If your air fryer only comes out when chicken tenders are on the menu, you are missing out on so many easy ways to use it. This small appliance can roast vegetables, crisp leftovers, toast nuts, cook fish, make breakfast, warm bread, and even bake small desserts.

The air fryer is especially handy when you do not want to heat the entire kitchen. It preheats quickly, cooks smaller portions well, and gives many foods a browned, crisp finish without requiring a pot of oil.

Once you learn what foods work well in an air fryer, it becomes much more than a chicken-cooking machine. It can handle breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, side dishes, desserts, and yesterday’s leftovers.

Here are some of the best ways to use an air fryer beyond chicken, plus cooking tips that will help you get better results.

What Does an Air Fryer Actually Do?

An air fryer works like a small convection oven. A heating element creates heat while a fan circulates hot air around the food. The fast-moving air helps the outside of the food brown and crisp.

Despite its name, an air fryer does not fry food in the same way as a deep fryer. You may use a small amount of oil, but the food is not submerged in it.

An air fryer works especially well for foods that benefit from:

• A browned surface
• Crisp edges
• Quick, even cooking
• Dry heat
• A freshly toasted texture

The basket or cooking tray allows hot air to reach more of the food’s surface. This is why spacing matters. When food is piled into the basket, steam gets trapped and the exterior may stay soft.

Why Use an Air Fryer Instead of the Oven?

An air fryer and a convection oven work in similar ways, but an air fryer has a much smaller cooking space. That smaller space heats quickly and moves hot air close to the food.

An air fryer is a great choice when:

• You are cooking for one or two people
• You want to avoid heating the full oven
• You need a quick side dish
• You want leftovers to taste crisp again
• You are cooking frozen food
• You want a small dessert without baking a full batch
• You need another cooking surface while the oven is busy

The oven is still better for large casseroles, full sheet pans, big batches of cookies, and meals for a crowd. For smaller servings, the air fryer is often faster and easier.

1. Roast Vegetables in the Air Fryer

Vegetables are one of the best foods to cook in an air fryer. The circulating heat browns the edges while keeping the centers tender.

Good vegetables for the air fryer include:

• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Green beans
• Asparagus
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Carrots
• Butternut squash
• Sweet potatoes
• Baby potatoes

Cut the vegetables into evenly sized pieces so they finish cooking at about the same time. Toss them with a small amount of oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings.

Most vegetables cook well between 375°F and 400°F. Shake the basket once or twice during cooking to turn the pieces and expose more of the surface to the hot air.

Watery vegetables such as zucchini and mushrooms may need a little extra space. If the basket is crowded, the moisture they release can steam the vegetables instead of roasting them.

2. Cook Crispy Potatoes

The air fryer was practically made for potatoes. It can turn fresh or frozen potatoes crisp on the outside while keeping the inside soft.

Try using it for:

• French fries
• Potato wedges
• Breakfast potatoes
• Tater tots
• Hash brown patties
• Baby potatoes
• Smashed potatoes
• Sweet potato fries
• Baked potatoes
• Potato skins

For fresh fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes. Drain them and dry them very well before adding oil. Removing some of the surface starch and excess water helps the potatoes become crisp.

Do not use too much oil. A light coating is enough. Too much oil can collect at the bottom of the basket and leave the potatoes greasy.

For baked potatoes, pierce the skin with a fork, rub it lightly with oil, and season it with salt. Air frying gives the potato a fluffy center and a skin that is much crisper than a microwave-baked potato.

3. Make Breakfast in the Air Fryer

The air fryer can handle much more than breakfast potatoes. It is a convenient option when you want a warm breakfast without using several pans.

Breakfast foods you can air fry include:

• Bacon
• Sausage links
• Sausage patties
• Hash browns
• French toast sticks
• Breakfast sandwiches
• Egg bites
• Hard-cooked eggs
• Cinnamon rolls
• Biscuits
• Toasted bagels
• Breakfast burritos

Bacon cooks especially well because the basket allows some of the fat to drip away from the strips. Check it often toward the end since the exact timing depends on the thickness of the bacon.

For breakfast sandwiches, assemble the bread, cheese, egg, and cooked breakfast meat, then air fry until the sandwich is warm and the cheese has melted. If the top piece of bread is very light, secure it with an air-fryer-safe rack or toothpick so the fan does not move it.

You can also reheat frozen breakfast sandwiches. Lower heat works best because it gives the center time to warm before the bread gets too dark.

4. Cook Fish and Seafood

Fish cooks quickly in an air fryer and usually needs very little preparation. A light coating of oil and a few seasonings may be all you need.

Try air frying:

• Salmon fillets
• Cod
• Tilapia
• Shrimp
• Scallops
• Fish sticks
• Crab cakes
• Breaded fish fillets
• Coconut shrimp

Salmon develops lightly browned edges while staying moist in the center. Shrimp can be ready in just a few minutes, making it an easy option for tacos, salads, pasta, or rice bowls.

The main risk with seafood is overcooking it. Begin checking early, especially when cooking thin fillets or small shrimp. The food will continue to cook slightly after it is removed from the basket.

If you are cooking breaded fish, spray the coating lightly with oil. This helps dry patches brown instead of staying pale and powdery.

5. Reheat Pizza and Other Leftovers

Reheating leftovers may be the most useful thing an air fryer does. The microwave is quick, but it can make breading, pizza crust, and fried food soft or rubbery. The air fryer brings back much of the original texture.

Use it to reheat:

• Pizza
• French fries
• Onion rings
• Fried fish
• Mozzarella sticks
• Egg rolls
• Roasted vegetables
• Quesadillas
• Sandwiches
• Garlic bread
• Biscuits
• Pastries

Pizza reheats especially well. The bottom of the crust becomes crisp, the cheese melts, and the toppings heat without turning the slice soggy.

Start reheating leftovers at about 325°F to 350°F. A lower temperature gives the center time to warm before the outside burns. Check the food every few minutes since leftovers usually heat faster than raw food cooks.

Foods with sauces or delicate toppings may need a loose piece of foil or an air-fryer-safe dish to prevent a mess.

6. Make Toast, Garlic Bread, and Warm Sandwiches

An air fryer can act like a small toaster oven. It is helpful when you are making a few slices of bread or warming a sandwich.

Use it for:

• Toast
• Garlic bread
• Texas toast
• Bagels
• English muffins
• Grilled cheese
• Tuna melts
• Open-faced sandwiches
• Crostini
• Breadsticks

Bread can move around because of the powerful fan. Heavier slices usually stay in place, but very thin bread may need to be secured with a rack.

For grilled cheese, lightly butter the outside of the bread and cook the sandwich until both sides are golden and the cheese has melted. Flip it halfway through for more even browning.

An air fryer is also handy for making crostini. Brush baguette slices with olive oil, season them lightly, and toast until crisp. Serve them with dips, soups, cheese boards, or chopped tomatoes.

7. Prepare Frozen Foods

Most frozen foods that are meant to become crisp work very well in the air fryer. You usually do not need to thaw them first.

Popular frozen air fryer foods include:

• French fries
• Tater tots
• Mozzarella sticks
• Fish sticks
• Egg rolls
• Pizza rolls
• Onion rings
• Taquitos
• Pierogies
• Hash brown patties
• Soft pretzels
• Breaded vegetables

Frozen foods often already contain oil, so adding more may not be necessary. Check the package instructions first. If air fryer directions are not listed, begin with a temperature about 25°F lower than the conventional oven temperature and check the food early.

Shake or turn the food halfway through cooking. This prevents the pieces resting against the basket from staying soft.

Avoid packing the basket too tightly. A single layer produces the best texture, although foods such as fries and tater tots can overlap slightly if you shake the basket several times.

8. Cook Burgers, Steak, and Pork

Chicken is not the only meat you can cook in an air fryer. The appliance also works well for smaller cuts of beef and pork.

Try cooking:

• Hamburgers
• Cheeseburgers
• Meatballs
• Steak bites
• Pork chops
• Pork tenderloin medallions
• Sausage
• Hot dogs
• Bacon-wrapped foods
• Mini meatloaves

Burgers cook quickly and stay juicy when they are not pressed or overcooked. Add cheese during the final minute so it melts without blowing around the basket.

Pork chops benefit from a light coating of oil and a dry seasoning blend. Thickness matters, so use an instant-read thermometer instead of relying only on a cooking time.

Steak bites are another easy option. Cut the steak into evenly sized cubes, season them, and spread them in one layer. They cook fast and can be served with potatoes, rice, vegetables, or salad.

9. Make Tofu and Meatless Meals

The air fryer is a great tool for giving tofu a firmer, crisp texture. It can also cook many plant-based foods that might otherwise become soft in a skillet or oven.

Meatless air fryer ideas include:

• Crispy tofu
• Tempeh
• Falafel
• Black bean burgers
• Veggie burgers
• Stuffed mushrooms
• Breaded eggplant
• Cauliflower bites
• Chickpeas
• Vegetable fritters

For crisp tofu, press out as much water as possible before cutting it into cubes. Toss the cubes with oil, seasonings, and a small amount of cornstarch. The cornstarch creates a thin coating that becomes crisp as it cooks.

Air-fried chickpeas make an easy crunchy snack. Drain and dry them well, season them, and cook until crisp. Let them cool before storing because they become firmer as they sit.

Plant-based burgers can dry out quickly, so follow the package directions when available and begin checking them a few minutes early.

10. Roast Nuts and Seeds

Nuts toast quickly in an air fryer, and you do not need to heat the oven for a small batch.

You can toast:

• Pecans
• Walnuts
• Almonds
• Cashews
• Peanuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Sunflower seeds

Place the nuts in an air-fryer-safe baking dish or on a tray with raised sides. Small nuts and seeds may fall through the basket holes or move around because of the fan.

Use a lower temperature, around 300°F to 325°F, and stir often. Nuts can go from lightly toasted to burnt in a short amount of time.

Once toasted, transfer them to a cool plate. Leaving them in the hot basket may cause them to continue browning.

Use toasted nuts in salads, oatmeal, muffins, cookies, granola, or homemade snack mixes.

11. Crisp Canned Chickpeas and Beans

Canned chickpeas become a crunchy snack or salad topping when cooked in the air fryer. You can use simple seasonings or change the flavor depending on how you plan to serve them.

Seasoning ideas include:

• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic and onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Ranch seasoning
• Chili powder and cumin
• Cinnamon and sugar
• Italian seasoning

Drain, rinse, and dry the chickpeas thoroughly. Moisture is the enemy of crispness, so spread them on a clean towel and pat them dry before cooking.

A small amount of oil helps the seasonings stick and encourages browning. Shake the basket every few minutes.

Other beans may not become quite as crisp as chickpeas, but larger white beans can develop a pleasant browned exterior and work well in salads and grain bowls.

12. Bake Small Desserts

An air fryer can bake many of the same foods as an oven, as long as the pan fits inside the basket.

Air fryer dessert ideas include:

• Chocolate chip cookies
• Brownies
• Small cakes
• Apple crisps
• Baked apples
• Hand pies
• Cinnamon rolls
• Doughnuts
• Cheesecake cups
• S’mores
• Fruit turnovers

Small batches work best. This is useful when you want two or three warm cookies without baking an entire tray.

Use an air-fryer-safe pan for runny batters. Do not pour cake or brownie batter directly into the basket.

Air fryers can brown the top of baked goods before the center is finished. Lower the temperature slightly compared with a standard oven recipe. If the top browns too quickly, cover the pan loosely with foil once the surface has set.

Parchment liners should always be weighed down by food. Never preheat an empty air fryer with a loose sheet of parchment inside because the fan can pull it toward the heating element.

13. Cook Fruit

Warm fruit from the air fryer can be used for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The dry heat softens the fruit and helps its natural sugars brown.

Try air frying:

• Apple slices
• Peaches
• Pears
• Pineapple
• Bananas
• Strawberries
• Plums

Sprinkle apple or pear slices with cinnamon and a small amount of brown sugar. Serve them over oatmeal, pancakes, yogurt, ice cream, or pound cake.

Pineapple becomes juicy with lightly browned edges. It works as a side for pork, a topping for burgers, or a simple dessert.

Soft fruits cook quickly. Use an air-fryer-safe dish if the fruit is very juicy, or line the basket with a perforated parchment liner after preheating.

14. Warm Tortillas and Make Homemade Chips

The air fryer can turn tortillas into crisp chips without deep frying.

For tortilla chips, cut corn or flour tortillas into wedges. Spray them lightly with oil, season with salt, and spread them in the basket. Cook until crisp, shaking or turning them as needed.

You can also make:

• Pita chips
• Bagel chips
• Wonton chips
• Pasta chips
• Cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips
• Parmesan crisps

Light pieces can move around during cooking. An air-fryer-safe rack can hold them down while still allowing air to circulate.

To warm soft tortillas, wrap a small stack in foil and heat briefly at a lower temperature. This keeps them flexible instead of making them crisp.

15. Make Quesadillas, Tacos, and Burritos

The air fryer works well for foods wrapped in tortillas because it crisps the outside while warming the filling.

Try using it for:

• Cheese quesadillas
• Bean and cheese burritos
• Breakfast burritos
• Rolled tacos
• Flautas
• Crunchy taco shells
• Mini chimichangas

Do not overfill the tortilla. Too much filling can leak into the basket, especially when cheese melts.

Lightly spray the outside with oil for better browning. Place the seam side down when cooking burritos or rolled tacos. If the tortilla begins to lift, secure it with a toothpick and remember to remove the toothpick before serving.

Make sure meat fillings are already fully cooked unless the recipe has been tested with raw meat.

16. Roast Garlic and Small Tomatoes

You do not need to turn on the oven for a small batch of roasted garlic or tomatoes.

To roast garlic, slice the top from a head of garlic, drizzle it with oil, and wrap it securely in foil. Air fry until the cloves are soft, golden, and easy to squeeze from their skins.

Roasted garlic can be added to:

• Mashed potatoes
• Pasta sauce
• Soup
• Salad dressing
• Garlic butter
• Hummus
• Sandwich spreads

Cherry tomatoes can be tossed with oil, salt, pepper, and herbs, then cooked until they soften and begin to blister. Place them in a small dish if you want to keep all their juices.

Serve the tomatoes with pasta, toast, eggs, fish, or whipped cheese.

17. Heat Rolls, Biscuits, and Pastries

The air fryer can bring back the soft center and lightly crisp exterior of day-old bread and pastries.

Use it to warm:

• Dinner rolls
• Biscuits
• Croissants
• Muffins
• Scones
• Doughnuts
• Cinnamon rolls
• Danish pastries

Lower heat is usually best. High heat can darken the outside before the center warms.

For dry bread, add a few drops of water to the surface or wrap it loosely in foil. This provides a little moisture while the bread heats.

Glazed pastries should be warmed carefully because the sugar can melt and burn. Start with a short cooking time and check often.

18. Make Personal Pizzas

Small pizzas fit nicely in many air fryer baskets. You can use prepared dough, naan, pita bread, bagels, English muffins, or tortillas as the base.

Add a thin layer of sauce, cheese, and toppings. Avoid using too much cheese or very light toppings because the fan may move them around before they melt into place.

Pre-cooking fresh pizza dough for a few minutes can prevent the center from staying raw. Add the toppings after the crust has started to set, then return it to the air fryer.

Personal pizzas are also a good way to use small amounts of leftover vegetables, meat, cheese, and sauce.

19. Cook Corn on the Cob

Air-fried corn develops lightly browned spots while staying juicy inside.

Remove the husks and trim the corn if needed to fit the basket. Rub it with a small amount of oil or butter, then season it.

Turn the corn during cooking so each side has a chance to brown.

Serve it simply with butter and salt, or add toppings such as:

• Parmesan and garlic
• Chili powder and lime
• Honey butter
• Fresh herbs
• Smoked paprika
• Crumbled cheese

Frozen corn on the cob can also be cooked in the air fryer. It may need a few extra minutes.

20. Dry Fresh Herbs and Fruit Slices

Some air fryers have a dehydrate setting that runs at a low temperature for a longer period. This can be used for small amounts of herbs, fruit, and vegetables.

You may be able to dry:

• Basil
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Apple slices
• Orange slices
• Strawberries
• Banana slices
• Tomato slices

The air fryer must be able to operate at a low enough temperature. If the heat is too high, the food will cook or burn instead of slowly drying.

Place the food in a single layer and check it regularly. Drying time depends on the moisture level, thickness, and air fryer model.

Best Air Fryer Cooking Tips

A few basic habits can make a big difference in how your air-fried food turns out.

Preheat When the Recipe Calls for It

Not every food requires preheating, but it helps when you want immediate browning. Steak, burgers, vegetables, and breaded foods often benefit from going into a hot basket.

Do Not Crowd the Basket

Air needs room to circulate around the food. If the basket is packed, moisture gets trapped and the food may steam.

Cook in batches when a crisp exterior is the goal.

Use Oil Lightly

A small amount of oil can help food brown and keep seasonings in place. Too much may make the food greasy or cause smoke.

Use an oil sprayer or toss the food with a teaspoon or two before adding it to the basket.

Shake or Flip the Food

Shake smaller foods such as fries, vegetables, and chickpeas. Flip larger foods such as burgers, pork chops, fish, and sandwiches.

This helps both sides cook and brown more evenly.

Check the Food Early

Air fryer models vary in size, power, and basket shape. A recipe’s cooking time should be treated as a starting point.

Check food a few minutes before the suggested time, especially when trying a recipe for the first time.

Use a Food Thermometer

A food thermometer is the safest way to check meat and fish. Color alone does not always tell you whether food is properly cooked.

Insert the thermometer into the thickest part without touching the basket or bone.

Choose the Right Liner

Perforated parchment liners allow more air to circulate than solid parchment. Silicone liners are reusable, but their raised sides may slightly reduce browning.

Never place a loose liner in the air fryer without food on top of it.

Foods That Do Not Work Well in an Air Fryer

The air fryer can cook many foods, but it is not the right tool for everything.

Wet Batter

Thin, wet batter can drip through the basket before it sets. Foods coated in a dry breading or thick batter work better.

Large Amounts of Leafy Greens

Loose spinach, kale, and herbs may blow around because of the fan. Kale chips can work, but the leaves need oil and may require a rack to hold them in place.

Too Much Cheese

Cheese placed directly in the basket can melt through the holes and create a mess. Keep it inside a sandwich, on top of solid food, or in an air-fryer-safe dish.

Large Roasts

A roast that barely fits in the basket leaves little room for air circulation. The outside may brown before the center is cooked.

Runny Batter Without a Pan

Cake, brownie, pancake, and muffin batters need a pan or mold. The basket is not designed to hold liquids.

Very Light Foods

Thin tortillas, loose bread slices, and light toppings may blow toward the heating element. Secure them with food, toothpicks, or an air-fryer-safe rack.

How to Convert Oven Instructions to the Air Fryer

When a package or recipe only gives oven directions, lower the cooking temperature by about 25°F. You may also need to shorten the cooking time by roughly 20 percent.

For example, if a food bakes at 400°F for 20 minutes in the oven, try air frying it at 375°F and begin checking around 14 to 16 minutes.

This is only a starting point. Thick foods may still need close to the original cooking time, while thin or frozen foods may finish much sooner.

Write down the temperature and timing that work with your specific air fryer. Once you know how your model cooks, converting recipes becomes much easier.

How to Clean an Air Fryer

Let the air fryer cool before cleaning it. Remove the basket and tray, then wash them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

For everyday cleaning:

1. Wipe away loose crumbs.
2. Soak the basket in warm, soapy water if food is stuck.
3. Use a soft sponge to protect the coating.
4. Wipe the inside of the machine with a damp cloth.
5. Dry every part before putting the air fryer back together.

Avoid metal scrubbers and sharp utensils because they may damage the basket’s coating.

Grease can also collect near the heating element. Once the machine is unplugged and completely cool, carefully wipe any reachable buildup according to the appliance manual.

Is an Air Fryer Worth Using for More Than Chicken?

Yes. An air fryer earns its counter space when you use it for vegetables, breakfast, fish, frozen foods, leftovers, snacks, and small baked treats.

Its best use is not always making an entire meal. Sometimes it is simply the fastest way to roast broccoli, crisp yesterday’s pizza, toast a handful of nuts, or heat two biscuits.

The more comfortable you become with temperature, spacing, and cooking time, the easier it is to spot foods that will work well. If a food tastes best with browned edges or a crisp exterior, there is a good chance the air fryer can handle it.

More Cooking Guides to Try

If you enjoy practical cooking tips, try these next:

• How Long to Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor
• Why Is My Chicken Rubbery?
• Why Is My Ground Beef Watery?
• How Long Should Meat Rest After Cooking?
• Oven Temperature Conversion Chart
• Baking Measurement Conversion Chart
• First Kitchen Essentials for Beginner Cooks

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I cook in an air fryer besides chicken?

You can cook vegetables, potatoes, fish, shrimp, burgers, pork chops, tofu, breakfast foods, frozen snacks, sandwiches, small pizzas, bread, fruit, and desserts. It is also one of the best appliances for reheating pizza and fried leftovers.

Can an air fryer replace an oven?

An air fryer can replace the oven for many small meals and side dishes. It is not as practical for large casseroles, full-size cakes, big batches of cookies, or meals that require several pans.

Can I put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Foil can be used in many air fryers, but it should not block all the airflow. It must be secured by food so it cannot blow into the heating element. Always check the instructions for your specific model.

Can I use parchment paper in an air fryer?

Yes, but perforated air fryer parchment works best because it allows air to move through the basket. Never place loose parchment in an empty air fryer during preheating.

Do I need to put oil on food before air frying?

Not always. Many frozen foods already contain oil. Fresh vegetables, potatoes, breaded foods, and lean proteins often brown better with a light coating of oil.

Can I cook raw meat in an air fryer?

Yes. Burgers, steak, pork chops, sausage, fish, and other meats can be cooked from raw. Use a food thermometer to confirm that the center has reached a safe temperature.

Can I bake cookies in an air fryer?

Yes. Place small portions of cookie dough on fitted parchment or in an air-fryer-safe pan. Leave enough space for spreading and use a slightly lower temperature than you would in a full-size oven.

Why is my air fryer food not crispy?

The basket may be overcrowded, the food may be too wet, or you may have used too much oil. Pat wet ingredients dry, leave space between pieces, and shake or flip the food during cooking.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

It depends on the food and the model. Preheating is helpful for foods that need quick browning, such as steak, vegetables, fries, and breaded foods. Some frozen foods and reheated leftovers can go into a cold air fryer.

Can I reheat food in an air fryer?

Yes. Air fryers are especially good for reheating pizza, fries, fried fish, egg rolls, roasted vegetables, sandwiches, and pastries. Start around 325°F to 350°F and check the food often.

Can I put a glass dish in an air fryer?

Only use glass cookware that is labeled oven-safe and fits comfortably inside the basket. Avoid placing cold glass into a hot air fryer because a sudden temperature change may cause it to crack.

Can I cook eggs in an air fryer?

Yes. Depending on your air fryer and the cookware you have, you can make baked eggs, egg bites, breakfast casseroles, and hard-cooked eggs.

What temperature should I use when converting an oven recipe?

Lower the oven temperature by about 25°F and begin checking the food sooner. Air fryer cooking times are often shorter because the heating space is smaller and the hot air moves close to the food.

Is air-fried food healthier than deep-fried food?

Air-fried food generally uses less oil than deep-fried food. The final nutrition depends on the ingredients, portion size, breading, sauces, and amount of oil used.

What is the easiest food to cook in an air fryer?

Frozen fries, roasted vegetables, reheated pizza, breakfast sausage, salmon, and small potatoes are easy places to start. They need little preparation and make it simple to learn how your air fryer cooks.