5 Surprising Ways to Use Your Air Fryer
1. Adding Crunch to Veggies
You might think of an air fryer as just a way to get that “fried” crunch without all the grease. This is totally true, but it’s also great for foods you may not immediately think of tossing in a deep fryer, like veggies.
Pro Tip
Try Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, or your favorite non-starchy veg. Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket once halfway through.
2. Single-Serve Baking
Don’t feel like heating your oven to bake a single chocolate chip cookie? We see you. Air fryers work like mini convection ovens, and since most don’t require preheating, you can go from dough to delicious in much less time.
Pro Tip
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, add your cookie dough (if you’re making more than one cookie, leave an inch of space around every side), and then bake at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
3. Reheating Leftovers
We’re Team Microwave for its convenience and easy cleanup, but it can heat unevenly and leave things soggy. Reheat last night’s dinner in the air fryer and it’ll stay perfectly crisp.
Pro Tip
The ideal time and temp differs based on what you’re reheating, but our pros recommend 350°F to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes. The more sad and limp-looking the food is, the hotter you should go.
4. Making Croutons
What’s a salad without croutons? Make your own in less than 10 minutes in the air fryer. Grab whatever carb-y goodness you have around or try WW’s new low-Point bread. (See if it's in-stock near you).
Pro Tip
Cook for 5 to 7 minutes at 350°F depending on how crunchy you like them.
5. Toasting Nuts and Seeds
Speaking of salad toppings, a sprinkle of toasted nuts and seeds can turn even the most boring salad into something you might find for $20 on a fancy cafe’s menu.
Pro Tip
Experiment with everything from walnuts and cashews to pumpkin or sunflower seeds. It may take a little trial-and-error to get the toasting just right, but start at 325°F for 5 to 7 minutes and go from there.
Ready for some recipe inspo? Check out nearly 30 delicious air fryer recipes.
WW-Approved Air Fryers
Looking to upgrade your air fryer? Explore our fave models below.
GoWISE USA 5.8 Quart 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer | |||
Best if You… | Only need to cook for a few people. | Want to do more than just air-fry—and make enough food to feed a larger group. | Are looking for nearly foolproof results every time. |
Serves | 2-4 people | 5-7 people | 4-6 people |
Why We Love This | - Easy-to-use dials to set time and temp - Includes a free WW recipe book | - Use it to roast, broil, bake, grill, and dehydrate - Digital touchscreen to set time and temp - Basket includes 3 racks to maximize cooking space - Available in 2 colors | - Preset time and temp settings mean you can push one button for perfectly- cooked fish and more—without ever looking at a recipe - Available in 3 colors |
Price | $54.99 | $119.99 | $159.99 |