What Can I Do in Air Fryer? Beyond Frying: 15 Surprising Tasks

Introduction

If you recently unboxed an air fryer, you’ve probably already made a batch of frozen french fries or chicken nuggets, and now you’re staring at the appliance wondering, What Can I Do in Air Fryer? beyond the basics. The short answer? Almost anything that benefits from crispy, evenly cooked results without the hassle of deep frying or long oven preheat times. Air fryers use rapid, circulating hot air to cook food quickly and with minimal oil, making them far more versatile than their name suggests. In this guide, we’re breaking down 15 surprising, practical tasks you can tackle with your air fryer, from weeknight dinners to sweet treats and even kitchen hacks that will save you time and cleanup.

• Why Air Fryers Are More Than Just “Fryers”
• Task 1: Roast Fresh Vegetables to Perfection
• Task 2: Bake Fluffy, Golden Breads and Pastries
• Task 3: Reheat Leftovers Without Sogginess
• Task 4: Cook Crispy, Juicy Chicken Without Deep Frying
• Task 5: Make Homemade Doughnuts and Sweet Treats
• Task 6: Toast Nuts and Seeds for Extra Flavor
• Task 7: Roast Meats for Quick, Tender Weeknight Dinners
• Task 8: Dehydrate Fruits and Herbs for Snacks and Storage
• Task 9: Melt Cheese for Perfect Nachos or Quesadillas
• Task 10: Cook Frozen Meals Better Than the Oven
• Task 11: Make Crispy Roasted Potatoes (All Cuts, All Styles)
• Task 12: Toast Bread and Bagels to Crunchy Perfection
• Task 13: Cook Seafood Without the Fishy Smell
• Task 14: Make Homemade Croutons and Breadcrumbs
• Task 15: Warm Up Pastries and Coffee Shop Treats
• Bonus Task: Make Popcorn From Kernel to Bowl
• Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Air Fryer
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Why Air Fryers Are More Than Just “Fryers”

The term “air fryer” is a bit of a misnomer, which is why so many people ask What Can I Do in Air Fryer? beyond frying foods. Unlike deep fryers, which submerge food in hot oil, air fryers use a powerful fan to circulate superheated air around food at high speeds, mimicking the crispy texture of fried food with little to no oil. This same convection cooking principle works for roasting, baking, toasting, dehydrating, and even reheating, all in a fraction of the time it takes a full-size oven. The small, enclosed cavity of most air fryers also heats up in 2-3 minutes, so you don’t have to wait for your oven to preheat, making it ideal for quick meals and small-batch cooking.

Task 1: Roast Fresh Vegetables to Perfection

If you’ve ever struggled to get crispy roasted veggies from your oven (or ended up with soggy, steamed broccoli), your air fryer is the solution. The high, circulating air caramelizes the edges of vegetables while keeping the insides tender and flavorful, no overcrowding required.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables

1. Cut your vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, etc.) into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Toss the veggies with 1-2 teaspoons of oil (avocado, olive, or melted butter work great), salt, pepper, and any seasonings you love (garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, etc.).
3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
4. Arrange the vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have a lot of veggies, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
5. Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the edges are crispy and golden and the insides are tender when pierced with a fork.

Pro tip: For extra crispiness, pat dry your veggies before tossing them with oil to remove excess moisture.

Task 2: Bake Fluffy, Golden Breads and Pastries

Your air fryer can act as a mini convection oven for small-batch baking, perfect for when you don’t want to heat up your full oven for a single loaf of bread or a few pastries. You can bake everything from dinner rolls and garlic bread to mini cakes and cookies.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Garlic Bread

1. Slice a baguette or Italian bread loaf in half lengthwise.
2. Mix 2 tablespoons of softened butter with 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt.
3. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
5. Place the bread cut-side up in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the edges are golden and crispy and the butter is melted and bubbly.

You can also use pre-made refrigerated biscuit or crescent roll dough for quick, flaky pastries – just follow the package directions, reducing the cook time by 2-3 minutes since air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens.

Task 3: Reheat Leftovers Without Sogginess

If you’ve ever reheated pizza in the microwave only to end up with a soggy, chewy crust, you’ll never look back once you try reheating in an air fryer. The circulating hot air restores the crispy texture of fried foods, roasted meats, and baked goods that microwaves and even conventional ovens can’t match.

To see how the air fryer stacks up, check out this comparison of reheating common leftovers across three appliances:

To reheat leftovers, preheat the air fryer to 325-375°F (160-190°C) depending on the food, arrange in a single layer, and cook for 2-5 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through.

Task 4: Cook Crispy, Juicy Chicken Without Deep Frying

Air fryers are famous for making crispy fried chicken without the gallons of oil and mess of deep frying. You can make everything from classic breaded chicken wings and tenders to whole chicken legs and breasts with a perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

1. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then season with salt, pepper, and any spices you love (paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, etc.).
2. Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with a pinch of salt.
3. Dredge each tender in flour, then dip in egg, then coat in panko, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
5. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray, arrange the tenders in a single layer, and spray the tops with a light coating of oil.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.

Pro tip: For extra crispiness, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the panko breadcrumb mixture.

Task 5: Make Homemade Doughnuts and Sweet Treats

You don’t need a full oven to make fresh, warm doughnuts, muffins, or even mini cakes. The air fryer’s even heat distribution bakes small batches of sweet treats perfectly, with no burnt edges or undercooked centers.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Glazed Doughnuts

1. Use pre-made refrigerated biscuit dough for a quick, easy base. Separate the biscuits and use a 2-inch cookie cutter to cut a hole in the center of each to make doughnut shapes.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
3. Arrange the doughnuts in a single layer in the basket, spray lightly with oil, and cook for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
4. While the doughnuts cook, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to make a simple glaze.
5. Dip the warm doughnuts in the glaze, then top with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut if desired.

Task 6: Toast Nuts and Seeds for Extra Flavor

Toasting nuts and seeds brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor, making them perfect for salads, oatmeal, baked goods, or snacking. The air fryer toasts nuts in half the time of a conventional oven, with no risk of burning if you keep an eye on them.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Toasted Almonds

1. Spread 1 cup of raw or blanched almonds in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
2. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 4-6 minutes, shaking the basket every 2 minutes, until the nuts are fragrant and lightly golden.
3. Remove immediately and let cool completely (they will crisp up as they cool).

You can use this method for walnuts, pecans, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and even coconut flakes.

Task 7: Roast Meats for Quick, Tender Weeknight Dinners

Small cuts of meat, like chicken thighs, pork chops, or salmon fillets, cook perfectly in the air fryer in 15 minutes or less, with a crispy, flavorful exterior and juicy interior. The high heat sears the outside of the meat quickly, locking in moisture.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Pork Chops

1. Pat 1-inch thick pork chops dry, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
3. Spray the basket with nonstick spray, arrange the pork chops in a single layer, and spray the tops with a light coating of oil.
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Let rest for 3 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Task 8: Dehydrate Fruits and Herbs for Snacks and Storage

Many modern air fryers have a dehydrate setting, which uses low, steady heat and constant air circulation to dry out fruits, herbs, and even meat for jerky, no special dehydrator required. This is perfect for making healthy snacks or preserving excess produce from your garden or farmers market.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Dehydrated Apple Chips

1. Thinly slice 2 apples (remove the core and seeds), and toss with a pinch of cinnamon if desired.
2. Arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
3. Set the air fryer to the dehydrate setting (or 135°F/57°C if your model doesn’t have a dehydrate function).
4. Cook for 6-8 hours, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are completely dry and crisp.
5. Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Task 9: Melt Cheese for Perfect Nachos or Quesadillas

Forget the microwave that melts cheese unevenly, or the oven that takes 10 minutes to heat up. The air fryer melts cheese in 1-2 minutes, with perfectly bubbly, golden cheese and crispy tortilla chips or quesadilla edges.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Nachos

1. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
2. Top with shredded cheese, black beans, diced jalapeños, or any other toppings you love.
3. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
4. Top with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole before serving.

Task 10: Cook Frozen Meals Better Than the Oven

Frozen dinners, burritos, and appetizers cook faster and crispier in the air fryer than in the microwave or conventional oven. The circulating air crisps up frozen breaded foods and heats the interior evenly, no sogginess required.

Most frozen meals cook 20-30% faster in the air fryer than the package’s oven directions. Just reduce the cook time by 3-5 minutes, and check for doneness halfway through to avoid overcooking.

Task 11: Make Crispy Roasted Potatoes (All Cuts, All Styles)

Whether you love crispy home fries, wedges, or small roasted new potatoes, the air fryer delivers perfectly crispy, golden results every time, no need to parboil or flip constantly like you do in the oven.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Crispy Home Fries

1. Cut 1 pound of russet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes, and pat completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Toss with 1 tablespoon of oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and any seasonings you love (garlic powder, rosemary, chili powder, etc.).
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the basket, and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until golden and crispy on all sides.

Task 12: Toast Bread and Bagels to Crunchy Perfection

Your air fryer makes the crispiest toast, bagels, and English muffins, far better than a traditional toaster, especially for thicker slices. The hot air crisps the outside while keeping the inside soft and chewy.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Bagel

1. Slice a bagel in half horizontally.
2. Place the cut sides down in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes, until the edges are golden and crispy.
4. Top with cream cheese, avocado, or your favorite spreads.

For thicker slices of sourdough or whole grain bread, cook for 3-4 minutes for extra crispiness.

Task 13: Cook Seafood Without the Fishy Smell

Cooking fish and seafood on the stovetop or in the oven can leave your kitchen smelling fishy for hours. The air fryer’s enclosed design contains odors, and the high heat cooks seafood quickly, resulting in flaky, flavorful fish without the lingering smell.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Salmon

1. Pat 2 salmon fillets dry, then season with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
3. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, and cook for 8-10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
4. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.

You can also cook shrimp, scallops, and even breaded fish sticks in the air fryer for quick, mess-free seafood meals.

Task 14: Make Homemade Croutons and Breadcrumbs

Instead of throwing away stale bread, turn it into crispy croutons for salads or soups, or homemade breadcrumbs for coating chicken or meatballs. The air fryer crisps stale bread in minutes, no oven required.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Croutons

1. Cut stale bread into 1/2-inch cubes.
2. Toss with 1 tablespoon of melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
4. Arrange the bread cubes in a single layer in the basket, and cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
5. Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

For breadcrumbs, blend the cooled crispy bread cubes in a food processor until you reach your desired consistency.

Task 15: Warm Up Pastries and Coffee Shop Treats

If you’ve ever brought home a croissant, danish, or cinnamon roll from the coffee shop only to have it get stale and chewy by the next day, the air fryer will bring it back to life. The gentle heat warms the pastry through without making it soggy, and crisps up the outer layers to match the fresh-baked texture.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Leftover Croissant

1. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
2. Place the croissant in the air fryer basket, and cook for 1-2 minutes, until warm and the outer layers are crispy.
3. Avoid cooking for longer than 2 minutes, as the croissant will dry out and become tough.

Bonus Task: Make Popcorn From Kernel to Bowl

Yes, you can make popcorn in your air fryer! It’s a quick, mess-free alternative to stovetop or microwave popcorn, and you can control exactly how much oil and seasoning you add.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Popcorn

1. Line the bottom of the air fryer basket with a sheet of perforated parchment paper (this prevents kernels from falling through the holes).
2. Add 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels to the basket, and toss with 1 teaspoon of oil and a pinch of salt.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket every 2 minutes, until the popping slows to 1-2 pops every 2 seconds.
5. Remove the basket carefully (the paper will be hot), transfer the popcorn to a bowl, and top with butter, salt, or your favorite seasonings.

Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer for 2-3 minutes before cooking to ensure even, consistent results, just like you would with a conventional oven.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket – air needs to circulate around each piece of food to get crispy. Cook in batches if you’re making a large amount of food.
• Use perforated parchment paper liners to prevent food from sticking and make cleanup easier, but make sure the paper doesn’t block the air vents.
• Shake or flip food halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides.
• Adjust temperature and cook time based on your air fryer model – smaller, lower-wattage models may need slightly longer cook times, while larger, higher-wattage models may cook faster.
• Clean the basket and tray after each use to avoid buildup of grease and food particles, which can cause smoke and affect flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use aluminum foil in an air fryer, as long as you don’t block the air vents. Avoid using foil to line the entire basket, as it can restrict air circulation and lead to uneven cooking. Perforated parchment paper is a better option for most uses, as it allows air to flow freely.

Can I cook raw meat in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Air fryers cook raw meat safely and evenly, as long as you check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the safe minimum temperature for the type of meat (165°F/74°C for chicken, 145°F/63°C for pork and fish, etc.).

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Preheating is recommended for most tasks, especially for roasting, baking, and crisping foods. Preheating for 2-3 minutes ensures the air inside the fryer is hot enough to start cooking immediately, leading to more consistent results. For reheating or cooking very small items, preheating is optional.

Can I air fry frozen foods directly?

Yes! Most frozen foods, including fries, chicken nuggets, and vegetables, can be cooked directly from frozen in the air fryer. You may need to add 1-2 minutes to the cook time compared to thawed foods, and shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Why is my air fryer food soggy?

Soggy air fryer food is almost always caused by overcrowding the basket, which blocks air circulation, or excess moisture on the food. Make sure to pat food dry before cooking, arrange in a single layer, and avoid overcrowding. You can also spray the food with a light coating of oil to help crisp the exterior.

Conclusion

The next time you ask yourself What Can I Do in Air Fryer?, remember that the possibilities go far beyond frozen fries and chicken nuggets. From roasting fresh vegetables and baking bread to reheating leftovers and making sweet treats, your air fryer is a versatile, time-saving kitchen workhorse that can replace multiple appliances for small-batch cooking. The 15 tasks we covered are just the start – don’t be afraid to experiment with new recipes and ingredients to unlock even more uses for your air fryer. With a little practice, you’ll be making crispy, delicious meals and snacks in a fraction of the time, with minimal oil and cleanup.