Discover the Magic of Air Frying: 15 Surprising Recipes

If you want to spend more time doing what you love and less time in the kitchen, an air fryer is just what you need. Today, I'm going to show you 15 things you probably didn't know you could make in an air fryer. Whether you're new to my channel or a longtime viewer, drop a comment below and let me know how many of these you already knew about. My name is Kathy, and I inspire air fryer owners to actually use their air fryers. Ready to dive in? Let's go!

1. Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Air fryers are perfect for vegetables. For delicious corn on the cob, start with some washed and husked corn. Mist it with oil on both sides, pop it in the air fryer at 400°F for 8 minutes, rotating halfway through. Enjoy the juicy results!

2. Pesto Salmon

Non-air fryer owners are often surprised that you can make amazing salmon in an air fryer. Today, I’m making pesto salmon with a few simple ingredients. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup. Mist the fillets with avocado oil, sprinkle with pepper, and spread homemade pesto sauce on top. Add shredded parmesan cheese and thinly sliced grape tomatoes. Air fry at 380°F for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of your salmon. You'll have restaurant-quality salmon in no time!

3. Proofing Dough

The air fryer is magical for preparing bread. To proof dough, preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes, then place your dough on parchment paper (check out my products at Pine and Pepper). Let it rest in the air fryer without turning it on for 15 minutes. Brush with melted butter mixed with minced garlic, sprinkle with garlic salt and dried basil, and cook at 330°F for 9 minutes. The result? Perfect garlic rolls.

4. Brookies

To make brookies, combine croissant dough with cookie dough. Flatten the cookie dough inside the croissant, close it up, and add more cookie dough on top. Air fry at 320°F for 7-8 minutes for a delicious treat.

5. Bacon

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is fast, convenient, and less messy. Use foil under the basket to catch grease, or place a piece of bread to prevent smoking. Lay the bacon side by side and cook at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, rotating halfway through.

6. Hard-Boiled Eggs

Air fry hard-boiled eggs at 270°F for 14-15 minutes for a hard yolk, 12-13 minutes for a jammy yolk, and 10-11 minutes for a soft yolk. Cool them in an ice bath for 10 minutes, and you'll have perfectly cooked eggs.

7. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Make a grilled cheese sandwich by buttering both sides of the bread, adding your preferred cheese, and air frying at 350°F for 4 minutes on each side. Pair it with tomato soup for a comforting meal.

8. Apple Chips

For apple chips, thinly slice apples, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, and air fry at 300°F for 20 minutes. Adjust the time for desired crispiness.

9. Apple Fritters

Make apple fritters with apple pie filling, cinnamon, and Pillsbury French bread rolls. Cut the dough into bite-sized pieces, mix with cinnamon and apple pie filling, and form into a log. Air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for 2 more minutes. Dip in a glaze made from brown butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream.

10. Steak

Cooking steak in an air fryer is surprisingly good. Season New York strip steaks with oil and kosher salt. Air fry at 450°F for 6 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 4-10 minutes depending on your desired doneness. Finish with herb butter for extra flavor.

11. Oatmeal

For air fryer oatmeal, add oats, milk, canned pears, and jarred peaches in a dish. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Air fry at 300°F for 12 minutes for a warm, hearty breakfast.

12. Stuffed Mini Peppers

Stuff mini bell peppers with cream cheese and Everything but the Bagel seasoning. Air fry at 380°F for 8 minutes for a quick and tasty appetizer.

13. All-in-One Meals

Create all-in-one meals by combining potatoes, vegetables, and sausage. Pre-cook the potatoes at 370°F for 8 minutes, then add the veggies and cook for 6 more minutes. Finally, add sausage and cook at 380°F for 6 minutes.

14. Quick Dinner

For a quick dinner, microwave a potato for 5 minutes, then air fry it with chicken breasts at 380°F for 15 minutes, rotating halfway through. Pair with a salad for a balanced meal.

15. Reheating Leftovers

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 340-350°F for 3-5 minutes for better results than the microwave. You can also revive stale chips by air frying them at 350°F for 3 minutes.

If you're ready to buy an air fryer, check out my shopping guide linked below, along with my Air Fryer 101 tutorial. For more recipes, visit my Pine and Pepper online shop. Thanks for watching, and I'll see you in the next one!