What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer? 25 Easy Foods to Try

If you recently bought an air fryer, you may be wondering what you can actually cook in it.

The short answer is: a lot more than French fries.

An air fryer can be useful for preparing everything from crispy chicken and roasted vegetables to fish, breakfast foods, frozen snacks, and even certain desserts. Its rapid circulation of hot air helps create a browned, crisp exterior while cooking food relatively quickly.

But not every food is equally suited to air frying.

The best results usually come from foods that benefit from dry, circulating heat and a crispy exterior.

In this guide, we’ll cover 25 foods you can cook in an air fryer, explain how to prepare them, and share practical tips to help you get better results.

Quick Answer: What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?

Here are some of the best foods to try:

Food	Best For	Beginner Friendly
French fries	Side dish	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chicken wings	Dinner/snack	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chicken breast	Main course	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chicken tenders	Quick meal	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Salmon	Healthy dinner	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shrimp	Fast meals	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steak	Main course	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Meatballs	Dinner	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sausages	Breakfast/dinner	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Roasted vegetables	Side dish	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Broccoli	Side dish	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Potatoes	Side dish	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Corn on the cob	Side dish	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Frozen foods	Quick snacks	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mozzarella sticks	Snack	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chicken nuggets	Quick meal	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Toasted sandwiches	Lunch	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bacon	Breakfast	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Eggs	Breakfast	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Toast	Breakfast	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Quesadillas	Lunch/snack	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pizza	Quick meal	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Garlic bread	Side dish	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cookies	Dessert	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Apples	Dessert/snack	⭐⭐⭐⭐

1. French Fries

French fries are one of the classic foods to make in an air fryer.

You can use frozen fries for maximum convenience or prepare fresh potatoes yourself.

How to cook fresh fries

Step 1: Wash and cut potatoes into evenly sized strips.

Step 2: Soak them in cold water if desired to remove some surface starch.

Step 3: Dry them thoroughly.

Step 4: Toss with a small amount of oil and your preferred seasonings.

Step 5: Place them in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.

Step 6: Cook until golden and crisp, shaking the basket periodically.

Hot Picks Tip

The biggest mistake is overcrowding the basket. Air needs room to circulate around the potatoes.

2. Chicken Wings

Air-fried chicken wings are an excellent choice if you want crispy skin without deep frying.

Basic method

Pat the wings completely dry.
Season them with salt, pepper, and your preferred spices.
Arrange them in a single layer.
Air fry according to your appliance’s recommended temperature and time.
Turn or shake them during cooking.
Continue cooking until the skin is crisp and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
Toss with your favorite sauce before serving.

Flavor ideas

Try:

Buffalo sauce
Garlic and Parmesan
Honey garlic
Lemon pepper
BBQ seasoning
Spicy chili seasoning

3. Chicken Breast

Chicken breast can be cooked in an air fryer surprisingly well, especially when properly seasoned and not overcooked.

How to prepare it

Step 1: Pat the chicken dry.

Step 2: Brush lightly with oil if desired.

Step 3: Season both sides.

Step 4: Place the chicken in the basket with space around each piece.

Step 5: Cook until the thickest part reaches a safe internal temperature.

Step 6: Let it rest briefly before slicing.

Important

Chicken breast can become dry if overcooked, so an instant-read thermometer is one of the best accessories to use.

4. Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are another beginner-friendly air fryer option.

They’re particularly useful for quick lunches and family dinners.

Simple process

Season or bread the chicken.
Preheat the air fryer if your model benefits from preheating.
Arrange the tenders in a single layer.
Cook until golden and fully cooked.
Turn halfway through if needed.

Serve them with:

Fries
Salad
Coleslaw
Rice
Your favorite dipping sauce

5. Salmon

Air fryers are excellent for cooking individual portions of salmon.

How to cook salmon

Step 1: Pat the salmon dry.

Step 2: Brush with a little oil.

Step 3: Add salt, pepper, garlic, lemon, or your favorite seasoning.

Step 4: Place the salmon skin-side down if it has skin.

Step 5: Cook until the salmon reaches your preferred doneness and a safe temperature.

Easy flavor combination

Try:

Olive oil + garlic + lemon + black pepper

It’s simple, fresh, and works well for a quick weeknight dinner.

6. Shrimp

Shrimp cooks quickly, making it particularly suitable for air frying.

Basic method

Peel and clean the shrimp if necessary.
Pat them dry.
Toss with a small amount of oil.
Add your preferred seasoning.
Arrange in a single layer.
Cook until opaque and fully cooked.

Try these seasonings

Garlic butter
Cajun seasoning
Lemon pepper
Chili and lime
Garlic and herbs

Because shrimp cooks quickly, keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking.

7. Steak

Yes, you can cook steak in an air fryer.

While many people prefer traditional pan-searing or grilling, an air fryer can be convenient when you want a relatively hands-off approach.

Basic steps

Step 1: Bring the steak to an appropriate starting temperature according to your usual cooking method.

Step 2: Pat it dry.

Step 3: Season generously.

Step 4: Place it in the air fryer basket.

Step 5: Cook, turning as appropriate.

Step 6: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Step 7: Allow the steak to rest before serving.

Hot Picks Tip

Cooking time depends heavily on steak thickness, starting temperature, air fryer model, and preferred doneness. Use internal temperature rather than a fixed time as your main guide.

8. Meatballs

Air-fried meatballs are quick, convenient, and easy to customize.

You can make them from:

Beef
Chicken
Turkey
Pork
A combination of meats

How to cook them

Prepare and shape the meatballs into similar sizes.
Arrange them in the basket without overcrowding.
Air fry until browned and fully cooked.
Check the internal temperature.
Serve with pasta, rice, vegetables, or bread.

You can also prepare meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them for future meals.

9. Sausages

Sausages are another easy air fryer option.

The circulating heat helps brown the outside while cooking the inside.

Steps

Step 1: Place sausages in a single layer.

Step 2: Leave space between them.

Step 3: Cook according to the type and size of sausage.

Step 4: Turn them during cooking if necessary.

Step 5: Check that they have reached the appropriate safe internal temperature.

Serve with eggs for breakfast or vegetables and potatoes for dinner.

10. Roasted Vegetables

An air fryer can make vegetables beautifully browned around the edges.

Good options include:

Carrots
Zucchini
Bell peppers
Brussels sprouts
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Asparagus
Mushrooms

Easy method

Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces.
Toss with a small amount of oil.
Add seasoning.
Place them in a single layer.
Shake or toss during cooking.
Continue until they reach your preferred level of browning.

Flavor idea

Try olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

11. Broccoli

If you enjoy roasted broccoli, the air fryer is worth trying.

Steps

Step 1: Cut broccoli into similar-sized florets.

Step 2: Dry thoroughly.

Step 3: Toss with oil and seasoning.

Step 4: Place in the basket.

Step 5: Cook until the edges become browned and crisp.

Step 6: Finish with lemon juice or grated Parmesan if desired.

The key is avoiding too much oil and overcrowding.

12. Potatoes

Potatoes are incredibly versatile in an air fryer.

You can prepare:

Potato wedges
Baby potatoes
Cubed potatoes
Breakfast potatoes
Crispy smashed potatoes
Potato skins

For crispy potatoes

Step 1: Cut potatoes evenly.

Step 2: Dry them well.

Step 3: Add a small amount of oil.

Step 4: Season.

Step 5: Air fry in a single layer.

Step 6: Shake periodically for even browning.

13. Corn on the Cob

Air frying corn is an easy alternative to boiling or grilling.

How to do it

Remove the husk and silk.
Brush the corn lightly with oil or butter.
Add seasoning.
Place the corn in the basket.
Turn it during cooking for even browning.
Serve immediately.

Topping ideas

Try:

Butter and salt
Parmesan
Chili and lime
Garlic butter
Smoked paprika

14. Frozen French Fries and Snacks

One of the biggest advantages of an air fryer is how convenient it can be for frozen foods.

Depending on the product, you can cook:

Frozen fries
Tater tots
Hash browns
Chicken nuggets
Mozzarella sticks
Fish sticks
Spring rolls
Potato wedges

Simple method

Step 1: Preheat if recommended for your air fryer or food.

Step 2: Add the frozen food directly to the basket.

Step 3: Avoid overcrowding.

Step 4: Shake or turn during cooking.

Step 5: Continue until hot and crispy.

Always check the food package for specific cooking instructions because products vary.

15. Mozzarella Sticks

Air fryers are excellent for frozen mozzarella sticks.

The goal is to get the outside crispy while preventing the cheese from completely escaping.

Tips

Don’t overcrowd the basket.
Follow the package instructions.
Watch them closely near the end of cooking.
Let them cool briefly before eating.

They’re especially good with marinara sauce.

16. Chicken Nuggets

Whether homemade or frozen, chicken nuggets are another easy air fryer food.

Cooking steps

Arrange nuggets in a single layer.
Leave space between pieces.
Cook until golden and heated through.
Turn or shake if necessary.
Serve immediately.

They’re an easy option for quick lunches and snacks.

17. Toasted Sandwiches

An air fryer can also be useful for sandwiches.

Try:

Grilled cheese
Turkey and cheese
Ham and cheese
Chicken sandwiches
Panini-style sandwiches

Basic method

Step 1: Assemble the sandwich.

Step 2: Lightly butter or oil the outside if desired.

Step 3: Place it in the basket.

Step 4: Cook until the bread is crisp and the filling is hot.

Tip

If the bread is very light, it may move around from the circulating air. Use a suitable method to keep it secure and follow your appliance’s instructions.

18. Quesadillas

Quesadillas are particularly easy to prepare in an air fryer.

How to make one

Place cheese and your preferred filling inside a tortilla.
Fold or top with another tortilla.
Place it carefully in the basket.
Cook until the tortilla is crisp and the cheese has melted.
Cut into wedges.
Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Filling ideas

Chicken and cheese
Beef and cheese
Beans and cheese
Vegetables and cheese

19. Pizza

An air fryer can be a great way to reheat pizza.

It can also cook small homemade pizzas, depending on the size of your basket.

For leftover pizza

Step 1: Place the slice in the basket.

Step 2: Heat until the crust becomes crisp and the cheese is hot.

Step 3: Remove carefully and serve.

Compared with microwaving, air frying can help preserve a crispier crust.

20. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is another quick side dish.

Simple method

Spread garlic butter over the bread.
Add herbs or Parmesan if desired.
Place the pieces in the air fryer.
Cook until crisp around the edges.
Serve immediately.

Keep a close eye on bread because it can brown quickly.

21. Bacon

Air fryers can be convenient for cooking bacon without needing to stand over a frying pan.

Steps

Step 1: Arrange bacon in the basket without excessive overlapping.

Step 2: Cook until it reaches your preferred crispness.

Step 3: Carefully remove it.

Step 4: Drain on a paper towel if desired.

Important

Air fryer bacon can produce grease and smoke depending on the appliance and quantity. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions for managing grease safely.

22. Eggs

You can use an air fryer for several egg preparations, although the exact method depends on the appliance and accessories.

Possible options include:

Hard-cooked-style eggs
Baked eggs
Egg bites
Mini frittatas

For egg bites

Step 1: Beat eggs with your preferred ingredients.

Step 2: Pour the mixture into a suitable heat-resistant mold.

Step 3: Add vegetables, cheese, or cooked meat if desired.

Step 4: Place the mold in the air fryer.

Step 5: Cook until the eggs are set.

Always use cookware that is specifically suitable for the temperatures and conditions of your air fryer.

23. Toast

Air fryers can also toast bread.

How to do it

Place bread in a single layer.
Cook for a few minutes.
Check frequently.
Remove when it reaches your preferred level of browning.

Try it with:

Butter
Avocado
Eggs
Peanut butter
Jam
Cream cheese

Because bread can move in circulating air, check your air fryer’s instructions before using lightweight slices.

24. Cookies

Yes, you can bake cookies in an air fryer.

This works particularly well when you want a small batch rather than an entire tray.

Basic process

Step 1: Prepare your cookie dough.

Step 2: Form small portions.

Step 3: Place them on suitable parchment or in an appropriate baking accessory if needed.

Step 4: Leave enough space between cookies.

Step 5: Cook until the edges are set.

Step 6: Let them cool before removing.

Hot Picks Tip

Air fryers vary considerably, so start with a small batch and adjust the cooking time based on your results.

25. Baked Apples

For a simple dessert, try air-fried apples.

How to make them

Core the apples if desired.
Add cinnamon.
Add a small amount of brown sugar or another sweetener if desired.
Add a little butter.
Air fry until tender.
Serve warm.

You can add chopped nuts or oats for extra texture.

How to Get Better Results in an Air Fryer

Knowing what you can cook is only half the equation.

How you use your air fryer makes a major difference.

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

This is probably the most common air fryer mistake.

Hot air needs room to circulate.

Instead of filling the basket completely, cook in batches when necessary.

2. Dry Ingredients Before Cooking

Excess surface moisture can prevent foods from browning properly.

Pat vegetables, meat, and other ingredients dry when appropriate.

3. Use Oil Sparingly

Air frying generally doesn’t require large amounts of oil.

A light coating can help with browning and crisping, depending on the food.

4. Shake or Turn Food

For many foods, turning or shaking halfway through cooking helps promote more even browning.

This is especially useful for:

Fries
Vegetables
Nuggets
Potatoes
Small pieces of meat

5. Don’t Assume Every Recipe Needs the Same Temperature

Air fryers vary in power, basket design, and airflow.

A recipe that works perfectly in one appliance may require adjustments in another.

Start checking your food before the expected finishing time until you learn how your specific model behaves.

Do You Need to Preheat an Air Fryer?

Not always.

Some recipes benefit from preheating because the food begins cooking immediately in a hot environment.

However, many foods can be cooked successfully without a lengthy preheating step.

When preheating can help

It may be useful when:

You want a crisp exterior.
You’re cooking meat.
A recipe specifically recommends it.
Your particular air fryer performs better when preheated.

When it may not matter as much

For some frozen foods and quick snacks, you may be able to place them directly into the appliance.

Best approach: Follow your air fryer’s instructions and the recipe you’re using.

What Should You Not Cook in an Air Fryer?

Although air fryers are versatile, they aren’t suitable for everything.

Be cautious with:

Very wet batters

Loose liquid batter can drip through the basket before it sets.

Large amounts of cheese

Uncontained cheese can melt through the basket and create a difficult cleanup.

Lightweight foods

Very light foods can be moved around by the fan.

Foods requiring lots of liquid

An air fryer is not a replacement for a pot when a recipe depends on boiling or simmering.

Overly crowded foods

Even foods that are suitable for air frying can cook poorly if packed too tightly.

Always check your appliance’s manual for prohibited or unsuitable foods and accessories.

Air Fryer Cooking: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Overfilling the basket

Problem: Food becomes less crispy.

Solution: Cook smaller batches.

Mistake #2: Using too much oil

Problem: Excess oil can create smoke and unnecessary mess.

Solution: Use only the amount needed for the recipe.

Mistake #3: Not drying ingredients

Problem: Excess moisture can reduce browning.

Solution: Pat ingredients dry when appropriate.

Mistake #4: Never turning the food

Problem: One side may brown more than the other.

Solution: Shake or turn food when appropriate.

Mistake #5: Treating cooking times as exact

Problem: Air fryers vary.

Solution: Start checking food early and use internal temperature for foods where temperature determines doneness and safety.

Is an Air Fryer Worth It?

For many households, an air fryer can be a useful addition to the kitchen because it combines speed, convenience, and relatively easy cleanup.

It’s particularly useful for:

Quick weeknight meals
Crispy vegetables
Frozen foods
Small portions
Reheating leftovers
Snacks
Small-batch cooking

However, an air fryer doesn’t need to replace your oven, stovetop, or other cookware.

Think of it as another cooking tool that can make certain jobs easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best thing to cook in an air fryer?

Chicken wings, French fries, potatoes, roasted vegetables, frozen snacks, and salmon are excellent foods to start with because they benefit from the air fryer’s hot circulating air.

Can you cook raw meat in an air fryer?

Yes. Many types of raw meat can be cooked in an air fryer, including chicken, steak, meatballs, and sausages. Always cook meat to the appropriate safe internal temperature.

Can you cook vegetables in an air fryer?

Yes. Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, peppers, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts can develop nicely browned edges when air fried.

Can you bake in an air fryer?

Yes. Depending on the model and accessories, you can bake foods such as cookies, small cakes, muffins, and other suitable recipes.

Can you put frozen food in an air fryer?

Yes. Many frozen foods are particularly convenient to prepare in an air fryer. Always follow the food manufacturer’s instructions and your air fryer’s manual.

Do you need to use oil in an air fryer?

Not always. Some foods contain enough natural fat that additional oil isn’t necessary. For other foods, a small amount of oil can improve browning and crispness.

Can an air fryer replace an oven?

Not completely. An air fryer can handle many small-batch cooking tasks, but an oven remains more practical for large quantities, large dishes, and certain cooking methods.

Why isn’t my air fryer food crispy?

The most common causes are overcrowding, excess moisture, insufficient cooking time, or inadequate airflow. Try cooking in smaller batches and drying ingredients thoroughly before cooking.

Final Verdict

So, what can you cook in an air fryer?

Much more than French fries.

Chicken, salmon, shrimp, steak, vegetables, potatoes, sandwiches, quesadillas, frozen snacks, breakfast foods, pizza, and even certain desserts can all work well when prepared correctly.

The key is understanding what the air fryer does best: circulating hot air around food to encourage browning and crisping.

Start with simple foods such as chicken wings, roasted vegetables, potatoes, frozen snacks, or salmon. Once you understand how your particular air fryer cooks, you can experiment with more recipes and adjust temperatures and cooking times to your preferences.

And remember: don’t overcrowd the basket, use oil sparingly, check food as it cooks, and rely on safe internal temperatures for meat and poultry.

The best air fryer is the one that becomes part of your regular cooking routine—not another appliance that sits unused on the countertop.