What Can You Cook in a Air Fryer 10 Delicious Ideas

An air fryer is a versatile kitchen powerhouse that can cook everything from crispy fries to juicy steaks with little to no oil. Discover 10 delicious ideas—including roasted vegetables, chicken wings, baked potatoes, and even desserts—that prove this appliance delivers fast, healthy, and flavorful results every time.

Key Takeaways

• Crisp fries fast: Achieve golden, crispy fries in under 15 minutes with minimal oil.
• Roast veggies perfectly: Toss vegetables with oil and season, then air fry for caramelized edges.
• Reheat leftovers evenly: Restore crunch to fried food without sogginess or microwave mush.
• Cook proteins effortlessly: Air fry chicken, salmon, or tofu for juicy, flavorful results every time.
• Bake small desserts: Make single-serve cookies, brownies, or fruit crisps in minutes.
• Dehydrate snacks: Create healthy dried fruit or jerky with extended low-heat cooking.

What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer? 10 Delicious Ideas

Remember that first time you tried an air fryer? Maybe you were skeptical—after all, how could a little countertop appliance deliver crispy, golden-brown food without a vat of oil? I was the same way. My first attempt was frozen french fries, and I stood there, watching through the window like a kid at a carnival game, waiting for the magic. Spoiler: It worked. And it worked well.

Fast forward a few years, and my air fryer has become my kitchen MVP. It’s not just for reheating leftovers or making guilt-free snacks (though it does both brilliantly). It’s a full-on cooking tool that can handle everything from breakfast to dessert—often faster, cleaner, and with less mess than my oven or stovetop. But if you’re still asking, “What can you cook in an air fryer?”—you’re not alone. The possibilities are endless, but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. So, I’ve rounded up 10 delicious, real-world ideas—plus tips, tricks, and a few surprises—to help you get the most out of your air fryer.

1. Crispy Snacks and Appetizers Without the Oil

Let’s start with the classics. One of the biggest reasons people buy air fryers is to enjoy crispy, crunchy snacks with a fraction of the oil. But it’s not just about cutting calories—it’s about cutting mess. No more greasy stovetops, splattered oil, or lingering fry smells. The air fryer circulates hot air at high speed, creating that Maillard reaction we all crave—without the deep fryer.

Frozen and Fresh French Fries

Frozen fries? Yes, please. They crisp up beautifully in 12–15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). But don’t sleep on fresh-cut fries. Just slice russet or Yukon Gold potatoes into sticks, soak in cold water for 30 minutes (to remove starch), pat dry, and toss with 1 tsp of oil and salt. Air fry for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway. You’ll get that golden, crispy outside and fluffy inside—just like your favorite diner, minus the guilt.

Mozzarella Sticks and Chicken Wings

Frozen mozzarella sticks? Air fry them at 390°F (199°C) for 8–10 minutes. They come out gooey inside, crispy outside—no oil needed. For chicken wings, toss raw wings (yes, raw!) in a little oil and your favorite dry rub. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 20 minutes, flip, then 10 more minutes. Finish with sauce if you like. They’re juicy, tender, and crispy—no deep frying required.

Onion Rings and Veggie Chips

Try homemade onion rings: dip sliced onions in flour, egg wash, then panko breadcrumbs. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes. For kale or zucchini chips, slice thin, toss with a little oil and salt, and cook in batches at 350°F (177°C) for 8–10 minutes. They’re light, crispy, and addictive—perfect for movie night.

Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space for air to circulate. Shake or flip halfway for even browning. And if your food sticks, a quick spritz of cooking spray helps.

2. Protein Power: Chicken, Fish, and Beyond

Air fryers aren’t just for snacks. They’re excellent for cooking proteins—fast, evenly, and with minimal cleanup. No more dry chicken or overcooked salmon. The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping the outside.

Boneless Chicken Breasts and Thighs

Chicken breasts can be tricky—they dry out easily. But in the air fryer? They stay juicy. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a little paprika. Lightly oil the surface (1 tsp max), then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway. For chicken thighs (boneless or bone-in), cook at 380°F (193°C) for 15–18 minutes. They come out tender and slightly crispy—perfect for salads, wraps, or bowls.

Salmon and Fish Fillets

Salmon is a dream in the air fryer. Place a 6-oz fillet skin-side down in the basket. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of dill. Air fry at 390°F (199°C) for 8–10 minutes. The skin crisps beautifully, and the flesh stays buttery. For white fish (like cod or tilapia), cook at 375°F (190°C) for 7–9 minutes. Add a panko or almond crust for extra crunch.

Meatballs and Ground Meat

Homemade meatballs? Yes! Mix ground beef, pork, or turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, herbs, and spices. Form into balls (1–1.5 inches), place in the basket (don’t stack), and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes. They’re perfect for spaghetti, subs, or meal prep. For ground chicken or turkey patties, cook at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.

Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer. Chicken should hit 165°F (74°C), salmon 145°F (63°C). And for extra flavor, marinate proteins for 30+ minutes before cooking.

3. Breakfast and Brunch Favorites

Who says air fryers are only for dinner? They’re fantastic for quick, hands-off breakfasts. No more standing over a hot stove flipping pancakes or burning bacon.

Bacon and Sausage

Air fryer bacon? Yes, and it’s life-changing. Lay strips in a single layer (don’t overlap). Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness. The fat renders evenly, and cleanup is easy—just wipe the basket. For sausage links or patties, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes. No splatter, no mess.

Hard-Boiled and Soft-Boiled Eggs

Yes, you can air fry eggs! Place eggs in the basket. For soft-boiled (creamy yolk), cook at 275°F (135°C) for 12 minutes. For hard-boiled, cook at 275°F (135°C) for 15–16 minutes. Let cool in ice water, then peel. The shells come off easily, and the texture is perfect. Great for meal prep or deviled eggs.

Pancakes and French Toast

For single-serve pancakes, use a small ring mold (or silicone cupcake liner) to keep them round. Pour batter into the mold, air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 6–8 minutes. For French toast, dip bread in egg mixture, place in the basket, and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes per side. Serve with maple syrup or fruit. No flipping, no sticking.

Pro tip: For eggs, use room-temperature ones to prevent cracking. And for pancakes, don’t overfill the mold—leave room for rising.

4. Vegetables and Sides That Shine

Vegetables can be boring—unless you cook them in an air fryer. The high heat caramelizes natural sugars, turning broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and carrots into crispy, flavorful sides. No more soggy or steamed veggies.

Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower

Toss florets with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway. They come out tender inside, crispy outside—perfect with a squeeze of lemon. For cauliflower, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end.

Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus

Trim Brussels sprouts, cut in half, and toss with oil and balsamic vinegar. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes. They’re nutty, slightly sweet, and crispy. For asparagus, trim tough ends, toss with oil and lemon zest, and cook at 390°F (199°C) for 6–8 minutes. Serve as a side or on a grain bowl.

Potato Wedges and Sweet Potato Fries

Cut potatoes or sweet potatoes into wedges. Toss with oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. For sweet potato fries, soak in cold water first to reduce starch, then dry thoroughly before cooking. They’re crispy, not greasy.

Pro tip: Cut vegetables evenly for consistent cooking. And for leafy greens (like kale), cook in batches—they cook faster and shrink a lot.

5. Desserts and Sweet Treats

Yes, you can bake in an air fryer! It’s not just for savory dishes. With the right pan or liner, you can make cookies, brownies, fruit crisps, and more—often in half the time of an oven.

Chocolate Chip Cookies and Brownies

Use a small oven-safe pan or silicone mold. For cookies, scoop dough onto the pan, spacing them apart. Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes. They come out chewy and golden. For brownies, pour batter into a greased pan, cover with foil (to prevent over-browning), and cook at 325°F (163°C) for 15–18 minutes. Let cool before slicing.

Apple and Berry Crisps

Layer sliced apples or mixed berries in a small baking dish. Top with a mixture of oats, brown sugar, flour, and butter. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 15–18 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream. The topping gets crunchy, and the fruit stays tender.

Banana Bread and Muffins

Pour banana bread batter into a greased loaf pan. Air fry at 325°F (163°C) for 20–25 minutes. For muffins, use a silicone mold or small ramekins. Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 12–14 minutes. They rise beautifully and cook evenly.

Pro tip: Always use oven-safe dishes. Check doneness with a toothpick. And reduce sugar slightly—air fryers can intensify sweetness.

6. Reheating, Leftovers, and Meal Prep Magic

One of the air fryer’s best-kept secrets? It’s the ultimate reheating tool. Unlike microwaves, which leave food soggy, the air fryer restores crispiness—perfect for leftovers and meal prep.

Pizza and Fried Food

Got cold pizza? Place slices in the basket, air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 3–4 minutes. The crust crisps up, and the cheese melts—better than a microwave. For fried chicken, reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes. The skin stays crispy, and the inside stays juicy.

Stir-Fries and Grain Bowls

Reheat stir-fries in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 5–7 minutes. The veggies stay crisp, and the sauce reheats evenly. For grain bowls (like quinoa or rice), cover with foil and reheat at 325°F (163°C) for 8–10 minutes. No drying out.

Meal Prep Proteins and Veggies

Cook chicken, salmon, or veggies in bulk, then reheat throughout the week. Store in airtight containers. When ready to eat, air fry for 3–5 minutes. They taste fresh, not rubbery. Great for busy weeknights or office lunches.

Pro tip: Sprinkle a little water on dry leftovers (like rice) before reheating to restore moisture. And for delicate foods (like fish), wrap in foil to prevent overcooking.

Data Table: Air Fryer Cooking Times and Temperatures

Food	Temperature (°F)	Time (Minutes)	Notes
Frozen Fries	400	12–15	Shake halfway
Chicken Breast (boneless)	375	12–14	Flip halfway
Salmon Fillet	390	8–10	Skin-side down
Bacon (strips)	375	8–10	Don’t overlap
Brussels Sprouts	375	12–15	Toss with oil
Hard-Boiled Eggs	275	15–16	Cool in ice water
Chocolate Chip Cookies	320	8–10	Use small pan
Reheat Pizza	350	3–4	Crisp crust

The Air Fryer: More Than Just a Trend

So, what can you cook in an air fryer? As you’ve seen, the answer is: almost everything. From crispy snacks to juicy proteins, fresh veggies to warm desserts, and even reheated leftovers, the air fryer is a versatile, time-saving tool. It’s not perfect—some foods still need oil for best results, and delicate items (like soufflés) won’t work—but for everyday cooking, it’s a game-changer.

I’ve saved so much time, reduced my oil use, and discovered new ways to enjoy food—all thanks to this little appliance. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal prepper, or just someone who loves crispy food without the guilt, the air fryer delivers. So go ahead: try that recipe you’ve been curious about. Toss in some veggies, pop in a chicken breast, or even bake a cookie. You might just find your new favorite way to cook.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you cook in a air fryer besides frozen foods?

You can cook fresh meats like chicken breasts, salmon, and even steak, achieving a crispy exterior without excess oil. Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes also roast beautifully in an air fryer.

Can you bake desserts in an air fryer?

Yes! The air fryer is perfect for small-batch desserts like brownies, cookies, and even mini cheesecakes. Its rapid circulation ensures even baking without drying out treats.

Is an air fryer good for reheating leftovers?

Absolutely. Reheat pizza, fried chicken, or fries in your air fryer to restore crispiness without sogginess. It’s faster than an oven and more effective than a microwave.

What can you cook in a air fryer for quick weeknight dinners?

Try whole chickens, stuffed bell peppers, or shrimp skewers—all cook in under 30 minutes. The air fryer’s speed and efficiency make it ideal for busy schedules.

Can you make crispy snacks like chips or nuggets in an air fryer?

Yes! Homemade kale chips, zucchini fries, or chicken nuggets turn out golden and crunchy with minimal oil. It’s a healthier twist on classic fried snacks.

What unexpected foods work well in an air fryer?

Think beyond basics: hard-boiled eggs, stuffed mushrooms, or even garlic bread turn out great. The air fryer’s versatility extends to reheating pastries or roasting nuts.