Most people buy an air fryer for chips and chicken wings. And it does those brilliantly. But the real magic is in the unexpected things your air fryer can handle. Here are 25 foods you probably did not know you could air fry.
Proteins
1. Hard-Boiled Eggs — No water needed. Place eggs in the basket at 132°C (270°F) for 15 minutes, then ice bath. Perfectly cooked every time.
2. Beef Jerky — Slice beef thin, marinate, then dehydrate at 160°F (71°C) for 3-4 hours. Cheaper and better than shop-bought.
3. Bacon — Lay strips flat, cook at 204°C (400°F) for 8-10 minutes. Perfectly crispy with no splatter and the fat drains away.
4. Whole Rotisserie-Style Chicken — A 1.5kg chicken fits in most 6+ quart air fryers. Cook at 182°C (360°F) for 50-60 minutes. The skin is incredibly crispy.
5. Steak — A well-seasoned ribeye at 204°C (400°F) for 8-12 minutes (depending on thickness) produces a beautiful sear with a juicy interior.
Vegetables & Sides
6. Roasted Garlic — Cut the top off a whole garlic bulb, drizzle with oil, wrap loosely in foil. 193°C (380°F) for 25 minutes. Spreadable, sweet roasted garlic.
7. Corn on the Cob — Brush with butter and seasoning. 204°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes, turning once. Charred and sweet.
8. Stuffed Capsicums — Fill halved capsicums with rice, mince, and cheese. 188°C (370°F) for 12-15 minutes. The capsicum softens perfectly while the filling heats through.
9. Baked Potatoes — Pierce with a fork, rub with oil and salt. 204°C (400°F) for 35-40 minutes. Crispy skin, fluffy inside — better than oven-baked.
10. Crispy Kale Chips — Tear kale, toss with oil and salt. 191°C (375°F) for 4-5 minutes. Watch closely — they go from perfect to burnt fast.
Snacks & Appetisers
11. Roasted Nuts — Toss almonds, cashews, or peanuts with spices. 160°C (320°F) for 8-10 minutes, shaking frequently. Perfectly toasted with no burning.
12. Homemade Granola — Mix oats, honey, nuts, and oil. Spread in the basket at 149°C (300°F) for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes. Crunchy clusters.
13. Tortilla Chips — Cut tortillas into triangles, spray with oil. 177°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes. Crispy, fresh chips for nachos or dipping.
14. Dried Fruit — Slice fruit thinly and dehydrate at 121°C (250°F) for 1-2 hours. Healthy snacks that last for weeks.
15. Stuffed Mushrooms — Fill mushroom caps with cream cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs. 191°C (375°F) for 8-10 minutes. Restaurant-quality appetiser.
Breakfast
16. Toast — Yes, regular toast. 188°C (370°F) for 3-4 minutes. It comes out evenly browned and crunchier than a toaster.
17. Frittata — Pour beaten eggs with fillings into a greased oven-safe dish. 160°C (320°F) for 12-15 minutes. Perfect individual breakfast.
18. Cinnamon Rolls — From a tube or homemade. 160°C (320°F) for 8-10 minutes. Fluffy inside with a golden exterior.
19. Hash Browns — Frozen or homemade, spread in a single layer. 204°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes. Perfectly crispy.
Baked Goods & Desserts
20. Banana Bread — Use a small loaf pan that fits your basket. 160°C (320°F) for 25-30 minutes. Moist with a slightly crispy top.
21. Cookies — Place cookie dough balls on parchment in the basket. 163°C (325°F) for 6-8 minutes. Warm, gooey cookies in minutes.
22. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts — From biscuit dough. 177°C (350°F) for 5-6 minutes. Better than you would expect.
Unexpected Items
23. Reheated Pizza — This alone justifies owning an air fryer. 177°C (350°F) for 3-4 minutes. The crust re-crisps perfectly while the cheese melts — infinitely better than a microwave.
24. Toasted Sandwiches — Buttered bread with fillings. 188°C (370°F) for 5-6 minutes. Evenly golden and melted.
25. Dehydrated Herbs — Fresh herbs from your garden at 121°C (250°F) for 30-45 minutes. Store in jars for months.
The Lesson
Your air fryer is limited only by the size of its basket. Think of it as a fast, efficient mini oven that excels at crisping, roasting, baking, and dehydrating. The more you experiment, the more you will find it can do.
For more recipe ideas, browse our recipe collection or check out our beginner recipes guide.
