If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably discovered that the air fryer is a real kitchen workhorse, tackling everything from crispy fries to juicy chicken with ease. But after countless experiments and family taste tests, I’ve found that some foods are simply destined for air fryer greatness. From perfectly crispy potatoes and crunchy vegetables to succulent meats, these are the best things to cook in the air fryer.
You know I love easy hands-off cooking, which is why I love my air fryer so much! It’s quick, easy, and lets you whip up delicious meals without hovering over the stove.
While I’ve found it does a pretty good job with most of the foods I have thrown at it, there are some dishes that just seem made for air frying. They’re the ones that make me wonder how I ever managed back in what I think of as “the cooking dark ages” (i.e. before I got my air fryer).
And I thought I should share my top picks for the best foods to cook in your air fryer, the ones that’ll have your family and friends begging for seconds.
What are the best foods to air fry?
Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – that’s the magic of air-fried potatoes. Whether you’re making classic fries, sweet potato wedges, or even roasted potatoes, the air fryer’s intense heat circulation ensures that every bite is golden and delicious, without needing to drown them in oil.
Chicken
Juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside – air-fried chicken is a game-changer. From wings to nuggets to whole breasts, the air fryer locks in the moisture while creating a perfectly crisp exterior. Plus, you can easily switch up the seasonings to keep things interesting.
Vegetables
Who knew that vegetables could be so addictive? The air fryer’s quick cooking time and high heat bring out the natural sweetness in veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts while adding a satisfying crunch. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters will be reaching for seconds.
Crumbed stuff
If you’re a fan of anything breaded or crumbed, the air fryer is your new best friend. It effortlessly cooks up crispy, crunchy delights like pork chops, fish fillets, and even homemade chicken parmesan. Crispier than oven-baking, without the mess and hassle of deep-frying.
Frozen foods
The air fryer is a lifesaver when it comes to frozen foods. Forget about soggy, microwaved snacks – the air fryer transforms frozen favorites like mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, and even pizza rolls into crispy, gooey perfection in minutes.
Meat
The air fryer isn’t just for quick snacks – it can also handle heartier meals like meatballs, pork tenderloin, and even small roasts. The high heat sears the exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy, making for a satisfying meal that’s ready in a fraction of the time.
Seafood
Air frying is a fantastic way to cook seafood favorites like shrimp, scallops, and even small fish fillets. The quick cooking time keeps the seafood tender and juicy, while the high heat gives it a nice crisp exterior.
The top 10 things to cook in an air fryer
>> Related recipe: Air Fryer Pork Chops and Potatoes
>> Browse the whole category for more Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes.
>> Also try our recipes for Air Fryer White Fish, or Air Fryer Tilapia (crumbed fish)
>> Or try our Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Air frying tips
Air fryers are a convenient and easy-to-use appliance, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you get the most out of your air fryer. Here are some important things to keep in mind when using an air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer – Just like an oven, it’s important to preheat your air fryer before cooking. This will ensure that the food cooks evenly and comes out crispy. Preheating takes only a few minutes, so it’s worth the extra effort.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket – To get the best results, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This can prevent the hot air from circulating around the food and result in uneven cooking. Make sure there’s enough space between the food items to allow for proper airflow.
- Use the right amount of oil – While air fryers require less oil than traditional frying, it’s still important to use the right amount of oil for the best results. Too little oil can result in dry food, while too much oil can make it greasy. A light mist of oil or a brush of oil can help the food become crispy and golden.
- Use the right type of oil – Choose a cooking oil with a high smoke point to use in your air fryer as this reduces the chance that your air fryer will start to smoke during cooking. I like to use light olive oil, but vegetable oil, corn oil, canola oil or avocado oil are all good topns.
- Experiment with different foods – Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of food in the air fryer. It’s a versatile appliance that can cook a variety of foods, from vegetables to meat to desserts. Try out different recipes and see what works best for you!
