The best foods to cook in an air fryer are anything you want crispy: frozen chips and fries, chicken wings and nuggets, roasted vegetables, bacon, fish fillets and reheated leftovers. The air fryer excels at crisping the outside while keeping the inside moist, with little or no oil. Foods to avoid are wet batters, light leafy items that blow around, and very saucy dishes.
Air fryers are best for crispy foods: chips, wings, nuggets, roasted vegetables, bacon and fish. Avoid wet batters, loose leafy greens and very saucy foods. Cook in a single layer and shake halfway for the best results.
Short Answer
Cook anything you want crisp in an air fryer: frozen snacks, chicken, roasted vegetables, bacon and fish all do well. Skip wet batter, leafy greens and saucy dishes, which do not suit fast-moving hot air.
Best Foods for the Air Fryer
| Food | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Frozen chips and fries | Crisp fast with no extra oil |
| Chicken wings and nuggets | Crispy skin, juicy inside |
| Roasted vegetables | Caramelised edges with a light spray |
| Bacon and sausages | Crispy, fat drains away |
| Fish fillets and fish fingers | Flaky inside, crisp coating |
| Reheated leftovers | Crisper than a microwave |
Key Takeaway: If a food is meant to be crispy, the air fryer is usually the best tool for it. If it is wet, leafy or saucy, use another method.
Foods to Avoid
- Wet batter: drips before it sets and makes a mess.
- Leafy greens: light leaves blow into the element.
- Very saucy dishes: sauce pools and does not crisp.
- Large roasts: better in an oven for even cooking.
Tips for Better Results
- Cook in a single layer so air can circulate.
- Shake the basket or flip food halfway through.
- Use a light oil spray on fresh foods; skip it for pre-fried frozen items.
- Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed.
Reheating in the Air Fryer
The air fryer reheats pizza, fries, fried chicken and pastries far better than a microwave because it crisps rather than steams. Use a moderate temperature and check often. For more, see our guide on cooking frozen food in an air fryer.
Safety Notes
- Do not overcrowd; airflow is needed for even cooking.
- Add a little water under fatty foods to stop smoke.
- Make sure meat and fish reach a safe internal temperature; see USDA safe cooking temperatures.
FAQ
What food is best to cook in an air fryer?
Crispy foods are best: frozen chips, chicken wings and nuggets, roasted vegetables, bacon and fish. They crisp on the outside and stay moist inside with little oil.
What should you not cook in an air fryer?
Avoid wet batters, loose leafy greens and very saucy dishes. These do not suit fast-moving hot air and can make a mess or blow into the element.
Can you cook raw meat in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook raw chicken, fish and other meats in an air fryer. Use a thermometer to confirm a safe internal temperature before serving.
Bottom Line
Use your air fryer for anything crispy and reheat leftovers in it for far better results than a microwave. Avoid wet batter, leafy greens and saucy dishes. To pick the right model, see our best air fryers guide.
Related Guides
- Air Fryer vs Oven: Which Is Cheaper and Better to Cook With?
- Can You Cook Frozen Food in an Air Fryer? Yes, Here Is How
- Best Air Fryer with Two Racks in 2026: Cook Two Trays at Once
- Best Air Fryer for Two People in 2026: Compact Models That Actually Cook Enough
- What Size Air Fryer Do I Need? A Simple Capacity Guide
- All Air Fryers guides
