People buy an air fryer for chips and discover it does far more. From a whole roast chicken to a tray of brownies, here's the full range of what it cooks well — and the handful of things it doesn't.
Key takeaways
Q: What can you cook in an air fryer?
A: Meat, fish, vegetables, frozen food, eggs, bakes and reheats all work brilliantly. It's far more versatile than just chips.
Q: What can't you cook?
A: Anything needing lots of liquid — rice, pasta, soup — and very wet batters. Those are better on the hob.
What it does well
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Meat & poultry | Chicken, steak, roasts, burgers, wings |
| Fish & seafood | Salmon, cod, prawns, fish cakes |
| Vegetables | Roasted, charred, chips and wedges |
| Frozen food | Chips, nuggets, spring rolls and more |
| Baking | Brownies, cookies, small cakes |
| Reheating | Pizza, chips, roast potatoes |
What to avoid
- Rice and pasta — they need to boil; see can you cook rice.
- Soups and very saucy dishes — no place for liquid to go.
- Wet batters — they drip before they set.
- Light leaves on their own — they fly into the element.
Where to start
New to it? Begin with how to use an air fryer, then work through the cooking times chart — it covers temperatures and times for everything above.
Frequently asked questions
What can you cook in an air fryer?
Meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, frozen food, eggs, small bakes and reheated leftovers all work well — it's far more versatile than just chips.
What should you not cook in an air fryer?
Anything needing lots of liquid — rice, pasta, soup — plus wet batters and loose light leaves. These are better cooked on the hob.
Can you bake in an air fryer?
Yes — brownies, cookies and small cakes bake well in a tin that fits the basket, at a moderate temperature.