Top 10 Things to Cook in an Air Fryers: Expert Picks for Every Kitchen

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If you have just started using an air fryer, or you already own one and feel stuck making the same frozen snacks, this list of the top 10 things to cook in an air fryer will give you fresh ideas that actually play to the machine’s strengths. The air fryer is a compact convection oven with a powerful fan and a small cooking chamber, so it excels at anything that benefits from fast, dry heat: crisp edges, browned surfaces, and food that cooks through without drying out. The picks below were chosen by checking manufacturer specifications, widely reported owner experience, and how each dish maps to what air fryers do well. Each entry names the appliance feature that makes the dish easier, so you can judge whether your model will handle it.

Our Top Picks

The table below gives a quick overview of the ten recipes and the appliance feature that matters most for each. The product names in the detailed sections are the air fryers that tend to suit these recipes well, based on capacity, temperature range, and basket design as published by the manufacturers.

Quick Comparison

1. Crispy Chicken Wings (Ninja Air Fryer AF101)

This pick suits anyone who wants restaurant-style crisp skin without deep frying. It works best for cooks who make wings regularly and want consistent results from frozen or fresh drumettes and flats.

Key specs

• 4-quart capacity, large enough for roughly 1 to 1.5 pounds of wings in a single layer
• Temperature range commonly listed up to 400°F
• Rapid-air circulation fan for even browning
• Nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket

Pros

• Strong airflow gives wings a crisp exterior with a moist center
• Simple dial controls make setting time and temperature straightforward
• Basket is easy to remove and shake halfway through cooking

Cons

• Capacity is limited if you are cooking for a crowd, so you may need two batches
• Wings can need a light coating of oil or a dry rub to brown evenly

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2. Sweet Potato Fries (Cosori Air Fryer Pro II)

Good for cooks who want a healthier alternative to oven fries that still comes out crisp on the outside. The basket design of this model helps cut potato strips stay separated for better air contact.

Key specs

• 5.8-quart capacity suitable for a family-sized batch
• Temperature range commonly listed from about 180°F to 450°F
• Digital touchscreen with preset programs
• Nonstick basket with dishwasher-safe parts

Pros

• Larger basket handles a full pound of fries in one layer
• Digital controls make repeat batches easy to reproduce
• Good airflow yields crisp edges with less oil

Cons

• Fries cooked in a crowded basket steam instead of crisping
• Some owners report the touchscreen needs a moment to respond to taps

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3. Roasted Vegetables (Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1)

This suits home cooks who want to roast a tray of mixed vegetables on a weeknight without heating the full oven. The multi-function design lets you switch between air frying, roasting, and reheating.

Key specs

• 6-quart capacity for a family-sized tray of vegetables
• Six cooking functions including air fry, roast, and reheat
• Temperature range commonly listed up to 400°F
• Removable, dishwasher-safe basket and crisping tray

Pros

• Versatile functions cover roasting and reheating in one appliance
• Roomy basket holds enough broccoli, carrots, and peppers for several servings
• Easy to shake the basket during cooking for even browning

Cons

• Dense vegetables like whole potatoes may need extra time or cutting
• The footprint is larger than compact single-function models

4. Salmon Fillets (Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro)

Best for cooks who want a flaky, evenly cooked salmon fillet with a golden top, especially those who appreciate precise temperature control. The countertop oven format also handles larger portions.

Key specs

• Countertop convection oven with air fry function
• Adjustable temperature control for fine tuning
• Interior sized to hold a full sheet pan or several fillets
• Stainless steel exterior and interior

Pros

• Precise temperature control helps salmon stay moist
• Larger interior fits multiple fillets at once
• Doubles as a toaster oven for everyday baking

Cons

• Takes up more counter space than a basket-style air fryer
• Preheat times are longer than those of compact basket models

5. Pork Chops (Philips Premium Airfryer XXL)

This pick is for cooks who want a dependable way to cook bone-in or boneless pork chops with a browned crust. The preheat function and large cooking area help with consistent results.

Key specs

• Large capacity suited to family-sized batches
• Rapid Air technology for circulating hot air
• Temperature control and preheat function
• Dishwasher-safe basket components

Pros

• Preheating improves browning on thicker cuts
• Large basket fits several chops in one layer
• Clear controls make it easy to set doneness times

Cons

• Premium option with a higher purchase commitment than basic models
• Thick chops still need a meat thermometer to confirm doneness

6. Frozen Foods (Chefman TurboFry Touch)

A budget pick for busy households that rely on frozen snacks like fries, nuggets, and egg rolls. Preset buttons remove much of the guesswork.

Key specs

• Capacity suited to small to medium batches
• Preset cooking programs for common frozen foods
• Temperature range commonly listed up to 400°F
• Nonstick basket with a simple touch interface

Pros

• Preset buttons reduce trial and error for frozen items
• Compact footprint fits smaller counters
• Straightforward controls suit beginners

Cons

• Smaller basket means more batches for large families
• Presets are general starting points and may need adjusting for thick items

7. Roasted Nuts and Seeds (Dash Compact Air Fryer)

Good for cooks who want to toast pumpkin seeds, almonds, or chickpeas quickly. The compact size keeps small batches from spreading out too thin.

Key specs

• Small capacity suited to snack-sized batches
• Adjustable temperature and timer
• Compact footprint for small kitchens
• Nonstick basket

Pros

• Small basket heats quickly for short roasting jobs
• Low-temperature settings suit delicate seeds and nuts
• Easy to clean after small, oily batches

Cons

• Not suited to large batches of snacks for groups
• Nuts toast quickly, so frequent checks are necessary to avoid burning

8. Onion Rings (Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven)

This suits cooks who want crispy onion rings with a crunchy coating and less oil than deep frying. The added oven capacity handles a larger tray of rings.

Key specs

• Countertop oven with air fry and convection functions
• Interior sized for a full sheet pan or multiple racks
• Digital controls with timer and temperature settings
• Removable crumb tray and rack

Pros

• Larger interior fits more rings per batch
• Good airflow crisps coatings without heavy oil
• Multiple functions add flexibility beyond frying

Cons

• Larger footprint than basket-style air fryers
• Rings need a light spray of oil to brown well

9. Butternut Squash (Gourmia GAF698)

Best for cooks who want caramelized cubes of butternut squash with a tender interior, especially in cooler months. Consistent high heat is key for good browning.

Key specs

• Capacity suitable for a generous batch of squash cubes
• Temperature range commonly listed up to 400°F
• Digital display with preset programs
• Nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket

Pros

• Consistent heat gives squash good caramelization
• Basket holds enough cubes for a side dish for several people
• Straightforward controls for repeatable results

Cons

• Cubes must be cut evenly for uniform cooking
• Owners often report that the model needs shaking partway through

10. Baked Potatoes (Ninja Dual Zone Air Fryer)

A good choice for cooks who want hands-off whole potatoes and a second zone for another dish at the same time. The dual-zone format helps when you are cooking a full meal.

Key specs

• Dual-zone design with two separate cooking baskets
• Large total capacity suitable for several whole potatoes
• Synchronize finish and match cook functions
• Dishwasher-safe baskets

Pros

• Two zones let you cook a potato and a protein together
• Large capacity handles multiple russets at once
• Synchronize function helps both zones finish together

Cons

• Large footprint takes up significant counter space
• Whole potatoes take longer than sliced foods, so plan ahead

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Buying Guide

Choosing an air fryer depends on what you cook most often. Capacity, temperature range, basket design, and extra functions all change how well a model handles the recipes above. A well-chosen machine makes repeat cooking easier and gives more consistent results over time.

Selection Criteria

When comparing models, look at how the appliance matches your typical meals. A single-person kitchen has very different needs from a family of five. The criteria below are the most useful starting points.

• Capacity: Measured in quarts. Smaller baskets (about 2 to 4 quarts) suit one or two people. Larger models (5 to 6 quarts or more) handle family meals more easily.
• Temperature range: Most models top out around 400°F to 450°F. A wider range helps with dehydrating, slow roasting, and reheating.
• Basket design: Look for nonstick, dishwasher-safe baskets and a shake or flip design that helps you turn food during cooking.
• Preset programs: Useful for frozen foods and beginners, though you can still set times and temperatures manually.

Important Features

Beyond capacity, several features affect everyday use. A preheat function improves browning on thick proteins. A dual-zone design lets you cook two foods with different settings at once. A digital display makes it easier to repeat a recipe exactly. Consider which of these you will actually use.

Specs to Check

Before buying, confirm these details on the manufacturer’s product page:

• Exact capacity in quarts and the number of pounds it holds in one layer
• Maximum temperature and whether it has a preheat setting
• Whether the basket and crisping tray are dishwasher-safe
• Footprint and clearance needed above the unit for venting

Choosing by Need

If you cook for one or two people and mostly make snacks, a compact basket model is usually enough. If you feed a family and want to roast vegetables or cook full meals, a larger basket or a countertop oven is more practical. If you want to cook two foods at different settings, a dual-zone model makes the most sense.

Things to Watch Out For

Overcrowding is the most common mistake. Food packed too tightly steams instead of crisping, so cook in batches when needed. Also avoid placing paper or foil over the air intake, which can restrict airflow and cause uneven cooking. For food safety, always confirm that meat, poultry, and fish reach safe internal temperatures with a reliable food thermometer. If you have specific dietary or medical concerns, consult a registered dietitian or your healthcare provider.

FAQ

Can you cook frozen food in an air fryer without thawing it?

Yes, most frozen foods such as fries, nuggets, and egg rolls cook well straight from the freezer. Check the package for guidance, then shake the basket partway through cooking for even browning.

Do I need to preheat an air fryer?

Preheating is helpful for thicker proteins like pork chops and for achieving strong browning. For thin foods such as frozen snacks, preheating is often optional. Check your model’s manual for its recommendation.

Do I need oil when using an air fryer?

Many foods need only a light spray or brush of oil to brown well. Some recipes, such as frozen items, need none. Using too much oil can cause smoking or residue, so start with less.

How do I know when chicken or pork is fully cooked?

Use an instant-read food thermometer. Poultry should reach 165°F in the thickest part, and pork should reach at least 145°F with a three-minute rest, according to USDA guidance. Do not rely on color or cooking time alone.

Can I cook whole potatoes in an air fryer?

Yes. Pierce the skin, rub lightly with oil and salt, and cook until a knife slides in easily. Whole potatoes take considerably longer than sliced foods, so plan accordingly.

Why are my air fryer results soggy instead of crispy?

The most common causes are overcrowding, too much moisture on the food, or too low a temperature. Dry food thoroughly, cook in a single layer, and shake or flip halfway through.

Is an air fryer better than an oven for these recipes?

For small to medium batches, an air fryer often cooks faster and browns food more quickly than a full-size oven because the space is smaller and the fan circulates heat intensely. For large meals or multiple trays, a conventional oven is usually more practical. For a broader overview, see How to Use an Air Fryer: A Beginner’s Guide.

Conclusion

The top 10 things to cook in an air fryer cover a wide range of meals, from crispy wings and sweet potato fries to roasted vegetables, salmon, and pork chops. The best model depends on your household size and how you cook. A compact basket suits snacks and small batches, a larger basket or countertop oven handles family dinners, and a dual-zone design helps when you want two dishes at once. Start with the recipes you cook most often, match them to the capacity and features above, and check the manufacturer’s specifications before you buy. For more help choosing, read Air Fryer Buying Guide and browse Best Air Fryers.