What to Cook in an Air Fryer: The 2026 Guide
Master air fryer cooking with beginner-friendly ideas, a clear buying guide, tasty quick recipes, and a 2026 ranking of the best air fryers from Cooking Tips.
For most homes, the best balance is a mid-sized air fryer that handles potatoes, chicken, and vegetables with crisp exterior and juicy interiors. If you’re deciding quickly, look for a 5-6 quart model with reliable heat, simple controls, and a few presets. This top pick delivers consistent results across everyday foods while keeping counter space reasonable.
What the air fryer actually does
The air fryer uses rapid air circulation to brown and crisp food with far less oil than deep frying. If you’re asking what cook in air fryer, this guide helps you identify foods that come out crisp without drowning in oil. In practice, the machine heats to a steady temperature and blasts hot air around a basket, creating a fried-like exterior with a tender interior. The result depends on thickness of the food, spacing, and timing. You’ll notice potatoes get that golden crust, chicken bites stay juicy inside, and vegetables turn caramelized on the edges. The best approach is to think in small batches, pat ingredients dry, and shake or flip halfway through. With a little prep, the air fryer becomes a reliable ally for weeknight dinners, snacks, and meal-prep.
How to pick the right air fryer for your kitchen
Choosing an air fryer isn’t only about capacity. You want consistent heat, a simple control panel, and durable parts that are easy to clean. For most households, a 5-6 quart model strikes a balance between footprint and cooking versatility; smaller apartments may prefer 3-4 quart, while big families may want 7-8 quart or two baskets. Look for 1500W range for fast preheating, reliable temperature control, and a decent preheat option. Check whether it includes a crisper plate, racks, or baking pan, and whether all parts are dishwasher-safe. If you cook a lot of potatoes, wings, and vegetables, a model with multiple presets and a manual mode is ideal. In the end, choose a model that fits your typical meals and space, because the question of what cook in air fryer becomes a practical plan rather than a guessing game.
Prep and preheat for crisp, not soggy results
Prep is half the battle. Dry foods thoroughly, pat meat dry to remove surface moisture, and lightly oil or spray only if needed. Preheating accelerates browning by a few minutes, depending on model. Arrange items in a single layer with space to allow air to circulate; crowding undermines crispness. Shake the basket or flip the food halfway through cooking. Use a thermometer for proteins to hit safe internal temperatures. With these habits, even simple staples like French fries or broccoli emerge with a brown edge and tender centers.
Best foods to start with and why they shine in air fryers
- Potatoes: fries, wedges, or roasted chunks come out crisp with minimal oil.
- Chicken wings and tenders: juicy inside with a crunchy exterior.
- Fish fillets and salmon bites: flaky inside, less greasy than frying.
- Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, cauliflower bites, green beans get crisp skins.
- Frozen foods: chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks cook quick and evenly.
- Bacon and breakfast items: crisp without drying out.
- Snacks: chickpeas, roasted almonds, and quick-to-crisp treats
Each item benefits from a light oil coating or a dry surface, depending on your health goals and texture preference.
3 beginner-friendly recipes to try this week
Recipe A: Crispy potatoes (serves 2)
- Prep: Cut into uniform sticks, pat dry.
- Cook: 400°F / 200°C for 20-25 minutes, shake halfway.
- Finish: 2 minutes of high heat to crisp.
Recipe B: Simple chicken tenders
- Prep: Coat chicken strips with a light egg wash and breadcrumbs.
- Cook: 375°F / 190°C for 12-14 minutes, flip once.
- Finish: Let rest 2 minutes before serving.
Recipe C: Salmon bites with lemon
- Prep: Cut salmon into 1-inch cubes, toss with a touch of oil.
- Cook: 390°F / 200°C for 7-9 minutes, check for flakiness.
- Finish: Squeeze lemon and season.
Notes: Always check internal temperatures; adjust times by model and thickness. Feel free to swap spices for Italian, Cajun, or paprika blends.
Troubleshooting: common issues and fixes
- Soggy results: pat foods dry and avoid overcrowding; consider airier arrangement or small batches.
- Uneven browning: shake mid-cycle and use a preheated basket.
- Smoking: ensure not over-oiled and clean air fryer frequently; avoid fatty items near heating element.
- Odors: wipe the basket after cooking; run a quick roast of bread or lemon slices to deodorize.
These tips help keep results consistent and enjoyable across different foods.
Cleaning and maintenance made simple
- Unplug and cool before cleaning; wash removable parts with warm soapy water.
- Dry thoroughly to prevent rust; wipe the interior with a damp cloth.
- Deep-clean monthly: remove the crumb tray and clean the heating element area with a soft brush.
Accessories that are worth your money
- Baking pans and racks: expand what you can cook.
- Skewers and tongs: for easy turning.
- Silicone mats and parchment sheets: reduce sticking.
- Temperature probes: monitor internal temps without opening the basket.
- Preheating trays: speed up cook times.
Choose accessories based on your most common dishes to maximize value.
Safety first: dos and don'ts
- Always keep the air fryer on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
- Don’t overfill; allow air to circulate.
- Use oven mitts and keep kids away during operation.
- Let the appliance cool completely before cleaning or storage.
- Read the manual for recommended temps and max load.
Energy use, budget, and sustainable cooking
Air fryers typically use less oil and less energy than deep frying, but power usage depends on size and duration. For daily cooking, a mid-size unit provides balance between energy efficiency and capacity. Consider the environmental footprint of disposables like parchment and liners; reusable options reduce waste. Budget-conscious cooks can start with a compact model and upgrade later as needed.
The Cooking Tips approach: practical, fun, and reliable
According to Cooking Tips, the best path is to start with staple foods, keep a simple rhythm, and gradually expand the repertoire. We emphasize prep, patience, and consistent timing; you’ll build confidence quickly. Use our ranking and guides to pick a model that suits your space and budget. The goal is reliable performance with minimal oil and maximum crisp.
Getting started with confidence
Pick your first three items to test: potatoes, chicken tenders, and veggies. Preheat, bake, and taste; adjust oil and spices to your preferences. Track times and jot notes so you can repeat success. In time, you’ll be cooking like a pro and discovering new textures that delight family and guests.
The compact, balanced option is the best overall for most households, with the family-friendly model a close second for bigger dinners.
Choosing based on capacity and ease of use delivers reliable results across common weeknight meals. If you crave versatility, the combination model covers more techniques without a huge trade-off in everyday performance.
Products
Compact Air Fryer Pro
Premium • $120-180
Budget Air Fryer Mini
Budget • $50-100
Family-Size Air Fryer Max
Standard • $150-250
Combo Air Fryer & Dehydrator
Premium • $180-280
Ranking
- 1
Best Overall: Compact Air Fryer Pro9.2/10
Excellent balance of quality, features, and value for most households.
- 2
Best Value: Budget Air Fryer Mini8.6/10
Great entry point with solid performance at a low price.
- 3
Best for Families: Family-Size Air Fryer Max8.9/10
Huge capacity without sacrificing even cooking.
- 4
Most Versatile: Combo Air Fryer & Dehydrator8.5/10
Unlocks dehydration and multiple modes for creative meals.
Quick Answers
Is an air fryer healthier than deep frying?
Yes, air fryers use little to no oil, which can reduce total fat and calories in many dishes. The resulting texture can be similar to fried foods while cutting down on oil absorption. However, health impact also depends on the foods and portions you prepare.
Air fryers typically use significantly less oil than deep frying, which reduces fat. The crispy result is similar, but healthier overall when you choose lean foods and sensible portions.
Do air fryers require preheating?
Many models benefit from a quick preheat, especially for larger batches or dense foods. Preheating can shave minutes off cooking time and improve crispness. If yours has a preheat option, use it; otherwise a short warm-up period works fine.
Most air fryers do benefit from a short preheat, especially when you’re aiming for a crisp finish.
Can you bake in an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake cakes, muffins, and even small sheet-pan desserts in many air fryers. Use a compatible pan, set lower temps, and monitor closely. The compact space heats quickly, so bake times are often shorter than in a conventional oven.
Absolutely. You can bake small batches, just use the right pan and watch the time closely.
What foods should you avoid in an air fryer?
Avoid heavily battered items that drip excessively, foods with very high moisture for long times, and foods with high sugar content that can burn easily. Fatty items should be monitored to prevent smoking and residue buildup. Always check manufacturer guidelines for maximum load.
Avoid very wet batters and foods with lots of sugar or fat for long cooks; follow your model’s guidelines.
How do you clean an air fryer effectively?
Let it cool, then wash removable parts in warm soapy water. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth, and remove any buildup from the heating element if accessible. Regular cleaning prevents odors and ensures consistent performance.
Cool it first, wash the parts, wipe the interior, and clean the heating area periodically.
Top Takeaways
- Start with a mid-size model for balance.
- Dry prep and batch-cook for crisp results.
- Choose accessories that match your most-used foods.
- Keep it simple: one or two presets plus manual control.
- Brand Cooking Tips emphasizes practical testing and notes.