I love that air-frying helps fries achieve a crunchy texture without the amount of oil you'd need in a deep-fryer.

To prepare, slice potatoes (or sweet potatoes) as thin or thick as you like or cut them into cubes for a home-fry style.

Toss them with a bit of oil and your seasonings of choice, then air-fry until crispy. Enjoy them as a delicious, fiber-filled snack or side dish.

To keep them flavorful without being overloaded with sodium, I try to use small amounts of seasonings like garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, or even cinnamon for a sweet twist.

Granola can be a fantastic and fairly healthy air-fryer recipe because it's quick, customizable, and packed with soluble fiber and antioxidants.

To make, mix together oats, nuts, seeds, and a touch of honey or maple syrup and air-fry (shaking your basket periodically) until golden to create a crunchy, fiber-rich snack in minutes.

By controlling the ingredients, you can also avoid the excess sugars often found in store-bought granola mixes. Enjoy it over yogurt, with milk, or as a grab-and-go snack.

I love making eggs in my air fryer. Eggs are a powerhouse of healthy fats and protein — plus, they're one of the few natural food sources of vitamin D.

By using my air fryer, I don't have to wait for water to boil. Plus, I have full control over my cook time and temperature to achieve hard-boiled, jammy, or runny eggs.

I prepare a lot of hard-boiled eggs because they're an easy grab-and-go snack, a protein-packed breakfast, or the perfect base for egg-salad sandwiches.

Hard-boiled eggs can take about 12 to 15 minutes at 250 to 270 degrees Fahrenheit, but you may use a bit of trial and error while figuring out how to prepare them in your specific air fryer.

Air-frying is an amazing way to give new life to produce that ripened a little sooner than expected.

At the start of the week, I try to air-fry a bunch of different vegetables (and fruits) at once, like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Having prepped veggies on hand makes healthier eating feel effortless, whether you're pairing them with a home-cooked meal or adding extra nutrients to takeout.

Although it's not for everyone, tofu can be prepared in so many different ways. It's also a great vegetarian protein option that's low in fat and high in calcium, which can be beneficial to bone and heart health.

Air-frying helps transform the mushy tofu texture many dislike into a firmer product with a crispy exterior — just make sure to press out excess moisture water before cooking to achieve that crunch.

As for taste, tofu absorbs whatever flavors you season it with, so get creative. I love using a mix of low-sodium soy sauce and honey for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

You can cut it into cubes, slices, or even crumble it — whatever works best for your dish.

Salmon is a great source of healthy fats, like omega-3 fatty acids, and requires minimal effort to cook.

Although cook time varies by size and air-fryer model, my air-fryer salmon is usually done in under 10 minutes.

Depending on your air fryer's size, you can prepare an entire fuss-free, balanced meal in one go by throwing in salmon for protein, potatoes for carbs, and a vegetable of your choice for added nutrients.

Crispy chickpeas are one of the easiest air-fryer snacks to make.

I prepare them straight from the can — just drain, rinse, and toss with olive oil and seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and cumin. Then, air-fry them until crispy.

For the best crunch, be sure to pat the chickpeas dry before seasoning.

These are a great protein-packed snack but can also be used as a flavorful side dish or salad topping.

Nuts are a solid source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

I've found that roasting nuts in my air fryer enhances their natural flavor and makes them especially delicious during the colder months.

Plus, they're versatile — toss your nuts of choice, such as almonds or cashews, in a bit of oil and your favorite spices. For a simple and satisfying snack on busy workdays, I mix roasted nuts with popcorn or dark chocolate.

Nuts are naturally calorie-dense due to their healthy fats, making them easy to overeat. To keep my portions in check, I typically aim to give myself about a quarter cup per serving.

Chris Riley, chef and founder of The Darling Kitchen, told BI that you can use an air fryer to make perfectly tender brownies.

"The air fryer is perfect for making a small batch of brownies without heating up the whole house with the oven," he said.

Most air fryers are smaller than traditional ovens, so to make sure you don't end up with leftover mix, Riley suggested dividing your recipe in half or baking your batter in multiple smaller batches.

Air fryers are a great shortcut for making small fruit pies.

"This classic dessert can easily be prepared in an air fryer without having to turn on the oven. If you use ready-made pie crust, you can make this tasty treat in under half an hour," Riley told BI.

To decrease the chances of your pie bubbling over, allow the sliced apples to rest in a bowl for 30 minutes, and drain the excess liquid before adding them to your pie crust.

Chef and author Maria Liberati told BI you can use hazelnut spread and store-bought pastry dough to create a quick and tasty dessert in an air fryer.

"Spread Nutella between two strips of puff-pastry dough, brush the top strip with milk and brown sugar, roll it up, and then bake in the air fryer for five minutes at 400 degrees," she said.

If you're using a large sheet of premade pastry dough, be sure to cut an even number of strips so that each roll has a top and bottom layer.

Chocolate chip cookies are another classic dessert you can easily make in an air fryer.

"Chocolate chip cookies bake in around five minutes in the air fryer," Riley told BI. "They get perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside."

If you want to save even more time, use store-bought cookie dough or prepare a large batch ahead of time and bake individual cookies as needed.

Cannoli are Italian pastries made by filling tubes of fried dough with sweet ricotta cream.

Fortunately, Riley said, the shells are easy to make in an air fryer.

"You can make cannoli shells in an air fryer with a lot less work than usual by using store-bought pie dough," he told BI. "No one will suspect that this exquisite dessert came right out of your air fryer."

If you don't have cannoli tube forms, you can wrap your pastry dough around sturdy aluminum foil that's been shaped into cylinders.

Jessica Randhawa, a chef and the writer of The Forked Spoon, told BI that an air fryer is a great way to get banana bread that's perfectly chewy on the outside and soft on the inside.

"Making banana bread is easy in an air fryer and the fast cooking time means that it can be enjoyed with your morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or late-night dessert," she said.

Use mini cake tins or Bundt pans to bake single portions of banana bread in the air fryer, and be sure to adjust your recipe and cooking time accordingly.

The dense, chewy texture of oatmeal cookies pairs perfectly with the crisping abilities of an air fryer.

"Oatmeal cookies cook great in an air fryer," Randhawa said. "They come out soft yet chewy and are even better when they're loaded with gooey chocolate chips and spices."

This story was originally published in November 2020 and most recently updated on March 4, 2025.

I air-fried a couple of frozen shrimp seafood burgers at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

They came out plump and juicy with a lovely golden crust on the outside.

Because the burgers were so juicy, they made a bit of a mess in my air-fryer basket. However, it was quick and easy to clean it out.

I don't like making frozen fried rice in the microwave because it stays soft and mushy, but I don't always have the energy to stand over a frying pan.

The air fryer seems like a smart alternative to enhance crispiness.

I dumped about half the bag of Trader Joe's chicken fried rice directly into my air-fryer drawer and cooked it at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.

The chicken cooked nicely without drying out, and the veggies turned bright and crisp, not overcooked or mushy. My one disappointment was that the rice didn't get quite as crispy as I'd hoped.

Trader Joe's box of frozen chiles rellenos includes two batter-covered, cheese-stuffed peppers.

I followed the box's specified air-fryer instructions to heat the peppers at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.

They came out beautifully golden — the crust was crunchy and light, and there was no shortage of delicious cheese inside. However, perhaps because of this, the poblanos themselves almost became more of an afterthought flavor-wise.

Trader Joe's carne-asada burritos feature thinly sliced grilled beef and onions wrapped in a thick flour tortilla.

I air-fried a single frozen burrito at 350 degrees for 13 minutes.

The tortilla came out stiffer and darker than if I'd microwaved it, and the interior was still nice and moist. I find the microwave can dry things out sometimes.

The meat was juicy, and there was a good amount of it, but the burrito still benefited from a dunk in spicy salsa for more flavor.

That's right, soup in the air fryer.

According to the instructions on the box, you're supposed to microwave the soup for five minutes. However, I wanted to maximize the crispy, cheesy top to imitate a restaurant-style crock of French onion soup.

I placed the frozen soup puck in an oven-safe glass container and put it in my air fryer at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

When the timer went off, I got the crispy crown I was after, but the center of the soup wasn't totally defrosted. I was forced to stir until it was fully melted, which scattered the cheese.

Even though I didn't have the top I wanted, once the soup was heated through, it was delicious. The cheese found its way into nearly every bite.

Overall, the air fryer seems to be a good match for many of Trader Joe's frozen offerings.

I'd choose the appliance every time for the shrimp burgers since it's hands-off. I think it cooks them a little more evenly and reliably than the stove.

I also loved the texture and cheesiness of the air-fried chiles rellenos, and I'm excited to liven them up in the future with extra salsa or taco sauce.

If you like a crispy burrito, the air fryer is definitely the way to go for Trader Joe's frozen offerings.

Although it wasn't absolutely perfect, when I'm in a rush and can't pan-fry the chicken fried rice, I much prefer the air fryer to the microwave.

All that said — and this may not come as a surprise — there's no clear advantage to cooking the French onion soup in an air fryer. I'm still trying to figure out how to get the perfect, crispy topping for that one.

One of the most requested air-fried items in my house is based on a breakfast I cooked in Dublin that led to a half dozen dirty pots and pans. Luckily, for this recipe, all I need is my air fryer and two ramekins.

Add 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and ¼ cup of chopped onion to a ramekin and mix well. Oil a second ramekin and crack an egg into it.

Slice a bun and put it face down next to both ramekins in the air fryer basket. Place a few strips of bacon on a rack above the egg.

After three minutes, flip the buns, add sliced cheddar, and cook for about seven minutes — or until egg and bacon are to your liking.

Pile the onions, egg, and bacon onto the bun and serve with sliced tomato or tangy Irish Ballymaloe relish.

I've adapted one of my favorite frittata recipes from the blog Every Little Crumb into a quick and easy air fryer breakfast.

It has Mexican-inspired flavors and is made with eggs, cheese, cilantro, black olives, cherry tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, and red onion.

Basically, I halve the written recipe and pour the mixture into oiled silicone muffin cups that are super easy to clean and fit nicely in my air fryer basket.

Air-fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, and you have a tasty, portable breakfast.

I love Nigella Lawson's doughnut French toast, and it's even easier to make it in the air fryer.

She recommends soaking the bread in a mixture of eggs, milk, and vanilla extract for at least five to 10 minutes. Then, I slice the bread into fingers to fit more in my air fryer basket and cook them at 375 degrees for four to six minutes on each side.

If your toast seems to be drying out, try spraying the basket with some oil before cooking.

Serve with a sprinkling of powdered sugar for an extra decadent breakfast.

One of my all-time favorite air fryer desserts is the cheesecake recipe I found on Eating Well. It's super quick and easy, and you end up with cute bite-size treats.

Start by crumbling up some graham crackers (gingersnaps and shortbread also work great) and combining them with sugar and butter.

Then, mix the cream cheese, yogurt, vanilla extract, egg, sugar, and lemon zest and divide it into muffin cups on top of the crumbly crust.

Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees and put the mini cheesecakes in for eight to 10 minutes. Chill in the fridge for an hour and serve with compote, fresh fruit, or jam.

The cooking time for baked potatoes can really depend on the type of air fryer you have. It takes a little experimenting — for example, when I used a larger air fryer, I had to cook them at a higher temperature for longer.

In my 5-quart basket, I air-fry my potatoes at 400 degrees for 45 minutes before scooping out the insides, mashing them up with toppings, and refilling the spuds.

Then, they go back in for about five minutes. The second baking brings out extra crispiness to the potato skin and extra creaminess to its insides.

The blog Cooking with Coit has a great basic recipe for the flavorings. I serve those spuds with classic toppings such as bacon, more cheese, or coleslaw.

I've also had success with adding a teaspoon of gochujang paste to the mash and topping it with kimchi and green onions.

I can whip up cauliflower Buffalo "wings" in less than 30 minutes.

I've tried tons of different recipes, but I've settled on one from the blog Love and Lemons. Using an air fryer shortens the cooking time, and they still come out extra sticky and delicious.

Quickly whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and water to make a batter for the cauliflower florets. Once they're well coated, they can go in the air fryer at 450 degrees for eight to 10 minutes.

Take the cauliflower out, brush the florets with Buffalo sauce (bottled or homemade), and pop them back in for another eight to 10 minutes.

Serve with ranch, blue cheese, more Buffalo sauce, or all of the above.

One of the simplest things I've made in an air fryer might also be my favorite: caramelized bananas.

I particularly like a recipe from the blog Girls Who Eat. It's really as simple as slicing a banana in half (or slices or chunks), brushing both sides with oil, ghee, or butter (I like coconut oil), dusting both sides with brown sugar and cinnamon, and popping them in the air fryer at 370 degrees for three to five minutes per side.

If you're short on time, slightly ripe bananas tend to cook faster and caramelize splendidly.

I also like adding ground cardamom and a dash of nutmeg to my cinnamon-sugar mixture and serving with ice cream.

I figured I'd start with the easiest household appliance to find — a simple pan. The Ore-Ida instructions said to heat ¼ cup of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium to high heat. 

I had vegetable oil handy, so I poured it into a pan and waited a few minutes for it to sizzle. 

After spreading out the fries in a thin layer, I waited for them to turn a nice golden brown.

I'll admit, I wasn't paying close enough attention, and before I knew it, my pan was filled with dark brown, burned french fries. 

I forgot the most essential part of panfrying fries — turning them over frequently to avoid mishaps like this. I was too busy preheating my oven for the baked fries. 

Luckily, both my brother and father love crunchy fries, so they devoured this failed first batch.

Lacking confidence after my first attempt, I decided to stick with the amount of leftover oil in my pan and give the stove another chance. 

This time, I watched the pan and flipped my fries as often as I could. After about 10 minutes, I was satisfied with the golden, crispy fries and laid them out on a paper towel to soak up the extra oil. 

The stovetop fries were warm and juicy thanks to the vegetable oil, but they had a slightly toasty outer layer.

I couldn't imagine anything that could top this.

My oven was already cranked up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, so all I had to do was arrange the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. 

Following the instructions, I heated up half of the fries in the bag for 13 to 21 minutes until they were a light golden color. 

This seemed like such a wide range, so I punched in 15 minutes and hoped for the best.

I was pleasantly surprised by the end result of the baked fries — especially since I was hesitant about the cooking time. They looked practically perfect, similar to my favorite McDonald's version.

I completely forgot to flip them while they were cooking, but apparently, this wasn't a super necessary step for good results. 

They were warm and tasty but a little drier than the juicy panfried fries.

Although I had high hopes for the air fryer at the start of this test, right off the bat, I knew this option was the least practical cooking appliance.

I could only fit a handful of fries in my small basket.

I sprayed the basket with olive oil and cranked it to 400 F for 10 minutes.

This was actually one of the easiest appliances to use since I didn't have to monitor the fries as closely as the pan or oven.

I was amazed at how easy it was to make fries in the air fryer. It required almost zero effort, and they came out nearly perfect with minimal cleanup.

These fries had a nice, crunchy outer layer and a soft middle. However, they weren't as juicy as the panfried fries.

Making frozen fries on the grill doesn't seem much different than searing potato wedges.

I also thought it might be a nice option if I'm already grilling hot dogs, burgers, or chicken for dinner. 

I covered the grates with aluminum foil and threw a fistful of fries on top for 15 minutes.

They cooked pretty quickly and even had some nice char marks on them. 

These fries were also crispy with some nice smoky flavor, but they were still too dry and tough for my taste.

Although the small char marks were nice, the fries didn't turn golden brown and stayed somewhat pale despite being cooked thoroughly.

Although I struggled the most with the pan, it yielded the juiciest, crispiest fries. They got a bit soggy after a few minutes, but I honestly like them like that, too.

The air fryer was a close second, even though I could only cook a small pile of fries at a time. I could see future uses for my oven and grill as well.

Regardless of the method, next time, I'll definitely spice up the frozen fries by tossing them with salt and pepper or even oregano.

This story was originally published in August 2023 and most recently updated on February 24, 2025.

Click to check out the other appliances we've put head-to-head so far.

When I crave a quick snack, crispy chickpeas are at the top of my list. The legumes cook up quickly in the air fryer with very few ingredients.

I give one can of chickpeas a good rinse and then toss them in olive oil, salt, and paprika.

With my air fryer set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, I cook the beans for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure everything cooks evenly.

It's a convenient snack to enjoy at home or on the go. Plus, chickpeas have fiber and protein, so they keep me full.

Air-fried tofu and broccoli is one of my favorite vegetarian meals to make.

I cut the tofu up in small cubes, toss it in a mixture of soy sauce and brown sugar, and pop it in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes. Again, I shake the basket a few times during the cooking process.

While the tofu is cooking, I usually chop some broccoli into florets and add the vegetable to the air fryer midway through. I also like to add sliced green onions near the end of the cooking time so the flavors infuse into the finished product.

Shishito peppers pack a lot of flavor without being too spicy.

I start by washing the peppers, placing them in the air-fryer basket, and drizzling some extra-virgin olive oil on top. Add a few shakes of salt and cook the peppers at 400 degrees for six to eight minutes — or until they have a slight char on the outside.

Once the peppers are done, I brush olive oil onto slices of French baguette (or whatever bread I have on hand) and pop them in the hot basket.

The blistered peppers pair so nicely with the warm, crispy bread.

If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner, combine slices of andouille sausage, peppers, and onions in an air fryer.

Add a tablespoon of oil and some salt and shake lightly to coat all of the ingredients evenly. Then, cook everything for about 15 minutes at 400 degrees until the ingredients have slightly crisp edges.

It's such a simple yet delicious weeknight meal.

With just a few ingredients, I can create a flavorful potato side dish to accompany my favorite main courses.

Start by rinsing and chopping six to 10 red potatoes into halves or quarters and peeling and slicing one shallot. Then, combine the vegetables in the air-fryer basket, toss with olive oil and salt, and cook everything at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.

You'll know it's done when the potatoes are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.

When I'm craving dessert but want something lighter, air-fried pears are my go-to. Just core two pears and slice them into about six or eight wedge-shaped pieces.

Toss the slices with 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Then, air-fry at 375 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes — or until the pears are slightly soft.

According to Olivia Roszkowski, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, the air fryer is great for making jalapeño poppers.

She said the appliance allows the exterior breading or batter to stay crunchy and golden while the cheesy center becomes "molten" without getting too stringy.

Chef Maricel Gentile, owner at Maricel's Kitchen, recommends making homemade vegetable or pork spring rolls as an impressive appetizer.

She said these are easy to make and can be prepped and frozen ahead of time.

According to Gentile, the air fryer makes the spring rolls light and crispy and prevents them from getting overbaked, soggy, or greasy.

When it comes to appetizers, mushrooms are often skipped over because they can lose water and become too soggy.

However, both Christopher Lindsay — a chef-instructor at the University of Nevada — and Roszkowski love making stuffed mushrooms in the air fryer.

"Stuffed mushrooms are delicious when made in the air fryer because the mushrooms themselves do not lose too much volume, which often happens in a conventional or convection oven," Roszkowski told BI.

Lindsay recommends thoroughly cleaning and drying the mushrooms and lightly spraying the bottom of the air-fryer basket to prevent sticking.

Then, the chef places the stuffed mushrooms inside, being careful to avoid overcrowding, and cooks the dish at 390 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheesy stuffing is golden and bubbly.

Roszkowski told BI it's a good idea to make a dish like spinach-artichoke dip in the air fryer. She said this method takes about one-third of the time it would in the oven and still turns out golden and gooey.

To make the dip, Roszkowski suggests prepping it in an oven-safe ceramic dish. Then, cook the dip in the air fryer until golden and bubbling, and pair it with warm bread, pita chips, or sliced veggies.

Ukoy is a crispy, comforting, fried Filipino fritter made with unpeeled shrimp, shredded vegetables, and a simple batter of cornstarch, flour, and water.

Gentile likes to make these fritters in the air fryer to skip the time it takes to deep-fry them. The chef said this dish could also be made without shrimp for a vegetarian alternative.

Bacon-wrapped dates, a popular go-to appetizer for dinner parties and potlucks, are another great option for the air fryer. The appliance quickly crisps up the bacon while letting the cheese filling (if used) soften without burning.

"I've been perfecting bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with gorgonzola and a smoked almond in my convection oven for years, typically baking them for 25 to 30 minutes," Lindsay said.

However, if you want to make the appetizer in a slightly shorter timeframe, the chef recommends preheating the air fryer for five minutes and baking the dates for 15 to 20 minutes.

Roszkowski is all for going big on game day with freshly made nachos served with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream on the side.

"The tortilla chips don't get soggy because of the hot, dry circulating air and the quicker cooking time," Roszkowski said. "This allows you to be generous with your toppings."

The chef also recommends lining the air fryer tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Store-bought puff pastry is arguably one of the most popular appetizer ingredients, especially for wrapped or rolled air-fryer dishes.

Lindsay likes to stuff puff pastry with chorizo, corn, red bell peppers, jalapeños, cotija cheese, and seasonings. Then, he folds the pastry and air-fries the dish until golden.

He serves the appetizer with fresh guacamole and salsa for a crowd-pleasing dish.

If you want an elevated appetizer that requires little prep time, Lindsay recommends covering a slab of Brie with pears or Cosmic Crisp apples cut batonnet style (into straight strips) and fresh thyme.

Then, the chef rolls the ingredients into ham slices cut off the bone, places the dish seam-side down in the air fryer, and heats it up.

Level up game night or family dinner with hot, fresh garlic bread.

"Garlic bread is the perfect appetizer to make in an air fryer because the generous blast of hot air simultaneously toasts the bread, melts the Parmesan cheese, and cooks the garlic without getting too brown and crusty," Roszkowski said. 

The chef suggests finishing the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to really wow dinner guests.

"You can definitely use the air fryer if you like crispy foods, appetizers, and chicken wings," said Todd Porter and Diane Cu-Porter, the bloggers behind Air Fryer World.

One suggestion they had for air-fried game-day foods is air-fried chicken wings.

"Wings are awesome in the air fryer! The hot circulating air makes them naturally crispy, but for extra crunch use cornstarch for an awesome crust," they said.

To follow Air Fryer World's recipe for ultra-crispy wings, toss your slightly dried chicken wings with your desired spices and olive oil. Make sure your air fryer is pre-heated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before adding them. When they're done, usually in under 10 minutes, toss your wings in your favorite sauce and put them on the table, ready to eat.

Another recommendation for an easy, game-day appetizer is Air Fryer World's recipe for jalapeño poppers with bacon. To make them, start by stuffing hollowed-out jalapeño peppers with cream cheese and cheddar, wrap them in bacon, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit until the bacon is crispy.

You can also buy premade frozen poppers and use the air fryer to crisp them up, by following this recipe.

To make them, roll mini sausages or hot dogs in some crescent dough and set your air fryer to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, according to this Pillsbury recipe. For an even cook, you want to ensure the pigs in a blanket aren't overcrowded, so you might want to make them in rounds if you're making a lot.

However, they should only take a few minutes to get nice and crispy, so they'll still be on the table by kickoff.

Frozen tater tots can easily be made in the air fryer by spraying an even layer with a little cooking spray and tossing them halfway through the cooking cycle.

Then, get to work choosing your toppings. You can create a loaded tater-tot bar, with additions like sour cream, chopped green onion, shredded cheese, queso, store-bought salsa, or guacamole. 

If you want to go the extra mile, sauté some bacon or chorizo in a saucepan and top your loaded tots to your heart's content.

These "fries," which The Recipe Critic calls "a low-carb, keto-friendly snack," pair well with the dipping sauce of your choice, be it ketchup, ranch, or even a spicy mayo. For a little added flavor, mix garlic powder or cayenne into your breading before tossing it with olive oil-topped zucchini slices.

To make, pre-cook your hollowed-out potato skins and place them inside the air fryer, skin-side down, according to one recipe by Air Fryer Eats.

When they're almost crispy, fill them with your choice of cheese and stick them back in the air fryer for a few minutes. Then, top with bacon, green onion, or sour cream.

Whether you choose to go classic Italian with your flavors or dip your cooked meatballs in barbecue sauce, making meatballs in an air fryer is much faster than a typical oven and will be just as delicious.

Air Fryer World recommends placing an even layer of meatballs into the air dryer and baking them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for between seven and 12 minutes until they're golden brown. 

You can either bread your own shrimp, like this recipe from All Recipes, or follow the instructions on the back of most frozen coconut-shrimp packages for cooking them in the air fryer.

Serve with a tartar sauce or spicy mayo.

Air Fryer World says that for perfectly crispy dumplings, you'll want to spray them with a little cooking spray before frying them. To get both sides evenly cooked, flip them over at the eight-minute mark and continue cooking for a few more minutes until they're done.

Serve with a little soy sauce and green onion.

You can make your favorite stuffed mushroom recipe as normal before air-frying them, or go with Air Fryer World's recipe for cheesy stuffed mushrooms. Either way, moisten your air fryer basket or foil with cooking spray or olive oil and arrange your stuffed mushrooms evenly in the air fryer.

Pork sausage also works well as a filling, but you can also use spinach and cream cheese for a vegetarian twist.

Cook them at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for between six and eight minutes, before adding the cheese and cooking for another two minutes.

There are tons of recipes out there for air-fried breaded shrimp. 

I prefer mine served with a hint of heat, like the "bang bang" shrimp recipe from the blog Stay Snatched. I also like the shrimp paired with lemon aioli. 

Setting up a three-bowl dipping station is the best way to bread the shrimp quickly and efficiently — one bowl for flour, one for egg (or egg and mustard or mayo), and one for panko. However, I've also made them by simply dipping lightly oiled shrimp in panko before tossing them in the air fryer. 

There's no end to the list of things you can pile on a portobello cap and pop in the air fryer.

A recipe from the blog Spend With Pennies pairs them with cheddar and bacon, but I know some people swear by spinach and cream cheese or garlic and Parmesan. Brit + Co also has some great variation inspiration, including crab-stuffed mushrooms with Gouda or a play on French onion soup. 

I make mine with whatever I have on hand, but I particularly liked the batch I made with feta, cheddar, spinach, artichokes, bread crumbs, and lemon.

I pop the caps in the air fryer for a few minutes, gill-side down, to let any water drain out before flipping them and adding toppings.

Air-fried, nut-crusted chicken comes out moist, delicious, and with a perfect crust in just 20 minutes. 

Depending on what kind of air fryer you have, it might take a little more or less — I've found my basket air fryer cooks faster and my convection-oven air fryer takes slightly longer.

The blog Where Is My Spoon has a delicious, easy recipe for panko-breaded chicken. I adapted it by using half crushed nuts and half panko and adding smoked paprika and Parmesan for extra flavor.

Crab cakes are one of the tastiest things I've cooked since getting an air fryer. 

I followed a Food Network recipe, substituting a can of fire-roasted green chiles and chipotle powder for the listed chipotle chiles and adobo sauce, just for convenience.

A creamy, lemony chipotle sauce is the perfect accompaniment. It's so tangy and delicious that I could drink it.

You can make corn ribs in the air fry like in the recipe I found from the blog Plant Based Folk, or you can add more of a Mexican-inspired flair with a Food Network Canada recipe.

I could also see them working with masala spice for an Indian-inspired take on the trend. 

Pro tip: Microwave the cobs for seven to nine minutes before cutting them to make quartering easier. Then, lower the air-fryer temperature during cooking. 

There's a simple recipe for cornstarch-free, garlic-and-soy sauce tofu on the blog Live Eat Learn. It reminded me how much better the texture is after pressing the moisture out of the tofu before cooking (I used a heavy Dutch oven to squash the block).

I've also made crispy fried tofu with a ginger, tamari, and garlic marinade, finished with sesame seeds for extra crunch. The resulting tangy saltiness makes it a good bacon substitute for vegetarians and a delicious addition to Buddha bowls. 

I've also had luck just adding sauce at the end, which I found in a recipe from the blog Nora Cooks.

Buffalo cauliflower "wings" are a top choice any night of the week — it takes just 15 minutes to make crispy, spicy florets.

Simply whisk hot sauce, oil, garlic powder, and salt, and use the mixture to coat the cauliflower before tossing it into a single layer in the air fryer. I found the recipe I follow on Live Eat Learn.

Serve with blue cheese or another creamy dip.

Air-fried grilled cheese makes a quick lunch. Larger air fryers easily fit a few sandwiches, or you can chop them into half-sized sandwiches to cram more in a smaller basket.

My favorite grilled cheese is a take on a recipe from Kitchn, but with added apple slices.

I also love rustling up any cheese and jam, jelly, or fruit combination, a current favorite is ham, cheddar, and banana. 

Pro tip: Cook at a lower temperature until the cheese melts (three to five minutes) and then turn the heat up to toast the bread for an extra few minutes.

Cooking garlic in the air fryer takes half the time as doing it in a regular oven.

Kristina from the blog Tasty Oven suggests slicing off the bottom of each head of garlic, cooking a big batch, and freezing the extras. 

I like cooking the heads alongside roasted vegetables such as honeyed parsnips or carrots and then crushing the cloves to make garlic bread.

I didn't believe you could bake cakes in an air fryer, but I was proven wrong.

I've made some excellent cheesecakes in my basket air fryer, but the one I keep going back to is a simple coffee cake. I like a recipe from the blog Fork to Spoon.

I'll be working my way through the other recipes on the site, too, especially the air-fryer banana-walnut pound cake and banana-nut bread.

Empanada-sized pies are a breeze to make if you have store-bought apple filling and pie dough. But making your own allows you to choose how much sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon you want to add.

The blog BellyFull has a great recipe, whether you're making a premade or homemade version. Both turn out crisp and delicious in a basket air fryer or an oven air fryer. I tried both and couldn't tell the difference.

According to the recipe, the pies last in the fridge for three days and in the freezer for up to two months.

I followed food writer Chelsea Davis's technique for making air-fried French toast with a delicious, crispy exterior. I also added ground cardamom pods to the cinnamon and nutmeg in the egg batter.

Cutting the bread into fingers is a great tip for fitting more toast into basket fryers with curved corners. Preheating is also a good idea, particularly with convection-oven air fryers.

Oozing with liquid chocolate, molten lava cakes are irresistible.

I liked a small-batch recipe I found on the blog Essential Omnivore, but I use orange-flavored chocolate for even more flavor.

Pro tip: Only fill your ramekins around ⅔ of the way or the gooey middles might bubble up all over the bottom of your air fryer.

This story was originally published in February 2023 and most recently updated on January 23, 2025. 

Adeev and Ezra Potash, hosts of Food Network's digital series "Takeout Twins," told BI that air-fried tofu is quick and easy.

"One of our favorite dishes is this stinky tofu dish we get on the street whenever we perform in China and we do our best to replicate that in our home air fryer," The Potash Twins said. "We've tried making it many different ways, but the air fryer is so much closer to the real deal."

According to Watch Learn Eat's vegan and gluten-free blogger Sherri Hall, firm tofu works best in the air fryer. 

"Use extra firm tofu and press it for 15 to 20 minutes first," Hall told BI. "Softer tofu won't hold up as well in the air fryer, and water-logged tofu will not get crispy. You also want to make sure to grease the air fryer to avoid sticking and place the tofu in a single layer to promote even cooking."

Her recipe for salt-and-pepper tofu takes only five ingredients and 15 minutes.

According to The Potash Twins, doughnuts are easier and healthier to make in the air fryer. 

"We make sufganiyot in our air fryers," The Potash Twins told BI. "It's an Israeli jelly doughnut that is made traditionally during the celebration of Hanukkah."

The Potash Twins fill store-bought pizza dough with raspberry jelly, spray it with oil, and place the formed doughnuts in the air fryer. This method helps to maximize the crispy, crunchy texture and replicates a deep fry.

The Potash Twins also like to top their doughnuts with powdered sugar as a finishing touch.

Kysha Harris, food editor at New York Amsterdam News, said that although falafel is traditionally deep-fried, making it in the air fryer is healthier and just as delicious.

"You have spent the time to make a healthy, protein-rich food," Harris told BI. "Cooking falafel in the air fryer keeps the calories low and the cooking time short. It's a delicious vegetarian snack on hand.

Harris said she recommends chilling the formed falafel balls for 15 minutes and tossing them with vegetable oil to yield a richer color.

Food Network's "Farmhouse Rules" host Nancy Fuller told BI that because air fryers circulate hot air the same way as dehydrators, they can be used to dry out ingredients for tea.

"Dig up dandelions from your yard, wash the roots, chop the roots, and dehydrate the roots for 12 hours using the lowest setting on your air fryer," Fuller said. "Once the roots are dry, whir them up in a blender or coffee grinder."

Fuller then places a filter filled with the ground roots over a cup and slowly pours boiling water through. She also adds honey for flavor.

Your air fryer can also be used as a dehydrator to make homemade beef jerky and dried fruits.

Fuller also loves to make quick apple crisp in the air fryer. 

All you need to make this dessert is fresh-cut apples topped with cinnamon sugar and graham-cracker crumbs.

Bake it in the air fryer until the sugar is caramelized, and the graham crackers are crispy. 

Fernando Ortiz, of Margaritaville Hotel Nashville, uses his air fryer for both entrées and sides when making dinner for his family. 

"My go-to weeknight meal for me and my daughter from the air fryer is panko-crusted fish with cauliflower mac and cheese," Ortiz told BI. 

To make Ortiz's cauliflower mac and cheese, combine one cup of cheddar cheese, one cup of Parmesan, and one cup of heavy cream in a saucepan. Bring to a slight boil while cooking cauliflower florets in an air fryer at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for eight minutes.

Mix the cauliflower with the cheese sauce and put it back in the air fryer for five minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 

David Trotta, owner and chef of Whealth Kitchen, a pick-up meal and delivery service in New York City, utilizes the air fryer by making a one-pot meal. 

To minimize messiness in the kitchen, Trotta recommends making meatloaf and vegetables. 

"It is a one-pot night with minimal mess," said Trotta. "The meatloaf goes in first for about 10 minutes. Then add the potatoes, followed by the broccoli. I toss the potatoes in olive oil, salt, garlic, onion, and rosemary and spray the broccoli with olive oil before adding it to the air fryer."

"Chocolate-chip cookies are great in the air fryer, especially during times of warmer weather, as it won't heat up the house like a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven," Trotta told BI. 

Trotta said home cooks can use their favorite chocolate-chip cookie recipe and bake them on parchment in a preheated air fryer at 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

The cookies should be set about 2 inches apart and need to bake for about eight minutes.

Make sure to let the cookies sit in the pan for two to three minutes before removing them from the air fryer for best results.

Jim Mumford, a cookbook author and food blogger, swears by using an air fryer when he makes German potato salad.

"The air convection dries the potatoes out, slightly dehydrating them, allowing them to drink in the dressing for less sogginess the next day," Mumford told BI. 

You can use this tip for your favorite potato-salad recipe, whether you prefer to serve it warm or chilled. 

Liana Green, a cookbook author and food blogger at Liana's Kitchen, said you can make two-ingredient pizza dough in an air fryer. 

To make the dough, Green combines one cup of self-rising flour and one cup of natural or Greek yogurt.

Once the ingredients form a dough consistency, Green rolls it out and places it on a piece of parchment paper in the air-fryer basket. She bakes the dough at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for eight to 10 minutes, turning over halfway through.

"Add pizza sauce, mozzarella, and any toppings and cook for a further three minutes," Green said. "It's the perfect snack or quick midweek meal."

According to Green, as long as you have a baking pan that will fit in your air-fryer basket, you can quickly and easily make a cake.

This method is a great way to avoid heating up the house as a conventional oven would. 

"Make the cake batter the same way you would for baking it in an oven," said Green. "But remember that cakes will cook quicker in an air fryer than in an oven so it's important to check on them after 20 minutes."

To check if the cake is done, Green pokes a cocktail stick or skewer in the middle. If the outside is cooking too quickly, she covers the cake with some foil until it's done baking.

If you're in a hurry to proof bread dough, Green suggests using an air fryer. 

"Just add the kneaded dough to the air-fryer basket and set it on the air fryer's lowest temperature," said Green. "Each model will differ, but it will likely be somewhere between 75 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. About 10 minutes should be enough time for the dough to proof."

Once you're done proofing, you can even bake your bread in the air fryer. 

Marjory Pilley, a writer, recipe developer, and photographer for Dinner Mom, uses up thick cuts of meat with her air-fryer steak bites.

"Steak bites rival something cooked on the grill," said Pilley. "They caramelize on the outside and are juicy on the inside."

To make the steak bites, Pilley uses one pound of beef, such as sirloin. She cuts the meat into one to 2-inch cubes and tosses it with a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of her favorite steak seasoning.

Pilley then places the meat in the air-fryer basket in a single layer. She cooks the steak bites at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

If you'd like to make a full meal, Pilley said, you can add chopped vegetables like mushrooms or peppers to the mix. 

Pilley said making hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer is "ridiculously easy."

"Simply place cold eggs in the basket of the air fryer," said Pilley. "Cook at 250 degrees Fahrenheit using the following timing guide — 11 to 12 minutes for soft, 13 to 14 minutes for medium, and 15 to 17 minutes for hard. Immediately remove the eggs into ice-cold water for five minutes and peel."

Because every air fryer model is different, Pilley recommends checking the timing for your particular version on one or two eggs the first time around.

Hall likes to make vegetarian "bacon" with tempeh, tamari, maple syrup, olive oil, and seasonings.

According to Hall, this air-fryer "bacon" takes less time than baking in an oven, uses less oil than making it on a stovetop, and has "the perfect level of crispiness."

"Although you can purchase pre-made tempeh 'bacon' at the grocery store, store-bought tempeh 'bacon' brands are not typically gluten-free," Hall said. "Making it at home means that you can make it gluten-free and you can marinate it for as long as possible to make it incredibly flavorful."

Hall's easy air-fryer dupe is gluten-free, has less than 10 ingredients, and includes tips for using the "bacon" to make the perfect vegan BLT.

Jessica Formicola, owner of Savory Experiments, makes churros in the air fryer as a lighter alternative to conventional deep-frying. 

"Thick choux pastry works surprisingly well for churros," said Formicola.

To avoid batter from seeping through the grates, Formicola lines the bottom of the tray with aluminum foil to prevent it from dripping.

This story was originally published on January 18, 2022, and most recently updated on January 14, 2025.

Chef Meredith Laurence of Blue Jean Chef told BI that bacon and air fryers are a perfect match. 

"There's no tidier way to cook bacon than in an air fryer," she said. "The air fryer limits the splatter around your kitchen and makes the bacon crispy."

You can air-fry it on a flat tray, but using a wire rack will allow the excess fat to drip away and may result in crispier bacon.

Christina Stanco, executive chef at Central Kitchen and Bar in Detroit, told BI that she loves making mini egg frittatas in the air fryer. 

"Mini egg frittatas are quick and easy in the air fryer," she said. "Just pour whisked eggs and diced peppers into cupcake papers, top with cheese, and air-fry."

You can experiment with adding your own favorite toppings to the mini frittatas, like bacon bits or fresh herbs.

Breakfast burritos are the ultimate portable morning meal, and they're easy to make in the air fryer. 

"Air-fryer breakfast burritos are a favorite of mine," Stanco told BI. "Just roll up scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese into a flour tortilla and cook it in the air fryer." 

She suggested trying to avoid adding wet ingredients like salsa or sliced tomato before cooking as excess moisture may result in less crispy burritos.

French-toast sticks are a fun breakfast treat that you can throw together with common kitchen staples. 

"Simply cut bread slices into fingers and then soak them in a French-toast egg mixture before coating them in crushed Corn Flakes or other cereal flakes," Laurence told BI. 

Air-fry the sticks at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for eight to nine minutes, so they're crispy but not dry, and serve them with maple syrup or Greek yogurt and berries.

For a decadent morning treat, Laurence suggested baking a few cinnamon rolls in your air fryer. 

"Roll out the dough, brush it with butter, and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top," she said. "After forming the rolls and letting them rise, pop them in the air fryer for 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit."

You can use your own homemade dough or opt for a premade variety to save time. Finish off the cinnamon rolls with a sweet glaze or cream-cheese frosting.

Home fries are seasoned and fried potato chunks often served alongside eggs or meat at breakfast. 

"Home fries are a must in the air fryer," Stanco told BI. "Be sure to season the chopped potatoes with herbs and spices before cooking them."

She suggested using a "floury" variety of potatoes, such as an Idaho russet, for the best texture and flavor.

Eggs in a basket — also known as egg in a hole — is a quick breakfast dish that looks a lot fancier than it is.

"You can make 'eggs in a basket' very easily in the air fryer by making indentations in a few slices of bread, cracking eggs into the indents, and air frying," Laurence said. 

The chef recommended cooking the eggs for five to seven minutes at about 380 degrees.

For a twist on this recipe, swap the slices of toast for hollowed-out bread rolls.

Using an air fryer to cook your breakfast sausages can help you avoid excess fat and grease.

"Placing the sausages in a perforated or mesh basket allows the fat to drip away, helping them crisp up faster," Laurence told BI. 

You can also use an air fryer to add a bit of extra crispiness to vegetarian or vegan sausages. The plant-based varieties usually have less fat, so give them a light spray of oil before air-frying. 

Chef Hayato Yoshida, cofounder of Wagyu Beef, told BI that an air fryer can easily turn sweet potatoes into a tasty morning meal. 

"Instead of throwing them in the oven or microwave — which might make them soggy — put them in the air fryer instead," he said.

You can also shred your sweet potatoes and air-fry them as hash browns or nests.

Skip the line at the coffee shop and make your own fresh doughnuts at home. 

"Instead of going through the hassle of deep-frying, consider air-frying a couple of fluffy doughnuts," Yoshida told BI. "They're delicious and will definitely help satisfy your morning sweet tooth."

Try using canned biscuit dough shaped or cut into rings if you're short on time. 

You can add a glaze to your doughnuts by dipping them in a mixture of powdered sugar and water or milk, but be sure to wait until they've fully cooled before glazing. 

If you're looking to break out of a breakfast rut, consider using an air fryer to make breakfast egg rolls.

"Breakfast egg rolls are a great handheld breakfast option for those on the move," Yoshida told BI. "I love air-frying egg rolls and enjoying them as a treat in the morning."

To make them, scramble eggs with your choice of chopped vegetables or meats, portion the mixture into egg-roll wrappers, fold and roll them up, and air-fry until golden.

This story was originally published on January 6, 2021, and most recently updated on January 10, 2025. 

Read More:

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I can't get enough halloumi.

Yes, it tastes like salty rubber. To me, though, it's the best, most satisfying rubber — especially when it's crispy on the outside and gooey in the center, fresh from the air fryer.

For lunch or a light dinner, I'll slice up a loaf of halloumi, spray it with cooking spray, and air-fry it for five or six minutes until it has some color on the edges.

I'll toss the hot cheese on a salad made with anything in my fridge for a fast vegetarian meal.

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is ideal because the fish's higher fat content makes it better insulated and, therefore, harder to overcook than more delicate options like cod or bass.

I recommend air-frying individual fillets of similar sizes rather than a larger side of salmon, as these cook faster and more evenly.

Top your fillets with anything from fresh lemon wheels to a dry spice rub, then air-fry for seven to nine minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the fish is flaky and firm in the center.

As a bonus, toss a quick-cooking veggie like broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus into the air-fryer basket alongside the salmon.

There's no better lazy dinner than a gooey grilled cheese. Plus, when you make it in an air fryer, you get to skip the flipping and babysitting.

Just assemble your sandwich as you like — don't hold back on spreads and add-ins like fig jam, pesto, thinly sliced apples, hot sauce, or asparagus.

Add plenty of your favorite melty cheese (my pick is sharp cheddar), and smush everything between bread. The cheese should get nice and gooey, and the bread should turn golden in about 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

The key to juicy and tender air-fryer chicken Parmesan is using thinly sliced boneless chicken breasts that have been cut in half horizontally.

Dip each piece in flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs to coat. (For a lighter version, skip the breading.)

Air-fry your chicken for about five minutes per side at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then add a spoonful of marinara sauce and a few slabs of fresh mozzarella to each piece. Cook for another few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

I like to serve chicken Parmesan with garlic bread, but pasta also works.

If you want the experience of an elegant French bistro without the price tag, your air fryer is your best friend.

Using an air fryer is the best way to make fries at home — plus you can take a shortcut and use frozen ones.

Start by cooking your steaks to your desired doneness. It can take about six minutes per side at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a 1-inch New York strip to become medium-rare.

While the steaks rest, toss your fries into the basket and cook them at the same temperature for about 10 minutes or until they're golden and crisp.

Shrimp cook quickly with most methods, but the air fryer frees up your hands so you can prepare other elements for a rice bowl.

Although you can use any seasonings and toppings, I like to go for a burrito-inspired dish.

First, I toss shrimp with taco seasoning or a homemade spice blend of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Large peeled and deveined shrimp can cook in about five minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

While they cook, I dice tomatoes and avocados, mince fresh cilantro, and slice a lime. Once everything is ready, pile it onto white or brown rice. I like to flavor mine with lime.

For a delicious tofu dish that will turn skeptics into fans, use your air fryer.

The key is to remove as much moisture from the tofu as possible before cooking it.

Slice the tofu into planks, wrap them in a clean dish towel, and press them under something heavy, like a can of tomatoes, for at least 30 minutes. Then cut the planks into cubes and toss them in a light dusting of cornstarch — this really helps the tofu crisp up.

Before air-frying, coat them in a sauce. I like teriyaki, either store-bought or made with soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. You could just as easily use barbecue, Buffalo, or chimichurri sauce.

Your tofu should become crispy and golden in about eight minutes in a 400-degree Fahrenheit air fryer. After cooking, you can add more sauce for extra moisture and flavor.

It's impressive to cook a whole chicken in an air fryer, and I think it's easier than using an oven. Most 6-quart basket-style fryers can hold a 4-pound chicken.

After patting your bird dry, rub it with your preferred spice mix, and be sure to use plenty of salt. I like to use garlic, rosemary, and olive oil. You can stuff the cavity with fresh herbs and a halved lemon for extra moisture and flavor as well.

Air-fry the bird for half an hour at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, flip, and cook for another 20 to 25 minutes, increasing the temp to 400 degrees for the last 10 if you like a crispy skin.

The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Let it rest for five to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

From habanero wings to ghost-pepper chips, I'm always looking to test my tastebuds, and I love food with a bit of heat.

Buffalo cauliflower lets me indulge that craving without consuming anything too heavy or calorie-dense. It's also surprisingly easy to make.

Coat some florets with a tablespoon or two of oil, season with salt and pepper, then toss in your hot sauce of choice. Cook in the air fryer until crispy.

When I frequented the drive-thru, I always got chicken nuggets. It's fitting, then, that the day I decided to get in shape, I bought a 20-piece as my "last supper" before driving straight to the gym.

Although I still grab fast food on occasion, I now make crispy chicken tenders at home. This way, I can use less oil and control the ingredients.

First, I use a knife to remove any tendons from the chicken. Then, I season the strips and coat them with flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. They go in the air fryer until golden.

Fries are easy to prepare in an air fryer and even easier to enjoy. Plus, you can season them with any spices you want.

I alternate between making regular fries and sweet-potato fries. The sweet potatoes require some muscle to chop — and take extra time to crisp up — but the effort is worth it.

To make these, I coat my potato strips in oil, air-fry them until crispy, then salt and season to taste.

Haddock, cod, and salmon all turn out great in the air fryer.

When cooking a white fish, I like to coat it in breadcrumbs — just like the tenders — and air-fry until golden brown. For a better bite, make sure to season your flour and breading.

I love pairing my crispy fish with air-fryer fries for a lighter version of fish and chips.

An oven is great for heating up frozen pies, but an air fryer excels if you're making your own pizza. You can really be creative with your crust by using English muffins, naan, or other bases.

On this day, I made air-fryer pizza using a baguette as my base. In an oven, that bread would have toughened up, but after a few minutes in the air fryer, it became flaky and crispy.

I topped my pizza with turkey pepperoni and basil, though it's also super easy to customize.

I couldn't stand Brussels sprouts growing up. The smell was offputting, the texture was slimy, and other vegetables were simply more appealing.

Now, they're my favorite green alongside broccoli — and the secret is preparing them well.

Although I enjoy sprouts baked, roasted, or sautéed, I love them air-fried. Season them generously, air-fry them until crunchy, and you have a great midnight snack.

Plantain chips are one of my favorite snacks to get at the grocery store. I wouldn't call them healthy, but I find them to be a slightly lighter alternative to potato chips.

To make my own version at home, I started air-frying banana slices.

First, thinly slice a firm banana. Toss the slices in oil and salt, then air-fry them until they brown up. Set them aside to cool, and you'll have a sweet-and-savory snack that resembles chips.

Instead of crowding my fridge with holiday-cooking ingredients, I just get two things: Brie and premade dough.

For this recipe, I purchased a wheel of double-creme Brie and a tube of crescent dough from Aldi.

I think it's easier to neatly wrap the dough around the wheeled cheese, but this recipe can also be made with a wedge or slice of Brie.

One of the most difficult parts of this recipe is peeling the paper off the crescent-dough canister and waiting in anticipation for it to pop open with a loud "thwap."

I take half of the dough and lay it out flat on my countertop. If it's perforated — as many crescent doughs are — you'll want to overlap those lines a bit and smooth it out.

The goal is to get the dough as smooth as possible so there are no holes for the cheese to escape through.

After laying out the dough, I place the wheel of Brie directly in the center of the rectangle.

Then, I take the second half of the crescent dough and smooth it out like I did with the first layer.

This rectangle of dough goes on top of the cheese. Be sure to line it up so that the edges of the bottom and top layers of dough come as close to touching as possible.

Before proceeding, I seal any holes between the two sheets of dough and ensure the cheese is securely wrapped.

I think the dough ends up looking a little nicer if I brush it with a quick egg wash before placing it in the air fryer.

Crack one egg into a glass or bowl and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water. This mixture can be brushed directly on the dough.

I like to line my air-fryer basket with a piece of oiled aluminum foil to prevent any sticking.

Once that's prepped, I place the wrapped cheese inside and cook it at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.

At that point, I open the basket, flip the doughy disc with a spatula, and pop it back in for another four minutes to ensure both sides are even.

I frequently bake Brie in my oven and toaster oven, which takes closer to 40 minutes (not including prep time). In comparison, this method was absurdly quick, and I enjoyed it right out of the air fryer.

The air-fried dough baked up similarly to how it does in the oven, and there was no noticeable difference in flavor or texture.

Going forward, I'll definitely be using the air fryer for my Brie, especially during the busy holiday season.

If you want to spruce up the dish for a specific event, you can easily add a layer of jam or preserves — sweet, savory, or spicy — on top of the cheese before you cover it.