What To Cook In Air Fryer

Air fryers circulate hot air at high speeds, which means almost any food that crisps, roasts, or reheats in a traditional oven can be prepared in one. If you are wondering what to cook in air fryer, the short answer is: more than you think. From breakfast to dinner and even dessert, this countertop appliance handles a wide range of everyday meals.

This guide breaks down the best foods to cook, with simple tips for each category. You will also learn a few things to avoid so your results stay consistent.

The air fryer works best with foods that benefit from dry, circulating heat. That includes anything you want crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Below are the most reliable options, organized by meal type.

Breakfast Foods You Can Cook In An Air Fryer

Mornings are busy, and the air fryer can save you time here. It heats up fast and cooks small portions quickly.

Eggs: You can make hard-boiled eggs, scrambled eggs in a small dish, or fried eggs in a silicone mold.
Bacon: Lay strips in a single layer. Cook at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once.
Sausage links or patties: 10 to 12 minutes at 370°F works well for most brands.
Toast and bagels: A light brush of butter and 3 to 4 minutes at 350°F gives a crisp finish.
Hash browns and frozen potato patties: Follow the package time, usually around 12 minutes at 400°F.

One note: eggs can crack if the temperature is too high. Stick to 250°F to 275°F for whole eggs in the shell.

Vegetables That Turn Out Great

Roasted vegetables are one of the easiest wins. The hot air gives them browned edges without a lot of oil.

Potatoes: Cut into wedges or cubes. Toss with oil, salt, and pepper. Cook at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
Broccoli and cauliflower: 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes. Add a squeeze of lemon after cooking.
Brussels sprouts: Halve them, coat lightly in oil, and cook at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
Bell peppers and onions: Great for fajitas. 400°F for 10 minutes, stirring once.
Carrots: Cut into sticks and cook at 380°F for 14 to 16 minutes.
Zucchini and squash: Slice into rounds. 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes. They cook fast, so watch them.

Keep pieces about the same size so they finish at the same time. Crowding the basket steams the food instead of roasting it.

Proteins For Lunch And Dinner

Meat, poultry, and fish all work in the air fryer. The key is to use a meat thermometer and avoid overcooking.

Chicken

Chicken wings: 380°F for 20 to 24 minutes, shaking halfway. They come out crispy without deep frying.
Chicken thighs: Bone-in or boneless, 380°F for 22 to 25 minutes.
Chicken breast: 375°F for 15 to 18 minutes, depending on thickness.
Chicken tenders: 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes.

Beef And Pork

Steak: Use a thick cut. 400°F for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping once. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Pork chops: 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
Meatballs: 380°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
Burgers: 375°F for 10 to 14 minutes, depending on how well done you like them.

Fish And Seafood

Salmon fillets: 390°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
Shrimp: 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes. They cook very fast.
Tilapia or cod: 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes.

Pat proteins dry before cooking. Moisture on the surface prevents browning.

Frozen Foods And Snacks

This is where the air fryer really shines. Frozen foods that normally go in the oven often taste better here.

Frozen french fries: 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes.
Chicken nuggets: 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
Fish sticks: 400°F for 10 minutes.
Mozzarella sticks: 390°F for 6 to 8 minutes. Check early so the cheese does not leak out.
Pizza rolls and bagel bites: 380°F for 7 to 9 minutes.
Taquitos and egg rolls: 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes.

You can also reheat leftovers like pizza, fried chicken, and spring rolls. They come back crisp instead of soggy.

Baked Goods And Desserts

Yes, you can bake in an air fryer. Small batches work best.

Cookies: 320°F for 6 to 8 minutes. Use a small pan or parchment liner.
Brownies: 320°F for 15 to 20 minutes in a small baking dish.
Muffins: 330°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
Cinnamon rolls: From a can, 330°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
Banana bread: In a small loaf pan, 310°F for 25 to 30 minutes.

Reduce the temperature by about 25°F compared to a regular oven recipe. Air fryers run hotter and bake faster.

Foods To Avoid In The Air Fryer

Not everything belongs in there. Skip these or use a different method.

Batters that are wet and runny. They drip and make a mess.
Large amounts of leafy greens. They fly around and burn.
Whole roasts or large cuts that need long, slow cooking.
Foods with loose cheese on top. It melts and sticks to the heating element.
Popcorn kernels. They can get stuck and scorch.

Simple Steps For Better Results

Preheat for 2 to 3 minutes. It helps with browning.
Use a light coat of oil. Too much oil causes smoke.
Arrange food in a single layer. Do not stack.
Shake or flip halfway through cooking.
Check doneness a few minutes early the first time you cook something new.

Every air fryer model runs a bit different. Use these times as a starting point and adjust based on what you see. Once you get a feel for your machine, you can cook almost anything with confidence.

What To Cook In Air Fryer