12 Things You Didn’t Know Your Air Fryer Could Do

Most air fryers spend their life making fries and chicken nuggets. That’s a shame, because this little machine can do a lot more, and most of it takes almost zero effort.

Here are 12 things you probably didn’t know your air fryer could do. Every model is a little different, so treat the times below as a starting point and check your food a few minutes early.

1. Bring Leftover Pizza Back to Life

The microwave makes pizza soggy. The air fryer makes it crispy again. A few minutes at a medium temperature and the crust tastes almost fresh.

2. Revive Sad, Limp Fries

Yesterday’s takeout fries? Spread them in one layer and give them a few minutes. They come out hot and crunchy instead of chewy.

3. Toast Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds toast in minutes. Shake the basket halfway and keep an eye on them, because nuts go from golden to burnt very quickly.

4. Make Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

Drain and dry a can of chickpeas, toss with a little oil and your favorite spices, then cook until crunchy. It’s a high-protein snack that tastes like you tried much harder than you did.

5. Turn Stale Bread Into Croutons

Cube old bread, add a drizzle of oil, salt and garlic powder, and air fry until golden. Perfect for soups and salads, and nothing goes to waste.

6. Cook Hard-Boiled Eggs (Without Boiling Water)

Many air fryer owners cook whole eggs straight in the basket, no water needed. Times vary a lot between machines, so test one egg first and cool it in cold water before peeling.

7. Roast a Whole Head of Garlic

Cut the top off a garlic bulb, add a drop of oil, wrap it in foil and air fry until soft. You get sweet, spreadable garlic for bread, pasta or mashed potatoes.

8. Crisp Tortillas Into Taco Shells or Chips

Cut tortillas into triangles for chips, or drape a tortilla over the basket rack for a quick taco bowl. A light spray of oil helps them crisp.

9. Bake a Small Batch of Cookies

Craving just two or three cookies? Bake them on a small piece of parchment. No need to heat a whole oven for a tiny treat.

10. Cook Frozen Food Without Thawing

Frozen vegetables, fish fillets, dumplings and veggie burgers can go straight from the freezer to the basket. Add a few extra minutes and shake halfway.

11. Make a Mini Cake in a Mug or Ramekin

Mix a quick single-serving cake batter in an oven-safe ramekin and air fry it. Dessert for one, in about the time it takes to make tea.

12. Roast Vegetables Faster Than the Oven

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots and peppers get crispy edges in less time than in a regular oven. Cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly.

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A Few Air Fryer Safety Tips

• Never put parchment or foil in the basket without food on top. It can fly up into the heating element.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Food needs space for the hot air to circulate.
• Light foods like leafy greens or herbs can get blown around. Weigh them down or skip them.
• Check your manual for what your model allows, like glass or ceramic dishes.

Which of these will you try first? Save this list for the next time you’re staring at your air fryer wondering what else it can do.

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