Discover the Ultimate Guide to Cooking with Air Fryers in 2025
Everything You Need to Know About Cooking with Air Fryers This Year
Air fryers have become an indispensable kitchen appliance for home cooks seeking healthier, faster, and more convenient meals. The evolution of air fryer technology in 2025 has made it easier than ever to prepare a wide variety of dishes with minimal oil, less mess, and faster cook times. This comprehensive guide covers everything from how air fryers work to detailed tips on how to cook specific foods—from vegetables and meat to seafood and baked goods.
Whether you’re new to air frying or looking to make the most of your new device, this article is your go-to resource.
How does an air fryer work?
At its core, an air fryer functions by circulating hot air at high speed, mimicking the crisping effect of deep frying but without submerging food in oil. The result is a crispy exterior and tender interior—achieved with only a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying. Most models allow you to adjust the temperature and time, giving you precise control over your cooking.
Air fryers use a heating element and a fan that pushes hot air around the food. This rapid air technology ensures even cooking and browning, making air fryers suitable for everything from fries to chicken wings, and even cookies.
What are the benefits of using an air fryer?
There are several compelling reasons why more people are switching to air fryers:
- Healthier meals: Less oil means lower fat content and fewer calories.
- Faster cooking times: Air fryers typically cook food 25–30% faster than conventional ovens.
- Energy-efficient: They use less power and don’t heat up the whole kitchen.
- Easy clean-up: Many baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe.
- Versatile cooking: From crispy vegetables to reheating leftovers, air fryers are multi-functional.
Can you cook vegetables in an air fryer?
Yes, and they’re deliciously crispy. Air frying vegetables is one of the most popular uses. Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and zucchini cook beautifully in an air fryer.
Cut the vegetables into even pieces, coat them lightly with oil and seasoning, and cook at 180–200°C (350–400°F) for 10–20 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking. The result is crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, without losing nutrients.
Is an air fryer good for cooking frozen foods?
Absolutely. Frozen fries, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, and spring rolls are perfectly suited for air frying. Since frozen foods already contain oil from pre-frying, you can place them directly into the air fryer with no additional oil.
For best results:
- Fries: 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes
- Chicken nuggets: 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes
- Fish sticks: 190°C (375°F) for 8–10 minutes
Always shake or turn halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
How do you cook chicken in an air fryer?
Air fryer chicken is one of the most searched terms for good reason. It’s fast, juicy, and comes out perfectly crispy.
Whether it’s chicken breasts, thighs, wings, or drumsticks, seasoning and light oiling go a long way. A simple rub of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper with a touch of oil can transform your chicken.
Cook at 190–200°C (375–400°F) depending on the cut:
- Chicken breasts: 18–20 minutes
- Thighs or drumsticks: 20–25 minutes
- Wings: 25 minutes
Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature (75°C / 165°F) for safety.
What seafood can you make in an air fryer?
From salmon fillets to shrimp, the air fryer excels with seafood. It delivers a tender, flaky texture while ensuring the outside is slightly crisp.
Examples:
- Salmon: 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes
- Shrimp: 190°C (375°F) for 6–8 minutes
- Tilapia or white fish: 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes
Avoid overcrowding the basket and use a little oil or marinade for maximum flavor.
Can you bake in an air fryer?
Surprisingly, yes. Many air fryers come with baking trays or inserts, allowing you to make muffins, cakes, cookies, and even bread.
For best results:
- Use silicone or small metal baking dishes that fit in the basket.
- Reduce oven baking time by 20% when using an air fryer.
- Avoid overfilling batter to allow for even rising.
Some popular baked air fryer foods include:
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Mini banana bread loaves
- Cupcakes and muffins
What are the best tips for crispy air fryer fries?
Air fryer fries are among the most common beginner recipes. For best texture:
- Soak fresh cut potatoes in water for 30 minutes to remove starch.
- Pat dry completely.
- Toss in a light coat of vegetable oil or olive oil.
- Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes.
Add seasoning like paprika, garlic powder, or rosemary after cooking for maximum crispiness and flavor.
Can you reheat leftovers in an air fryer?
Yes, it’s one of the best ways to revive crispy foods. Pizza, fried chicken, and even roasted vegetables come back to life in an air fryer.
General reheating tips:
- Set to 160–180°C (320–350°F)
- Heat for 3–6 minutes depending on food
- Avoid overcrowding to ensure even heating
This method keeps food crisp, unlike microwaves that often make it soggy.
What desserts can you make in an air fryer?
Desserts in the air fryer are fast and satisfying. Some of the most searched options include:
- Apple chips
- Donuts
- Churros
- Molten lava cakes
Use parchment or silicone molds and reduce baking time. With minimal oil, air fryer desserts can be healthier alternatives to traditional fried sweets.
Can you cook steak in an air fryer?
Yes, and it’s surprisingly easy. For a medium-rare steak:
- Preheat to 200°C (400°F)
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway
- Rest for 5 minutes after cooking
Season the steak generously, and consider adding garlic butter after cooking for added richness. The result is juicy inside with a nicely seared crust.
What foods should you not put in an air fryer?
While air fryers are versatile, not everything belongs in them:
- Battered foods: Wet batter can drip and make a mess.
- Cheese alone: It melts and burns quickly.
- Leafy greens: They can fly around and burn.
Stick to firm vegetables, coated proteins, or structured baked goods for best results.
Can you use aluminum foil or parchment paper in an air fryer?
Yes, but with caution:
- Use parchment paper with holes to allow airflow.
- Avoid covering the entire basket, which can disrupt circulation.
- Foil is fine if it doesn’t block the fan or heating element.
Both can help with clean-up and prevent sticky residue.
Are air fryers energy efficient?
Compared to ovens, air fryers use less power and heat up quickly, making them more energy-efficient. On average:
- Air fryer: ~1.5 kWh per hour
- Oven: ~2.3 kWh per hour
Given faster cooking times, overall energy usage is lower, which is both cost-effective and eco-friendly.
What are the healthiest foods to cook in an air fryer?
Using little or no oil, the air fryer is perfect for healthy options like:
- Sweet potato fries
- Grilled vegetables
- Lean meats like turkey or chicken breast
- Tofu and chickpeas
- Baked apples with cinnamon
These choices are low in fat and rich in nutrients, making your meals both satisfying and nourishing.
How do you clean an air fryer properly?
For best maintenance:
- Clean after every use.
- Use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge.
- Don’t submerge the entire unit—only the basket and tray.
- For tough residue, soak for 10 minutes before scrubbing.
Regular cleaning prevents buildup, odors, and extends the lifespan of your device.
Air fryers in 2025 continue to evolve, offering even more convenience and versatility in the kitchen. Whether you're cooking veggies, reheating leftovers, preparing seafood, or trying out desserts, this appliance can simplify your routine and encourage healthier eating.
With hundreds of ways to use an air fryer, this tool remains one of the most valuable investments for anyone seeking fast, delicious, and nutritious meals.