The air fryer is seriously a game-changer when it comes to making delicious meals without all the hassle.
I’ve put together a list of the best things to cook in an air fryer to help you make everything from crispy sides to full meals in no time.
Whether you’re new to air frying or already love cooking with one, these ideas are going to make your life so much easier—and will make you wonder how you ever cooked without one!
5 Tips for Cooking in an Air Fryer
An air fryer is a small appliance that cooks food by moving hot air around the food. It gives your favorite dishes that crispy, fried texture without the need for much oil.
The air fryer is like a mini convection oven but faster and more efficient. The air fryer can fry, roast, bake, and reheat your favorite foods quickly and with less oil.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Give your food some space! If you stuff the basket, things won’t cook evenly. It’s better to do a couple of batches if you want that perfect crisp.
- Shake or Flip Halfway – About halfway through cooking, give the basket a good shake or flip your food. This helps everything cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
- Preheat for Best Results – Just like your oven, preheating the air fryer helps everything cook evenly. Luckily, it only takes a couple of minutes!
- Use Light Oil or No Oil – One of the best things about the air fryer is you don’t need a ton of oil. A little spritz can make things crispier, but you can skip it for many foods.
- Adjust Cooking Time for Frozen Foods – Frozen food cooks faster in an air fryer than you’d expect, so keep an eye on it and check a bit earlier to avoid overcooking.
25 Best Things to Cook in an Air Fryer for Quick and Easy Meals
1. Crispy French Fries
French fries are a classic, and in the air fryer, they come out so crispy you’ll think they’re deep-fried. Toss them in a little oil, sprinkle some sea salt, and you’re good to go. No soggy fries here!
2. Chicken Wings
Who doesn’t love wings? The air fryer gives them that crispy texture on the outside of the wings and keeps the meat tender and juicy inside. Toss the wings in your favorite buffalo or BBQ sauce, and they’ll be gone before you know it.
Whether it’s for game day or a family dinner, these wings are always a hit!
3. Mozzarella Sticks
Cheesy, melty goodness wrapped in a crispy coating—mozzarella sticks are a favorite snack in my house. The air fryer cooks them just right without the mess of deep frying.
It’s perfect for movie nights, quick snacks, or whenever you’re craving something extra delicious!
4. Salmon Bites
Salmon bites in the air fryer are a game-changer. It stays flaky and moist inside, while the outside gets a nice crisp. Plus, it’s done in under 10 minutes! Perfect for when you want a healthy dinner without the fuss.
5. Brussels Sprouts
If you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts, you’ve got to try them in the air fryer. A little olive oil and seasoning, and they come out crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with that roasted flavor that makes you forget you’re eating vegetables.
6. Air Fryer Drumsticks
Do you want to make some fried chicken but don’t want all the grease? The air fryer is the way to cook it! You still get that crunchy coating but with way less oil. Serve it up with mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a healthier comfort food meal.
7. Bacon
Bacon in the air fryer? Absolutely! It cooks up evenly, stays nice and flat, and turns out perfectly crispy every time. No more hovering over the stove or cleaning up messy grease splatters—just delicious bacon ready in minutes with hardly any effort.
8. Sweet Potato Fries
These are a personal favorite! Sweet potato fries turn out so crispy and flavorful in the air fryer. Just a sprinkle of salt and paprika, and you’ve got a side dish that’s both healthy and delicious.
They’re the perfect pairing for burgers, sandwiches, or even on their own as a snack!
9. Pork Chops
If you’ve ever made dry pork chops, then you will love cooking them in the air fryer. The air fryer keeps them juicy on the inside while giving you a crispy exterior. Season them up with some herbs, and dinner is done!
10. Zucchini Chips
Do you want something crunchy, like chips, but trying to stay healthy? Zucchini chips are the perfect solution. Slice them thin, toss them in some seasoning, and air fry until crispy. They’re great on their own or as a side for lunch.
11. Eggs Rolls
Not everyone loves egg rolls, but if you do, the air fryer is perfect for getting that golden crunch without deep frying. Fill them with your favorites—veggies, pork, or shrimp—and enjoy a healthier version of this takeout classic.
12. Asparagus
Cooking asparagus in the air fryer gives it that perfect char with a slight crunch. Just toss it in a little olive oil and seasoning, and you’ve got a healthy side dish ready in minutes. It’s the easiest way to get crispy, roasted asparagus without turning on the oven!
13. Toasted Ravioli
Toasted ravioli come out golden and crispy on the outside, and the filling stays warm and delicious when you cook it in the air fryer. It’s perfect for dipping in marinara sauce!
These crispy bites are great for a party or a quick snack when you’re craving something savory.
14. Onion Rings
There’s no better way to make onion rings than in the air fryer. They come out crispy without the extra oil, making them a perfect side or snack without the guilt. I like adding a little seasoning or serving with our favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick.
15. Chicken Tenders
If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, chicken tenders in the air fryer are always a hit. They come out perfectly crispy and tender—ideal for dipping into your favorite sauce. Plus, they’re way healthier than the deep-fried version without sacrificing any flavor!
16. Baked Potatoes
For a fluffy baked potato with crispy skin, the air fryer is your best bet. Rub them with a little oil and salt, and they’re ready to load up with butter, cheese, or sour cream. It’s the easiest way to make baked potatoes without heating your whole kitchen.
17. Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are so easy to make in the air fryer. The peppers become tender with a slight char, while the filling stays juicy and flavorful.
What I really like about Stuffed Peppers is that you can switch up the stuffing with your favorite ingredients for endless possibilities!
18. Meatballs
The best thing about making meatballs in the air fryer is they get a nice golden brown crust while staying juicy inside. They’re perfect for tossing into pasta or serving as appetizers with a dipping sauce.
The air fryer gives them a crispiness that you just can’t get in the oven!
19. Egg Toast
Making egg toast in the air fryer is so easy, and it’s perfect for a quick breakfast! In a few minutes, you’ve got crispy toast with a perfectly cooked egg in the middle.
You can even sprinkle on some cheese or seasonings to make it extra tasty. It’s simple, delicious, and mess-free!
20. Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapeño poppers turn out amazing in the air fryer. The outside gets crispy, while the inside stays gooey and cheesy, making them the ultimate quick snack. They’re a super simple appetizer that’s guaranteed to be a hit at any party!
21. Sausage and Peppers
Sausage and peppers are a perfect match for the air fryer. The sausage gets that nice char while the peppers turn out tender and packed with flavor—all in one pan and super quick. It’s one of those easy, go-to meals that come together without a lot of fuss!
22. Pizza Rolls
Pizza rolls just got an upgrade in the air fryer! They turn out super crispy on the outside, while the cheesy goodness inside stays hot and melty. It’s the perfect after-school snack or late-night treat that’s ready in minutes.
23. Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese is so easy to make in the air fryer! The bread gets toasted perfectly, and the cheese melts evenly. I love that I don’t have to stand over the stove or constantly flip them to make sure they don’t get burned!
24. Boiled Eggs
Believe it or not, you can make boiled eggs in the air fryer. Whether you like soft or hard-boiled, they come out perfectly cooked every time without needing any water. It’s a no-fuss way to prep eggs for breakfast or meal prep for the week.
25. Leftover Pizza
Sure, you could use the microwave! But it gets soggy in there! Reheating leftover pizza in the air fryer crisps the crust up just right, and the cheese gets all gooey again, making it taste like it’s fresh out of the oven. It’s hands down the best method for reheating pizza—no sogginess in sight!
FAQs
What foods don’t cook well in the air fryer?
There are some things that I wouldn’t cook in the air fryer just to save yourself a mess or it doesn’t come out the best.
I’ve found so many things that cook in the air fryer that it’s a bit shocking that these things didn’t work out quite right:
- Wet Batter – Anything with a wet batter, like tempura or beer-battered fish, is a no-go for me. The batter just drips off and turns into a mess without getting crispy. Save those for deep frying!
- Leafy Greens – Are you trying to air fry something light like spinach or kale? I’ve found it is not one of the best things to cook in an air fryer. It will just blow around and burn.
- Plain Cheese – Melty cheese with no coating is a recipe for disaster. It’ll just ooze everywhere. Breaded cheese sticks work best!
- Delicate Fish – Thin, flaky fish like tilapia or flounder will fall apart in the air fryer. It’s best to stick with sturdier fish like salmon that can handle the heat.
Can you cook frozen foods in an air fryer?
Yes! Some of the best things to cook in an air fryer are fries, chicken nuggets, and fish sticks in an air fryer. They cook quickly and turn out crispy, and there’s no need to thaw them first which saves time.
Can you bake in an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake in an air fryer! Many air fryers even have a dedicated bake function, perfect for making cookies, muffins, and small cakes. It’s a quick and easy way to bake small batches without using a full oven.
Looking for More Air Fryer Recipes
If you love your air fryer as much as I do and want to try out even more of the best things to cook in an air fryer, you’re in luck! I’ve got you covered with lots of ideas to keep your meals fresh and fun.
Whether you’re looking for snack ideas, breakfast recipes, or just more everyday meals, check out these links for all things air fryer: Air Fryer Recipes, Air Fryer Snacks, and Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re short on time or want to try something different, these are some of the best things to cook in an air fryer to make mealtime fun.
The air fryer can handle it all—from crispy veggies to juicy meats and even your favorite snacks. It’s one of my favorite kitchen gadgets because it’s quick, simple, and easy to clean.
So grab your air fryer and give it a try! You’ll love making these best things to cook in an air fryer!
