What Can You Put in Air Fryer 10 Surprising Foods to Try

You can cook far more than frozen fries in an air fryer—discover 10 surprising foods, from fresh vegetables to desserts, that turn out crispy, delicious, and healthier with minimal oil. This versatile appliance excels at roasting, reheating, and even baking, making it perfect for unexpected treats like donuts, eggs, and even leftover pizza—all with less mess and faster cook times.

Key Takeaways

• Frozen foods: Cook fries, nuggets, or veggies straight from frozen for quick, crispy results.
• Fresh seafood: Air fry shrimp, salmon, or fish fillets with minimal oil for tender, flaky perfection.
• Baked goods: Make muffins, cookies, or even mini cakes using air fryer-safe molds.
• Reheat leftovers: Revive pizza, fried chicken, or pastries without sacrificing crispiness.
• Raw vegetables: Toss broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes for fast, roasted textures.
• Surprise treats: Try air-fried bananas, pineapple, or even stuffed jalapeños for unique flavors.

What Can You Put in Air Fryer? 10 Surprising Foods to Try

So, you’ve got an air fryer. Maybe it’s sitting on your counter, still shiny and new. Or maybe it’s already your go-to kitchen hero. Either way, you’ve probably asked yourself: what can you put in air fryer? It’s a fair question. Most of us start with frozen fries and chicken wings—because, let’s be honest, that’s what the box tells us to do. But here’s the secret: your air fryer is way more versatile than you think.

I remember the first time I used mine. I was skeptical. “It’s just a mini convection oven,” I thought. But after crisping up some sweet potato fries to golden perfection, I was hooked. Then came the experiments: roasted veggies, reheated pizza, even eggs—yes, really. That’s when it hit me: this little machine isn’t just for frying. It’s for reimagining how we cook everyday foods, often better, faster, and with less mess. In this post, I’ll share 10 surprising things you can cook in your air fryer—some you’d never guess, and a few that might just change your meal prep game.

1. Reheat Leftovers Without Turning Them Soggy

Let’s be real: microwaves are great for speed, but they’re terrible at texture. That leftover pizza? Soggy crust. That fried chicken? Limp and sad. Enter the air fryer—your new reheating savior. Unlike microwaves, which steam food from the inside out, air fryers use hot, circulating air to crisp things up. The result? Leftovers that taste almost like they just came out of the oven.

Pizza: Crispy Crust, Melty Toppings

Got a slice (or three) of last night’s pizza? Place it in the air fryer basket at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes. The crust crisps up beautifully, and the cheese gets that golden, bubbly edge. No more rubbery cheese or limp toppings. Just pure, nostalgic pizza joy. Pro tip: add a tiny splash of water to a corner of the basket to keep the crust from drying out too much.

Fried Chicken: Crispy Skin, Juicy Inside

Fried chicken is one of those foods that just shouldn’t be microwaved. But in the air fryer? It’s a game-changer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, turning once halfway through. The skin gets crispy again, and the meat stays juicy. I tested this with KFC leftovers—my husband couldn’t tell the difference from fresh. (Okay, he could, but only because he’s picky.)

Other Leftovers That Shine

• Spring rolls or egg rolls: 350°F for 4–6 minutes. Crispy, not greasy.
• French fries or tater tots: 375°F for 3–5 minutes. Just like new.
• Burritos: 360°F for 5–7 minutes. Crisp tortilla, warm filling.

Note: Avoid foods with high moisture content (like soups or stews) or delicate textures (like scrambled eggs). They won’t reheat well and might splatter.

2. Cook Fresh Vegetables with Minimal Oil

Vegetables in the air fryer? Absolutely. And not just the usual suspects like broccoli or carrots. This method brings out natural sweetness, adds crunch, and requires just a drizzle of oil—or none at all, depending on the veggie. Plus, it’s faster than roasting in the oven.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Edges, Tender Centers

Toss halved Brussels sprouts with a teaspoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. The outer leaves get crispy and nutty, while the insides stay tender. I like to finish with a splash of balsamic glaze for a sweet-savory kick.

Roasted Bell Peppers: Sweet and Smoky

Cut peppers into strips, toss with a tiny bit of oil and smoked paprika. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes. They come out tender with charred edges—perfect for salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls. No need to roast them on the stove or grill.

Lesser-Known Veggie Wins

• Zucchini or yellow squash: Slice into rounds, season, air fry at 370°F for 10 minutes. Great as a side or in pasta.
• Green beans: Toss with garlic and lemon zest. 375°F for 8–10 minutes. Crisp-tender every time.
• Sweet potatoes: Dice or slice, toss with a little oil and cinnamon. 380°F for 15–18 minutes. Sweet, crispy, and satisfying.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Give veggies space to crisp. If needed, cook in batches. And remember: high-moisture veggies like tomatoes or cucumbers don’t work well—they’ll steam instead of crisp.

3. Make Breakfast in Minutes (Yes, Even Eggs!)

Breakfast is often rushed, messy, or both. But the air fryer can help. From eggs to pancakes to even French toast, it’s a surprisingly capable morning tool. And the best part? Less cleanup than a stovetop.

Air-Fried Eggs: Soft, Hard, or Over-Easy

Yes, you can cook eggs in an air fryer. Use a heatproof ramekin or silicone mold. For soft-boiled eggs: 275°F (135°C) for 10 minutes. For hard-boiled: 275°F for 15 minutes. For over-easy: 325°F (163°C) for 6 minutes, then flip and cook 2 more minutes. I love this for meal prep—cook a batch of hard-boiled eggs on Sunday, and you’re set for the week.

French Toast Sticks: Crispy Outside, Custardy Inside

Cut bread into sticks, dip in a mixture of egg, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. Place in a single layer in the basket (don’t overlap). Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. They come out golden, crispy on the outside, and soft inside. Serve with maple syrup or powdered sugar. My kids beg for these on weekend mornings.

Other Breakfast Ideas

• Hash browns: Frozen or homemade. 375°F for 12–15 minutes. Crispy and golden.
• Breakfast burritos: Pre-rolled and frozen. 360°F for 10–12 minutes. Ready in minutes.
• Mini quiches: Use muffin tins. 325°F for 12–15 minutes. Great for grab-and-go.

Caution: Avoid liquid batter (like pancake batter) unless using a greased, heatproof dish. Otherwise, it’ll drip and smoke.

4. Bake Desserts with Less Guilt

Who knew your air fryer could double as a mini oven for desserts? It’s perfect for single servings or small batches. No need to heat up the whole kitchen, and cleanup is a breeze.

Single-Serve Cookies: Warm, Gooey, and Ready Fast

Use a silicone mold or ramekin. Drop cookie dough (store-bought or homemade) into the mold. Air fry at 325°F (163°C) for 8–10 minutes. The outside gets crispy, the inside stays gooey. I love using chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin dough. Top with a scoop of ice cream for an instant sundae.

Brownie Bites: Fudgy and Rich

Mix brownie batter (boxed or homemade) and pour into greased muffin cups or silicone molds. Air fry at 325°F for 12–15 minutes. Let cool slightly before eating. They’re dense, fudgy, and perfect for a quick treat. Bonus: they don’t dry out like oven-baked brownies sometimes do.

Surprising Dessert Hacks

• Apple chips: Thinly slice apples, toss with cinnamon. 300°F for 10–12 minutes. Crispy and sweet.
• Baked apples: Core apples, fill with oats, brown sugar, and butter. 350°F for 15–18 minutes. Warm and cozy.
• Donut holes: Use canned biscuit dough. 350°F for 8–10 minutes. Toss in cinnamon sugar. Instant joy.

Pro tip: Always use heatproof dishes. And keep an eye on baking time—air fryers cook faster than ovens. Start checking 1–2 minutes before the recipe suggests.

5. Cook Proteins Beyond Chicken Wings

Yes, chicken wings are amazing in the air fryer. But so are other proteins. From fish to tofu, the air fryer delivers crispy, juicy results with less oil and effort.

Salmon Fillets: Crispy Skin, Moist Flesh

Season salmon with salt, pepper, and a little lemon zest. Place skin-side down in the basket. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes. The skin gets crispy, the flesh stays moist. I love adding a glaze of soy sauce and honey for the last 2 minutes. No fishy smell, no splatter—just delicious.

Tofu: Crispy, Golden, and Flavorful

Press firm tofu for 15–20 minutes to remove moisture. Cut into cubes, toss with cornstarch and soy sauce. Air fry at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. The result? Crispy on the outside, chewy inside—perfect for stir-fries or salads. Vegan friends, this one’s for you.

Other Protein Winners

• Shrimp: Toss with garlic and lemon. 375°F for 6–8 minutes. Juicy and tender.
• Sausages or hot dogs: 375°F for 8–10 minutes. No boiling, no grilling.
• Steak bites: Cut into cubes, season, air fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes. Medium-rare perfection.

Tip: For fish, avoid overcrowding. Cook in batches if needed. And always pat proteins dry before cooking—moisture prevents crisping.

6. Try These 10 Surprising Foods (You Won’t Believe #7!)

Ready for the fun part? Here are 10 foods you might not have thought to air fry—but totally should. Some are practical, some are playful, and all are delicious.

#1: Frozen Ravioli

Skip the boiling. Toss frozen ravioli with a little oil and air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes. Crispy outside, cheesy inside. Serve with marinara. Kids love it.

#2: Pickles

Yes, pickles. Bread and season them like chicken tenders. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes. Crispy, tangy, and oddly addictive. Serve with ranch.

#3: Bananas

Slice bananas, toss with cinnamon sugar. Air fry at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. Warm, caramelized, and perfect with yogurt or ice cream.

#4: Mozzarella Sticks

Frozen or homemade. 375°F for 6–8 minutes. Crispy, gooey, and no oil splatter. Dip in marinara or ranch.

#5: Canned Biscuits

Place in the basket. 350°F for 8–10 minutes. Flaky, golden, and ready in minutes. Great for quick breakfasts or snacks.

#6: Frozen Dumplings

No boiling or frying. 375°F for 10–12 minutes. Crispy bottoms, tender tops. Serve with soy sauce or chili oil.

#7: Hard-Boiled Eggs (Yes, Again!)

No water, no pot. Place whole eggs in the basket. 275°F for 15 minutes. Cool in ice water. Peels come off easier than stovetop eggs. Game-changer for meal prep.

#8: Frozen Onion Rings

375°F for 8–10 minutes. Crispy, golden, and guilt-free. Serve with ketchup or dipping sauce.

#9: Frozen Spring Rolls

375°F for 6–8 minutes. Crispy, flaky, and ready in minutes. No oil needed.

#10: Leftover Mac and Cheese

Spread in a heatproof dish. 375°F for 10–12 minutes. Crispy top, creamy inside. Like a casserole, but easier.

Air Fryer Food Comparison Table

Food	Temperature (°F)	Time (Minutes)	Tip
Frozen Fries	400	12–15	Shake halfway
Chicken Wings	380	20–25	Pat dry first
Salmon Fillet	375	10–12	Skin-side down
Brussels Sprouts	375	12–15	Don’t overcrowd
French Toast Sticks	350	8–10	Flip halfway
Hard-Boiled Eggs	275	15	Cool in ice water
Brownie Bites	325	12–15	Use silicone mold

So, what can you put in air fryer? The answer is: a lot more than you think. From reheating leftovers to cooking eggs, baking desserts, and even crisping pickles, this little machine does it all. It’s fast, easy, and surprisingly versatile. The key is to experiment—start with what you know, then try something new. Don’t be afraid to fail. Some of my best discoveries came from “oops” moments (like the time I accidentally air-fried a tortilla into a crispy taco shell).

Remember: your air fryer isn’t just a gadget. It’s a tool for creativity, convenience, and healthier cooking. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal prepper, or just someone who hates doing dishes, it can make life easier. So go ahead—toss in that leftover pizza, crisp those Brussels sprouts, or try air-fried pickles. You might just find your new favorite way to cook. And when you do, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you put in an air fryer besides frozen foods?

You can cook fresh vegetables, meats, seafood, and even baked goods like muffins or cookies. The air fryer’s versatility allows for crispy results without excess oil, making it perfect for healthy, homemade meals.

Can you put foil or parchment paper in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use aluminum foil or perforated parchment paper to line the basket for easy cleanup. Just ensure the material doesn’t block airflow or touch the heating element to prevent fire hazards.

What can you put in air fryer for quick snacks or appetizers?

Try air-frying mozzarella sticks, jalapeño poppers, or even leftover pizza for a crispy finish. These snacks cook faster than an oven and deliver a satisfying crunch with minimal oil.

Can you cook raw meat in an air fryer?

Absolutely! The air fryer excels at cooking raw chicken, beef, pork, and fish with juicy interiors and crispy exteriors. Just adjust cook times and temperatures based on the meat’s thickness.

What unexpected foods can you put in an air fryer?

Surprising options include hard-boiled eggs (for easy peeling), granola, or even reheated french fries. The rapid hot air circulation works wonders on both savory and sweet items.

Can you put liquid or batter-coated foods in an air fryer?

Yes, but use a light hand with wet batters to avoid drips. For dishes like tempura or corn dogs, pre-cooking or using a breadcrumb coating helps maintain crispiness without a mess.