How to Use an Air Fryer: What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?

Best Use of the Air Fryer

Air fryers have become a real sensation in the culinary world. They create that iconic crispy, golden brown crust without the excess oil of traditional frying.

Are you planning to buy an air fryer or looking for life hacks to help you improve your recipes? Let’s find out how to get the most benefit and taste from culinary experiments!

How Does an Air Fryer Work?

Before we discuss how to cook with an air fryer, it’s worth clarifying one thing: an air fryer is more like a mini convection oven. It circulates hot air around food at high speed, creating a crispy crust on the outside while keeping the food juicy and tender. The outcome? Fried flavor and texture with little or no oil.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer (if needed). Some models require preheating, and others do not. Check your manual to see what is recommended for your device. If necessary, reheat it for 3–5 minutes.
Do not overfill the basket. Air should circulate freely around the food so that it cooks evenly. Arrange the ingredients in a single layer, leaving some space between pieces.
Use a thin layer of oil (if needed). Yes, air fryers allow you to use as little oil as possible. However, a little cooking spray or a teaspoon of oil will help the food brown better.
Shake or turn the ingredients to ensure even cooking. Shake the basket or turn the food halfway through cooking to provide crisping on all sides.
Adjust the temperature and cooking time. Most air fryers have preset buttons, but manual adjustments can give better results for some recipes.
Clean the device after each use. Air fryer baskets are non-stick, making them easy to clean. You can wash them with warm, soapy water or put them in the dishwasher if the instructions say so.

What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?

Actually, the question is incorrect. The correct one is “What can’t you cook in air fryers?” This kitchen gadget boasts impressive versatility! Let’s divide all the possible options into several categories, simplifying menu creation.

Crispy classics

French fries. A healthy alternative to traditional frying but with a perfect crispy crust.
Mozzarella sticks. Seductively viscous cheese covered with a golden crust on the outside.
Chicken wings. A favorite restaurant dish of children and adults, requiring minimal effort.

Properly cooked proteins

Salmon. A quick-cooking, juicy dish that never gets dry.
Steak. Yes, you can cook it with an air fryer! The key is to adjust the settings for a good result.
Chicken breast. Just 15 minutes ― and you will find impeccably cooked and healthy meat.
Bacon. It’s much easier to cook in an air fryer than in a pan.

Vegetables that retain their benefits and taste delicious

Brussels sprouts. The perfect crunchy side dish with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan.
Asparagus. A refreshing snack sprinkled with lemon juice and salt.
Zucchini chips. A great alternative to potato snacks.

Original snacks for any occasion

Hard-boiled eggs. No need to add water. Just put them in the air fryer, and then peel them easily.
Roasted nuts. Fast frying enhances flavor and crunch.
Avocado fries. Oh, yeah, that’s delicious! Breaded avocado slices cooked in air fryers have a wonderful crunch.

Sweets

Cookies. You can cook small portions of treats in an air fryer without preheating the entire oven.
Donuts. This tender yet crispy dessert is simply irresistible.
Banana chips. If you urgently need to “save” ripe bananas, an air fryer will do the job perfectly.

TOP 3 Recipes for an Air Fryer

You’ll want to try as many recipes as possible the first time you use your air fryer. We offer three easy-to-cook dishes that will become regular guests on your table!

Crispy chicken wings with French fries
It’s the perfect dish for family dinners, movie nights with friends, or just when you want something crunchy and warming. Cooking with air fryers will give you even more pleasant emotions!

Servings: 2-3
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes

What you’ll need for the chicken wings:

1 pound (about 8-10) chicken wings;
1 tbsp olive oil;
1 tsp salt;
1/2 tsp black pepper;
1 tsp garlic powder;
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional);
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (for extra heat);
1 tsp baking powder (a secret trick for extra crunch!).

For the fries:

2 large potatoes (or use frozen fries for convenience);
1 tbsp olive oil;
1/2 tsp salt;
1/2 tsp garlic powder;
1/2 tsp paprika (optional).

Sauces: ketchup, sweet and sour, barbecue, honey mustard, or hot sauce.

Cooking technology:

Step 1: Preparing French Fries. If using fresh potatoes, wash, peel, and slice thinly. Try to keep them the same size even when cooking. Soak the fries in cold water for at least 20 minutes to remove excess starch and crisp them up. Drain the potatoes and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Add potatoes to a bowl with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and paprika.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken wings. Dry the wings with paper towels. The drier they are, the better they crisp! Toss the wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and baking powder in a bowl. Baking powder is the secret to a super-crispy crust! Stir all the ingredients together until the wings are evenly coated.

Step 3: Cook the French Fries. Preheat the fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Place the fries in a single layer in the fryer basket. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Wings. Place seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and cook the wings for 24 minutes, turning them every 8 minutes for even crispiness. After 24 minutes, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 5–7 minutes for maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Finish the fries. When the wings are done, place the fries back in the fryer at 400°F (200°C) for another 5 minutes. They’ll become even crispier.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy! Place crispy wings and golden fries on a plate, add your favorite dipping sauces on the side, and enjoy every bite!

Bonus Tips

Want even crispier wings? Let them rest for 5 minutes before eating.
Want to enhance the taste? Once cooked, top the fries with truffle oil or Parmesan cheese.
Do you like spicy food? Add hot sauce to the wings before serving, or sprinkle them with Buffalo sauce after cooking.
Want garlic Parmesan wings? Mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and Parmesan and sprinkle it over the finished wings.

Cooking with air fryers allows you to get restaurant-quality food in less than 40 minutes without extra oil. What’s better?

Crispy and Juicy Salmon

Cooking salmon in the air fryer is something new. It gets crispy outside and juicy inside in less than 15 minutes! Whether making a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a holiday party, this easy recipe will become your new favorite.

Servings: 2-3
Cooking time: 15 minutes

What you’ll need for the salmon:

2 salmon fillets (about 5–6 ounces each);
1 tbsp olive oil or ghee for extra flavor;
1 tsp salt;
½ tsp black pepper;
1 tsp garlic powder;
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional);
½ tsp lemon zest.

For the glaze (optional, but delicious!):

1 tbsp honey or maple syrup;
1 tsp soy sauce;
½ tsp Dijon mustard;
½ tsp lemon juice.

Cooking technology:

Step 1: Prepare the salmon. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel to help the seasonings stick to the surface and make it crispier. Brush both sides of the salmon with olive oil or ghee. Combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Rub the mixture all over the salmon fillets.

Step 2: Preheat the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the salmon. Place salmon fillets, skin side down, in a basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes. If using a glaze, brush it over the salmon during the last 2 minutes of cooking for a caramelized crust.

Step 4: Check for doneness. The salmon should flake easily with a fork. If you like crispy edges, cook for another minute or two.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy! Place salmon on a plate and squeeze fresh lemon juice over top. Drizzle with honey glaze or a spoonful of garlic butter for extra flavor. Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or fresh salad.

Bonus Tips

Want maximum crispiness? Don’t move the salmon while cooking so the air fryer can surprise you.
Looking for a way to boost flavor? Before serving, sprinkle with fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or thyme.
Cooking frozen salmon? No problem, even if this is your first time using air fryer. Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.

This air-fried salmon is healthy and so delicious you’ll never want to cook it any other way!

Fluffy donuts

Who doesn’t love warm, fluffy donuts? You can make them for breakfast in the air fryer with much less oil and still get that classic taste! No more fuss ― just the pure joy of an easy recipe.

Servings: 2-3
Cooking time: 30 minutes

What you’ll need for the dough:

2 ½ cups flour;
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast;
¼ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C);
¼ cup warm water;
¼ cup granulated sugar;
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted;
1 large egg;
½ tsp salt;
½ tsp vanilla extract.

For the filling:

3 tbsp melted butter for greasing;
½ cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon.

You can also add a chocolate glaze, powdered sugar, or sprinkles!

Cooking technology:

Step 1: Prepare the dough. Mix warm milk, water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy (the yeast has activated). Add melted butter, egg, salt, and vanilla. Mix the ingredients well and slowly add flour, one cup at a time, using a spoon or mixer.

Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes (by hand or with a mixer) until it is soft, smooth, and slightly sticky. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour.

Step 2: Form the donuts. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ½-inch thick. Cut out donut shapes with a donut cutter. Place the donuts and holes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and rest for 10–15 minutes while you preheat the fryer.

Step 3: Air fry the donuts. Preheat the fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the fryer basket with oil. Place the donuts in a single layer. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 4: Add the toppings:

Cinnamon Sugar: Brush warm donuts with melted butter, then roll them in cinnamon sugar.
Chocolate Glaze: Melt ½ cups of chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of butter, stir until smooth, and dip donuts into the mixture.
Powdered Sugar: Simply dust warm donuts with powdered sugar for a classic taste.

Bonus Tips

Want even softer donuts? Allow them to rise a second time after shaping for 30 minutes.
No donut mold? Use a glass and a bottle cap for the hole!
Are you looking for original tastes? Add a little nutmeg or lemon zest to the dough.
Storing leftovers? Place them in an airtight container and heat in the deep fryer for 2 minutes.

That’s all! Crispy outside and fluffy inside ― these air fryer donuts are irresistible.

Helpful Tips for Successful Culinary Experiments

When learning how to use an air fryer for the first time, it is worth fully understanding this device’s potential. Its capabilities are excellent, and not using it is a crime. So, what can you do with it?

First, re-serve dishes, just like in a professional kitchen. The air fryer is your best friend for reheating pizza, fries, and fried chicken. It will bring the food to the desired temperature without making it raw.

Secondly, you can make delicious homemade baked goods in your air fryer. With its help, muffins, cookies, and cakes are prepared quickly and perfectly.

Miracle technology will help you prepare the best breakfast for the whole family in moments. For example, you can butter your bread, add cheese on top, and throw it in the air fryer for the perfect hot sandwich.

Finally, the device is for working with frozen foods. Nuggets, fish sticks, and spring rolls crisp up perfectly in the deep fryer without adding oil.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! When thinking about what to cook with an air fryer, consider your favorite oven-safe dishes. Your new assistant can easily handle them — just adjust the time and temperature!

How to Care for Your Air Fryer?

The good news is that this appliance is easy to clean. Just a few simple habits will keep it clean, in tip-top condition, and last for years.

Always clean your air fryer after each use
It may seem like a hassle, but you won’t have to deal with fat deposits in the future.

How to clean your air fryer quickly:

Unplug the device ― safety first.
Let it cool completely.
Take out the basket and tray. In most cases, they are dishwasher safe, but check the instructions.
If washing by hand, use warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge.
Wipe the interior and heating element with a damp cloth (never submerge the fryer in water!).
Dry parts before reassembling.

Keep the heating element clean
The small coil inside your air fryer gets greasy over time. If you don’t clean it, your food may smell weird.

Once a week, unplug the fryer and turn it over to view the heating element. Use a soft brush or a damp cloth to remove food or grease from the surface. If it’s too dirty, use a paste of water and baking soda.

Avoid using metal utensils
The fryer baskets have a non-stick coating, but metal utensils can scratch them. Use silicone, plastic, or wooden tools to remove dishes and food residue.

Buy a new basket if you notice damage to the non-stick coating. It’s much more reasonable than spending money on a new device.

Do a deep clean once a month
Despite your best efforts, oil can still get into tiny cracks. Therefore, it is recommended that you clean your air fryer thoroughly every 3 to 4 weeks.

Scrape off old grease with baking soda and go into small corners with a toothbrush. And, of course, check that no crumbs are stuck in the fan. If so, a vacuum cleaner will help remove them quickly.

Properly store the device when not in use
If you do not use the deep fryer daily, install it in a dry, dust-free area. Keep the basket inside, but leave the lid ajar to prevent unpleasant odors. Be sure to wipe off dust before reuse.

Is Purchasing an Air Fryer a Decision to Regret?

Air fryers are a game-changer for those who love crispy, delicious food without the guilt of deep-frying. Whether making French fries, roasting vegetables, or even making desserts, this appliance can handle it all.

So, what are you waiting for? Plug in your air fryer and start experimenting. You’ll be 100% thrilled with the results!