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What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer

  • By: Kitchen Informant
  • Date: January 23, 2024

What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?


What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer? Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance in recent years due to their ability to create crispy, fried foods using little to no oil.

If you’ve recently purchased an air fryer or are considering getting one, you may be wondering what you can cook in it. Here are some things you can cook in an air fryer:

Fried chicken and french fries on a gray plate.

1. French fries

Air fryers are great for making homemade French fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Simply cut potatoes into wedges or strips, toss with oil, and air fry for about 15-20 minutes.

2. Chicken wings

A pile of Buffalo wings on a piece of parchment paper. a celery stick next to it.

Whether you prefer traditional buffalo wings or a sweeter Asian-style glaze, air fryers are a great way to cook up crispy chicken wings.

3. Chicken tenders

Coat chicken tenders in your favorite breading and air fry until they are cooked through and crispy.

4. Chicken nuggets

Make your own healthier version of chicken nuggets by cutting chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, coating in breading, and air frying.

5. Fried chicken

A pile of fried chicken on a wooden cutting board.

For a healthier version of fried chicken, coat chicken pieces in your favorite breading and air fry until crispy and cooked through.

6. Pork chops

Season pork chops with your favorite rub or marinade and air fry until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

7. Steak

Air fryers can be used to cook a variety of steaks, including ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon. Simply season your steak and air fry for a few minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.

8. Fish

Whether you prefer cod, tilapia, or salmon, air fryers are great for cooking fish. Simply coat the fish in your favorite breading or seasoning and air fry until it is cooked through.

9. Shrimp

Air fryers are great for cooking perfectly crispy and juicy shrimp. Simply toss the shrimp in a little oil and your favorite seasoning, and air fry for a few minutes until they are cooked through.

10. Vegetables

A variety of air fried vegetables on a sheet pan.

Air fryers are great for cooking a variety of vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes. Simply toss the vegetables in a little oil and your favorite seasoning, and air fry until they are tender and caramelized.

11. Tofu

For a crispy, protein-packed vegan option, try air frying tofu. Simply press the tofu to remove excess moisture, coat in breading or seasoning, and air fry until crispy.

12. Falafel

Make your own falafel at home by shaping chickpea mixture into balls or patties and air frying until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

13. Mozzarella sticks

For a quick and easy snack, try air frying frozen mozzarella sticks until they are crispy and the cheese is melted.

14. Egg rolls

4 egg rolls piled on a dark plate.

Air fryers are great for cooking frozen or homemade egg rolls until they are crispy and the filling is hot.

15. Spring rolls

Similar to egg rolls, air fryers can also be used to cook spring rolls until they are crispy and the filling is hot.

16. Empanadas

Whether you make your own empanadas or use store-bought frozen ones, air fryers are great for cooking these savory pastries until they are crispy and the filling is hot.

17. Samosas

Samosas in a bowl lined with white paper.

Similar to empanadas and spring rolls, air fryers are great for cooking samosas until they are crispy and the filling is hot.

18. Pizza rolls

For a quick and easy snack, try air frying frozen pizza rolls until they are crispy and the cheese is melted.

19. Quesadillas

Air fryers are great for cooking quesadillas until the tortillas are crispy and the filling is hot and melty.

20. Grilled cheese

Instead of using a stovetop griddle or pan, try making grilled cheese in an air fryer for a quick and easy snack.

21. Zucchini fries

Zucchini fries can also be made in an air fryer by slicing zucchini into wedges and coating in breading or seasoning before air frying.

22. Fried Pickles

For a unique snack, try air frying pickle slices until they are crispy and slightly caramelized.

23. Pork belly

For a crispy and tender pork belly, try air frying slices of pork belly until they are cooked through and caramelized.

24. Bacon

Air fryers are great for cooking bacon until it is crispy and the fat is rendered.

25. Churros

Churros wrapped in newspaper, on a slate surface that is sprinkled with powdered sugar.

For a sweet treat, try air frying churros until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

26. Donuts

Similar to churros, air fryers are great for cooking donuts until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

27. Wontons

Air fryers are great for cooking wontons until they are crispy and the filling is hot.

28. Gyoza

Similar to wontons, air fryers are also great for cooking gyoza until they are crispy and the filling is hot.

29. Onion Rings

Onion rings are a deliciously crispy and savory snack, made by coating slices of onion in batter or breadcrumbs and deep-frying them. They’re a great addition to any meal or as a standalone snack, and can be enjoyed with a variety of dips and sauces.

30. Calzones

Air fryers are great for cooking calzones until the dough is crispy and the filling is hot.

31. Stuffed mushrooms

4 stuffed mushrooms on a white plate.

Similar to stuffed peppers, air fryers are also great for cooking stuffed mushrooms until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is hot.

32. Artichokes

For a quick and easy way to cook artichokes, try air frying them until they are tender and slightly caramelized.

33. Okra

Air fryers are great for cooking okra until it is crispy and tender.

34. Eggplant

For a quick and easy way to cook eggplant, try slicing it into rounds or wedges and air frying until it is tender and caramelized.

35. Zucchini

Similar to eggplant, zucchini can also be sliced and air fried until it is tender and caramelized.

36. Squash

Air fryers are great for cooking a variety of squash, including butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash.

37. Potatoes

Air fryers are great for cooking a variety of potatoes, including sweet potatoes, white potatoes, and purple potatoes.

38. Carrots

For a quick and easy way to cook carrots, try slicing them and air frying until they are tender and caramelized.

39. Parsnips

Parsnip fries in a pile on a white paper.

Similar to carrots, parsnips can also be sliced and air fried until they are tender and caramelized.

40. Turnips

Air fryers are great for cooking turnips until they are tender and slightly caramelized


As you can see, there are many delicious and diverse things you can cook in an air fryer.

From protein-packed main dishes to tasty snacks and side dishes, the possibilities are endless.

Whether you are a beginner cook or an experienced home chef, an air fryer is a versatile and convenient appliance to have in the kitchen.

Graphic for Pinterest of What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer.