Air Fryer Magic: What Can You Cook?

Air fryers are a countertop kitchen appliance that circulates hot air at a very high speed, similar to a convection oven. They give food a crispy, fried texture and golden-brown color without deep-frying. You can make practically anything that you would fry in an air fryer, from chicken wings and potato chips to chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon rolls.

However, there are some foods that are better cooked using other methods. Battered foods, cake doughnuts, large whole chickens, bacon, leafy greens, and raw rice and grains are some of the foods that are not suitable for air frying.

Overall, air fryers are a versatile and healthy alternative to deep-frying, and with a bit of experimentation, you can cook almost anything in them.

Breakfast foods

Air fryers are a great way to make a variety of breakfast foods, from savoury to sweet options. Here are some ideas for breakfast foods that can be made in an air fryer:

Savoury Breakfast Options

• Hash Browns: The air fryer makes hash browns crispy all over, and frees up the stove for making omelettes or other egg dishes.
• Scotch Eggs: A UK dish of hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage and deep-fried. The air fryer version uses crushed cornflakes to create a crisp exterior.
• Sausage Bacon Bites: A combination of breakfast proteins, with juicy sausage chunks inside crispy bacon.
• Eggs Lorraine: Richly flavoured with sour cream and Swiss cheese, these egg gratins use Canadian bacon as their base instead of a crust.
• Sausage Patties: Juicy pork sausage rounds that can be frozen and then popped into the air fryer whenever needed for a quick breakfast protein.
• Broccoli Quiche Cups: Mini broccoli and jack cheese quiches that are impressive looking on a brunch or breakfast table, and can be made in the air fryer in just 15 minutes.
• Bacon Egg Cups: Fun breakfast gratins with bacon-lined custard cups filled with scrambled eggs and a whole egg, cheddar, and green onions.
• Ham and Egg Pockets: Savoury breakfast pockets packed with fluffy scrambled eggs, ham, and cheese, which can be served on-the-go or as part of an elegant brunch.
• French Toast Cups: Sweet-tart raspberries, dots of cream cheese, and a touch of maple syrup make these pretty little French toast cups irresistible. Baking them in the air fryer ensures that the tops become crisp, giving way to the custard layer below.
• Breakfast Cookies: Packed with fruits, oats, and whole wheat flour, these are every bit as nourishing as a bowl of oatmeal, with the added benefit of being a grab-and-go option for busy mornings.
• Puff Pastry Danishes: Your favourite jam meets cream cheese in this simple but delicious homemade air fryer pastry.
• Toad-in-the-Hole: A cousin to pigs in a blanket, this breakfast casserole incorporates your favourite breakfast sausages into a puffy batter that's baked in an air fryer.
• Spinach, Roasted Red Pepper, and Goat Cheese Omelet: A veggie-packed omelet that highlights the versatility of the air fryer.
• Sausage: Air fryers are great for making sausage, which can be served on its own or as part of a breakfast sandwich.
• Bacon: While not the best option due to the mess it creates, bacon can be cooked in an air fryer for an extra crispy texture.
• Avocado Toast: Air fryers can even be used to make avocado toast, a breakfast classic.

Sweet Breakfast Options

• Apple Fritters: The air fryer gives these fritters an extra crispy texture, and they can be served with an easy-peasy browned butter glaze.
• French Toast Sticks: Buttery Texas toast pieces are soaked in a simple vanilla-infused egg custard and rolled in crushed cornflakes to make crispy French toast.
• Cinnamon Rolls: Air fryers can be used to make delicious cinnamon rolls, with a crispy, sugary coating.
• Baked Goods: Air fryers are great for reheating baked goods, giving them that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste and texture.
• Churros: Making churros in an air fryer takes them from a guilty treat to a sweet treat.
• Apple Pie "Baked" Apples: A vegan option that can be made in the air fryer.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: A gluten-free cookie option that can be made in the air fryer.
• Crescent Breakfast Pockets: Homemade breakfast pockets made with refrigerated crescent rolls and ready in about 20 minutes.
• Mini Breakfast Burritos: Air-fried burritos featuring browned Mexican-style chorizo, diced potatoes, onions, serrano peppers, and eggs wrapped in flour tortillas.
• Apple Fritters: Yummy apple fritters that can be made in under 30 minutes with the help of an air fryer.

Appetizers and snacks

Air fryers are a great way to make appetizers and snacks healthier, as they require little to no oil. Here are some ideas for appetizers and snacks that can be made in an air fryer:

Appetizers

• Mozzarella sticks are a classic appetizer and can be made entirely from kitchen staples.
• Jalapeño poppers are the perfect game-day snack.
• Chicken wings are some of the crispiest, juiciest wings you'll have outside a restaurant, and they take under an hour to cook.
• Onion rings are a classic example of how breading can transform a few humble ingredients into a fun and impressive appetizer.
• Chicken tenders will come out perfectly crispy in the air fryer. Don't forget your favourite dipping sauce!
• Mini calzones are a perfect party snack and can be filled with cheese and pepperoni.
• Blooming onion is an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that's sure to get devoured in record time.
• Tater tots taste just like the ones from your favourite burger joint.
• Avocado fries are tasty, filling, and loaded with healthy fats. Serve with salsa, pico de gallo, or spicy ranch dressing for dipping.
• Egg rolls — make restaurant-quality egg rolls at home using bagged coleslaw mix, frozen chopped spinach, and a bottle of Chinese barbecue sauce.
• Ravioli — fried ravioli is usually an unhealthy appetizer, but when cooked in the air fryer, it becomes a lighter snack with the same great flavours.
• Taquitos — keep the corn tortillas from cracking by warming them in the microwave first. Fill them with seasoned ground beef and serve with salsa for a simple snack.
• Crab Rangoon — don't order takeout, make crab Rangoon at home with fresh crabmeat and store-bought wonton wrappers.
• Samosas — this takeout favourite is easy to make at home with the help of an air fryer.
• Arancini — this healthier version uses quinoa instead of rice and only requires a fraction of the oil.
• Crab cakes — get the perfect crispy texture without oil-logged cakes.
• Beef Wellington wontons — a package of store-bought wonton wrappers makes these appetizers quick and easy, even on a weeknight.
• Quinoa arancini — a healthier choice that uses quinoa and only requires a fraction of the oil.
• Mini chimichangas — this recipe feeds a crowd and any leftovers can be frozen and reheated in the air fryer.
• Coconut shrimp — shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs make this appetizer irresistible.
• Crab au gratin spread — a warm, comforting appetizer that's easy to whip up with convenient canned crab.
• Garlic Parmesan chicken skewers — crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these skewers are ready in just 30 minutes.
• Spinach, roasted red pepper, and goat cheese omelette — this veggie-packed omelette can be customised with your favourite fillings.
• Korean-inspired pork tenderloin lettuce wraps — pork tenderloin is the perfect vehicle for a spicy-sweet sauce in these wraps, which can also be served as a rice bowl.
• Cauliflower tacos — get extra crispy "fried" cauliflower without the oil. This recipe is the vegan version of fish tacos.
• Beef and broccoli — this classic Chinese-American dish is ready in just 30 minutes, so it might be faster than takeout!
• Chicken Parmesan — achieve crispy golden chicken without using any oil.
• Chicken skewers — dripping with a buttery sauce made from fresh summer herbs, nutty Parmesan, and punchy garlic, these skewers are super crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
• Chicken garlic bread — a delicious and crunchy dish suitable for the entire family.
• Chicken garlic knots — combine fragrant garlic and cheesy Parmesan into irresistible bread bites. They're done in 15 minutes without heating up the kitchen!
• Chicken garlic parmesan twists — an impressive appetizer that's really simple thanks to store-bought puff pastry.
• Chicken garlic parmesan wings — crispy, delicious, and ready in 45 minutes.
• Chicken lemon pepper wings — crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these wings are coated in a lemon pepper honey sauce for extra flavour.
• Chicken buffalo sauce — a delicious appetizer that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It's even healthy on a low-carb keto diet.
• Chicken BBQ sauce — these 3-ingredient wings are so easy! The dry rub adds flavour, and the air fryer cooks them to perfection.
• Chicken boneless wings — perfect for a quick and delicious busy weeknight dinner. Use fresh or frozen chicken, toss with your favourite sauce, and enjoy!
• Chicken buffalo tenders — sauce cooked right into the chicken! When you don't dip, the breading stays perfectly crispy.
• Chicken buffalo meatballs — a way to level up your appetizers.
• Chicken buffalo chicken egg rolls — combine spicy buffalo chicken with crispy egg rolls.
• Chicken fried chicken — flawless buttermilk fried chicken with crunchy skin and a cracker-crisp coating.
• Chicken Nashville hot chicken — almost better than the original, this recipe is a game day favourite.
• Chicken fiesta fingers — these chicken fingers are as good as the ones from a fast-food restaurant, and you can serve them with your favourite dipping sauce.
• Chicken taquitos — perfect for game days, tasty snacking, and even busy weeknight dinners. They're a quick and easy way to use up leftover chicken.
• Chicken potato skins — a soft, fluffy filling topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, and green onions. Dip into sour cream for extra flavour.
• Chicken popcorn — the easiest way to make everyone's favourite movie night treat!
• Chicken loaded pub fries — French fries topped with bacon crumbles, jalapeños, and melted cheddar cheese.
• Chicken pigs in a blanket — juicy lil smokies wrapped in golden crescent roll dough.
• Chicken bacon-wrapped jalapenos — roasted jalapenos filled with cream cheese and wrapped in thinly sliced bacon.
• Chicken bacon-wrapped asparagus — crispy bacon pairs perfectly with tender asparagus.
• Chicken bacon-wrapped tater tot bombs — tater tots and bacon pair together in this easy appetizer.
• Chicken coconut shrimp — shrimp coated in shredded coconut for a delicious appetizer.
• Chicken shishito peppers — charred, crispy, and filled with flavour, it's the best app ever!
• Chicken paneer — an elegant and delicious appetizer.
• Chicken Korean-style BBQ wings — make the perfect appetizer and snack.
• Chicken spring rolls — easy to make at home, with a sweet chilli sauce.
• Chicken fried shrimp — panko-crusted shrimp that only takes 10 minutes to cook.
• Chicken fried okra — this Southern favourite takes almost no time to cook!
• Chicken fried pickles — the tangy, crunchy bites are best served hot with ranch dressing for dipping.
• Chicken fried French fries — a basket of these fries is always a good idea.
• Chicken fried sweet potato fries — a healthy appetizer that's still tasty.
• Chicken tortilla chips — crispy, crunchy, and homemade, these chips will take your Mexican-inspired meals to the next level.
• Chicken potato chips — healthier than regular potato chips and easy to make at home.
• Chicken potato pancakes — irresistibly crispy and a perfect complement to any meal.
• Chicken potato wedges — Old Bay seasoning is the star of this crispy recipe.
• Chicken zucchini fries — a healthy alternative to classic fries.
• Chicken zucchini chips — coated in breadcrumbs and quickly made using an air fryer.
• Chicken avocado fries — served with an easy dipping sauce that complements this recipe.
• Chicken green bean fries — a crowd-pleaser that will get your family to eat their veggies!
• Chicken mac and cheese bites — crispy, golden, and full of melty cheese.
• Chicken loaded tater tots — a delicious snack that keeps you eating.
• Chicken stuffed mushrooms — hearty and filling, with Italian sausage and cheese.
• Chicken shishito peppers with lemon aioli — appetizers don't need to be junk food! Try these peppers dipped in aioli.
• Chicken cinnamon sugar dessert fries — a sweet appetizer that proves not all appetizers need to be savoury.
• Chicken bow tie pasta chips — a unique way to enjoy pasta as an appetizer.
• Chicken cheese curds — the ultimate appetizer! Piping hot and served with your favourite dipping sauce.
• Chicken garlic bread — easy to make and delicious.
• Chicken garlic knots — combine garlic and Parmesan into irresistible bread bites.
• Chicken garlic parmesan twists — an impressive appetizer that's deceptively simple.
• Falafel — a healthy snack that's vegetarian-friendly and packed with protein.
• Hot pockets — easy to make at home with crescent dough.
• Pizza puffs — a homemade bowl of pizza puffs, complete with warm marinara dipping sauce.
• Sausage bacon bites — an irresistible appetizer that only requires three ingredients.
• Beef meatballs — juicy, tender, and can be used in so many ways!
• Beef meatball sliders — pile them onto mini slider rolls for a hit at any party.
• Beef Wellington wontons — a package of store-bought wonton wrappers makes these appetizers quick and easy.
• Beef taquitos — a simple snack with a crispy tortilla and hot filling.
• Beef fried rice — works better with day-old grains, but this recipe also works with packaged cooked brown rice.
• Beef crab cakes — classic crab cakes with a spicy kick.
• Beef crab au gratin spread — a warm, comforting appetizer that's easy to make.
• Beef bacon-wrapped shrimp — the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Serve as an appetizer or main course!
• Beef bacon-wrapped asparagus — crispy bacon pairs perfectly with tender asparagus.
• Beef bacon-wrapped tater tot bombs — tater tots and bacon pair together in this heavenly appetizer.
• Beef coconut shrimp — shrimp coated in shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
• Beef cinnamon almonds — a spectacular treat to take to a party or gathering.
• Beef peanut butter cookies — soft, chewy, and made with only three ingredients.
• Beef roasted green beans — it's never a chore to eat your veggies when they're crunchy and flavorful.
• Beef pepper poppers — spicy, creamy, and homemade. Serve with sour cream, ranch dressing, or French onion dip to cut the heat.
• Beef tortilla chips — store-bought tortillas turned into crispy, crunchy chips.
• Beef pizza — mini pizza pies made with refrigerated biscuits. Get creative with the toppings!
• Beef chimichangas — a recipe that feeds a crowd, and any leftovers can be frozen and reheated.
• Beef mashed potato balls — a simple way to turn mashed potatoes into an appetizer.
• Tofu — the air fryer creates amazing crisp edges that make fried tofu so delicious, but there’s no actual frying required.
• Tofu buffalo bites — a crispy, spicy snack for vegetarians or anyone who loves a good spicy snack!
• Tofu nuggets with smoky broccoli — an easy family dinner and the ultimate choice for meatless Mondays.
• Tofu spring rolls — a plant-based option that's easy to make at home, with a sweet chilli sauce.
• Tofu shishito peppers — charred, crispy, and filled with flavour.
• Tofu paneer — an elegant and delicious appetizer.
• Tofu crab Rangoon — crispy on the outside, super creamy on the inside, and easier to make than you think!
• Tofu pumpkin seeds — a homemade pumpkin seed snack is already pretty easy, but using an air fryer makes it a breeze.
• Chickpeas — turn the can of chickpeas in your pantry into a party-worthy appetizer with a dash of lime and some spices.
• Chickpea spring rolls — these crunchy, crunchy, and satisfying spring rolls can be frozen and cooked from frozen in the air fryer.
• Chickpea cinnamon sugar almonds — a crunchy treat to take to a party or gathering.
• Chickpea peanut butter cookies — made with only six ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand!
• Chickpea tortilla chips — turn store-bought tortillas into crispy, restaurant-style chips.
• Chickpea sweet potato chips — give your sweet potato slices a quick soak in cold water to help remove excess starch.
• Chickpea kale chips — delicious and super healthy, but a bit more fragile than your usual potato chips.
• Chickpea pumpkin seeds — a homemade snack that's already pretty easy, but an air fryer makes it even simpler.
• Chickpea cinnamon almonds — a crunchy treat to take to a party, and easy to replenish your stash.

Snacks

• French fries — the secret to super-crispy French fries is air frying! They're healthier and taste better than anything you'd get in a restaurant.
• Sweet potato fries — you don't need to visit your local bistro to get crispy, caramelised sweet potato fries.
• Calamari — cook quickly at high heat to ensure it doesn't overcook and become tough and rubbery.
• Bacon — while it technically works, the air fryer is not the best piece of equipment for cooking bacon, as the hot air causes the bacon fat to spray everywhere.
• Tortilla chips — turn store-bought tortillas into crispy, crunchy chips.
• Potato chips — nothing beats eating a warm, crispy chip baked from scratch. Slice them as thinly as possible and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
• Plantains — a healthier version of a deep-fried snack.
• Pizza — a delicious and crunchy dish suitable for the entire family.
• Pigs in a blanket — juicy lil smokies wrapped in golden crescent roll dough.
• Hot pockets — easy to make at home with crescent dough.
• Pretzel bites — a supermarket hack to make pretzel bites at home using store-bought pizza dough.
• Meatballs — a great game-day snack.
• Egg rolls — combine spicy buffalo chicken with crispy egg rolls.
• Zucchini fries — a healthy alternative to French fries.
• Pizzas — mini pizza pies made with refrigerated biscuits. Get creative with the toppings!
• Pork chops — cooking them in an air fryer ensures the outside crisps slightly while the inside stays nice and juicy.
• Orange chicken — air frying saves a ton of calories and fat.
• Drumsticks — get the chicken slightly crispy and perfectly tender, then use the reserved marinade to make a sticky, sweet sauce.
• Primavera roasted vegetables — a summery side that's great with grilled seafood or chicken.
• Fried brown rice — works better with day-old grains, but this recipe also works with packaged cooked brown rice.
• Fried shrimp — panko-crusted shrimp that only takes 10 minutes to cook.
• Fried okra — this Southern favourite takes almost no time to cook!
• Fried pickles — drain off any excess liquid and pat the pickles dry to ensure maximum crunch.
• Fried sweet potato chips — the best part is that you can customise the spices to give them a sweet, salty, or spicy kick.
• Fried kale chips — delicious and super healthy, but a bit more fragile than your usual potato chips.
• Fried crab cakes — get the perfect crispy texture without oil-logged cakes.
• Fried coconut shrimp — panko crumbs give this spicy shrimp its crunch.
• Fried chicken — flawless buttermilk fried chicken with crunchy skin and a cracker-crisp coating.
• Fried Nashville hot chicken — almost better than the original, this recipe is a game day favourite.
• Fried buffalo chicken tenders — sauce cooked right into the chicken! When you don't dip, the breading stays perfectly crispy.
• Fried popcorn shrimp — crispy perfection without any added oil.
• Fried jalapeno poppers — crispy breading and molten cheese make them irresistible.
• Fried green bean fries — a crowd-pleaser that will get your family to eat their veggies!
• Fried waffle fries — they're ready in just 10 minutes!
• Fried onion rings — crispy perfection, ready in less than 30 minutes.
• Fried tortilla chips — crispy, crunchy, and homemade, these chips will take your Mexican-inspired meals to the next level.
• Fried potato chips — healthier than regular potato chips and easy to make at home.
• Fried potato pancakes — irresistibly crispy and a perfect complement to any meal.
• Fried potato skins — a soft, fluffy filling topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, and green onions.
• Fried potato wedges — Old Bay seasoning is the star of this crispy recipe.
• Fried zucchini fries — a healthy alternative to classic fries.
• Fried zucchini chips — coated in breadcrumbs and quickly made using an air fryer.
• Fried avocado fries — served with an easy dipping sauce that complements this recipe.
• Fried green bean fries — a crowd-pleaser that will get your family to eat their veggies

Proteins

Air fryers are a great way to cook proteins, from meat to fish, and even tofu. They can cook food from frozen, and are also great for reheating meals.

Meat

Air fryers are great for cooking meat, including chicken, steak, pork, and meatballs. Chicken drumsticks, wings, and breaded tenders can all be cooked in an air fryer. For chicken breasts, thighs, and cutlets, a crispy, golden-brown exterior can be achieved without the use of oil. Chicken can also be marinated in buttermilk and dredged in breadcrumbs for a crispy finish. For a healthy, low-calorie meal, chicken can be served with a side salad.

Steak can be cooked from frozen, and an air fryer can mimic the flame-cooking flavour of a steakhouse by searing the outside, while maintaining a juicy, medium-rare interior.

Pork chops can be cooked in an air fryer, and are a good, low-calorie, high-protein option. Breaded pork chops can be cooked with minimal oil, and served with roasted vegetables. Pork tenderloin is another option, and can be served with a sweet and tangy rub.

Meatballs can be cooked from frozen, and only require a light coating of oil.

Fish

Fish is another food group that works well in an air fryer. Salmon, shrimp, cod, and sea bass are all options. Salmon can be cooked in around 10 minutes, and can be served with a horseradish rub, or an orange glaze with avocado salsa. Shrimp cooks quickly, and can be tossed in olive oil, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and served with pasta, tacos, or dipped into cocktail sauce or aioli.

White fish, such as cod, can be cooked in a similar way to salmon, with adjustments made to the timing depending on the thickness and density of the fillet.

Sea bass can be crusted with pistachios and panko for a nutty, crunchy exterior, and served with grains and salad.

Other proteins

Tofu is another protein that can be cooked in an air fryer.

Cooking from frozen

Many proteins can be cooked from frozen in an air fryer, including salmon, shrimp, steak, pork chops, chicken thighs, and meatballs. This is a good option if you forget to defrost your meat, and it only requires a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Vegetables

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables. They're quick, easy, and produce a delicious, healthy side dish with a nice bite and a little char. You can use any combination of vegetables, but some good options include bell peppers, onions, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans.

To get started, preheat your air fryer to between 360–400 °F (180–204 °C). While that’s warming up, add your chosen vegetables to a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil and your choice of dry spices or seasonings. Toss everything together to ensure the vegetables are well coated.

Once the air fryer is preheated, spray the basket insert with some nonstick cooking spray and add your vegetables. Cook for 8–15 minutes, or until tender, tossing halfway through.

Air fryer vegetables go well with grated parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice. They're a great, healthy side dish to almost any meal and can be adapted to suit your taste!

Desserts

Air fryers are a great way to make desserts, from cakes and cookies to fruit-based treats and chocolatey delights.

For a quick and easy dessert, try making chocolate chip cookies. The air fryer gives them a crispy exterior and a gooey interior. You can also make brownies in your air fryer, which will be crispy on top and soft in the middle. If you're after something fruity, try air-fried Oreos, apple fritters, or apple Danish pastries.

If you're looking for something more indulgent, try air-fried churros, which come out crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. You can also make chocolate cupcakes, banana bread, or even a cheesecake in your air fryer.

For a fun twist on a classic, try making s'mores in your air fryer. You can also get creative and experiment with different ingredients. For example, you can make fried cookies by battering Oreos and frying them in the air fryer, or try air-frying croissant and cookie dough combinations.

The possibilities for dessert-making in an air fryer are endless, so get creative and enjoy some sweet treats!

Frequently asked questions