You’ve perfected the art of making chicken wings and frozen fries in your air fryer. But this all-star appliance can do so much more. Our Test Kitchen experts, along with the pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances & Technology Lab and Nutrition Lab, are here to show you how to take your air-frying skills to the next level.
Below, you'll find our favorite triple-tested recipes and exclusive tips on how to make the most of your air fryer. Plus, get our recommendations for the best air fryers on the market — we've spent hours testing over 40 models, so if you're thinking of getting a new one, our team of food experts can definitely help with that, too.
Transform Leftovers
The air fryer is one of our favorite tools for heating up takeout fries or whatever’s in the fridge. Or, get creative and transform your leftovers into an entirely new meal. We used extra chicken cutlets to make a delicious chicken parm!
Q: How can my air fryer help with weeknight cooking?
A: I find myself pulling out the air fryer at home at least a couple of times a week — it’s one of my best kitchen helpers. I can sauté chicken while air-frying a side; it comes up to temp in minutes, and shaking the basket a couple of times during cooking is much more efficient than flipping individual ingredients on a roasting pan, especially when I’m cooking for the family on a weeknight.
It gets “roasted” potatoes or carrots table-ready in about half the time, and if you are looking for the crispiest frozen fries or tots without the hassle, the air fryer is the way to go, hands down! The built-in timer means that if I get sidetracked, my veggies won’t burn, as most machines turn off when the set time has run out. I’ll also air-fry a killer main that I can pair with a simple salad or a no-cook side. Both the Crispy Chicken Parm and the Pepperoni Pizzas here need only a tossed green salad and then dinner’s done!
Weeknight Must-Haves
Upgrade Veggies
Vegetables crisp up faster in the air fryer compared with roasting in the oven, and don’t get mushy as they could on the stovetop or in the microwave. Toss ’em with a few seasonings to level up the flavor.
Q: Is air-frying really healthier?
A: Yes! Air-frying uses significantly less oil than pan-frying and deep-frying, so it makes for a lower-calorie and lower-fat alternative that still delivers crispy deliciousness. And now new research suggests that there may be even more health benefits. A study published with the National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that air-frying may significantly increase the antioxidant power of vegetables compared with some other cooking methods — even sautéing.
Of course, an air fryer is only as healthy as the foods you choose to cook in it, and it won’t magically remove saturated and trans fats from your meals. But that’s all the more reason to get creative with making veggie side dishes, like these Parmesan-Thyme Artichokes, in your air fryer!
Twists on Classics
Make Pizza
In an air fryer, you can make mini pies with perfectly crispy crusts. Finish with the toppings of your choice. Pro tip: To avoid a mess, opt for cheese in slices instead of shreds.
Q: Do I need a separate air fryer if one of my appliances has that function built in?
A: These days most new appliances — from full-size ovens to toaster ovens, microwaves and even pressure cookers — come with an air-frying function. While some are equipped with the mechanics to truly air-fry, others just bump up the temp or speed up the fan, meaning they don’t technically air-fry.
Plus, in GH Lab tests, we have found that the air-frying function on an oven can make the area smoky and that only select countertop appliances can really double as air fryers to get those quick, crispy results you’re probably looking for. If you buy any of the two-in-one appliances, it’s best to try them out and confirm that you’re happy with the results before you get rid of your stand-alone air fryer (or make the decision to buy a new device).
More Comfort Food
Bake Small-Batch Sweets
Whip up quality treats without heating up your entire kitchen. Pop one or two cookie dough balls at a time into the air fryer, or “fry” up a batch of donuts for the whole family.
EXPERT TIP: Skip the spray! The buildup from nonstick cooking spray can leave residue on the air fryer’s nonstick surfaces and cause food to stick over time. Instead, brush the basket with oil or use a refillable spray bottle.
Fresh Dessert Ideas
Top-Tested Air Fryers
The Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab, has spent hours — and we do mean hours — testing all types of air fryers. We've cooked frozen and fresh food in them, clocked ease of use and even looked to see if the appliance has dishwasher-safe accessories. Needless to say, if you're looking for a traditional basket-style, microwave-air fryer combo or something in the middle, we've found the best of the best.
Air Fryer Tips
Even if you use your air fryer every day, there are probably some things you don't know about. Like, did you know that if your air fryer is dishwasher safe, you should be placing it on the top rack, not the bottom? Familiarizing yourself even more with the appliance can help you use it better (and get dinner ready faster).
