Air fryers are great for making fries, chicken wings, and frozen meals without oil. But there are plenty of lesser-known recipes that are perfect to make in an air fryer. An air fryer is essentially a convection oven, but with a smaller chamber, it heats up faster and allows fast-moving hot air to blow on food from all directions. It's like a super roaster, and many foods you'd normally roast in a larger oven turn out delicious in less time, with less mess, and more when cooked in an air fryer.
From flavorful vegetables to roasts that fall off the bone easily, I've been raving about using air fryers for a variety of meal prep. Forget the microwave; no oven required. These countertop cookers can whip up seriously delicious meals in minutes. And now that I've discovered their superpowers, there are some meals I just can't go back to cooking the “normal” way.
The biggest reason I use my air fryer so often is for the reliable results. Air fryers use fan-powered convection cooking to give your food great sear marks. They also require less time to cook than most other cooking methods. But that's not all. Air fryers are easy to clean because most have a nonstick basket that only requires a quick rinse with soapy water. There's little to no need to scrub food that's stuck to the bottom. The air fryer basket also contains splatters that can stain your counters and stovetop.
While there are still some dishes I cook in a big oven or on the stove, that list is getting shorter every year. From now on, I'll show you 7 dishes I cook exclusively in my air fryer.
salmon
In just 8 minutes, your air fryer will produce perfectly cooked medium rare salmon.
David Watsky/CNET
Roasted salmon is a weeknight dinner staple that's simple and healthy. It's not difficult to make in the oven, but if you're only making it for one or two people, the time it takes to preheat can be a pain. Pan-seared salmon is tasty and quick, but cooking salmon on the stovetop rarely results in an oily, fishy mess. Plus, you have to wash the pan afterwards.
I cooked roasted salmon in the air fryer and it came out perfectly in about 10 minutes, including preheat time. The enclosed cooking chamber also helps prevent fishy smells from permeating your apartment.
While you might still find the occasional salmon filet cooking on the grill during the warmer months, gone are the days of wiping fish oil off the grimy bits behind your kitchen stove.
Here's how to make the perfect salmon in your air fryer.
Roast Chicken
Air fryer roasted chicken is amazing.
David Watsky/CNET
This was the biggest surprise, since I make roast chicken most Sundays and was happy with the oven method. I quickly discovered that the air fryer produces even better results by crisping the skin quickly without overcooking the meat. Making roast chicken in the air fryer takes about 45 minutes, about 15% less time than in the oven, and it's virtually foolproof.
Here's how to make easy roast chicken in an air fryer.
cheeseburger
With an air fryer, you can cook your burgers to a perfect medium or medium rare.
Pamela Vachon/CNET
Air fryer cheeseburgers have become a staple in our house, except in the summer when the grill is in full swing, but in the cooler months, we whip up this American classic in the air fryer. Not only is it cleaner than pan-frying, but it's also a lighter, healthier meal (if you're into that sort of thing) because it's not cooking in the burger's own oils. Plus, toss the burger in a bun and a few slices of bacon and you have a complete meal with very little cleanup required.
Here's how to make a cheeseburger in your air fryer from top to bottom.
Chicken cutlet
Using an air fryer can help you create picture-perfect chicken cutlets.
David Watsky/CNET
Before I had an air fryer, I would pan-fry breaded chicken cutlets for my Chicken Parmesan and other recipes, but the air fryer allows me to do the same job with less mess and less greasy fried chicken.
Check it out: Best Air Fryers: Cheap vs. Expensive
19:24
We recommend using boneless chicken thighs, which have enough fat to withstand convection heat without drying out. Dip the chicken in the beaten egg mixture, then coat in breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, and other spices. Cook at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes.
Lightly spraying the cutlets with a little oil before cooking will give them an extra crispy crust, but it's not essential — I've tried the same method with chicken breasts, and it worked well, but you run the risk of the meat drying out.
Cauliflower steak
Air fryer cauliflower steaks have become a staple side dish in my kitchen.
David Watsky/CNET
One of my favorite things to cook in the air fryer is cauliflower. Sliced cauliflower is the perfect hearty side dish or main course if you're using plant-based ingredients. Simply toss thick slices of cauliflower with olive oil and salt and pepper, or your favorite seasonings, and fry in the air fryer on high heat for 10 to 12 minutes. The air fryer creates a beautiful caramelized crust on the outside of the cauliflower and cooks this rich vegetable quickly without making the inside of the cauliflower mushy.
french fries
Frozen French fries made in an air fryer come out golden brown and delicious.
Brian Bennett/CNET
Admittedly, I didn't make french fries that often before I got my air fryer, but since I got my air fryer, that's all I use. Frozen french fries tend to dry out when cooked in a large oven, which takes longer to cook.
Air fryers' compact cooking chamber and fast-moving air allow them to quickly create a skin on the outside of fries in just a few minutes without drying out the potatoes. Frozen fries can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as five to six minutes, while making fries from scratch takes about 15 minutes.
Most leftover food
This leftover pizza took on a whole new life with just a little cooking in the air fryer.
David Watsky/CNET
Not every type of food is best reheated in an air fryer, but many are. Air fryers are great for reviving leftover pizza, fried chicken, grilled meats and vegetables. Microwaves tend to heat foods unevenly and can have a rubbery texture. Air fryers give foods a second life with convection heat, resulting in crispy crusts and even cooking.
Here are the best ways to reheat all kinds of leftovers.
