What Can U Cook in an Air Fryer 15 Delicious Ideas to Try Now

Discover 15 delicious, easy-to-make dishes that prove your air fryer is the ultimate kitchen multitasker—from crispy chicken wings and golden fries to roasted veggies and even decadent desserts. Whether you’re meal prepping or craving a quick snack, this countertop hero delivers fast, healthy, and flavorful results with little to no oil, making it a must-have for every home cook.

Key Takeaways

• Crisp fries faster: Achieve golden, crispy fries in under 15 minutes with minimal oil.
• Cook proteins evenly: Perfectly grill chicken, salmon, or tofu with even browning every time.
• Roast veggies effortlessly: Toss veggies with oil and air fry for caramelized, tender results.
• Reheat leftovers smartly: Revive pizza, fried chicken, or nuggets without sogginess.
• Bake small batches: Whip up cookies, muffins, or garlic bread in under 20 minutes.
• Try frozen foods: Air fry frozen snacks like mozzarella sticks for quick, crispy treats.

What Can U Cook in an Air Fryer? Let’s Find Out!

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen, staring at your air fryer and wondering, “what can u cook in an air fryer?” — you’re not alone. I remember the first time I unboxed mine. It looked sleek, futuristic, almost like a spaceship for my countertop. I was excited, sure, but also a little nervous. Could this little gadget really replace my oven, my toaster, and even my deep fryer? Spoiler: it can — and then some.

Since that day, my air fryer has become one of the most-used appliances in my kitchen. It’s not just for reheating leftovers or crisping up frozen nuggets (though it does those *really* well). It’s a multitasking powerhouse. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or trying to eat a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor, the air fryer delivers. In this post, I’ll walk you through 15 delicious, real-world ideas for what you can cook in your air fryer — from breakfast to dinner, snacks to desserts. No fluff, no hype, just honest, tried-and-true meals you’ll want to make tonight.

Breakfast & Brunch: Start Your Day Right

Let’s begin with the most important meal of the day. The air fryer isn’t just for dinner — it’s a breakfast game-changer. It heats up quickly, requires little to no oil, and gives your morning favorites that golden, crispy edge you love.

Crispy Bacon Without the Splatter

Who hasn’t burned their bacon on the stovetop or dealt with a greasy mess in the oven? With the air fryer, you can cook perfect bacon in under 10 minutes. Lay the strips in a single layer (don’t overlap!), set it to 390°F (200°C), and flip halfway. In about 8–10 minutes, you’ll have crispy, evenly cooked bacon with minimal cleanup. Bonus: the fat drips into the basket, so it’s slightly healthier too.

Pro tip: Save the bacon grease in a jar — it’s amazing for frying eggs or roasting potatoes.

Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs (Yes, Really!)

Believe it or not, you can “boil” eggs in an air fryer — no water needed. Place 4–6 eggs in the basket, set to 270°F (130°C), and cook for 15 minutes. Then, immediately transfer them to an ice bath for 5 minutes. The shells peel off easily, and the yolks are creamy and fully cooked. This method is faster than stovetop boiling and avoids the risk of overcooking.

I tried this when I was out of a pot big enough for boiling — and I’ve never gone back. It’s become my go-to method.

Air Fryer Toast & Breakfast Sandwiches

Toast bread in 2–3 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Want more? Assemble a breakfast sandwich: toasted English muffin, scrambled egg (cooked in a silicone cup), cheese, and a slice of bacon. Pop it in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 360°F (180°C), and you’ve got a hot, melty sandwich ready in under 10 minutes. No microwave sogginess here.

Tip: Use parchment paper liners or silicone molds to keep things from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Main Dishes: From Crispy Chicken to Veggie Bowls

Now let’s get to the heart of the matter — what can u cook in an air fryer for dinner? The answer: almost anything. The air fryer excels at browning, crisping, and cooking proteins and veggies evenly without drying them out.

Golden, Juicy Chicken (Breasts, Thighs, Wings)

Chicken is a staple, and the air fryer makes it foolproof. For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a little paprika. Spray lightly with oil (1 tsp is plenty), then cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway. The outside gets golden, the inside stays juicy — no dry chicken here.

For wings? Oh, you’re in for a treat. Toss frozen or fresh wings in a little oil and seasoning. Cook at 380°F (195°C) for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Then toss in your favorite sauce (buffalo, teriyaki, honey garlic) and give it another 2–3 minutes. Crispy, sticky, and restaurant-quality — all without deep frying.

Real talk: My husband, who *hates* kitchen gadgets, now asks for air fryer wings every game night. That’s how good they are.

Fish & Seafood — Light, Flaky, and Fast

Delicate fish like salmon, cod, or tilapia can be tricky on the stovetop — overcook it, and it dries out. In the air fryer? It stays moist and flaky. Place seasoned fillets (skin-side down if skin-on) in the basket. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness. The skin crisps beautifully, and the flesh stays tender.

Try shrimp too! Toss raw shrimp with garlic, lemon zest, and a little olive oil. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes. Serve over rice or in tacos — it’s ready in less time than it takes to boil water.

Veggie Bowls & Plant-Based Mains

Vegetarians and vegans, rejoice. The air fryer is your best friend for building hearty, flavorful bowls. Start with a base of quinoa or rice. Then load up on air-fried veggies: broccoli, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms — you name it. Toss with a little oil, salt, and your favorite seasoning (I love smoked paprika and garlic powder).

Cook in batches at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Then add tofu or chickpeas for protein. Toss tofu in soy sauce, cornstarch, and a little maple syrup, then air fry at 400°F (205°C) for 10–12 minutes until crispy. Assemble your bowl, drizzle with tahini or sriracha mayo, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy meal in 20 minutes flat.

Snacks & Appetizers: Crispy, Crunchy, and Guilt-Free

Snacking just got a whole lot healthier — and tastier. The air fryer turns classic greasy snacks into lighter, crispier versions that satisfy cravings without the guilt.

Frozen to Fresh: Reviving Store-Bought Favorites

Frozen mozzarella sticks, spring rolls, taquitos, and even dumplings? All work beautifully in the air fryer. No preheating, no thawing (usually), and no soggy results. Just place them in the basket, spray with a little oil (optional), and cook at 390°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.

I tried air-fried mozzarella sticks last week — they were crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and used 75% less oil than deep frying. My kids didn’t even notice the difference.

Homemade Chips & Fries (Sweet or Savory)

Want crispy, restaurant-style fries without the guilt? Cut potatoes into sticks, soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove starch, then pat dry. Toss with 1 tsp oil, salt, and pepper. Cook at 380°F (195°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. You’ll get golden, crispy fries with a fluffy interior — and only a fraction of the oil.

Sweet potato fries? Same method. Add a pinch of cinnamon for a sweet twist. Or try zucchini, kale, or even apple slices for healthier chips.

Party-Perfect Bites

Hosting a get-together? The air fryer lets you make crowd-pleasing apps in minutes. Try:

• Stuffed mushrooms: Fill with cream cheese, garlic, and breadcrumbs. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
• Jalapeño poppers: Halve jalapeños, remove seeds, fill with cream cheese and cheddar, wrap in bacon. Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 12 minutes.
• Mini meatballs: Roll beef or turkey into small balls, season, and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes. Toss in marinara for a warm, saucy snack.

All of these can be prepped ahead and finished in the air fryer — perfect for stress-free entertaining.

Side Dishes: Roasted Veggies, Grains & More

Sides often get overlooked, but in the air fryer, they become stars. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, and the air fryer does it faster and more evenly than a conventional oven.

Roasted Vegetables — Fast and Flavorful

Forget soggy steamed veggies. The air fryer turns broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus into caramelized, crispy-edged delights. Just toss with a little oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs (thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder work great). Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.

I love roasting a big batch of Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze drizzled at the end. The outer leaves get crispy, the inside stays tender — it’s like magic.

Grains & Legumes (Yes, You Can Cook Rice!)

Wait — can you cook rice in an air fryer? Not in the traditional sense, but you *can* reheat leftover rice perfectly. Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes. Fluff with a fork — no clumping, no drying out.

For legumes, pre-cook chickpeas, then toss with oil and spices (cumin, chili powder, garlic). Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until crispy. You’ve just made homemade roasted chickpeas — a crunchy, protein-packed snack or salad topper.

Corn on the Cob — No Boiling Needed

Husk the corn, brush with a little butter or oil, and wrap in foil (or use a silicone sleeve). Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 12–15 minutes. The kernels stay juicy, and the outside gets a slight char — just like grilling, but faster and easier.

Desserts & Sweet Treats: Yes, Your Air Fryer Bakes Too!

You might be surprised, but your air fryer is a mini oven — and that means desserts are on the menu. From cookies to fruit crisps, it bakes beautifully with less energy and faster preheating.

Single-Serve Cookies & Brownies

No need to bake a whole batch. Use a silicone mold or parchment-lined ramekin to make individual cookies or brownies. Follow your favorite recipe, but reduce the temperature by 25°F and check 2–3 minutes early. A chocolate chip cookie in a ramekin at 325°F (165°C) for 10–12 minutes? Heavenly. And perfect for when you just need *one* cookie.

I made air fryer brownies last week — rich, fudgy, and ready in 15 minutes. My daughter called it “the best invention ever.”

Fruit Crisps & Baked Apples

Core an apple, fill the center with oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a dab of butter. Wrap in foil or use a small oven-safe dish. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes. The apple softens, the filling gets crispy — it’s like dessert in a bowl.

For fruit crisps, mix sliced peaches or berries with a little sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Top with oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar. Bake at 360°F (180°C) for 12–15 minutes. Serve with ice cream — warm, gooey, and absolutely delicious.

Donuts & Cinnamon Rolls (From Scratch or Frozen)

Make mini donuts with biscuit dough: cut out circles, cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes, then roll in cinnamon sugar. Or reheat frozen cinnamon rolls — they come out fluffier and faster than in the microwave.

Tip: Use a silicone liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

Tips, Tricks & What to Avoid

Now that you know what can u cook in an air fryer, let’s talk about how to get the best results — and avoid common mistakes.

Do’s and Don’ts for Air Fryer Success

• Do: Preheat when cooking delicate foods (fish, eggs). Most air fryers heat up fast — 2–3 minutes is enough.
• Do: Use parchment paper or silicone liners. They prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• Do: Shake or flip food halfway. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
• Don’t: Overfill the basket. Leave space for air to circulate — overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping.
• Don’t: Use aerosol spray oils. The propellant can damage the non-stick coating. Use a refillable oil mister instead.
• Don’t: Cook wet batters (like pancake batter) directly in the basket. Use an oven-safe dish or silicone mold.

Cleaning & Maintenance

After cooking, let the basket cool slightly, then wash with warm, soapy water. Most baskets are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing helps preserve the non-stick coating. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth — no harsh chemicals.

For stuck-on food, soak the basket in hot water for 10–15 minutes before scrubbing. Avoid steel wool or abrasive sponges.

Air Fryer Size & Capacity Guide

Air Fryer Size (Quarts)	Best For	Max Food Capacity
2–3.5	Single person, small snacks, side dishes	1–2 servings
4–5	Couples, small families, main dishes	2–4 servings
6–8	Families, meal prep, entertaining	4–6 servings
9+	Large families, batch cooking, parties	6+ servings

Choose based on your household size and cooking needs. A 5-quart model is a sweet spot for most people.

So, what can u cook in an air fryer? As you’ve seen, the answer is: almost everything. From crispy bacon and juicy chicken to roasted veggies and warm brownies, this little appliance does it all — faster, easier, and with less oil than traditional methods. It’s not magic, but it sure feels like it.

The key is to experiment, start simple, and build confidence. Try one new recipe a week. You’ll discover that your air fryer isn’t just a gadget — it’s a kitchen essential. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, it delivers flavor, convenience, and a little joy in every bite.

Now go ahead — dust off your air fryer, pick one of these 15 ideas, and make something delicious tonight. You won’t regret it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can u cook in an air fryer for quick weeknight dinners?

You can cook juicy chicken breasts, salmon fillets, or even frozen meatballs in under 20 minutes. The air fryer’s rapid circulation ensures even cooking with minimal prep time.

Can you bake desserts in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Try air fryer banana bread, mini cheesecakes, or cinnamon rolls. The compact space creates a perfect convection effect for evenly baked treats.

What are the best frozen foods to cook in an air fryer?

Frozen french fries, mozzarella sticks, and chicken nuggets come out crispy with less oil. The what can u cook in an air fryer list isn’t complete without these guilt-free classics.

Is it possible to cook vegetables in an air fryer?

Yes! Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and zucchini slices become crispy on the outside and tender inside. Toss with a little oil and seasoning for a healthy side dish.

Can you reheat leftovers in an air fryer?

Perfectly! Reheat pizza, fried chicken, or even pastries to restore their crispiness. The air fryer avoids the sogginess of microwaves.

What can u cook in an air fryer without oil?

Grilled meats, hard-boiled eggs, or roasted chickpeas work great with little to no oil. The air fryer’s design uses hot air circulation for natural browning.