Top 10 Things to Cook in an Air Fryer: Expert-Tested Recipes

Look, I get it - your air fryer arrived, you plugged it in, and now you're staring at that empty basket wondering what the heck to cook. Been there. My first air fryer experiment? Let's just say I turned sweet potato fries into charcoal briquettes. But after three years of obsessive testing (and occasional failures), I've nailed down what truly deserves space in that basket.

Forget those fluffy "top 50" lists created by people who've clearly never used an air fryer daily. We're talking real-world, weeknight warrior recipes here. Stuff that makes your neighbors peek over the fence when the smell hits. Stuff that'll make you ditch your oven permanently for these specific dishes. Let's cut through the hype.

Why Bother With the Top 10 Things to Cook in an Air Fryer Anyway?

You didn't buy that countertop gadget to collect dust, right? But here's the raw truth air fryer companies won't tell you: Not everything works. At all. I learned this the hard way attempting "air fryer cheesecake" (spoiler: it was a watery disaster). Stick to what the machine was born to do - crisp, roast, and revive - and you'll never regret the purchase.

And hey, if you're eyeing this guide, you're probably hunting for the top 10 things to cook in an air fryer because you want real results without sifting through endless recipes. I feel you. That's why I timed everything with stopwatch in hand and burned enough food to fill a compost bin so you won't have to.

Absolute Game Changer: Chicken Wings

Let's start with the heavyweight champion. Why? Because oven-baked wings taste like sad rubber compared to air fryer wings. The first time I made them, my teenager said, "Did you order these from a restaurant?" High praise indeed.

Sauce them after cooking. Trust me - sugary sauces burn if applied too early. Buffalo sauce? Toss when they're piping hot. My personal fail: overcrowding the basket. Wings need space to crisp. Do batches if needed.

French Fries That Actually Stay Crispy

Confession: I almost gave up on homemade fries until the air fryer. Soggy oven fries were my nemesis. The key? Soak your cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes first. Removes excess starch. Dry thoroughly. Thank me later.

Don't salt until after cooking! Salt draws moisture mid-cook = sogginess. Learned that from a chef friend after three failed batches.

Vegetables That Make You Forget They're Healthy

I hated Brussels sprouts until my air fryer rescued them. Now? Weekly staple. The magic is dry heat + quick cook time = caramelized edges without mush-center. Broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower - same principle.

Brussels Sprouts Method (life-changing):

• Halve them (flat side down = crispy surface)
• Toss with whisper of oil & garlic powder
• 390°F for 10-12 minutes
• Finish with balsamic glaze

Personal gripe: Recipes claiming "no oil needed." Lies. Even 1/2 teaspoon makes a texture difference versus dry roasting.

Salmon Fillets That Don't Stink Up Your Kitchen

Fish smell scared me off until I discovered the air fryer contains odors better than my oven. Plus, 10-minute cook time? Sold. Keys to perfection:

Place skin-side down if it has skin. No flipping needed. My favorite quick dinner: salmon + asparagus in the basket together. One and done.

Reheating Pizza Like It's Fresh

Microwave pizza = tragic sog. Oven = energy waste for one slice. Air fryer? Game changer.

Method: 370°F for 3-4 minutes. No preheat. Sprinkle a few drops of water on top to revive cheese moisture.

Place slices in single layer - overlapping creates steam pockets = uneven crisp.

Frozen Foods That Outperform the Package Promises

Here's where the top 10 things to cook in an air fryer truly shines. Those frozen nuggets your kids love? Cook them better than the bag says:

Game changer: Spray basket lightly with oil before adding frozen items. Prevents sticking without making them greasy.

Pork Chops That Won't Chew Like Leather

Dry pork chops are why people hate pork chops. Air fryer fixes this. How? Rapid high heat seals juices fast.

My Guaranteed Method:
1. Brine chops in saltwater 20 mins (optional but transformative)
2. Pat extremely dry
3. Rub with oil & seasoning
4. 400°F for 10-12 mins (flip halfway)

Internal temp: 145°F then rest 5 mins. Juicy every time.
Bonus: Throw apple slices in basket last 3 minutes. Amazing side.

Whole Baked Potatoes in Half the Time

Oven baked potatoes take forever. Air fryer? 40 minutes versus 90. And crispier skin!

Key steps:
- Prick skin well with fork (steam escape)
- Rub with oil & salt after pricking
- 390°F for 35-45 mins (size dependent)

Squeeze gently - should give easily.
Hack: Partially microwave first (5 mins) then air fry 15 mins if truly rushed.

Killer Croutons from Stale Bread

Never throw out stale bread again. This might be the most underrated trick in the top 10 things to cook in an air fryer category.

How To:
1. Cube bread (any type)
2. Toss with 1 tsp oil, garlic powder, dried herbs
3. 360°F for 4-6 minutes (shake twice)

They'll keep 2 weeks in airtight container. Better than store-bought!

Ridiculous Bonus: S'mores

Hear me out. Graham cracker base, chocolate square, marshmallow on top. 350°F for 90 SECONDS. Marshmallow puffs perfectly without torch mess. Kid-approved magic.

Adult version: Use peanut butter cups instead of plain chocolate. You'll thank me.

Top Mistakes That Ruin Air Fryer Results (I've Made Them All)

Want restaurant quality from these top 10 things to cook in an air fryer? Avoid these pitfalls:

My most expensive lesson? Putting a paper towel under food to "catch grease." It flew up and hit the heating element. Minor fire. Don't be me.

Your Burning Air Fryer Questions Answered

What are the absolute top 10 things to cook in an air fryer for beginners?

Start with frozen foods (nuggets, fries) since timing is forgiving. Then try chicken wings or roasted veggies. Save fish and delicate items for later.

Why do my top 10 things to cook in an air fryer never get crispy?

Three likely culprits: 1) Overcrowded basket 2) Food wasn't dry before cooking 3) Too low temperature. Crank heat by 25°F and check.

Is the top 10 things to cook in an air fryer list different for different brands?

Surprisingly, no. Basket size matters more than brand. Compact baskets? Smaller batches. Cooking times vary slightly - start checking 2-3 mins before recipe suggests.

What shouldn't I waste time trying in my air fryer?

Wet batters (like tempura), loose greens (spinach flies everywhere), oversized whole chickens (uneven cooking), and cheese sauces (separates and burns). Stick to what works.

Can I cook multiple top 10 things to cook in an air fryer simultaneously?

Carefully. Pair items with similar cook temps/times. Example: salmon and asparagus. Avoid mixing wet veggies with foods needing crisp (like fries).

How do I clean without damaging?

Immediately after use (cooled slightly), soak basket in hot soapy water. Burnt bits? Baking soda paste. Never submerge the heating unit! Wipe machine exterior with damp cloth.

Final Reality Check

Look, air fryers aren't magic. They won't turn you into Gordon Ramsay overnight. But for these specific top 10 things to cook in an air fryer? They dominate. Once you nail wings and fries, you'll question why you ever used the oven for them. The speed alone is worth it - 15-minute crispy chicken beats 45-minute oven baking any Tuesday night.

Will you occasionally burn something? Probably. I still ruin sweet potato fries when I overcrowd the basket. But stick to this battle-tested list of top 10 things to cook in an air fryer, and you'll transform weeknight dinners. Start simple, embrace the shake-button shuffle, and for goodness sake - pat that chicken dry.