What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer? A Complete Guide

What is an air fryer and why it matters

An air fryer is essentially a compact countertop convection oven. It circulates hot air around your food, creating a crisp exterior with far less oil than traditional frying. If you’ve ever asked, “what can you cook in an air fryer,” the answer is: almost anything that benefits from crunch and fast cooking. According to Cooking Tips, the appeal lies in speed, ease, and the ability to achieve that fried texture with a fraction of the oil. This makes it a versatile tool for weeknight dinners, weekend snacks, and kid-friendly meals. Expect quick preheating, adjustable temperatures, and simple cleanup that fit real life. As you gain confidence, you’ll start to rely on your air fryer for everything from crispy Brussels sprouts to reheated leftovers that taste freshly cooked.

How air fryers actually work

Air fryers heat with a fan-assisted element that blasts hot air around a metal basket. The result is a dramatic reduction in oil needed to achieve browning and crispiness. The principles are simple: hot air circulates rapidly, moisture escapes from the surface, and the Maillard reaction creates that desirable crust. Because the basket lifts food off the bottom, air can circulate all sides, which is how you get even color without submerging in oil. Start with a little oil (or none for certain items), keep the pieces uniform in size, and avoid overcrowding. Preheating isn’t mandatory for every recipe, but it does shave minutes off cook times and promote even browning. Budget-conscious cooks will appreciate that you can often achieve satisfying results with a light spray or toss of oil rather than deep frying.

What to cook first: easy staples

If you’re new to air frying, begin with forgiving, quick-cook staples. Start with frozen fries or sweet potato fries—they crisp quickly and teach you the rhythm of shaking the basket halfway through. Fresh vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli florets, and sliced zucchini gain a crisp edge with a light oil mist and a dash of salt. For protein, chicken tenders or boneless chicken thighs cook fast and stay juicy when not overcrowded. Fish fillets and shrimp can be done in under 10 minutes with breadcrumbs or a light batter. Reheating leftovers like fried chicken or pizza in the air fryer yields crisper crusts than the microwave. The Cooking Tips team often recommends testing small batches to dial in your preferred texture.

Creative ideas by category

• Vegetables: toss with a teaspoon of oil and your favorites (garlic powder, paprika, lemon zest) for a quick side dish.
• Potatoes: experiment with par-cooked wedges or cubes; the circulation yields a crisper exterior than pan-frying.
• Proteins: chicken, pork, and salmon can all be cooked to a tender finish with gentle seasoning.
• Seafood: shrimp and cod filets take minutes and stay moist with careful timing.
• Reheating: cold leftovers regain their crunch when warmed in a hot air fryer.
• Desserts: yes, you can even crisp fruit chips or mini muffins for a fun finish.

In short, the air fryer isn’t just for “frozen foods”—it’s a fast, forgiving tool for many kitchen tasks, and it scales well from casual weeknights to weekend experimentation.

Step-by-step quick recipes you can try this weekend

Recipe 1: Crispy Chicken Tenders (5-7 tenders)

1. Preheat to 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes.
2. Lightly coat tenders with oil and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Air fry 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Recipe 2: Crunchy Brussels Sprouts

1. Halve sprouts and toss with olive oil, salt, and a touch of balsamic.
2. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-14 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes.

Recipe 3: Crispy Fries (sweet potato or regular potatoes)

1. Cut into even sticks, toss with oil and your favorite spice blend.
2. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 14-16 minutes, shaking halfway.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Crowding is the enemy of crispness. If your basket is packed, air can’t circulate evenly, leaving soggy spots. Fix by cooking in batches or using a rack insert to separate pieces. Also, many people skip preheating, which adds 2–5 minutes to total cook time and can affect texture. Shake or flip foods halfway to promote even browning. Avoid heavy sauces that pool and steam; instead, apply sauces after cooking or use a light glaze that clings to the surface.

Maintenance and buying tips

Regular cleaning is essential to maintain performance. Wipe the exterior, remove and wash the basket, and check the heating element for oil buildup. Use a damp cloth to clean the interior after cooling, avoiding abrasive cleaners. When selecting an air fryer, consider capacity, wattage, and control options (manual dials vs. touchscreen). A slightly larger model reduces crowding on busy nights, while a compact unit fits small kitchens. Look for features like a removable basket, dishwasher-safe parts, and a simple cleaning routine to keep your gadget ready for the next experiment.

Quick-start checklist for new air fryer owners

• Decide on capacity: 3-5 qt for singles/couples, 5-7 qt for families, 7+ qt for batch cooking.
• Check wattage and preheat needs; know your target temperatures.
• Prep food uniformly; dry surfaces for better browning.
• Use a light oil or no oil depending on the recipe.
• Shake or flip midway; avoid overcrowding.
• Clean after every use and inspect seals and baskets regularly.

How to choose your air fryer and accessories

Think about space, budget, and how you’ll use it. If you want oven-like versatility, an air fryer oven model with multiple racks can replace several kitchen gadgets. Accessories like a baking pan, grill rack, and silicone mats expand what you can do, from muffins to reheat experiments. If you’re new, start with a mid-size unit and add accessories as you grow more confident. As always, follow safety guidelines and avoid overfilling the basket to promote even browning and consistent results.