The air fryer has become an essential tool in modern kitchens, praised for its ability to prepare a wide variety of dishes efficiently. It excels at creating crispy textures and juicy flavors, making it ideal for everything from fries to chicken. Many cooks have found that certain foods are particularly suited for air frying, resulting in meals that are not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare.
This cooking method appeals to those who prefer a hands-off approach in the kitchen. With the air fryer, it is possible to achieve tasty results without the need for constant attention. Dishes that stand out for their air fryer capabilities have transformed the cooking experience, prompting many to rethink how they prepare their meals. The following selections highlight the best options to cook in the air fryer, making it easy to impress family and friends with effortless and satisfying creations.
What are the best foods to air fry?
Potatoes
Air-fried potatoes are a delicious treat. The cooking method makes them crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Popular options include french fries, sweet potato wedges, and roasted potatoes. The air fryer requires less oil than traditional frying, making these favorites a healthier choice.
Chicken
Chicken cooked in the air fryer is both juicy and crispy. From wings and nuggets to whole chicken breasts, the air fryer locks in moisture while creating a crunchy outer layer. Seasoning can be easily varied to add different flavors, making this a versatile meal option.
Vegetables
Using an air fryer can change the way vegetables are enjoyed. High heat and quick cooking times help bring out the natural sweetness of vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. The result is a crunchy texture that may even win over picky eaters.
Crumbed items
For those who love crispy, breaded foods, the air fryer is perfect. It efficiently cooks items like pork chops, fish fillets, and homemade chicken parmesan to a golden crunch. This method is often better than oven-baking and avoids the mess that comes with deep frying.
Frozen snacks
The air fryer shines when it comes to frozen foods. It transforms common frozen snacks such as mozzarella sticks, jalapeño poppers, and pizza rolls into crunchy, gooey bites in just minutes. This method eliminates the sogginess commonly found with microwaving.
Meat
Meat dishes also benefit from air frying. Options like meatballs, pork tenderloin, and smaller roasts can be cooked quickly without losing tenderness. The high heat effectively sears the exterior, resulting in a flavorful meal ready in less time.
Seafood
Air frying seafood is an excellent choice for cooking shrimp, scallops, and small fish fillets. The method ensures that the seafood stays moist, while the high temperature provides a satisfying crispiness to the outside.
Air Frying Tips
Using an air fryer can be straightforward, but a few key tips can help optimize cooking results.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating the air fryer is essential. This ensures that food cooks evenly and gets that desired crispiness. Preheating takes only a few minutes, so it’s a good step to include in preparation.
- Avoid Overcrowding: To achieve the best cooking results, the basket should not be too full. Overcrowding can block air circulation, leading to unevenly cooked food. Placing food with enough space allows hot air to flow freely around it.
- Use the Right Amount of Oil: While using an air fryer generally requires less oil, it is still necessary to use the right amount for optimal outcomes. Using too little oil may lead to dry dishes, while too much can make them greasy. A light mist or a brush of oil can help achieve a crispy texture.
- Choose the Right Oil: It's important to select oils with high smoke points for air frying. Oils like light olive oil, avocado oil, and canola oil work well and reduce the risk of smoking during cooking.
- Experiment Freely: Air fryers are versatile and can handle many kinds of foods. From vegetables to meats and even desserts, trying out various recipes can yield delicious surprises. It's a great opportunity to discover new favorites.
Best Things to Cook in Air Fryer
Air fryers have transformed the way we cook by providing crispy results with less oil. Here are ten fantastic options to try in an air fryer.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes | Crispy, fork-tender baked potato perfection!
When it comes to easy and delicious air fryer recipes for beginners, baked potatoes definitely deserve a spot on the list. This classic side dish is a breeze to make in the air fryer, and the results are simply spectacular. Unlike traditional oven-baked potatoes, which can take ages to cook, air fryer baked potatoes are ready in a fraction of the time. Plus, the air fryer's high heat gets the potato skin wonderfully crispy every time.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (3 Ingredient recipe!)
If you're new to air frying and looking for a foolproof recipe to start with, air fryer chicken thighs are a fantastic choice. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and prep work, making it perfect for beginners. Plus, chicken thighs are more forgiving than chicken breasts, so if you're still getting the hang of your air fryer's settings and cooking times, you're less likely to end up with overcooked, dry meat.
Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe (Quick & Easy!)
This Air Fryer Asparagus recipe teaches you how to make the best crispy spears! Fresh asparagus is seasoned and quickly roasted until the perfect tenderness is reached. Serve this easy side dish along with your vegan or low-carb entrees for a healthy meal.
Air Fryer Parmesan Brussel Sprouts
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts are so crispy and tasty, you WANT to eat your vegetables! These Parmesan Brussels Sprouts are the perfect side dish to have with dinner, and are ready in less than fifteen minutes!
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob (Easiest Recipe!)
Homemade Air Fryer Biscuits
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
Crispy, and tender, easy air fryer baby potatoes are a healthier take on a classic side dish without compromising on the taste or texture. They are golden and crispy on the outside, yet soft and fluffy inside. This easy side dish comes together with a few simple ingredients, minimal prep and just 20 minutes in the air fryer. Making a potato side dish has never been easier!
Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe
Air Fryer Onion Rings are super crispy and crunchy, easy-to-make, and so much healthier for you than deep-fried! Use a 3-bowl technique to coat your sliced onions with flour, an egg wash, and breadcrumbs. You’ll then cook them in the Air Fryer until golden brown and ultra crispy. They make a great game day snack or weeknight dinner appetizer or side dish!
Taquitos in Air Fryer
The BEST Air Fryer Brats
Air Fryer Salmon {Under 10 Minutes!} – WellPlated.com
Best Air Fryer Shrimp
These Air Fryer Shrimp are plump, juicy, and perfectly seasoned! This healthy dish is ready in just 8 minutes and requires basic pantry staples to make it.
Air Fryer Shrimp – WellPlated.com
Easy Air Fryer Fish Sticks - Little Sunny Kitchen
These Air Fryer fish sticks are made in just 25 minutes from start to finish! They’re so easy to make, much healthier than deep-fried fish sticks, and the kids love them!
Perfect Air Fryer Hamburgers {So juicy and tender!}
Air Fryer Hamburgers cook fast and taste great! Make this recipe for delicious burgers when you don’t want to use your grill. It’s SO easy!
Air Fryer Steak Fajitas
https://www.myforkinglife.com/air-fryer-steak-fajitas/
Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells
We first got this idea from a viral tiktok recipe about air frying pasta shells to make and alternative to tortilla chips. We’ve kicked it up a notch to make these absolutely delicious, crispy and cheesy air fryer taco stuffed pasta shells. These make a great appetizer or a fun meal for Taco Tuesday. This will soon be a family favorite way to use leftover taco meat from last night.
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a hearty and delicious lunch or dinner that is full of flavor. If you're looking for quick and easy recipes, you can have this dish done from start to finish in less than 30 minutes.
Best Beef Empanadas Recipe - How To Make Beef Empanadas
With a golden-brown crust and a warm, flavorful filling, beef empanadas are the best excuse to eat with your hands. Depending on where you are, empanadas can vary in their filling and dough.
The BEST Air Fryer Meatballs (Easy Italian-Style)
Air Fryer Meatballs are tender, juicy, and so flavorful. They make a perfect, easy appetizer but also taste delicious with spaghetti and marinara sauce!
Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Air fryer chicken nuggets are easy to make from scratch! Whether frozen or fresh, these crispy healthy chicken nuggets will be a family favorite! Move over Tyson, homemade is here!
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
These crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings are the end all be all of chicken wings. Made with the perfect blend of seasonings and a homemade buffalo sauce that will make everyone crave second and third helpings!
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
These Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas are perfect for a busy weeknight meal. The chicken is tender and juicy and this dish comes together in just minutes. One of our favorite quick and easy weeknight recipes.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan (Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Crispy Seasoned Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Air Fryer Barbecue Pork Chops
Sweet and tangy barbecue rub pairs with your favorite barbecue sauce to make these Air Fryer Bone-In Barbecue Pork Chops a tantalizing dinner your whole family will enjoy~
Easy BBQ Air Fryer Ribs (Quick & Tender )
Perfect Air Fryer Steak
This Air Fryer Steak is impeccably seared on the outside and tender juicy on the inside. Cooking steak in an air fryer will create extra flavor and a delicate texture to truly satisfy everyone in your family!
Best Air Fryer Brats
Making brats in your air fryer is so easy! They are full of flavor and ready in only 15 minutes. It really gets no better than that!
Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers (+Onions)
Sausage and Peppers are seasoned with spices to create a super easy and low-carb lunch or dinner, made with sausage, red and green bell peppers and the addition of delicious onions. You won’t believe how much flavor develops in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Chili Cheese Dogs
These Air Fryer Chili Cheese Dogs are quick to make, easy to assemble, and perfect for feeding a crowd! You’ll dream of ballpark days with these chili dogs.
Air Fryer Hot Dogs (the BEST)
Homemade Air Fryer French Fries
Air fryers are great for making crispy and delicious french fries with a fraction of the oil you need for deep frying. There are a few tricks to getting them crispy, so check out the recipe for all the details:
Conclusion
Air fryers have become a staple in modern kitchens due to their health benefits and convenience. By exploring various recipes and utilizing the latest features, you can enhance your cooking experience and enjoy a range of delicious, healthier meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some easy recipes for newcomers to an air fryer?
For those new to using an air fryer, simple recipes can help build confidence. Some popular choices include:
- French Fries: They can be cut from fresh potatoes and seasoned before cooking.
- Chicken Wings: These cook up crispy and flavorful with minimal effort.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies tossed in olive oil and spices work well.
- Egg Rolls: Frozen egg rolls can be crispy in no time.
Which plant-based dishes are best suited for air frying?
Vegetarian meals can be delicious when made in an air fryer. Here are a few to try:
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be filled with rice, beans, and cheese.
- Falafel: Air frying gives them a crunch without frying in oil.
- Zucchini Fries: Coated in breadcrumbs, they make a great snack.
- Chickpeas: Roasted chickpeas can be seasoned for a crunchy snack.
What healthy meals can be prepared using an air fryer?
Air fryers are great for cooking low-fat meals. Some healthy options include:
- Grilled Fish: Fish fillets cook quickly and remain moist.
- Turkey Burgers: Lower in fat than beef and still flavorful.
- Cauliflower Wings: A healthier take on buffalo wings using cauliflower.
- Sweet Potatoes: Baked sweet potato fries are a nutritious alternative.
What meats are best for cooking in an air fryer?
Certain meats achieve great taste and texture when prepared in an air fryer. These include:
- Chicken Breasts: They remain juicy and cook evenly.
- Steaks: Steak can be seared, offering a rich flavor.
- Pork Chops: They cook quickly and retain tenderness.
- Bacon: It turns out crispy without the mess of frying.
Which foods should not be cooked in an air fryer?
Some items don’t work well in an air fryer. Avoid:
- Wet Batters: They can drip and create a mess.
- Leafy Greens: They tend to fly around and may burn.
- Whole Roasts: Larger cuts may not cook evenly.
- Cheese: It can melt and drip through the basket.
What simple meals for two can be made in an air fryer?
Preparing meals for two is straightforward with an air fryer. Consider these options:
- Mini Pizzas: Use pita bread or small bases with toppings.
- Quesadillas: Cheese and other fillings between tortillas cook well.
- Baked Potatoes: Each person can have their own baked potato.
- Salmon Fillets: Quickly cooked with herbs for a healthy dinner.
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