If your air fryer is sitting there collecting dust, it's time for a glow-up. This little countertop MVP can do more than reheat soggy fries. We're talking crispy, golden, juicy perfection without the oil-soaked guilt.
Whether you're new to the game or you've already joined the air fryer cult, these seven foods come out so good that you'll wonder why you ever bothered with an oven. Or a skillet. Or a deep fryer. Let's get into it.
© Getty ImagesSports Bar Chicken Wings
Chicken wings in the air fryer? Game. Changer. You get that crispy skin and juicy inside without deep frying. Just toss them in a little oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite seasoning or dry rub. Cook at 380°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway. Want them extra crispy? Crank it up to 400°F for the last five minutes.
Toss in buffalo sauce and honey garlic, or keep it classic with lemon pepper. Your couch is now the best wing spot in town.
© Getty ImagesCrunchy French Fries
Homemade or frozen fries belong in the air fryer. No one has time for limp, greasy fries that need resuscitation after 10 minutes. The air fryer brings the crunch. For homemade fries, soak your potato sticks in water for 30 minutes, pat dry, and then toss with oil and seasoning. Cook at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes. Add garlic powder, paprika, or parmesan if you're feeling fancy.
© Getty ImagesSalmon Without the Fuss
You don't need a culinary degree to make restaurant-quality salmon. Just season your fillets (lemon, garlic, dill, whatever floats your fish), pop them in the air fryer skin-side down at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, and boom, flaky, juicy, crispy-edged salmon. It's foolproof. Serve it over rice or greens, and pretend your meal was prepped on purpose.
© Getty ImagesMozzarella Sticks That Don't Explode
Yes, you can make mozzarella sticks in the air fryer without creating a crime scene of melted cheese. The trick is to freeze them first. Whether you're using store-bought or homemade mozzarella, pop them in at 390°F for 6-8 minutes. Don't overcrowd them. You want space for the air to crisp every cheesy edge. Dip them in marinara or ranch, or eat them straight off the tray.
© Getty ImagesBacon That Doesn't Leave Your Stove a Greasy
Air-frying bacon is hands-down the least messy way to cook it. There are no splatters or flipping, and it comes out perfectly crisp every time. Lay your strips flat without overlapping, and cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. Adjust for your preferred level of crunch. Clean-up tip: Line the bottom with foil to catch drips, and thank yourself later.
© Getty ImagesTofu That Even Meat-Eaters Will Steal Off Your Plate
Crispy tofu in a pan takes patience. In an air fryer? It takes 15 minutes. Press out the moisture, cube it, and toss with a little oil, cornstarch, soy sauce, and whatever seasonings you love. Cook at 390°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway. The outside gets crisp, the inside stays tender, and suddenly, tofu isn't the sad option anymore. Pro tip: Toss it in teriyaki or sriracha after for an extra flavor punch.
© Getty ImagesDonuts That'll Ruin You for Store-Bought Forever
Yes, the air fryer makes dessert magic, too. Grab some canned biscuit dough, cut holes in the center, and air fry at 350°F for 5-6 minutes until golden. Brush with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar. They're fluffy, sweet, and dangerously easy to make. If you want to go full sweet tooth, dip them in melted chocolate or glaze.
Let the crisping begin.
