An air fryer is one of the most versatile appliances you can keep in your kitchen. From quick snacks to full family meals, it delivers crispy, evenly cooked food using far less oil than traditional frying. If you’ve recently bought an air fryer or are thinking about getting one, you may wonder what dishes it handles best. The good news is that air fryers can cook a wide range of foods—crispy, juicy, healthy, and fast.
Popular Foods You Can Cook in an Air Fryer
Air fryers are excellent for everyday meals, meal prep, or quick snacks. Here are some of the most popular foods that turn out beautifully in an air fryer:
- Chicken – thighs, wings, drumsticks, breasts, schnitzels, and nuggets all crisp up well without deep frying.
- Vegetables – broccoli, cauliflower, corn, pumpkin, mushrooms, and mixed veggies roast quickly and evenly.
- Potatoes – chips, wedges, baked potatoes, and hash browns cook to golden perfection.
- Seafood – salmon, prawns, fish fillets, and calamari stay tender while gaining a light crisp.
- Breaded snacks – spring rolls, samosas, mozzarella sticks, and dumplings work exceptionally well.
- Frozen foods – frozen fries, nuggets, parathas, and patties cook faster than in an oven.
- Baking – brownies, cookies, banana bread, and muffins bake evenly in smaller batches.
Easy Everyday Meals to Make in an Air Fryer
1. Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, then cook at 190°C for around 20 minutes. You get crispy skin and juicy meat without excess oil.
2. Crispy Air Fryer Vegetables
Toss veggies in a teaspoon of olive oil, garlic powder, and herbs. Cook for 10–15 minutes for a quick, healthy side dish.
3. Air Fryer Salmon
Brush with lemon and herbs, then cook for 8–10 minutes for soft, buttery fish with a lightly crisp top.
4. Homemade Chips or Wedges
Cut potatoes evenly, coat lightly with oil, and cook for 15–20 minutes. Shake halfway for even crispiness.
5. Air Fryer Paneer or Tofu
A great option for vegetarian meals—marinate for flavour and cook for 10 minutes for a tasty, protein-rich dish.
Why Air Fryers Are So Useful
Air fryers are designed to circulate hot air rapidly, creating a crispy texture similar to frying but with significantly less oil. They save time, reduce mess, and are ideal for small kitchens or busy lifestyles. From breakfast to dinner, the air fryer can replace multiple cooking methods such as baking, roasting, grilling, and shallow frying.
Helpful Tips for Better Results
- Always shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crisping.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—leave space for air circulation.
- Use a light spray of oil for foods that need extra crunch.
- Preheat the air fryer for consistent results.
- Clean the basket regularly to maintain airflow and flavour.
Shop Quality Air Fryers
At The Living Styles, we stock a curated range of reliable and efficient air fryers from premium brands. Whether you're preparing crispy snacks, juicy meats, or healthy meals, our selection includes top-performing models from Instant Pot, Sheffield, Salter, and GreenPan. These brands are trusted for fast heating, smart features, and consistent cooking results.
