The air fryer has earned a permanent place in modern kitchens—and for good reason. It delivers crispy, flavorful food with less oil, faster cook times, and minimal cleanup. From quick weeknight dinners to snacks and sides, the air fryer excels at turning simple ingredients into crave-worthy dishes.
If you’re wondering what really shines in this appliance, this guide breaks down the top 10 dishes in the air fryer, explaining why they work so well and how to get perfect results every time.
Why the Air Fryer Is So Popular
Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to mimic the crispiness of deep frying—without the excess oil. Home cooks love them because they are:
- Faster than ovens
- Healthier than traditional frying
- Easy to use and clean
- Great for small batches
- Ideal for reheating leftovers
Certain foods truly shine in the air fryer, developing crisp exteriors while staying tender inside.
Top 10 Dishes in the Air Fryer
1. Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are arguably the most popular air fryer dish—and for good reason.
Why They Work:
The air fryer renders fat efficiently, creating ultra-crispy skin without deep frying.
Tips:
- Pat wings dry before cooking
- Cook at high heat (380–400°F)
- Toss in the sauce after cooking, not before
Buffalo, garlic parmesan, honey sriracha—wings are endlessly customizable.
2. French Fries
From frozen to homemade, fries are an air fryer classic.
Why They Work:
Hot air crisps the exterior while keeping the inside fluffy.
Tips:
- Shake the basket halfway through
- Don’t overcrowd
- Lightly coat with oil for the best browning
Sweet potato fries also perform exceptionally well.
3. Air Fryer Salmon
Salmon cooks beautifully in the air fryer—fast, flaky, and flavorful.
Why It Works:
High heat seals in moisture while crisping the edges.
Tips:
- Cook skin-side down
- Use simple seasoning or a light glaze
- Avoid overcooking (8–10 minutes is usually enough)
Perfect for quick, healthy dinners.
4. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Juicy inside with a crunchy coating, chicken tenders are a family favorite.
Why They Work:
The air fryer browns breadcrumbs evenly without excess oil.
Tips:
- Use panko for extra crunch
- Spray lightly with oil
- Flip halfway through
Great for kids and adults alike.
5. Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables
Vegetables develop incredible flavor and texture in the air fryer.
Best Options:
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Carrots
- Zucchini
Why They Work:
High heat caramelizes vegetables quickly without steaming them.
6. Air Fryer Shrimp
Shrimp cook fast and evenly in the air fryer.
Why They Work:
Short cook time prevents overcooking while enhancing texture.
Tips:
- Pat shrimp dry
- Season generously
- Cook 6–8 minutes, depending on size
Perfect for tacos, bowls, or salads.
7. Air Fryer Pork Chops
Air fryer pork chops stay juicy with a beautifully browned exterior.
Why They Work:
Rapid heat locks in moisture while crisping the outside.
Tips:
- Use bone-in or thick-cut chops
- Let it rest after cooking
- Avoid overcrowding
A reliable alternative to pan-frying.
8. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Cheesy, melty, and crisp—air fryer mozzarella sticks are a snack-time favorite.
Why They Work:
The coating crisps quickly while the cheese melts inside.
Tips:
- Freeze before cooking
- Double bread for best results
- Serve immediately
They’re perfect for parties and game days.
9. Air Fryer Potatoes (All Kinds)
From wedges to baby potatoes, the air fryer handles them all.
Why They Work:
Potatoes crisp beautifully without absorbing excess oil.
Popular Variations:
- Potato wedges
- Breakfast potatoes
- Smashed potatoes
Season generously and finish with herbs or parmesan.
10. Air Fryer Desserts (Especially Donuts & Churros)
Yes, desserts belong on this list.
Why They Work:
Air fryers create crisp exteriors without deep frying.
Popular Options:
- Cinnamon sugar donuts
- Churro bites
- Apple hand pies
A fun way to enjoy sweets with less oil.
Tips for Air Fryer Success
- Don’t overcrowd the basket
- Shake or flip halfway through cooking
- Preheat when recommended
- Use oil sparingly but intentionally
- Adjust timing based on thickness, not just weight
Every air fryer model varies slightly, so small adjustments go a long way.
Common Air Fryer Mistakes to Avoid
- Using wet or unseasoned food
- Skipping basket shaking
- Overloading the basket
- Using too much oil
- Ignoring resting time for meats
Correcting these mistakes leads to consistently better results.
FAQ
1. What foods should not be cooked in an air fryer?
Very wet batters, leafy greens without oil, and delicate cheeses without breading don’t work well.
2. Do air fryers really make food healthier?
They reduce oil usage significantly, which lowers overall fat and calorie content compared to deep frying.
3. Can you cook frozen food in an air fryer?
Yes. Frozen foods like fries, nuggets, and wings cook exceptionally well and often don’t require thawing.
4. Do you need to preheat an air fryer?
Some models benefit from preheating, especially for meats, but many recipes work without it.
5. How do you keep food crispy after air frying?
Serve immediately, avoid stacking, and keep food warm in a low oven if cooking in batches.
Final Thoughts
The air fryer isn’t just a kitchen trend—it’s a versatile cooking tool that delivers real results. These top 10 dishes in the air fryer showcase exactly why so many home cooks rely on it for fast, flavorful meals and snacks.
From crispy wings and fries to salmon, veggies, and even desserts, the air fryer proves that convenience doesn’t have to sacrifice quality. Once you master these dishes, you’ll find endless ways to make the most of this powerful appliance.
