The air fryer has become a kitchen MVP, thanks to its ability to whip up crispy, delicious dishes with less oil. But did you know it’s not just for fries and chicken wings?
Here are 20 surprising foods you can make in your air fryer, along with easy recipes to get you started.
1. Baked Potatoes
Skip the oven and make perfectly crispy baked potatoes in your air fryer. Poke a few holes in the potatoes, rub them with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Cook at 390°F for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through, then load them up with your favorite toppings.
2. Burgers
Get juicy burgers without firing up the grill. Season your patties with salt and pepper, air-fry at 375°F for six minutes per side, and add cheese during the last minute. Toast the buns in the fryer for a restaurant-quality finish.
3. Chicken Parmesan
For a healthier twist on this Italian classic, bread your chicken cutlets with breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Air-fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, flip, then add marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese before cooking for another 3-4 minutes. Serve with a side of spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
4. Lava Cake
Indulge in gooey chocolate lava cake without turning on your oven. Prepare a typical lava cake batter and pour it into greased ramekins. Air-fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set and the center is still soft—then dig in!
5. Cinnamon Rolls
Make store-bought cinnamon rolls even better in your air fryer. Arrange them in the basket and cook at 350°F for 8-9 minutes. Drizzle with icing and enjoy warm, gooey perfection.
6. Cookies
Craving a cookie? Air-fry small scoops of dough at 350°F for 5-6 minutes. This method is perfect for making just a few cookies when a full batch feels like overkill.
7. Croutons
Turn stale bread into crunchy croutons in no time. Cube the bread, toss it with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and air-fry at 375°F for 5 minutes. They’ll add the perfect crunch to soups and salads.
8. Donuts
Skip the deep fryer and make fluffy donuts in your air fryer. Use store-bought biscuit dough, cut out the centers, and cook at 375°F for 5-6 minutes. Then dip them in melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
9. Cupcakes
Need a quick dessert? Pour cake batter into silicone cups and air-fry at 320°F for 10-12 minutes. Let them cool, then frost to your heart’s content.
10. Mozzarella Sticks
Make gooey mozzarella sticks at home by breading cheese sticks and freezing them first. Air-fry at 390°F for 6-7 minutes until golden and melty. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
11. French Toast
Breakfast just got easier! Dip bread slices into an egg mixture, sprinkle with cinnamon, and air-fry at 375°F for 8 minutes. You could even cut them up into French toast sticks! They’re crispy, delicious, and perfect for dipping in syrup.
12. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Believe it or not, you can hard-boil eggs in your air fryer (though technically they’re not boiled, and “fried eggs” would be a confusing way to refer to them). Cook them at 270°F for 15 minutes, then plunge into an ice bath. They’re easy to peel and perfect every time.
13. Roasted Chickpeas
For a healthy snack, toss canned chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and spices. Air-fry at 375°F for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and incredibly addictive.
14. Brussels Sprouts
Make crispy Brussels sprouts by halving them, tossing with olive oil and seasoning, and air-frying at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. Add a splash of balsamic glaze for extra flavor. Even Brussels skeptics will be converted.
15. Shrimp
Get perfectly cooked shrimp in minutes by tossing them in olive oil, garlic, and your favorite spices. Air-fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes. Serve with a squeeze of lemon or a side of cocktail sauce.
16. Pizza
Yes, you can make pizza in an air fryer! Use a small tortilla or naan as the base, add sauce, cheese, and toppings, then air-fry at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. It’s a quick and crispy personal pizza.
Read More: Best Instant Pots: Amazon Buyer’s Guide
17. Sweet Potato Fries
Cut sweet potatoes into thin sticks, toss with olive oil and seasoning, and air-fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. Dip them in garlic aioli for a treat.
Read More: We Know You’re Going to the Pumpkin Patch. Here’s Why You Should Just Own It
18. Stuffed Peppers
Stuff bell peppers with a mixture of cooked rice, ground beef, and marinara sauce. Air-fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, adding cheese in the last few minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying dinner option.
Read More: The 10 Healthiest Cooking Oils (and 5 to NEVER Use)
19. Apple Chips
Thinly slice apples, sprinkle with cinnamon, and air-fry at 300°F for 15 minutes. These crispy, sweet chips are a great alternative to packaged snacks. Store them in an airtight container for later—if they last that long.
Read More: Holiday Recovery Recipes: 10 Simple Meals to Soothe Your Gut
20. Bacon
Get perfectly crispy bacon without the grease splatter. Lay strips in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. It’s a game-changer for breakfast prep.
With these creative air fryer recipes, you can expand your culinary repertoire and make delicious meals and snacks with ease. Happy air frying!
Read More: 10 TikTok Cleaning Hacks You Should Try