What is the best food to cook in the air fryer?

The best foods for air fryers are ones that benefit from a crispy outside and tender inside. Top choices include: Chicken wings – They turn golden and crisp without deep frying French fries or sweet potato fries – Crisp up beautifully in under 20 minutes Brussels sprouts – Caramelized edges, soft centers Salmon filets – Cook evenly, stay moist Frozen snacks – Nuggets, mozzarella sticks, and onion rings do great These make up some of the most popular and reliable air fryer recipes across the board.

What not to cook in an air fryer?

Certain foods just don’t perform well in air fryers. Avoid: Wet batters – They drip through the basket before cooking Leafy greens (raw) – Fly around and burn Large roasts – Don’t cook evenly Uncoated cheese – Melts into a sticky mess Pastries with delicate dough – Dry out or cook unevenly Stick with tested air fryer recipes to avoid these pitfalls. You'll save time, ingredients, and your patience.

What to cook in an air fryer for beginners?

For new users, start with simple air fryer recipes like: Chicken tenders Frozen fries or tater tots Zucchini or carrot fries Salmon with olive oil and lemon Brussels sprouts or baby potatoes These are quick, forgiving, and help you learn your air fryer’s timing and power. Once you master the basics, you can move on to full meals and creative bakes.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers?

Not everyone falls in love with their air fryer. Some common complaints include: Harder cleanup than expected Bulky size taking up counter space Noisy fans or lingering smells Unrealistic expectations from social media Some foods (like casseroles) cook better in an oven But many of these issues can be solved with the right air fryer recipes, proper care, and realistic usage. For most home cooks, the benefits still outweigh the drawbacks.

Air Fryer Recipes That Work 15+ Easy Meals for Crispy Results

Description

These crispy, juicy Air Fryer Chicken Wings are the ultimate game day or weeknight dinner. No deep-frying required – just golden perfection in minutes.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken wings (split at joints, tips removed)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or garlic-parmesan topping

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Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
Toss wings in olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Work in batches if needed.
Air fry for 24–26 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through for even browning.
Optional: Toss cooked wings in your favorite sauce or seasoning blend before serving.

Notes

For extra crispy results, let the wings rest uncovered in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking to dry out the skin slightly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American