The Rise of the Air Fryer: Cooking Revolutionized

I’m not saying I’m ready to start storing my clothing in my oven, but let’s just say the thought hasn’t not occurred to me. My oven has taken a backseat, thanks to my overachieving air fryer.

Air fryers have emerged as the shortcut machine everyone is raving about, whipping up everything from healthy dinners to savory snacks with minimal fuss. I made the switch from the traditional sheet-pan routine to air-fryer cooking and found that it truly simplifies my life. Most foods cook faster, cleanup becomes a breeze, and I still get that perfectly golden, crispy-on-the-outside result that makes comfort food actually comforting.

If you’re juggling work, family, and the myriad demands of modern life, air fryer recipes are your new best friend. They are foolproof, packed with flavor, and ideal for quick Tuesday night meals or impressive seasonal sides that taste gourmet but require minimal effort.

Here’s a look at nine foods you must cook in an air fryer.

1. Salmon

Broiled salmon is a classic weeknight meal that’s simple and healthy. While it might not be difficult to make in the oven, preheating it for just one or two servings can be annoying. Enter the air fryer, where I cooked perfectly medium-rare salmon in about 10 minutes—preheating included. Plus, the closed cooking chamber contains the grease and some of that fishy smell.

How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Salmon: Simply season your salmon fillets and place them in the air fryer basket. Set it to 400°F for about 8 to 10 minutes.

2. Roasted Chicken

Making roasted chicken is now a revelation. Traditionally, I was content with my oven method, but the air fryer has proven to do an even better job. It crisps the skin quickly and keeps the meat juicy, cutting down roasting time to about 45 minutes. That’s a solid 15% faster than my oven method.

How to Make Roasted Chicken in the Air Fryer: Season a whole chicken, place it in the basket, and set it at 360°F for 45 minutes. Let it rest before slicing.

3. Bacon Cheeseburgers

Air fryer cheeseburgers have gained a permanent spot on my menu. In cooler months, I turn to the air fryer to create this beloved American classic. It’s cleaner than pan-frying, and the burgers cook without swimming in grease, giving you a lighter meal. You can even pop the buns in at the same time for a complete meal with minimal cleanup.

How to Make Cheeseburgers: Form patties, season, and cook them in the air fryer at 390°F for about 10-12 minutes. Add cheese in the final minute.

4. Chicken Cutlets

Before the air fryer, pan-frying breaded chicken cutlets would create a greasy mess. Now, I use the air fryer to produce perfectly crispy cutlets without the extra oil. Boneless chicken thighs work best and keep the meat moist through all that convection heat.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets: Coat the cutlets in egg wash and then in seasoned breadcrumbs. Cook at 375°F for about 15 minutes.

5. Cauliflower Steak

Cooking cauliflower in the air fryer is a game-changer for plant-based dishes. A thick slice of cauliflower seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper becomes a delicious, hearty side or main course. The air fryer achieves a beautiful caramelized crust without making the inside mushy.

How to Cook Cauliflower Steaks: Slice cauliflower into thick pieces, season, and air fry at high heat for about 10-12 minutes.

6. Leftover Pizza

Reviving leftover pizza is a breeze in the air fryer. Unlike the microwave, which often leads to soggy or rubbery textures, the air fryer uses convection heat to warm your pizza, restoring its crispy crust.

Best Way to Reheat Leftovers: Simply place your pizza slice in the air fryer basket and heat at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes.

7. Hot Dogs

For the ultimate hot dog experience, the air fryer is unbeatable. You can cook a dozen hot dogs in just a few minutes, achieving a well-charred flavor with minimal effort.

How to Cook Hot Dogs: Place hot dogs in the basket and air fry at 390°F for 3-5 minutes.

8. Baked Potatoes

While traditional baked potatoes take a while, you can cut down cooking time significantly. Start in the microwave for about 8 minutes, then transfer them to the air fryer for crispy skin and a fluffy inside.

How to Make Baked Potatoes: Microwave potatoes for 8 minutes, then air fry at 400°F for an additional 10-12 minutes.

9. Grilled Cheese

The air fryer is perfect for making grilled cheese sandwiches. It simultaneously toasts the bread and melts the cheese, resulting in a consistent texture and flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Cheese: Assemble your sandwich with cheese between slices of buttered bread and air fry at 370°F for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.

The air fryer has changed how I approach cooking. With these nine versatile options, it’s clear that whether you’re after quick weeknight meals or fancy weekend treats, the air fryer can handle it all with ease and efficiency.