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Things You Never Thought to Air Fry

Created August 7, 2024
Air fryers are incredibly versatile, and can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes, even breakfast sandwiches like these Air Fryer Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit Breakfast Sandwiches.
With back to school around the corner, schedules are about to fill up fast. As lazy summer days transition into hectic, whirlwind weeks, we could all use a timesaving trick or two to make life a little easier—and meal prep is no exception! When you’re short on time, look no further than your air fryer to speed things up in the kitchen. It’s the ultimate time-saving appliance that makes any meal (or snack) a breeze. Whether you’re whipping up breakfast treats, delicious veggies, or decadent desserts, this handy appliance can do it all. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of recipes and tips to help you become an air fryer pro. Let's dive in!
Plate of freshly baked cinnamon rolls with a golden-brown glaze, set on a kitchen countertop. An air fryer, with a powder blue design, is positioned nearby, partially visible in the background. The scene is well-lit, highlighting the warm, inviting texture of the cinnamon rolls.

Air Fryer Breakfast Ideas

Starting out with a yummy breakfast sets the tone for the whole day. Luckily, the air fryer is here to help you get off on the right foot by making breakfast so much easier (and tastier). From crispy egg bites to fluffy biscuit sandwiches, you’ll be amazed at what this mighty machine can do.

Start your day on the sweet side with a scrumptious air fryer breakfast treat! Imagine biting into these Air Fryer Glazed Doughnuts that are crispy on the outside and amazingly soft and chewy on the inside. Or if you’re craving a treat full of ooey gooey goodness, try these Air Fryer Caramel Rolls that take just ten minutes to prep. For a fruity twist, these Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies are perfect. And don't forget the Monkey Bread Bites for a fun and shareable treat.

Egg bites are a fantastic, protein-packed air fryer breakfast hack that you can customize to your heart’s content. Using silicone cupcake molds, you can create individual servings that are perfect for busy mornings.

To make your own egg bites, just mix together eggs, a bit of milk, salt, pepper, and your choice of mix-ins like diced veggies, shredded cheese, and cooked meats. (Pro tip: make sure to finely chop your veggies and meat to ensure even cooking.) Then pour the mixture into your silicone molds, filling them about halfway. Place the molds in the air fryer basket and cook at 300°F (150°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the eggs are set.

For a heartier option, your air fryer can help you whip up some incredible biscuit bites or breakfast sandwiches. Not only delicious, but they are also incredibly easy to make. These Air Fryer Bacon and Egg Breakfast Biscuit Bombs are incredibly craveable, with fluffy biscuits stuffed with crispy bacon, melty cheese, and a perfectly cooked egg. Or, give these Air Fryer Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit Breakfast Sandwiches a go, for a breakfast that’s sure to keep you full and happy until lunch.

Air Fryer Vegetables

When it comes to air fryer cooking, don’t forget the veggies! This hard working kitchen wonder is one of the very best ways for cooking many of your favorite vegetables to perfection. The high heat and circulating air create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.

Corn on the cob in the air fryer is a game-changer. You get that perfect char and crispiness without having to fire up the grill. Start by brushing the corn with a light coating of oil, and season with salt and pepper. Then place the corn in the air fryer basket, making sure the cobs don’t touch each other. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.

Asparagus, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are fantastic in the air fryer, too. Just trim the asparagus, cut your cauliflower into florets, or halve the sprouts and prep is nearly done. Then you just toss with a bit of oil and your favorite seasonings and spread in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

For perfect veggies every time, make sure you don’t overcrowd your basket. You want to make sure each morsel has room for the air to circulate around so it crisps up nicely. Also, avoid using too much oil as this can make your veggies soggy. And, always toss midway during your cook time so everything comes out evenly done.

A plate of rocky road cookies topped with colorful candies. The cookies are dark and textured, with visible chunks of nuts and marshmallows, and are adorned with vibrant, multicolored candies on top.

Air Fryer Desserts

So, you’ve got an amazing meal planned, but you need the perfect finish to take the whole thing over the top? Don’t forget the air fryer works wonders for desserts! From brownies to cookies and everything sweet in between, the possibilities are endless.

Once you’ve tried brownies in the air fryer, they’re bound to become a new staple. Just use your favorite brownie mix or recipe, pour the batter into a baking pan, and air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick. Air fryer brownies turn out so delightfully chewy with perfectly done edges. How easy is that?

Tasty mini cheesecakes in the air fryer are easy to make, and delicious to eat. You can use small ramekins or silicone molds to make individual servings. Press a mixture of crushed graham crackers and melted butter into the bottom of each mold for the crust. Then beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and pour over the crust. Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until set. Make sure to chill before serving!

Think you can’t make cookies in the air fryer? You absolutely can! Take these scrumptious Air Fryer Snickerdoodles, for example. Rolled in cinnamon and sugar and baked to perfection right in the air fryer, they’re a quick and easy treat for whenever your sweet tooth strikes. Or these Air Fryer Rocky Road Cookies, chock full of chocolatey goodness along with plenty of nuts and marshmallows, are another craveable option that bakes up wonderfully.

Remember, when doing desserts in the air fryer, they can go from perfect to overdone quickly, so you’ll want to monitor your cook time closely. It’s important to bake in small batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.

A plate of Greek nachos made from Pillsbury crescent dough. The dish features golden-brown, baked crescent dough pieces arranged like nacho chips, topped with ingredients like crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano.

Other Air Fryer Ideas

With meals covered, there’s still so much your air fryer can do! Snacks and even leftovers turn out beautifully in this appliance, so why not give them a try?

If you’re in the mood for something cheesy, you can make nachos in a snap. Just arrange your favorite tortilla chips on a plate, sprinkle with cheese, and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. For a fun twist, try these amazing Air Fryer Greek Crescent Nachos. It’s a fantastic snack or appetizer that takes just over 30 minutes to make.

You can also use your air fryer to reheat leftover pizza to perfection. Just place slices on a pan and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melty. Or create your own tasty mini deep-dish pizzas with this Air Fryer Deep-Dish Pepperoni Pizza Recipe.

Handy Air Fryer Tips

Now you’re armed with all the air fryer inspiration you need to make meals a breeze. But there are just a few more tips to keep in mind so your recipes turn out winners.

Our recipes do not call for preheating your air fryer. Just set the temperature, and start. Use parchment paper in your recipes to prevent sticking and make cleanup just as easy as cooking. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment! Your air fryer is so quick and easy, it makes it more simple than ever to try out new recipes and techniques with no muss, no fuss.

Though it doesn’t take up as much space as many other appliances, the air fryer packs some seriously impressive cooking credentials. A true kitchen powerhouse, it’s the quickest and easiest way to prepare a huge variety of delicious meals and treats. From breakfast to dessert, its versatility can’t be beat! Ready to explore more? Check out Pillsbury’s air fryer hub for a treasure trove of recipes and inspiration. What will you fry first?