The best foods to make in an air fryer

Well, you’ve finally caught up with the culinary world and got yourself an air fryer. While you may have bought it impulsively after scrolling through “Air Fryer TikTok” (it’s a thing), you’ll soon learn that the trendy appliance is much more than a social media sensation. Your future is filled with healthy, crispy deliciousness. But where do you start? Below are some of the best foods to make in an air fryer. You can thank us later. 

1) Chicken Wings

This game day staple is one of the most popular air fryer recipes for good reason. Takeout wings are usually deep fried, and when they show up at your door they can be soggy. Making wings in the air fryer takes less than 30 minutes, and they’re much healthier than the options at your local dive bar. Toss them up with your favorite buffalo sauce and dip them in ranch or blue cheese dressing. Add some carrot and celery sticks on the side, and you’ve got that classic dish that’s sure to be a home run every time. 

2) Chickpeas

Chickpeas are as healthy as it gets, and an air fryer is a perfect tool for making them as crispy and flavorful as possible. Feel free to get creative with the spices (or keep it simple with some garlic powder and salt), and throw them in the air fryer for about 10-15 minutes. The result is a crispy superfood that works either as a side dish, or as the star of the show. 

3) Homemade Potato Chips 

Potato chips are a perfect, crunchy compliment to any meal. All you need is some thinly sliced potatoes, olive oil, and salt, and you’ve got everything you need to make a batch of chips that will make you forget all about greasy store-bought snacks. But don’t let your chip story begin and end with just potatoes. Sweet potato, kale and even apple chips are all yummy, healthy options as well.

4) Tofu

Trust us, tofu isn’t just for vegans and vegetarians. It’s a delicious and healthy source of protein that soaks up any flavor you give it.  Making tofu in the air fryer is a great way to recreate deep-fried tofu, without using cornstarch or cups of oil. It’ll be crispy on the outside, and soft and spongy on the inside. Pair it with rice and some stir-fried veggies for the perfect weeknight dinner. 

5) Donuts

Donuts are an easy air fryer treat that’ll definitely impress your family or roommates. Many recipes call for using canned biscuit dough, but you can also make your own from scratch if you’re feeling up to it. Either way, top things off with powdered sugar, frosting, or even a homemade glaze, and you’ve got a fresh dessert that we guarantee you’ll be asked to make again.

If you liked this story, check out, the best way to clean enameled cast iron cookware.

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