17 Foods That Turn Out Great in an Air Fryer
An air fryer is best for foods that crisp: frozen fries and nuggets, chicken wings, bacon, roasted vegetables, salmon, and reheated leftovers like pizza. It also handles small cuts of meat and some baked goods. Avoid wet batters, large roasts, and anything with loose light coatings that blow around in the fan.
Once an air fryer lands on your counter, the first question is always the same: what do you actually cook in it? The short answer is anything you want crispy, browned, or reheated without going soggy.
Here is a practical map of what works, organized so you can start tonight, plus the handful of foods that are better left to other appliances.
The easiest place to start: frozen foods
Frozen foods are what convert most people. They come out crispier than in the oven and far faster, with no oil needed.
- French fries, sweet potato fries, and tater tots
- Chicken nuggets, tenders, and fish fillets
- Spring rolls, samosas, and mozzarella sticks
- Frozen dumplings and pizza rolls
Shake the basket halfway through and keep everything in a single layer for the best crunch.
Vegetables that roast beautifully
The air fryer is a fantastic vegetable roaster. Toss pieces in a little oil, season, and cook until the edges char.
- Broccoli and cauliflower florets
- Brussels sprouts, halved
- Baby potatoes and potato wedges
- Bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, and green beans
- Chickpeas, for a crunchy snack
Cut everything to a similar size so it cooks evenly, and do not skip the light coat of oil, which is what gets those crisp, caramelized edges.
Proteins it cooks well
Small and medium cuts of protein are where the air fryer earns its keep on weeknights.
- Chicken wings and drumsticks come out crisp outside and juicy inside.
- Salmon and other fish fillets cook in under fifteen minutes.
- Boneless chicken breasts and thighs stay moist if you do not overcook them.
- Bacon crisps fast, just add water to the drawer to control smoke, a trick explained in our guide to common air fryer problems.
- Steak, pork chops, and meatballs work well in smaller portions.
Reheating leftovers, the underrated use
If you only used your air fryer for reheating, it would still earn its space. Unlike a microwave, it brings back crispness.
- Day-old pizza turns crisp again in a few minutes.
- Fried chicken, fries, and spring rolls revive beautifully.
- Roast potatoes and pastries crisp back up without drying out.
This one habit is a big part of why so many owners conclude an air fryer is worth it.
Snacks and even a few desserts
Beyond mains, the air fryer handles quick snacks and simple sweets.
- Roasted nuts and crispy chickpeas
- Kale chips and homemade potato chips
- Cookies and small batches of brownies in an oven-safe dish
- Baked apples, and doughnuts made from refrigerated dough
Use a small oven-safe pan or silicone mold for anything batter-based so it does not drip through the basket.
What not to cook in an air fryer
Knowing the limits saves you a mess.
- Wet batters, like traditional fried chicken batter, drip everywhere before they set. Use breadcrumb coatings instead.
- Large roasts and whole birds that do not fit with room for airflow.
- Loose, light foods like plain leafy greens or grated cheese, which blow into the element unless weighed down.
- Rice, pasta, and anything that needs to cook in liquid.
Work within those limits and the air fryer becomes one of the busiest tools in the kitchen. To keep it performing after all that cooking, follow our routine for how to clean an air fryer, and for more meal inspiration browse the Home & Kitchen guides. When it is time to upgrade, our best air fryers roundup is the place to start.
Ready to pick one?
The right basket size makes every one of these recipes easier.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best thing to cook in an air fryer?
Frozen fries and chicken wings are the classic wins, crisp outside and quick to make. Roasted vegetables and reheated leftovers are close behind. Anything you want crispy with little oil is a strong candidate.
Can you cook raw meat in an air fryer?
Yes. Chicken, fish, steak, pork chops, and meatballs all cook well in small to medium portions. Use a thermometer to confirm it reaches a safe internal temperature, since sizes and models vary.
Can you put foil or parchment in an air fryer?
Yes, in moderation. Use them to line the basket for easy cleanup, but do not cover all the holes, which would block airflow, and always weigh parchment down with food so it does not fly into the element.
Can you bake in an air fryer?
You can bake small batches of cookies, brownies, and muffins in an oven-safe dish or silicone mold. It works like a small convection oven, though capacity limits how much you can make at once.
What should you not cook in an air fryer?
Avoid wet batters that drip before setting, large roasts that block airflow, loose light foods like plain greens that blow around, and anything that needs to simmer in liquid such as rice or pasta.
Do I need to preheat an air fryer?
Preheating for a few minutes helps food crisp on contact and is worth it for fries and proteins. Some models heat fast enough that it barely matters, but for the crispiest results a short preheat helps.
Can I reheat pizza in an air fryer?
Yes, and it is one of the best uses. A few minutes at a moderate temperature crisps the base and melts the cheese without the sogginess a microwave leaves behind.
Dana Whitfield
Dana spent eight years buying and merchandising for a regional kitchenware retailer before moving into editorial work. She has handled thousands of SKUs across cookware, small appliances and kitchen organization, and focuses on the practical differences that matter once a product is actually in daily use.
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