An air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to cook a variety of foods, from appetizers to desserts. It is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it uses less oil and produces less smoke. If you’re looking to impress your guests with your cooking skills, the air fryer is the way to go.
To impress guests, consider making Fried Chicken, French Fries, Roasted Vegetables, Grilled Shrimp, Buffalo Wings, Baked Potatoes, Fish Sticks, Bacon-wrapped Jalapeno Poppers, Fried Rice, or Pork Chops in the air fryer. These dishes are easy to make, healthy, and delicious.
Here are the top 10 things you can make in an air fryer that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Crispy Fried Chicken
Fried chicken can be made in an air fryer to perfection. The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, creating a crispy coating on the outside while keeping the meat juicy and tender on the inside.
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Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
Begin by marinating the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and seasonings for at least one hour, or up to overnight if possible. The buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken and add flavor, while the seasonings can be tailored to your taste. Consider using spices such as garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or herbs like thyme and rosemary for a more classic flavor.
- Coat the Chicken in Seasoned Flour
Next, mix together a seasoned flour mixture of flour, baking powder, and your choice of spices. Dredge each piece of chicken in the mixture, making sure to coat it well on all sides. This will help to create a crispy exterior once it’s cooked.
- Cook in the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer: Before cooking, it’s important to preheat the air fryer to 400 °F (204.44 °C) to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket: Once the air fryer is preheated, place the chicken in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd it.
- Cook the chicken for 15–20 minutes: Set the timer for 15–20 minutes and let the chicken cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (73.89 °C).
- Check the internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure it’s fully cooked.
- Serve & Enjoy
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the chicken to become more tender. Serve the crispy, oven-style fried chicken hot, with your choice of sides such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
French Fries
The air fryer can produce perfectly crispy fries in no time, and you won’t have to worry about the added calories from deep-frying.
Ingredients
4 medium-sized Potatoes, peeled and cut into Fries
2 tbsp. Vegetable Oil
Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the potatoes and pat them dry. Cut them into fries, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Place the fries in a large bowl and toss with the vegetable oil and a pinch of salt.
- Arrange the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.
- Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
- Once cooked, the fries should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Sprinkle with a little more salt, if desired, and serve hot with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
You can also add different seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, or Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Be aware that different types of potatoes may require different cooking times, so adjust accordingly. If you like your fries extra crispy, you can cook them for a few minutes more.
Roasted Vegetables
An air fryer is a great tool for roasting vegetables, as it creates a crisp exterior while retaining the vegetables’ natural flavors and nutrients. Whether you’re roasting carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts, your guests are sure to be impressed.
Ingredients
2 cups (0.47 l) of Mixed Vegetables (such as Carrots, Potatoes, Bell Peppers, and Zucchini), cut into similar-sized pieces
1 tbsp. Olive Oil
1 tbsp. Salt
1 teaspoon of your preferred spices (such as Garlic Powder, Dried Thyme, and Paprika)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F (204.44 °C).
- In a large bowl, toss the cut vegetables with the oil, salt, and spices until evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd.
- Air fry the vegetables for 10–15 minutes, or until they are tender and crispy, flipping them halfway through cooking.
- Serve the roasted vegetables immediately while they are hot and crispy.
Enjoy this delicious and healthy dish as a side to any meal, or as a snack on its own. Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your favorite combination.
Grilled Shrimp
The air fryer can cook shrimp to a juicy and tender finish in just a few minutes, and the crisp exterior adds a delicious crunch.
Ingredients
1 pound (0.45 kg) Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dried Basil
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1 teaspoon Paprika
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 Lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
In a bowl, mix together the shrimp, olive oil, garlic, basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook at 400 °F (204.44 °C) for 7–8 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through cooking.
- Once the shrimp are cooked through and slightly charred on the outside, remove from the air fryer.
- Serve the shrimp with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Buffalo Wings
Buffalo wings can be made in the air fryer for a healthier and quicker alternative to deep-frying. The air fryer creates a crispy skin that is perfect for soaking up all the spicy sauce.
Ingredients
2 pounds (0.91 kg) Chicken Wings
Salt
Pepper
1 cup (0.24 l) All-purpose Flour
2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
2 teaspoons Paprika
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
1/2 cup Hot Sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot)
Blue Cheese Dressing and Celery Sticks (for serving)
Instructions
- Season the chicken wings with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Dredge the chicken wings in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Place the chicken wings into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook at 400 °F (204.44 °C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter and hot sauce together over medium heat.
- Brush the hot sauce mixture over the cooked chicken wings.
- Return the wings to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Serve the buffalo wings with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are a comfort food staple, and the air fryer can cook them to a soft and fluffy finish in just minutes. Top them with your favorite toppings for a hearty and delicious meal.
Ingredients
4 medium Russet Potatoes
Salt
Olive Oil
Butter
Toppings of your choice (Sour Cream, Chives, Shredded Cheese, etc.)
Instructions
- Scrub the potatoes and pat them dry.
- Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
- Rub the potatoes with salt and olive oil.
- Place the potatoes into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook at 400 °F (204.44 °C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the skin is crispy.
- Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let cool for a few minutes.
- Cut a small slit in the top of each potato and squeeze the ends to fluff the inside.
- Top with butter and your desired toppings.
Fish Sticks
A family favorite, fish sticks can be made in the air fryer for a quick and healthy meal. The air fryer creates a crispy exterior that is perfect for dipping in tartar sauce or ketchup.
Ingredients
1 pound (0.45 kg) Cod or Haddock Fillets, cut into sticks
1 cup (0.24 l) All-purpose Flour
2 Eggs, beaten
2 cups (0.47 l) Breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
Non-stick Cooking Spray
Instructions
- In three separate bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- In the bowl with the breadcrumbs, mix in the garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each fish stick into the flour, then the eggs, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to fully coat each stick.
- Place the coated fish sticks into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Spray the top of the fish sticks with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook at 400 °F (204.44 °C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Serve the fish sticks hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
A fun and delicious appetizer, jalapeño poppers are a crowd-pleaser. Wrapping them in bacon and cooking them in the air fryer creates a crispy exterior with a spicy and cheesy filling.
Ingredients
8 large Jalapeños
4 ounces (0.15 kg) Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup (0.24 l) Shredded Cheddar Cheese
8 slices of Bacon, cut in half
Toothpicks
Instructions
- Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
- In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into the jalapeño halves.
- Wrap each filled jalapeño half with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook at 400 °F (204.44 °C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeños are slightly charred.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Mozzarella Sticks
A classic bar snack, mozzarella sticks can be made in the air fryer for a quick and healthy alternative to deep-frying. The air fryer creates a crispy exterior that is perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Mozzarella Sticks
1 Egg, beaten
1 cup (0.24 l) of Bread Crumbs
Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204.44 °C).
- Set up a breading station: place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and panko bread crumbs in a third.
- Season the flour with salt and pepper.
- Dip each mozzarella stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip in the beaten eggs and finally coat in the panko bread crumbs.
- Spray the mozzarella sticks with oil before placing them in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Mini Apple Pies
The air fryer creates a flaky crust and perfectly cooked apples for a delicious and handheld dessert.
Ingredients
2 sheets of store-bought Pie Crust
4 cups (0.95 l) Thinly Sliced Apples
1/2 cup White Sugar
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted
1 Egg, beaten (for Egg wash)
Coarse Sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 °F (198.89 °C).
- Roll out the pie crusts and cut into circles using a cookie cutter or a small bowl.
- In a bowl, mix together the sliced apples, white sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
- Spoon a generous amount of the apple mixture onto one of the pie crust circles.
- Brush the edges of the pie crust with the beaten egg.
- Place the second pie crust circle on top of the apple mixture and crimp the edges with a fork.
- Brush the top of the pie with the remaining beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
- Place the mini apple pies in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between each pie.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- Preheat the air fryer: To ensure that your food cooks evenly, preheat the air fryer for about 3–5 minutes before adding the food.
- Use a cooking spray: To prevent food from sticking to the basket, coat it with a cooking spray before cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: To ensure that the air circulates freely and the food cooks evenly, make sure to leave some space between the pieces of food.
- Flip the food halfway through cooking: For even cooking, flip the food halfway through the cooking time to ensure that both sides get crispy.
- Experiment with temperature and cooking time: Different types of food may require different temperatures and cooking times, so it’s a good idea to start with a lower temperature and cooking time and adjust as needed.
- Keep an eye on the food: Air fryers cook quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on the food to avoid burning or over-cooking it.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat: For an even easier clean-up, place parchment paper or a silicone mat in the basket before cooking.
Questions You Might Have
Can you cook Frozen Food in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen food in an air fryer. Simply place the frozen food in the basket and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
Is cooking with an Air Fryer healthier than traditional cooking methods?
Yes, cooking with an air fryer is considered healthier than traditional cooking methods, such as deep-frying, as it uses less oil and results in crispy, juicy, and tender food.
Is it possible to cook Different dishes at the same time in an Air Fryer?
Yes, it is possible to cook different dishes at the same time in an air fryer, although it is recommended to avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the air fryer is a versatile appliance that can be used to cook a wide range of dishes, from appetizers to main courses to desserts. These top 10 things you can make in an air fryer are guaranteed to impress your guests and leave a lasting impression. So, why not get creative and try cooking something new in your air fryer today?
