What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?

The air fryer is now a favourite kitchen tool for both beginners and food lovers. Its appeal is clear — quick cooking, crisp textures, and little to no oil. But one common question always comes up: what can you actually make with it?

Understanding the wide range of options opens up a world of meals and snacks you may not have expected. This blog gives you ideas for everyday dinners and quick snacks. You’ll get inspiration and useful tips. Plus, there’s a full cooking list for your new favourite appliance, the air fryer.

Why the Air Fryer Is So Versatile

The air fryer circulates hot air around your food. It works like a small convection oven. This makes it suitable for far more than frozen chips or chicken nuggets.

You can roast, grill, bake, and even dehydrate with some models. It cooks faster and more evenly than a standard oven. So, it makes meals easier that usually take more effort.

Its versatility makes it great for weeknight meals and kitchen experiments.

Go-To Proteins for Quick, Crispy Results

If you’re wondering where to start, protein-based meals are a safe bet. From chicken to seafood and even meat alternatives, the air fryer handles them all well.

Chicken in All Its Forms

Chicken is one of the easiest and most rewarding proteins to cook in an air fryer. You get juicy centres with crispy edges, without needing deep frying or a hot oven.

Try:

• Chicken wings with your favourite dry rub
• Boneless thighs with a garlic herb crust
• Breaded chicken tenders for family-friendly meals

Add a quick spritz of oil to help breadcrumbs turn golden and crunchy.

Fish and Seafood

Fish cooks well in the air fryer. It’s quick and won’t stick if you use baking paper or a few lemon slices underneath.

Great choices include:

• Salmon fillets with a honey soy glaze
• Prawns in a garlic chilli marinade
• Breaded fish fillets for classic dinners

These make fast, healthy meals that feel far more luxurious than the effort required.

Plant-Based Proteins

Tofu, chickpeas, and meat substitutes also work well. For tofu, pressing and seasoning it beforehand makes a world of difference.

Coating tofu with cornstarch or light seasoning makes it crispy and tasty using less oil.

Vegetables That Crisp, Roast, or Even Caramelise

Vegetables shine in the air fryer. You get roasted textures without needing a hot oven or long cooking times.

Quick-Roast Favourites

Root vegetables cook beautifully — think carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. Brussels sprouts caramelise into something entirely different from their boiled reputation.

For best results:

• Cut vegetables evenly
• Toss lightly in oil and seasoning
• Don’t overcrowd — let the air do its work

You’ll be amazed by how much flavour a 15-minute air fry adds to a tray of veg.

Crispy Sides and Snacks

You can make healthier versions of fried classics like:

• Courgette fries
• Cauliflower bites
• Green beans tossed in breadcrumbs
• Sweet potato wedges

These make excellent side dishes or even main course ideas with a dip on the side.

Comfort Food You Never Knew Was Air Fryer-Friendly

The air fryer is not just for healthy meals. It does a fantastic job of giving comfort food that golden edge.

Reheated Leftovers

Forget the microwave. The air fryer revives pizza slices, pasties, and takeaway chips. They regain crispiness in minutes, often tasting better the second time.

Frozen Favourites Done Right

Frozen snacks are some of the best air fryer food ideas for beginners:

• Sausage rolls
• Fish fingers
• Chicken dippers
• Spring rolls

There’s no need to thaw or deep-fry. Just set the timer, and you’re ready to eat in under 15 minutes.

Craving more ideas? Explore how to meal prep smartly in Weekly Air Fryer Meal Plan for Families!

Unexpected Items You Can Make Easily

The more you explore, the more your air fryer cooking list expands. Many foods you’d usually make on the hob or oven can be done faster — and cleaner — in the air fryer.

Hard-Boiled Eggs (No Water Needed)

Yes, you can “boil” eggs in the air fryer. Set the timer, no boiling water needed, and peel easily after a quick ice bath.

It’s perfect for meal prepping protein-packed snacks.

Grilled Cheese and Toasted Sandwiches

Butter the outside of your bread. Then, add your filling. Enjoy a crunchy, golden sandwich in just minutes! No frying pan required, and no flipping either.

Crispy Bacon Without the Grease

Bacon cooks evenly in the air fryer with minimal smoke or splatter. The fat drains off naturally, leaving it less greasy and more consistent than a frying pan.

Sweets and Baked Treats You Might Not Expect

Baking in an air fryer is simpler than it sounds, especially for smaller batches.

Quick Desserts and Sweet Treats

You can make:

• Cinnamon-sugar doughnut bites using biscuit dough
• Mini chocolate chip cookies
• Fruit crisps using sliced apples or peaches
• Banana fritters with a sprinkle of brown sugar

Smaller bakes mean less waste, faster results, and just as much joy.

Meals You Can Make from Start to Finish

The air fryer isn’t just for reheating or sides — it can take care of entire meals if planned right.

Some of the Best Air Fryer Meals to Try

• Stuffed peppers with rice and black beans
• Chicken breast with garlic broccoli and baby potatoes
• Mini meatloaves with roasted carrots
• Breaded cod with sweet potato chips and peas

All these can be done in stages in a single machine — no oven, grill, or pan needed.

Tips to Keep Meals Balanced and Enjoyable

You may get carried away with all the crispy treats, but the air fryer can also help you stick to balanced meals.

Create variety by:

• Mixing protein with vegetables in your meal plan
• Swapping fried snacks for air-fried versions
• Planning a mix of quick bites and full meals during the week

This approach keeps your cooking interesting without compromising on ease or taste.

How to Build Confidence with New Recipes

Once you’ve mastered your go-to favourites, it’s time to expand.

Choose new recipes that:

• Use five ingredients or fewer
• Take under 30 minutes
• Offer guidance on temperature and timing
• Include user reviews or beginner notes

Soon, you’ll be tweaking and adapting recipes like a pro.

Endless Possibilities in One Small Appliance

The air fryer is perfect for crispy chips, tender salmon, sweet banana treats, and roasted veggies.

With some trial and error, you’ll create an air fryer cooking list full of everyday favourites and surprises.

Exploring new air fryer food ideas keeps your meals exciting and enjoyable. From comfort food to balanced dinners, there’s no end to what you can make with it.

Choosing the best air fryer meals for your lifestyle and trying new recipes each week will turn your air fryer into a staple, not just a gadget.

So go ahead. Plug it in, preheat it, and discover what’s next on your plate.

Once you understand the basics (and if you’re just getting started, here’s a great place: Getting Started with Your First Air Fryer), you’ll quickly see just how much you can achieve.