What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer? 12 Unexpected Recipes

 

Key takeaways:

• Your air fryer can make everything from bacon to donuts — way more than just fries.
• It’s faster, cleaner, and healthier — think crispy wings, perfect pizza, and crunchy tofu.
• You can enjoy healthier versions of snacks like chips, shrimp, and tofu without the extra oil.
   

Most people buy an air fryer for one thing: crispy fries without the oil bath. 

But limiting this kitchen gadget to just one task is like owning a Swiss Army knife and only using the corkscrew. 

Your air fryer is more versatile than you think. 

From appetisers to full meals and even desserts, you can cook all sorts of unexpected dishes. 

Here are 12 recipes that will not only surprise you but also make your life easier in the kitchen.

 

Recipe #1 — eggs minus the boil

Hard-boiled eggs usually mean boiling water, setting timers, and maybe overcooking the eggs.

But with this air fryer recipe, it’s hands-off and foolproof. 

Place your eggs directly in the air fryer basket (no water needed) and cook them at 270°F for 12 minutes.

Once done, transfer them to an ice bath for a couple of minutes to stop the cooking process.

They peel like a dream, and the consistency is perfect. 

You can even adjust the cooking time to get softer yolks if you prefer. 

And the best part? No need to babysit boiling water.

 

Recipe #2 — crispy bacon strips without the mess

Cooking bacon in this underrated appliance has never been faster. 

Plus, it eliminates the grease splatter that makes cooking bacon on the stovetop annoying.

Simply lay strips of bacon in the air fryer basket (don’t overlap them too much). 

Set the temperature to 400°F, and cook for about 5 minutes.

Thicker bacon may take a bit longer, so keep an eye on it. The grease drips to the bottom of the fryer, making it a healthier alternative to pan-frying. 

Plus, the bacon stays crispy, not soggy like microwave versions.

Tip: Drain the air fryer basket halfway through to avoid smoke from the grease.

 

Recipe #3 — brussel sprouts that don’t suck


Roasting brussels sprouts in the oven is time-consuming — and they can easily end up soggy. 

The air fryer changes that.

When you roast them at 375°F for around 12 minutes, they come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Yup,no mushy middle.

To prep, toss halved Brussel sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. 

Want to elevate it a bit? Add some balsamic vinegar or bacon bits before frying. 

It’s the way to go for anyone who usually doesn't like these little green vegetables.

 

Recipe #4 — no more cold pizza

Reheating pizza in a microwave leaves you with a sad, soggy slice. On the other hand, reheating it in the oven takes too long.

The air fryer is your happy medium. 

If you're working with leftover pizza, just toss the slice in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes. The crust comes out crispy, and the cheese melts perfectly.

You can also use an airfryer to cook frozen pizza — either full-sized or personal-sized — straight from the freezer. 

 

Recipe #5 — avocado fries, a must-try snack

If you haven’t tried avocado fries yet, you’re missing out.

These crispy, creamy bites are the perfect snack or side dish, and the air fryer makes them easier than ever to whip up. 

Slice avocados, dip them in flour, then egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs (seasoned with salt and pepper).

Place them in the fryer basket and cook at 350°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

They’re best served with a spicy mayo or garlic aioli. 

Healthy and indulgent at the same time, avocado fries offer a new way to enjoy the creamy fruit.

 

Recipe #6 — grilled cheese, no flipping required

Who says you need a skillet to make a good grilled cheese sandwich? 

When you buy an air fryer, you can expect  golden, crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese without the need to flip it.

Butter two slices of bread, place cheese (go ahead, use more than one type for extra flavour) between them, and air fry at 370°F for 7-8 minutes.

No soggy bread, no uneven toasting. Just cheesy perfection in less time than it takes on the stove.

Tip: Add some ham or tomato slices for extra flavour and texture.

 

Recipe #7. Chicken wings without the deep fry drama

Skip the deep fryer and use your air fryer for juicy fried chicken wings without the mess. 

Whether you like your wings spicy, tangy, or just salty, the air fryer is the ideal way to cook them to perfection.

Start by seasoning your wings with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices. Cook them in the air fryer at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

The wings come out crispy on the outside and juicy inside without needing a ton of oil.

 Afterward, toss them in your favourite sauce — buffalo, BBQ, garlic parmesan — and they’re ready to serve.

If you’re into meal prepping, you can even cook a big batch and refrigerate or freeze the leftovers.

 

Recipe #8. Donuts you'll make on repeat

If deep-frying feels like too much hassle (or mess), you can easily satisfy your craving with premade biscuit dough.

Cut a hole in the middle of each dough round (use a bottle cap or small cutter), and place them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. 

Once they’re golden and puffy, brush them with melted butter and toss them in cinnamon sugar. 

The result? Fresh, warm donuts without the heavy oil.

You can also make donut holes with the leftover dough.

 

Recipe #9. Grease-less potato chips

Why settle for store-bought chips when you can make your own at home? All you need is a couple of potatoes, some seasoning, and 15 minutes in the air fryer. 

Slice the potatoes as thin as possible (a mandoline slicer works best), toss them in a little olive oil and salt, and fry them at 375°F.

The chips come out crispy, crunchy, and full of flavour—without the added preservatives you find in packaged versions. 

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or rosemary for a custom flavour.

 

Recipe #10. Juicy shrimp that's faster than takeout

Shrimp is notoriously easy to overcook, but the hot air from the air fryer will cook it quickly and evenly (every single time). 

You can season it with just salt, pepper, and lemon, or coat it in breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.

Arrange the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd it) and cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes. The shrimp should be juicy with a light sear—perfect for adding to tacos, salads, or pasta dishes.

Need a quick dinner? Serve these with some rice and veggies, and you’re good to go.

 

Recipe #11. The crispiest tofu ever

Air fryers make crispy tofu without the need for frying in oil, and it’s perfect for adding to stir-fries, salads, or even just as a snack. 

Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Then, cut it into cubes and season it with soy sauce, garlic powder, or your favourite spices.

Cook the tofu in the air fryer at 370°F for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping. The result is a crunchy exterior and soft, flavorful inside.

 

Recipe #11. Mozarella sticks you'll want every day

Frozen mozzarella sticks are notoriously tricky to get just right—usually they end up burnt on the outside or still frozen in the middle. Enter the air fryer.

Preheat the fryer to 390°F and cook the mozzarella sticks for 6 minutes. They’ll come out golden and crispy on the outside, while the cheese stays melted and perfect on the inside. 

No need to flip them or worry about uneven cooking. Serve them with marinara sauce for a quick and easy appetiser or snack.

 

Cook smarter, not harder, with an air fryer in your kitchen

Your air fryer isn’t just a gadget for frozen fries. It can do so much more — from cooking crispy bacon and chicken wings to making desserts like donuts. 

The best part? You don’t need loads of oil, and everything cooks faster than traditional methods. 

Whether you're in the mood for a quick snack or a full meal, these 12 surprising recipes will help you make the most of your air fryer.

If you're searching for the best air fryers on the market, explore these Bargains Online-approved picks, and say goodbye to complicated cooking forever.