Air fryers have taken over kitchens across Canada, and for good reason. The compact countertop appliances use rapid air circulation to cook food quickly, evenly, and using little to no oil. It gives you that satisfying crispiness you love from deep-frying, minus the mess and added calories. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, the air fryer simplifies weeknight meals and weekend snacks, alike.
If you’re wondering if you need an air fryer and what you can cook in an air fryer, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through more than 20 delicious, beginner-friendly ideas for every meal. From breakfasts to frozen treats, we’ll show you how versatile and fun air fryers can be, and hopefully inspire your next great kitchen creation.
Why air fryers are so versatile
At the core of every air fryer is convection-style technology that uses hot, circulating air to cook food from all sides. This not only reduces cooking times but also ensures even browning and crispiness. Think of it as a mini convection oven, only it’s faster and easier to clean. That’s a major bonus for busy households or smaller kitchens.
Air fryers are incredibly flexible. You can cook frozen favourites like French fries and nuggets, roast fresh vegetables, marinate and crisp proteins, even bake sweet treats like cookies and donuts. With accessories like trays, racks, and baking inserts, most models allow you to toast, dehydrate, reheat, or roast, expanding your everyday cooking options without needing extra appliances.
Perhaps the most compelling feature of an air fryer is its contribution to healthier eating habits. Because you can achieve the same satisfying crunch with just a fraction of the oil typically used in frying, sometimes none at all, you’re drastically cutting down on fat and calorie intake. For those watching cholesterol or trying to eat more cleanly, this is a game changer. It also reduces exposure to compounds like acrylamide, which can form during high-heat frying. The result? Lighter meals that don’t skimp on texture or taste. Air fryers are perfect for anyone looking to improve their diet without giving up their favourite comfort foods.
Air fryer technology at a glance:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Rapid air circulation | Even, crisp cooking without turning |
| Adjustable temperature settings | Control heat for different food types |
| Minimal or no oil required | Healthier meals with fewer calories |
| Compact and countertop-friendly | Great for small kitchens or quick meals |
20+ ideas for every meal
Breakfast ideas
1. Breakfast potatoes
Breakfast potatoes are a morning staple for a reason. When cubed and tossed with a bit of olive oil and seasoning, they come out of the air fryer perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Unlike traditional frying, this method uses significantly less oil, making your breakfast lighter without sacrificing texture or flavour. It’s great as a side dish or tossed into a breakfast bowl. You can also shave potatoes to make your own breakfast hash as well.
2. Air-fried bacon
Air-fried bacon is a game changer. It cooks evenly, crisps up beautifully, and leaves behind far less mess than the stovetop or oven. Because the air fryer circulates heat efficiently, you get golden slices every time, and the grease drains away for a less oily bite. Plus, there’s no splatter cleanup! You can cook more quickly than in an oven, and get a crispier text than microwave or even pan frying.
3. Egg cups
These mini omelette-style bites are both portable and customizable. Cooked in silicone moulds, egg cups in the air fryer puff up nicely while keeping fillings like cheese, spinach, or ham moist and flavourful. It’s a high-protein breakfast that’s ready in minutes and easy to prep ahead for busy mornings. Make a big batch, store in the fridge, and use the same air fryer to quickly reheat a couple every morning for quick protein on the go!
4. French toast sticks
Transform your regular French toast into fun, dippable sticks with an air fryer twist. The hot air crisps the outside while keeping the inside soft and custardy. It’s ideal for kids and brunches alike, especially when served with maple syrup for dipping.
Lunch and dinner ideas
5. Chicken wings
Air fryer chicken wings come out irresistibly crispy, without deep frying. The fat renders perfectly and the skin crisps while the inside stays juicy. Toss them in buffalo, BBQ, or honey garlic sauce for a restaurant-style meal at home.
6. Salmon fillets
Cooking salmon in an air fryer gives you a crispy-skinned, flaky fillet in under 15 minutes. It’s great for weeknight meals when you’re short on time. Add lemon slices and dill, and you’ve got a simple, elegant dish with minimal effort. Don’t be afraid to try battered fish, too, like halibut and haddock. You are best off freezing the battered fish first so it’s firmer, then air frying right from frozen. It’s far better than take-out and healthier.
7. Stuffed bell peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a healthy, hearty dinner, and the air fryer gives them just the right roasted texture. After stuffing with rice, ground meat, or veggies, the air fryer cooks the filling and caramelizes the pepper’s edges for added flavour. If you’re having a party, try out stuffed jalapeno peppers, too. Add cream cheese, bacon, and onions and you have a delectable appetizer.
8. Falafel
This Middle Eastern favourite is often deep-fried, but the air fryer makes it healthier without sacrificing crunch. It crisps the outside while keeping the inside soft and herby. Serve in pita bread or atop salad for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
9. Pork chops
Whether breaded or seasoned, pork chops come out golden and juicy in the air fryer. The consistent heat prevents drying out, and the crust turns perfectly crispy. It’s a fast, one-basket dinner solution.
10. Meatballs
From beef to turkey to plant-based, meatballs cook evenly in the air fryer without the need for constant turning. They stay juicy on the inside and caramelize on the outside, perfect for pasta night or meatball subs. You can make them fresh and toss right in or use pre-made frozen meatballs.
Snacks and appetizers
11. Mozzarella sticks
Mozzarella sticks in the air fryer are a gooey, cheesy dream. The outside gets golden and crunchy while the inside melts to perfection. They’re a quick appetizer that rivals restaurant versions with less oil.
12. Zucchini fries
Zucchini fries offer a lighter alternative to traditional French fries. When breaded and air-fried, they turn crispy and golden while staying tender inside. It’s a great way to sneak in veggies.
13. Air-fried pickles
Crispy, tangy, and a little indulgent, air-fried pickles are a fun and crowd-pleasing snack. Coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, they offer crunch without the grease of deep frying.
14. Sweet potato wedges
Sweet potato wedges get wonderfully caramelized in the air fryer. Their natural sugars crisp up for a sweet-meets-savoury bite, especially with seasoning like paprika or cinnamon.
15. Garlic parmesan mushrooms
These savoury mushrooms are roasted in garlic and sprinkled with parmesan for a rich, umami-packed snack. The air fryer concentrates the flavours and gives a slight crisp to each bite.
Frozen favourites
16. Chicken nuggets
No need to turn on the oven: chicken nuggets cook in the air fryer in just 10 minutes. They crisp up evenly, making them a reliable, kid-approved meal or snack. Make these in the morning and pop into your kids’ lunch bag for a midday deal, or whip up a batch for the hungry kids after baseball or hockey practice.
17. Spring rolls
Frozen spring rolls get perfectly golden and crunchy in the air fryer, without the need for deep frying. Serve with sweet chili sauce for a satisfying appetizer or quick lunch.
18. Hash browns
Hash brown patties come out with a crispy crust and fluffy centre, perfect for brunch or breakfast sandwiches. The air fryer ensures they don’t get soggy, even from frozen.
19. Fish sticks
Fish sticks become extra crispy in the air fryer, ideal for an easy family dinner. Serve with tartar sauce or pair with veggies and rice for a complete meal.
Desserts and baked goods
20. Air fryer donuts
These donuts use biscuit dough or scratch-made batter and puff up beautifully in the air fryer. Coated in cinnamon sugar after cooking, they’re a quick and fun treat for any time of day.
21. Chocolate chip cookies
Bake a fresh, warm batch of cookies in minutes without firing up the oven. Air fryers create a soft middle with slightly crisp edges. These treats are perfect for late-night cookie cravings.
22. Apple chips
Thinly sliced apples turn crisp and sweet with no added sugar. Air frying dehydrates them just right, making a healthy snack or light dessert.
23. Lava cakes
Molten chocolate cakes are fully possible in an air fryer. They cook quickly and form a rich, cakey shell with a gooey, molten centre. It’s an elegant and indulgent finisher to a romantic meal without the wait.
Tips for cooking success
In order to get the best results from your air fryer, you’ll want to follow some tips.
Use parchment liners or racks: They help prevent sticking and improve airflow for more even results.
Avoid overcrowding: Give your food space so the hot air can circulate. Cook in batches if necessary. Some air fryers have dual baskets so you can not only cook an entire meal at the same time, but keep proteins separate from vegetables, for example. If you want to cook large quantities, invest in a larger air fryer or one with dual baskets to prevent overcrowding.
Preheat your air fryer: Just like an oven, preheating helps ensure food cooks evenly from the start. It doesn’t take long but will ensure perfect results.
Shake or flip halfway: This keeps everything cooking uniformly, especially fries, nuggets, and veggie pieces. Make sure to spritz a small amount of oil to prevent sticking or, as noted, use parchment liners. A small spritz of oil can provide a nice brown though as well.
Adjust timing and temp: Not all air fryers are the same. Check food early and tweak based on your specific model and portion size. If you find a sweet spot, right it down for next time. Or, if the unit has pre-programmable customizable settings, add your favourites for one-touch cooking.
Ready to try cooking with an air fryer?
Air fryers aren’t just for frozen fries or reheating leftovers. They’re full-fledged cooking appliances that can help you prepare healthy, crispy, and delicious meals throughout the day. With their fast cook times, easy clean-up, and minimal oil usage, they’re a fantastic addition to any kitchen.
So if you’ve been wondering what to cook in an air fryer, hopefully this list has shown you how creative and varied your meals can be. From savoury snacks to indulgent desserts, an air fryer can handle it all.
Ready to upgrade your kitchen game? Browse the latest air fryers at Best Buy Canada, and find one that fits your cooking style, kitchen size, and meal needs. Refer to our air fryer buying guide to details on what to look for and how they work to choose the right model for you. Happy air frying!
This article was drafted using AI technology and then reviewed, fact-checked, and revised by a member of our editorial team.
