pop it in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes, and it bubbles and browns beautifully.
• Fish with a crust: Coat salmon in panko and a little oil, then cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes. The top gets golden and slightly crunchy—just like broiled.
• Vegetables: Roasted broccoli with a sprinkle of parmesan? The air fryer gives it a charred, caramelized edge that rivals a broiler.

The key? Proximity to heat and surface area. The closer the food is to the heating element (or the more surface exposed to circulating air), the better the browning. That’s where strategy comes in.

Can You Actually Broil in an Air Fryer? The Truth

No Built-In Broil Mode—But You Can Fake It

Let’s get one thing straight: most air fryers don’t have a “broil” setting. You won’t find a button labeled “Broil” on your Ninja, Cosori, or Instant Vortex. But that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve broiled results.

Think of it like this: a toaster oven doesn’t have a “grill” button, but you can still make grilled cheese. You just need to use the right settings and techniques. The same goes for broiling in an air fryer.

Techniques to Simulate Broiling

Here are five proven ways to get that broiled look and texture in your air fryer:

1. Crank the heat: Set your air fryer to 375°F–400°F. This is the sweet spot for browning. Higher temperatures mimic the intense heat of a broiler.
2. Use less oil (or none): Broiling relies on dry heat. Too much oil can cause smoking or uneven browning. A light spray or brush of oil (like avocado or olive) helps, but don’t drown the food.
3. Elevate your food: Use the air fryer’s crisper tray or a small rack to lift food higher in the basket. This brings the top closer to the heating element and fan, improving browning.
4. Rotate or flip halfway: If the top is browning too slowly, flip the food after 5–7 minutes. This ensures even exposure to hot air.
5. Add a broil “finishing touch”: For dishes like casseroles or nachos, cook the base in the air fryer, then transfer to a broiler-safe dish and finish under your oven’s broiler for 1–2 minutes. It’s a hybrid method, but it works!

Real-Life Example: Broiled Salmon in an Air Fryer

Let’s say you want that perfect broiled salmon—crispy skin, moist inside, and a golden top. Here’s how I do it:

1. Pat the salmon dry and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
2. Lightly brush with oil (just a thin layer).
3. Place skin-side down in the air fryer basket (skin helps insulate the flesh and crisps up nicely).
4. Cook at 375°F for 8 minutes.
5. Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes at 400°F to brown the top.
6. Optional: Add a sprinkle of brown sugar and broil in the oven for 1 minute for that caramelized crust.

Result? A restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort. And yes, it feels like broiling—even if it’s not technically the same.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

Air fryers aren’t perfect broilers. Here’s what they struggle with:

• Large, flat items: Whole chickens or large casseroles won’t brown evenly. The center may cook before the edges brown.
• Thick, dense foods: A thick ribeye steak might need more time than the air fryer allows for proper searing.
• High-moisture foods: Wet batters or marinades can steam instead of crisp. Pat food dry before cooking.

But for smaller, flatter, or thinner items? Your air fryer is a broiling powerhouse.

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

Cheesy Nachos with a Crispy Top

Who doesn’t love nachos? But soggy, un-browned cheese is a crime. Here’s how to make air-fryer nachos that rival the broiler:

• Layer tortilla chips in the air fryer basket (don’t overcrowd).
• Sprinkle with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack.
• Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
• Top with a little more cheese.
• Air fry at 375°F for 5–6 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
• Garnish with sour cream, guac, and jalapeños.

Pro tip: Use a silicone liner or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Broiled shrimp is quick, flavorful, and elegant. In the air fryer?

• Toss peeled shrimp with melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
• Spread in a single layer in the basket.
• Cook at 400°F for 6–7 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and lemon zest.

The shrimp come out juicy with a lightly charred edge—just like under the broiler.

Personal Pizzas with Crispy Crust

Forget delivery. Make mini pizzas in your air fryer:

• Use store-bought flatbreads or naan as the base.
• Spread with pizza sauce, mozzarella, and toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives).
• Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, or until cheese is golden.
• For extra browning, broil in the oven for 1–2 minutes.

The crust gets crispy, the cheese bubbles, and the top browns beautifully.

Roasted Vegetables with a Charred Edge

Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts love a good char. In the air fryer:

• Toss veggies with oil, salt, and pepper.
• Spread in a single layer.
• Cook at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
• Sprinkle with parmesan or nutritional yeast for a “broiled” finish.

The result? Crispy edges and tender centers—no oven needed.

Tips for Better Browning

• Don’t overcrowd: Air needs to circulate. Cook in batches if needed.
• Pat food dry: Water is the enemy of browning.
• Use a light oil spray: Helps with even browning and prevents sticking.
• Elevate the food: Use a rack or crisper tray to lift it higher.

Air Fryer vs. Broiler: Which Should You Use?

When to Choose the Air Fryer

Your air fryer wins when:

• You’re cooking small to medium portions (2–4 servings).
• You want crispy, evenly cooked food with less oil.
• You’re in a hurry (air fryers preheat faster).
• You want to avoid heating up the whole kitchen.
• You’re cooking foods that benefit from convection (like fries, chicken wings, or veggies).

For example, if you’re making broiled salmon for two, the air fryer is perfect. It’s fast, clean, and gives you great results.

When the Broiler Is Better

Stick with your oven’s broiler when:

• You’re cooking large items (whole chickens, casseroles, or big trays of nachos).
• You need intense, direct heat from above (like searing a thick steak).
• You want that classic charred, smoky flavor (broilers often have a slight “grill” effect).
• You’re making dishes that require a long broil time (like lasagna or shepherd’s pie).

For instance, if you’re making a family-sized casserole with a cheesy top, the broiler is the better choice. It browns the entire surface evenly in 2–3 minutes.

Hybrid Cooking: Best of Both Worlds

Here’s a pro move: use both appliances. Start in the air fryer, finish under the broiler.

• Example 1: Cook a chicken breast in the air fryer at 375°F for 12 minutes. Transfer to a broiler-safe dish, add sauce or cheese, and broil for 1–2 minutes.
• Example 2: Roast veggies in the air fryer, then broil with balsamic glaze for a caramelized finish.

This method gives you the speed of the air fryer and the browning power of the broiler.

Data Table: Broiling vs. Air Frying – A Quick Comparison

Feature	Broiler (Oven)	Air Fryer
Heat Source	Radiant heat from above	Convection heat from below
Preheat Time	5–10 minutes	3–5 minutes
Cooking Speed	Very fast (5–10 min)	Fast (8–15 min)
Browning	Top only (intense)	All sides (even, but top may be lighter)
Best For	Large items, searing, casseroles	Small portions, crispy snacks, veggies
Energy Use	High (whole oven heats up)	Low (smaller unit)
Cleanup	Harder (grease drips, smoke)	Easier (dishwasher-safe basket)
Broil Simulation	Yes (built-in)	Yes (with techniques)

This table shows that while the air fryer isn’t a direct replacement for broiling, it can come very close—especially with the right approach.

Final Thoughts: Can You Broil in an Air Fryer?

So, can you broil in an air fryer? The answer is: not exactly, but you can get very close. Air fryers don’t have radiant heat from above, so they can’t replicate the exact broiling experience. But with smart techniques—high heat, elevation, flipping, and hybrid cooking—you can achieve that golden, crispy, broiled-like finish on countless dishes.

Think of your air fryer as a broiling sidekick, not a replacement. It’s perfect for small portions, quick meals, and foods that benefit from even, all-around crisping. But for large, flat, or dense items, your oven’s broiler still holds the crown.

The real win? You don’t have to choose. Use your air fryer for everyday broiling tasks (salmon, shrimp, veggies, nachos), and save the broiler for big, bold dishes (casseroles, whole chickens, steaks). With both tools in your kitchen, you’ve got the best of both worlds—speed, convenience, and that irresistible golden crust we all crave.

And hey, if your husband still thinks your air-fryer salmon tastes like a science experiment, just smile and say, “It’s not science—it’s smart cooking.” Then watch his face when he takes that first bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you broil in an air fryer?

Yes, you can broil in an air fryer! Most models have a “broil” function or high-heat setting (typically 400°F+) that mimics traditional broiling by using intense top-down heat for crisping and browning.

How does broiling in an air fryer compare to a traditional oven?

Broiling in an air fryer is faster and more energy-efficient due to its compact size and rapid air circulation. However, it offers less space for large items compared to a full-sized oven broiler.

What foods can you broil in an air fryer?

You can broil meats (like steaks or chicken), fish, vegetables, and even melt cheese on dishes like nachos. Just ensure food is in a single layer and not overcrowded for even cooking.

Is the air fryer broil function safe for beginners?

Absolutely! Air fryers are designed with safety features like automatic shutoff and heat-resistant exteriors. Just follow your model’s manual and avoid using flammable materials nearby.

Can you use aluminum foil when broiling in an air fryer?

Yes, but ensure it doesn’t block air vents or touch the heating element. Use foil sparingly and always leave space for air circulation to avoid uneven cooking.

Do all air fryers have a broil function?

Not all models have a dedicated “broil” button, but most can achieve broiling results using their highest temperature setting (400°F+). Check your manual for specific guidance on using the air fryer to broil.