The 18 Most Unexpected Foods You Can Air Fry

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Did you know you can “boil” eggs in an air fryer? Skip the water and place eggs directly in the basket. Set the air fryer to 270°F and cook for 15 minutes for perfect hard-boiled eggs.

Once done, place them in an ice bath to cool. The shells peel off easily, and the texture is smooth and creamy. This hack is perfect for meal prep or a quick breakfast. No pot, no boiling water, just easy cleanup.

Apples

Air-fried apple slices make for a quick and healthy dessert. Slice apples thinly, toss them with cinnamon and a touch of sugar, and air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.

They come out soft and caramelized, perfect on their own or as a topping for oatmeal or ice cream. This snack combines natural sweetness with a hint of spice.

Fried Ice Cream

Yes, you can make fried ice cream in your air fryer! Scoop ice cream, coat it in crushed cornflakes, and freeze it until firm. Spray lightly with oil and air fry at 400°F for 1–2 minutes.

The result? A warm, crispy shell with cold, creamy ice cream inside. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s easier than deep-frying.

Pickles

Craving something tangy and crispy? Make fried pickles in your air fryer. Coat pickle slices with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then air fry at 400°F for 7–9 minutes.

The result is a crunchy, tangy snack that’s perfect for dipping in ranch. It’s a healthier take on a classic bar food that’s easy to whip up at home.

Donuts

Who says you need a deep fryer for donuts? Use pre-made biscuit dough, cut out the centers, and pop them into the air fryer. Cook at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until golden brown.

Coat them with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. These air-fried donuts are lighter and less greasy than traditional ones but still satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s a quick and fun treat for any occasion.

S’mores

Skip the campfire and make s’mores in your air fryer. Stack graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows, then air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.

The marshmallows puff up perfectly, and the chocolate melts just right. It’s a quick, mess-free way to enjoy this classic treat.

Mac and Cheese Bites

Turn leftover mac and cheese into crispy bites! Roll cold mac and cheese into small balls, coat them in breadcrumbs, and pop them into the air fryer at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.

The result? Golden, crunchy nuggets that are perfect for parties or a quick snack. It’s an easy, delicious way to give leftovers a tasty twist.

Marinated Tofu

Air fryers turn tofu into a crispy, flavorful treat without the need for frying. Just marinate tofu in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then pop it in the air fryer at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.

It’s a healthy, protein-packed addition that works perfectly in salads, grain bowls, or even as a snack.

Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers get a speedy upgrade in the air fryer, delivering tender, slightly charred perfection. Halve your bell peppers and fill them with your favorite mix, think seasoned rice, beans, or ground meat.

Air fry at 370°F for 12–15 minutes, and you’ve got a wholesome, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Quesadillas

Make quesadillas in minutes without flipping on the stove. Layer tortillas with cheese, cooked chicken, or veggies, then fold them in half. Air fry at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until crispy and golden.

The cheese melts perfectly, and the tortilla gets a satisfying crunch. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa or guacamole for a quick meal or snack.

Cinnamon Rolls

Take store-bought cinnamon rolls to the next level with your air fryer. Simply arrange them in the basket and cook at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.

You’ll get golden-brown rolls with irresistibly gooey centers in half the time. Drizzle on the icing while they’re still warm for a bakery-style treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Frittatas

Air fryers make frittatas easier and tastier than ever. Use silicone molds to create perfectly portioned, fluffy frittatas packed with your favorite veggies, cheese, and seasonings.

Simply whisk the ingredients, pour them into the molds, and air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. These mini frittatas are perfect for meal prep, a quick breakfast, or a protein-rich snack.

Chickpeas

Craving a protein-packed snack that’s both healthy and satisfying? Crispy air-fried chickpeas are the answer. Toss canned chickpeas with a drizzle of oil and your favorite spices, then air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes.

The result is a crunchy, flavorful snack that’s perfect for guilt-free munching anytime. They’re ideal for movie nights or on-the-go snacking.

Corn on the Cob

Air fry corn on the cob for a roasted flavor without the grill. Brush the cobs with butter or oil, sprinkle with salt, and cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.

The kernels become tender and slightly charred, perfect for a side dish. Add a sprinkle of chili powder or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Meatballs

Cook juicy, flavorful meatballs in your air fryer. Roll ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings into balls, then air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.

They come out browned and tender, ideal for pasta, subs, or appetizers. Plus, there’s no need to turn on the oven, saving time and energy.

Avocado Fries

Turn avocados into crispy, guilt-free fries! Slice an avocado, dip the slices into beaten egg, and coat them with breadcrumbs or panko. Air fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes.

The result? Golden, crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside perfection. Serve with a spicy mayo or ranch dip for a delicious snack or appetizer. It’s a healthy twist on fries that even avocado skeptics might love.

Brownies

Yes, you can bake brownies in an air fryer! Pour your favorite batter into a small baking pan that fits your air fryer. Cook at 320°F for 15–20 minutes. The edges turn crispy while the center stays gooey and fudgy.

It’s perfect for when you crave dessert without heating up your whole kitchen. Do not miss out on these Air Fryer dessert recipes. Moreover, if you have a sweet tooth and love pies, then check out the Air Fryer Pecan Pie recipe.

Falafel

Make crispy falafel without deep-frying. Shape your falafel mix into balls, spray lightly with oil, and air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes. They’re crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.

You can also make cheeseburger bombs in the Air Fryer that will keep you wanting for more.

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