10 Best Air Fryer Food of 2025, Tested by Experts

Air fryers excel at cooking a wide range of foods, particularly those that benefit from a crispy exterior and tender interior without excessive oil. Some foods that are best cooked in an air fryer include:

1. Chicken wings: Air frying produces crispy, flavorful chicken wings with less oil than traditional frying.
2. French fries: Air-fried French fries are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, without the greasiness of deep-fried fries.
3. Vegetables: Air frying vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or cauliflower results in a crispy texture while preserving their natural flavors.
4. Fish fillets: Air frying fish fillets yields a golden crust while keeping the flesh moist and flaky.
5. Frozen snacks: Items like mozzarella sticks, chicken nuggets, or spring rolls can be quickly and evenly cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a crunchy exterior.

What is the most popular thing to air fry?

Among the various foods that can be cooked in an air fryer, one of the most popular choices is typically chicken. Whether it's chicken wings, breasts, thighs, or even whole chickens, air frying allows for crispy, juicy chicken without the need for excessive oil. The convenience and versatility of air fryers make them ideal for preparing a variety of chicken dishes quickly and with less mess compared to traditional frying methods.

What 5 foods should you not put in an air fryer?

While air fryers are versatile appliances, there are certain foods that may not yield desirable results or could potentially damage the appliance:

1. Battered foods: The batter may not crisp up properly in an air fryer, resulting in a soggy texture.
2. Large cuts of meat: Air fryers may not be suitable for cooking large cuts of meat like whole chickens or roasts, as they may not cook evenly.
3. Cheese: Melting cheese in an air fryer can create a mess and may drip onto the heating element, causing smoke or burning.
4. Raw vegetables with high water content: Vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower may become overly dry or even burnt in an air fryer due to their high water content.
5. Foods with delicate fillings: Items like dumplings or pastries with delicate fillings may burst or leak during cooking in an air fryer, leading to a messy outcome.

What should I cook first in an air fryer?

For first-time users of an air fryer, it's often recommended to start with simple recipes or foods that are forgiving in terms of cooking time and temperature. Some great options to cook first in an air fryer include:

1. Frozen foods: Frozen French fries, chicken nuggets, or mozzarella sticks are convenient options that typically come with air fryer cooking instructions.
2. Chicken wings: Seasoned or marinated chicken wings are easy to cook in an air fryer and showcase the appliance's ability to produce crispy results.
3. Vegetables: Tossing seasoned vegetables like potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini in the air fryer allows you to experience how the appliance can quickly roast and crisp up veggies.
4. Breaded items: Foods like breaded fish fillets or shrimp are simple to prepare and demonstrate how the air fryer can achieve a crispy coating without excess oil.
5. Desserts: Air fryers can also be used to make desserts like apple chips or cinnamon sugar donuts, providing a sweet introduction to air frying.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers?

While air fryers have gained popularity for their ability to produce crispy, "fried" food with less oil, some people may choose to get rid of them for various reasons. Common reasons include:

1. Limited counter space: Air fryers can be bulky and take up valuable kitchen real estate, prompting some individuals to opt for appliances with smaller footprints.
2. Preference for traditional cooking methods: Some people may find that they prefer the taste and texture of traditionally fried food or other cooking methods over air-fried alternatives.
3. Health considerations: While air fryers offer a healthier alternative to deep frying, some individuals may have concerns about the environmental impact of additional kitchen appliances or the potential health effects of consuming air-fried food regularly.
4. Usage patterns: Individuals who don't frequently use their air fryers may decide to get rid of them to free up space or declutter their kitchens.
5. Desire for multi-functionality: Some individuals may prefer kitchen appliances that offer a wider range of functions or cooking methods, leading them to replace their air fryers with devices that can air fry as well as perform other tasks such as pressure cooking or baking.

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