An air fryer can cook almost anything, but it truly shines with certain foods — the ones that come out crispier, faster or easier than any other way. Here are the guaranteed wins to start with.
Key takeaways
Q: What does an air fryer cook best?
A: Anything you want crispy — chips, wings, roast potatoes, breaded food — plus quick proteins like salmon and chicken, and roasted vegetables.
Q: What's not worth it?
A: Anything wet or battered with a thin batter, leafy boils, or large roasts.
The big winners
- Chips & roast potatoes — crispy with little oil; see roast potatoes.
- Chicken wings — extra crispy; see wings.
- Salmon & fish — fast and flaky.
- Roasted vegetables — caramelised edges; see roasted veg.
- Bacon & sausages — crisp, no spitting pan.
- Reheating — crispier than the microwave.
- Frozen food — chips, nuggets, spring rolls.
What to skip
- Wet batters — they drip before they set.
- Leafy boils like spinach or rice in water.
- Very large roasts that won't fit with airflow.
For the full picture, see what you can cook and the cooking times chart.
Frequently asked questions
What does an air fryer cook best?
Anything you want crispy — chips, wings, roast potatoes and breaded food — plus quick proteins like salmon and chicken, roasted vegetables, and reheating leftovers.
What shouldn't you cook in an air fryer?
Wet or thin battered food (it drips before it sets), leafy boils and rice in water, and large roasts that don't leave room for airflow.
Is an air fryer good for frozen food?
Yes — it's one of the best uses, crisping frozen chips, nuggets, spring rolls and more straight from the freezer.