Published July 18, 2026 · Reviewed by the Unbiased Advice & Insights editorial team · How we research and score
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple because they can cook so many different foods quickly and with less oil. From crispy french fries to tender chicken, roasted vegetables, frozen snacks, and even desserts, the possibilities are vast. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors to bring you this guide on what to cook in an air fryer and how to get the best results.
Crispy Fries and Potatoes
French fries are the classic air fryer food. For the crispiest results, cut potatoes into even sticks, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to remove starch, then pat dry. Toss with a tablespoon of oil and seasonings. Cook at 380°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Sweet potato fries work similarly but may need a few extra minutes. You can also make potato wedges, tater tots, and hash browns. One drawback: homemade fries may not be as uniformly crispy as deep-fried versions, but they are much healthier. For extra crunch, try adding a teaspoon of cornstarch to the oil mixture before tossing the potatoes.
Juicy Chicken and Meat
Air fryers excel at cooking chicken. Boneless skinless breasts come out juicy with a golden exterior. Season as desired, cook at 375°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway. Chicken thighs and drumsticks benefit from a slightly higher temperature (400°F) and a few more minutes. For breaded chicken, use a light coating of panko or seasoned flour and spray with oil for crunch. Steak, pork chops, and meatballs also cook well. A common issue is overcrowding: leave space between pieces for proper air circulation. Always check internal temperature with a thermometer. For bone-in chicken, increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes and use a lower temperature to ensure the inside cooks without burning the outside.
Roasted Vegetables
Vegetables become caramelized and tender in an air fryer. Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus are great choices. Cut into uniform pieces, toss with oil and salt, and cook at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking once. The high heat brings out natural sweetness. One downside: leafy greens like kale can blow around; use a rack or cook in batches. Roasted vegetables make a quick side dish or can be added to salads and grain bowls. For a flavor boost, add garlic powder, paprika, or a squeeze of lemon after cooking.
Frozen Foods and Snacks
Frozen foods are a perfect match for air fryers. French fries, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, mozzarella sticks, and onion rings all come out crispy without needing much oil. Follow package directions but reduce time by 20-25% and temperature by 25°F. Shake the basket halfway for even cooking. Frozen vegetables like broccoli or mixed veggies can be roasted directly from frozen; just add a little oil and seasonings. A potential drawback: some frozen items may have uneven coating, so check for doneness. For frozen battered foods, spray a light mist of oil to enhance browning.
Surprising Desserts
Yes, you can make desserts in an air fryer. Try air fryer donuts using canned biscuit dough: cut holes, cook at 350°F for 5-6 minutes, then toss in cinnamon sugar. Brownies and cookies bake well in a small pan or silicone mold. Apple chips are easy: slice apples thinly, toss with cinnamon, and cook at 300°F for 12-15 minutes. Even fruit crisps with oats and butter work. The main limitation is batch size: air fryers are small, so you may need to cook in multiple batches for a crowd. For a quick dessert, place a halved peach or banana with a sprinkle of brown sugar and cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Don't overcrowd the basket. Leave space for hot air to circulate. Cook in batches if needed.
- Shake or flip food halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Use a light coating of oil (spray or toss) to promote crispiness. Too much oil can cause smoking.
- Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes for more consistent results.
- Pat wet foods dry before cooking to avoid steaming instead of crisping.
- Check doneness early, especially for new recipes. Air fryers cook faster than ovens.
- Clean the basket after each use to prevent residue buildup and off flavors.
Seafood and Fish
Air fryers are excellent for cooking seafood quickly without drying it out. Salmon fillets cook in 8-12 minutes at 375°F, developing a crispy skin while staying moist inside. Shrimp take only 5-7 minutes at 350°F; toss with oil and seasonings before cooking. Fish sticks and breaded shrimp are also great from frozen. For delicate fish like cod or tilapia, use a light breading or cook in a parchment packet to prevent sticking. A common mistake is overcooking seafood due to its fast cook time; start checking at the minimum recommended time. Serve with lemon wedges and a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
With these recipes and tips, you can make the most of your air fryer. For specific models and accessories, check the current price on Amazon.
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See our full buying guides hub and our research and scoring methodology. We compared specifications and verified owner feedback; we did not physically test every product.