5 Surprising Ways to Use Your Air Fryer

From trend to total staple, air fryers continue to dominate every recipe roundup and viral cooking hack. Here’s how to get even more from the powerhouse appliance.
Published February 27, 2022

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.

WW by Dash Tasti-Crisp™ Air Fryer

GoWISE USA 7 Quart Air Fryer & Dehydrator Max XL

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