20 Foods That Taste Much Better When Cooked In An Air Fryer
Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by delivering crispy, delicious foods with minimal oil. This kitchen gadget uses hot air circulation to create that satisfying crunch we all crave, while cutting down on calories and mess.
If you’ve recently purchased an air fryer or are considering one, here’s my list of foods that transform from ordinary to extraordinary with this magical appliance.
1. Crispy Chicken Wings
Nothing beats the satisfaction of biting into perfectly crispy chicken wings. Air fryers create that restaurant-quality crunch without the guilt of deep frying.
I discovered this game-changer during last year’s Super Bowl party when my wings disappeared before the first quarter ended! The secret is patting them dry before cooking and tossing them halfway through.
Your family will think you ordered takeout when they taste these crispy delights.
2. French Fries That Rival Fast Food
Store-bought frozen fries transform into golden treasures in an air fryer. The circulating heat crisps each fry evenly, creating that perfect contrast between crunchy exterior and fluffy interior.
A light spritz of oil and a shake of seasoning elevate these from basic to gourmet. Fresh-cut potatoes work wonderfully too – just soak them first to remove excess starch.
The best part? No more soggy, disappointing oven fries!
3. Bacon Without the Splatter
Air fryer bacon is a revelation that changed my breakfast game forever. The strips cook evenly while the excess fat drips away, resulting in perfectly crisp bacon every time.
My Sunday morning tradition now includes the heavenly aroma of bacon without the stovetop cleanup nightmare. Remember to check frequently your first time, as cooking times vary by thickness.
Bonus: the collected bacon grease can be saved for future cooking projects!
4. Vegetable Medley That Kids Actually Eat
Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli develop a caramelized sweetness in the air fryer that converts even the most stubborn veggie-haters. The slight char on the edges adds complexity without burning.
A light coating of olive oil and your favorite seasonings is all you need. My nephew, who normally hides vegetables under his napkin, asked for seconds of my air-fried Brussels sprouts!
Try different seasoning blends to keep things interesting night after night.
5. Juicy Hamburgers Year-Round
Forget waiting for grilling season! Air fryer hamburgers retain their juiciness while developing a beautiful outer crust. The excess fat drips away, resulting in a cleaner-tasting burger that still satisfies.
Season your ground beef simply with salt and pepper to let the meat shine. Add cheese during the last minute for perfect melting action.
I’ve found that slightly flattening the patties before cooking helps them cook more evenly.
6. Mozzarella Sticks Without the Oil Bath
Frozen mozzarella sticks were practically made for air fryers. The intense circulating heat creates that essential crispy coating while perfectly melting the cheese inside – no deep fryer required!
The trick is cooking them straight from frozen without thawing. I once made these for a last-minute game night gathering, and friends couldn’t believe they weren’t from a restaurant.
Serve with marinara sauce for an appetizer that disappears in minutes.
7. Reheated Pizza That Tastes Fresh
Forget soggy microwave pizza or waiting for your oven to preheat. The air fryer revives day-old pizza in minutes, restoring the crispy crust while keeping the cheese melty and toppings fresh.
Just 3-4 minutes at 350°F works magic on leftover slices. During college, my air fryer saved countless late-night study sessions with perfectly reheated pizza that tasted almost better than when delivered!
This method works for thick or thin crust varieties equally well.
8. Homemade Potato Chips
Thinly sliced potatoes transform into addictive, crispy chips with just a fraction of the oil used in commercial varieties. The air fryer circulates heat so efficiently that each chip cooks evenly to golden perfection.
Experiment with different seasonings – from classic salt to barbecue, sour cream and onion, or even truffle salt for gourmet snacking. Soaking the slices in cold water before cooking removes excess starch for maximum crispiness.
Make small batches for the freshest results.
9. Perfectly Roasted Nuts
Raw nuts transform into aromatic, toasty treats in the air fryer in just minutes. The even heat circulation ensures no burnt spots or underdone pieces – just perfectly roasted nuts every time.
Add a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of sea salt for sweet-and-salty magic. My holiday gift-giving got a major upgrade when I started packaging jars of these homemade roasted nuts instead of store-bought varieties.
They’re perfect for salad toppings, snacking, or adding to baked goods.
10. Crispy Tofu Cubes
Air fryers transform bland tofu into crispy, flavorful protein bites without the oil spatters of pan-frying. The outside gets delightfully crunchy while the inside stays tender.
Press your tofu well before cooking to remove excess moisture. Toss with cornstarch and seasonings for maximum crispiness. These golden cubes make perfect salad toppers, stir-fry additions, or protein-packed snacks.
Even tofu skeptics have been converted by this preparation method!
11. Homemade Donuts Without Deep Frying
Canned biscuit dough transforms into delightful donuts in the air fryer. They puff up beautifully with a golden exterior and fluffy interior – minus the quart of oil traditional donuts require.
The fun part comes after cooking: dip them in melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar, drizzle with glaze, or coat with chocolate and sprinkles. My niece’s sleepover party featured a donut-decorating station with these as the star.
They’re ready in minutes for impromptu dessert cravings!
12. Falafel That’s Light Yet Crispy
Traditional falafel requires deep frying, but air fryer versions achieve that desirable crisp exterior while keeping the interior moist and flavorful. The chickpea patties develop a beautiful golden crust with minimal oil.
Form them slightly flatter than traditional ball-shaped falafel for more even cooking. My Mediterranean-themed dinner party featured these air-fried falafels, and guests couldn’t believe they weren’t restaurant-made.
Serve in pita with tahini sauce and fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
13. Crispy Chickpeas for Healthy Snacking
Canned chickpeas transform into crunchy, addictive snacks in the air fryer. The beans develop a satisfying crispness while maintaining their nutty flavor – perfect for guilt-free munching.
Pat them completely dry before cooking for maximum crunch. Experiment with different seasonings: curry powder, ranch, cinnamon-sugar, or classic salt and pepper all work beautifully.
I keep a container of these on hand for protein-packed snacking that satisfies my potato chip cravings.
14. Eggplant Parmesan Without the Oil Soak
Eggplant’s tendency to absorb oil makes traditional eggplant parmesan a heavy dish. Air frying solves this problem beautifully, creating crispy breaded eggplant slices that stay light and non-greasy.
Layer these crispy rounds with marinara and cheese for a healthier version of the Italian classic. My Italian grandmother was skeptical until she tasted my air-fried version – now she’s a convert!
Salt and drain your eggplant before cooking to remove bitterness.
15. Perfectly Cooked Frozen Onion Rings
Frozen onion rings were practically designed for air fryers. The intense circulating heat creates the perfect crunch while ensuring the onion inside is tender and sweet – no more disappointing soggy rings!
They cook more evenly than in a conventional oven with no flipping required. Arrange them in a single layer without overcrowding for best results.
These make a perfect side dish or topping for homemade burgers when you’re craving that diner experience.
16. Homemade Tortilla Chips in Minutes
Fresh corn tortillas transform into restaurant-quality chips in the air fryer in just minutes. Cut into triangles, give them a light spray of oil, and they crisp up beautifully with far less fat than deep-fried versions.
Season them while still hot – traditional salt works great, but try cinnamon-sugar for a sweet treat or chili-lime for a zesty kick. When unexpected guests dropped by last weekend, I whipped up a batch in minutes to serve with salsa.
They stay crispy for hours!
17. Stuffed Mushrooms with Perfect Texture
Air fryers create stuffed mushrooms with the ideal combination of tender caps and crispy, golden topping. The high heat concentrates the mushroom flavor while perfectly cooking the filling.
Try cream cheese and herb stuffing, sausage mixtures, or breadcrumb toppings – they all develop beautiful color and texture. These elegant appetizers became my signature party contribution after guests raved about them at a holiday gathering.
No more watery mushrooms or underdone filling!
18. Juicy Pork Chops with Crispy Edges
Pork chops often end up dry when baked but emerge perfectly juicy from the air fryer. The rapid air circulation sears the outside while keeping the center moist and tender.
A simple herb rub or marinade adds incredible flavor. I was notorious for overcooking pork until my air fryer came along – now my family actually requests my pork chops regularly!
Let them rest for a few minutes after cooking for the juiciest results.
19. Homemade Croutons That Outshine Store-Bought
Transform day-old bread into crunchy, flavorful croutons that elevate any salad or soup. The air fryer creates perfectly crisp cubes with a satisfying crunch throughout – no soft centers or burnt edges.
Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, herbs, and parmesan for maximum flavor. I started making these weekly after realizing how much better they taste than packaged versions.
They stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week.
20. Coconut Shrimp with Tropical Crunch
Air-fried coconut shrimp develop a gorgeous golden crust while the shrimp inside stays perfectly tender. The coconut flakes toast beautifully without burning – a common problem with other cooking methods.
The breading adheres well without absorbing excess oil. During a beach vacation last year, I made these in our rental’s air fryer, and they rivaled the expensive restaurant version we’d had the night before!
Serve with sweet chili sauce for dipping perfection.