Cooking a full meal in one basket is one of the air fryer's best tricks — but it takes a little planning so everything finishes together. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: Can you cook two things at once in an air fryer?
A: Yes — match the temperature, use a rack or divider for two layers, and stagger start times so both finish together.
Q: Do flavours mix?
A: A little — keep strong flavours apart, or separate foods with foil or a divider.
How to do it
- Match the temperature — pick foods that cook at a similar heat.
- Stagger the start — add the slower food first, the quicker one later.
- Use a rack to create a second layer and double the space.
- Divide with foil or a divider to keep flavours separate.
Tips
- Don't overcrowd — airflow still matters, even with a rack.
- Check the slower food is fully cooked before serving.
- It's the key to a full roast dinner in one machine. A rack helps — see accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cook two things at once in an air fryer?
Yes — choose foods that cook at a similar temperature, stagger their start times if needed, and use a rack or divider to create more space.
Will the flavours mix?
A little, especially with strong foods. Keep them apart with foil or a divider, or cook strong-smelling items separately.
Do you need a rack to cook two things?
Not essential, but a rack creates a second layer and roughly doubles the usable space, making it much easier.