The main reason why air fryers are hotter is that they are healthier, which is why no family can cook without them. However, there are more categories of air fryers on the market, and many people are at a loss as to what kind of air fryer to choose, so in this review, we find you the air fryer that best meets your cooking needs.
Why Air Fryers Are Perfect for These Dishes
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for many, offering a healthier way to enjoy crispy, flavorful foods with minimal oil. Their ability to circulate hot air evenly makes them ideal for a variety of dishes, from snacks to full meals. The six dishes highlighted below shine in an air fryer, delivering restaurant-quality results at home. Each one takes advantage of the appliance’s strengths—quick cooking, even crisping, and easy cleanup—making your cooking experience both enjoyable and efficient.
The 6 Best Things to Cook in an Air Fryer
After testing dozens of recipes and consulting expert reviews, these six foods stand out as air fryer favorites. They’re simple to prepare, cook beautifully, and highlight the appliance’s versatility.
Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are the poster child for air fryer success. The high heat and circulating air create a crispy, golden skin while keeping the meat juicy. Unlike deep-frying, there’s no greasy mess, and you can toss them in your favorite sauce right before serving. A typical batch takes about 20-25 minutes at 400°F, with a quick shake halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, pat the wings dry and lightly coat them with baking powder before cooking. This draws out moisture and enhances the crunch.
Try this recipe from Food Network for perfectly seasoned wings that rival your favorite sports bar.
French Fries
Whether you’re using frozen fries or cutting your own potatoes, air fryers deliver fries that are crispy outside and fluffy inside. Homemade fries need a quick soak in water to remove excess starch, followed by a light toss in olive oil. Cook at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes for even browning. Frozen fries are even easier—just pop them in and adjust the time based on the package instructions.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket. A single layer ensures maximum crispiness.
Salmon Fillets
Salmon in an air fryer is a game-changer. It cooks in about 10 minutes at 400°F, with a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior. The closed cooking chamber traps grease, reducing mess and fishy odors compared to stovetop methods. Brush the fillets with olive oil and season with herbs or a glaze for a restaurant-worthy dish.
Pro Tip: Place a piece of parchment paper under the salmon to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Check out CNET’s guide for a foolproof air fryer salmon recipe.
Brussels Sprouts
Air-fried Brussels sprouts are a revelation—crisp, caramelized edges with a tender center. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor. They’re a healthy side dish that even picky eaters love.
Pro Tip: Cut larger sprouts in half for uniform cooking.
Cheeseburgers
Air fryer cheeseburgers are surprisingly juicy and cleaner to make than pan-frying. Form patties, season generously, and cook at 375°F for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway. Add cheese in the last minute for a melty finish. You can even toast the buns in the air fryer for a complete meal with minimal cleanup.
Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your burgers reach 160°F for safety.
Banana Bread
Yes, you can bake in an air fryer! Banana bread comes out with a beautifully crispy top and moist interior. Use a small loaf pan that fits your air fryer basket and cook at 320°F for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick. This is perfect for small households or when you don’t want to heat up the oven.
Pro Tip: Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
For a reliable recipe, visit Consumer Reports for tips on air fryer baking.
Best Air Fryer Recommendations for These Recipes
To make these dishes shine, you need a reliable air fryer. Based on extensive testing and user feedback, here are three top models that excel in performance, ease of use, and versatility. Each is perfect for tackling the recipes above, from crispy wings to tender salmon.
Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer
The Instant Vortex Plus is a standout for its consistent results and user-friendly design. Its 6-quart square basket accommodates wings, fries, and even a small loaf pan for banana bread without overcrowding. The digital interface is intuitive, with presets for air frying, baking, and roasting. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the nonstick basket and dishwasher-safe parts.
Real User Review from Amazon: “I’ve had this air fryer for over a year and it’s still going strong. Chicken wings come out perfectly crispy every time, and I love how easy it is to clean. The presets are super helpful for a beginner like me.” – Sarah M.
Shop the Instant Vortex Plus on Amazon
Ninja Foodi 8-Quart DualZone Air Fryer
For families or those cooking multiple dishes at once, the Ninja Foodi DualZone is a game-changer. Its two 4-quart baskets allow you to cook, say, wings and fries simultaneously with different settings. The “Smart Finish” feature ensures both baskets complete cooking at the same time. It’s ideal for versatile recipes like burgers and Brussels sprouts.
Real User Review from Amazon: “This air fryer is a lifesaver for weeknight dinners. I can cook salmon in one basket and veggies in the other, and everything’s done at the same time. It’s powerful and the food comes out amazing.” – James T.
Shop the Ninja Foodi DualZone on Amazon
COSORI TurboBlaze 6-Quart Air Fryer
The COSORI TurboBlaze is a sleek, high-performance option with nine presets, including air fry, bake, and roast. Its high-speed motor cooks up to 46% faster than other models, making it perfect for quick meals like cheeseburgers or salmon. The clear touchscreen and dishwasher-safe basket make it a favorite for busy cooks.
Real User Review from Amazon: “This is my second air fryer, and it’s so much better than my old one. Fries are super crispy, and I made banana bread that was perfect. The controls are easy to use, and it looks great on my counter.” – Emily R.
Shop the COSORI TurboBlaze on Amazon
How did we test air fryers?
In order to find the best air fryer, our team of 8 people conducted real tests on different price points, sizes, brands, performance, intelligence and practicality. We bought air fryers from all major platforms, including the official ones, and tested them in our lab for 3 weeks, while our team also tested and evaluated them in our own homes.
We cooked different ingredients to evaluate the crispiness, cooking uniformity and overall texture. We also evaluated how much food each air fryer can handle to see if it is suitable for a large family. In addition to our own evaluation of these air fryers, we also referred to third-party authoritative platforms, the data of their tests, and made comparisons against the data of our tests, and finally selected the above high-quality air fryers.
You can also use the selection tool we built to help you recommend the air fryer that’s right for you:
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Air Fryer
With so many air fryers on the market, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of key factors to consider to ensure you get a model that suits your cooking needs and kitchen setup.
Capacity
Air fryer sizes range from 2 to 10 quarts. For one or two people, a 2-4-quart model is sufficient for dishes like salmon or fries. Families of four or more should opt for 6 quarts or larger, which can handle wings, burgers, or a small loaf pan. Dual-basket models, like the Ninja Foodi, offer even more flexibility for cooking multiple foods at once.
Features
Look for models with digital controls for precise temperature and time settings. Presets for air frying, baking, or roasting simplify cooking, especially for beginners. Some air fryers, like the Instant Vortex Plus, include a window to monitor food without opening the basket, which helps maintain consistent heat.
Ease of Cleaning
Nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup easier. Avoid models with thin wire baskets, as they’re harder to clean. Glass air fryers, while trendy, can get too hot and are less practical for frequent use.
Power and Performance
Higher wattage (1500-1800 watts) means faster cooking and better crisping. Models like the COSORI TurboBlaze excel at quick, even cooking, which is crucial for dishes like Brussels sprouts or fries.
Price
Good air fryers start at $80-$120, with premium models like the Ninja Foodi costing $150-$ your budget and how often you will use the air fryer. A mid-range model like the Instant Vortex Plus offers excellent value for most households.
Tips for Air Fryer Success
To get the most out of your air fryer, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange food in a single layer to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Shake or Flip: For foods like fries or wings, shake the basket or flip the food halfway through to promote even browning.
- Use Minimal Oil: A light spray or brush of oil enhances crispiness without adding excess fat.
- Check Food Early: Air fryers cook faster than ovens, so check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time.
- Experiment: Beyond the recipes above, try air frying pizza, stuffed peppers, or even cookies to discover new favorites.
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Summarize:
Choosing the right air fryer for your family is important, you need to know your kitchen space, budget, family size, and whether the smart features work well. The air fryers we have reviewed above have been evaluated by our team after 3 weeks of real-life use for different family sizes, features, and types, and you can be assured of their performance and quality. If you have any questions, you can contact us in the comment section.
