What Can You Use an Air Fryer for 10 Delicious Ideas

When I first got my air fryer, I’ll be honest — I was skeptical. I thought it was just another kitchen gadget destined to collect dust next to my spiralizer and avocado slicer. But after just one week of experimenting, it earned a permanent spot on my countertop. The question wasn’t “what can you use an air fryer for?” anymore — it was, “what can’t I make in this thing?”

From crispy fries to juicy chicken and even desserts, the air fryer has become my go-to for quick, healthier meals with minimal cleanup. It uses rapid hot air circulation (think mini convection oven) to cook food with up to 80% less oil than traditional frying. That means you get that satisfying crunch without the greasy aftermath. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves good food without the guilt, the air fryer is a game-changer. In this post, I’ll walk you through what you can use an air fryer for with 10 delicious, real-life ideas that actually work — and taste amazing.

1. Reheating Leftovers Without Sogginess

One of the most underrated uses of an air fryer? Bringing leftovers back to life. We’ve all been there: microwave pizza that turns rubbery, soggy fried chicken, or limp french fries. The air fryer fixes that by crisping food from the outside while keeping the inside moist.

Visual guide about what can you use an air fryer for

Image source: plattertalk.com

How to Reheat Fried Foods

Fried chicken, mozzarella sticks, and even fish and chips can be reheated in 3–5 minutes at 350°F (175°C). No more sad, squishy textures. The hot air circulates evenly, re-crisping the breading without drying out the inside.

Place food in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
Spray lightly with oil if the original breading was oily (like chicken tenders).
Shake or flip halfway through for even heating.

Reviving Pizza, Fries, and More

Got cold pizza? Pop it in the air fryer at 360°F for 2–3 minutes. The crust crisps up beautifully, and the cheese melts without turning into a gluey mess. Same goes for fries — just 3 minutes at 375°F, and they’re golden and crunchy again.

Pro tip: For pizza, place it directly on the basket or use parchment paper to avoid cheese sticking. I once forgot and had to spend 10 minutes scraping melted mozzarella — not fun.

Reheating Baked Goods and Pastries

Yes, even baked goods! Muffins, croissants, and even cinnamon rolls can be reheated at 325°F for 2–4 minutes. The air fryer gently warms the inside while giving the exterior a light crisp — perfect for that “fresh from the bakery” feel.

One caveat: delicate items like soufflés or custards won’t work here. But for most breakfast pastries and dinner rolls, it’s a win.

2. Cooking Frozen Foods with Crispy Perfection

If you’re like me, your freezer is a treasure trove of convenience foods: nuggets, taquitos, egg rolls, and frozen veggie burgers. The air fryer transforms these from “meh” to “mouthwatering” in minutes.

Visual guide about what can you use an air fryer for

Image source: jocooks.com

No Preheating, No Thawing

One of the best things about air frying frozen foods? You don’t need to thaw or preheat (though preheating for 3 minutes helps with consistency). Just pop them in, set the time, and walk away.

Frozen chicken nuggets: 10–12 minutes at 390°F (200°C).
Egg rolls: 10 minutes at 375°F, flip halfway.
Vegetable spring rolls: 8 minutes at 360°F.

They come out golden, crispy, and evenly cooked — no more burnt edges or cold centers.

Air Fryer vs. Oven: The Speed Test

Compared to a conventional oven, air fryers are fast. A frozen pizza that takes 20 minutes in the oven? Done in 10–12 minutes in the air fryer. And because the air circulates so well, you don’t need to flip or rotate the food as often.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Food	Oven Time	Air Fryer Time	Oil Used (Oven)	Oil Used (Air Fryer)
Frozen French Fries	20 min	10–12 min	1 tbsp	0–1 tsp
Chicken Tenders	22 min	10–11 min	2 tbsp	1 tsp
Mozzarella Sticks	15 min	7–8 min	2 tbsp	1 tsp
Frozen Pizza	20 min	10–12 min	1 tbsp	None

Healthier Frozen Meals

Many frozen meals are loaded with sodium and preservatives. But with the air fryer, you can make healthier versions at home. Try making your own air fryer chicken nuggets using panko breadcrumbs and a light olive oil spray. Or bake frozen veggie patties for a quick, plant-based dinner.

I keep a batch of homemade sweet potato fries in the freezer — just toss them in the air fryer at 380°F for 12 minutes, and they’re ready. No oil, no mess, and way better than the store-bought kind.

3. Cooking Fresh Proteins with Minimal Oil

Now we’re getting into the real magic of what you can use an air fryer for — cooking fresh proteins. From chicken breasts to salmon fillets, the air fryer delivers juicy, flavorful results with little to no oil.

Juicy Chicken Every Time

Chicken breasts can easily dry out, but the air fryer’s even heat helps retain moisture. Try this:

Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Spray lightly with oil (optional).
Cook at 375°F for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway.

The result? Tender inside, slightly crisp outside. Perfect for salads, wraps, or meal prep.

For chicken wings, go high heat: 400°F for 20–25 minutes. They come out crispy without deep-frying. Toss with buffalo sauce or honey garlic glaze after cooking.

Salmon, Fish, and Shrimp

Salmon fillets cook beautifully in the air fryer. Season with lemon, dill, and olive oil, then cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes. The skin crisps up, and the flesh stays flaky.

Shrimp? Just 4–5 minutes at 390°F. No more rubbery, overcooked bites. And fish sticks or cod fillets? 10–12 minutes at 380°F — golden and flaky.

Tip: For delicate fish, use a liner or lightly spray the basket to prevent sticking.

Steak and Pork Chops

Yes, you can even cook steak! Use a ribeye or sirloin, season well, and cook at 400°F for 8–12 minutes (depending on thickness and desired doneness). Let it rest for 5 minutes after cooking — the air fryer doesn’t sear like a grill, but it gives a nice crust.

Pork chops? 15–18 minutes at 375°F. Brine them first for extra juiciness.

4. Roasting Vegetables for Maximum Flavor

Vegetables are where the air fryer truly shines. Roasting brings out natural sweetness and creates that caramelized, crispy edge — all without turning on the oven.

The Best Veggies for Air Frying

Almost any vegetable works, but these are my favorites:

Broccoli: 10–12 minutes at 375°F — crispy edges, tender inside.
Carrots: 12–15 minutes at 380°F — sweet and slightly charred.
Brussels sprouts: 15–18 minutes at 375°F — crispy leaves, soft center.
Asparagus: 8–10 minutes at 400°F — tender with a light crunch.

Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice before cooking. For extra flavor, add garlic powder, cumin, or smoked paprika.

Roasted Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes

Roasted potatoes in 20 minutes? Yes, please. Cut into 1-inch cubes, toss with oil and seasonings, and cook at 390°F for 18–20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even browning.

Sweet potatoes? Same method — just add a pinch of cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup after cooking for a sweet-savory twist.

Roasted Corn, Bell Peppers, and Zucchini

Corn on the cob? 10 minutes at 380°F — juicy and slightly charred. Slice bell peppers and zucchini, toss with oil and herbs, and cook for 12–14 minutes. They shrink a bit but pack huge flavor.

One of my favorite combos: roasted zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with balsamic glaze drizzled on top. It’s like a summer salad in a bowl.

5. Baking and Desserts (Yes, Really!)

You might think the air fryer is just for savory foods, but it’s a surprisingly good baker. From muffins to cookies to even mini pies, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without heating up the whole house.

Small-Batch Baking

The air fryer is perfect for baking in small quantities. No more baking a whole cake when you just want a few cookies.

Chocolate chip cookies: 8–10 minutes at 350°F (use parchment or silicone molds).
Muffins: 12–15 minutes at 330°F — moist and fluffy.
Brownies: 15–18 minutes at 330°F — fudgy perfection.

Use oven-safe ramekins, silicone molds, or parchment paper to prevent sticking. I love making mini banana breads in muffin tins — they’re ready in 15 minutes and stay moist.

Air Fryer Donuts and Cinnamon Rolls

Yes, you can make donuts! Use refrigerated biscuit dough, cut out the centers, and cook at 360°F for 5–6 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.

Cinnamon rolls? Same idea — 8–10 minutes at 340°F. They puff up beautifully and stay gooey in the center.

Fruit-Based Desserts

Try roasting apples or pears with cinnamon and a drizzle of honey. 10–12 minutes at 375°F, and they’re tender and fragrant. Top with yogurt or ice cream for a quick dessert.

Peaches? Halve them, sprinkle with brown sugar and nutmeg, and cook for 8–10 minutes. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — instant summer treat.

6. Creative Uses You Might Not Have Tried

Beyond the basics, the air fryer has some surprising tricks up its sleeve. These are the what can you use an air fryer for ideas that go beyond the usual suspects.

Hard-Boiled Eggs (Yes, Really)

You can actually cook hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer! Place them in the basket (no water), cook at 270°F for 15 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath. The shells peel easily, and the yolks are perfectly set.

No more waiting for water to boil or dealing with overcooked eggs. I make a batch every Sunday for meal prep.

Dehydrating Fruits and Herbs

Some air fryers have a “dehydrate” setting. Use it to make apple chips, banana crisps, or dried herbs. Slice thin, lay flat in the basket, and dehydrate at 160–180°F for 2–4 hours.

It’s a great way to preserve seasonal produce. I made dried strawberries last summer — they were amazing in trail mix.

Cooking Dumplings, Samosas, and Spring Rolls

Frozen or homemade, dumplings cook beautifully in the air fryer. Spray with oil, cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes. They come out crispy on the outside, juicy inside — no oil bath needed.

Samosas? 12 minutes at 380°F. Same with veggie spring rolls. Perfect for appetizers or snacks.

Toasting Nuts and Seeds

Want perfectly toasted almonds or sesame seeds? Toss them in the air fryer at 320°F for 3–5 minutes. They toast evenly and won’t burn like they do on the stovetop.

Great for adding crunch to salads or homemade granola.

Reviving Stale Bread

Got stale bread or bagels? Spray lightly with water, then air fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes. It softens the inside and gives a light crust — like it’s fresh again.

I use this trick all the time for leftover bagels or sandwich bread.

Final Thoughts: The Air Fryer Is More Than a Trend

When I think about what you can use an air fryer for, it’s not just about convenience — it’s about quality. You get crispy, delicious food with less oil, less time, and less cleanup. It’s not a replacement for your oven or stovetop, but a powerful sidekick that handles so much of the heavy lifting.

From reheating leftovers to roasting veggies, baking desserts, and even making hard-boiled eggs, the air fryer is one of the most versatile tools in my kitchen. And the best part? It’s forgiving. Even if you overcook something slightly, it’s usually still edible — unlike the microwave, where things turn to mush.

Of course, it’s not perfect. It has a smaller capacity, so it’s not ideal for big families or large roasts. And some foods (like soups or stews) just don’t work. But for everyday meals, snacks, and even creative experiments, it’s a winner.

So if you’re on the fence, give it a try. Start with something simple — frozen fries, chicken breasts, or roasted broccoli. Once you see how easy and tasty it is, you’ll be asking yourself, “What can’t I make in this thing?” And honestly, the list keeps getting shorter.

The air fryer isn’t just a gadget. It’s a kitchen revolution — one crispy bite at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you use an air fryer for besides frying?

An air fryer is great for roasting vegetables, baking small desserts, reheating leftovers, and even cooking proteins like chicken or tofu with a crispy finish. Its rapid air circulation mimics deep frying without submerging food in oil.

Can you cook frozen foods in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fryers excel at cooking frozen foods like fries, nuggets, and veggie bites straight from the freezer—no thawing needed. The hot air crisps them up faster than an oven with less oil.

What can you use an air fryer for to replace oven cooking?

You can use an air fryer for tasks like roasting garlic, baking potatoes, or making sheet-pan-style meals. It’s ideal for small batches and saves energy compared to preheating a full-sized oven.

Can you make desserts in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Try baking cookies, brownies, or even fruit crisps. The air fryer’s compact size ensures even browning and a faster bake time for sweet treats.

Is an air fryer good for reheating food?

Yes, it revives leftovers like pizza, fried chicken, or spring rolls with a crispy texture—unlike microwaves that leave food soggy. Just a quick 2-5 minute blast restores crunch.

What healthy meals can you make with an air fryer?

You can use an air fryer to make low-oil versions of classics like sweet potato fries, cauliflower wings, or salmon fillets. It’s perfect for guilt-free, flavorful meals with minimal cleanup.

Key Takeaways

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