Best Things To Make In Air Fryer: Easy Ideas

The best things to make in an air fryer include crispy fries, wings, vegetables, fish, snacks, and quick desserts.

Do you want crisp food without heating a large oven or using a deep pot of oil? I do too. An air fryer can turn simple foods into fast meals with less mess. It works well for busy nights, small kitchens, and quick snacks. The right air fryer, liner, or accessory can make cooking easier and cleanup faster. In this guide, I review useful air fryer products and share the best things to make in air fryer appliances, from crispy chicken to roasted vegetables and reheated leftovers.

See the differences between my top picks at a glance.

Boribim Silicone Air Fryer Liners

The Boribim set includes two square silicone liners made for air fryers from 4 to 7 quarts. I like this type of liner for foods that leave sticky sauce or melted cheese behind. It creates a soft barrier between the food and the fryer basket. The red and blue colors also make it easy to keep one liner for savory foods and one for sweet foods.

These liners suit many of the best things to make in air fryer cooking, such as chicken wings, roasted vegetables, fish, and baked snacks. The flexible design should be easy to lift after the food cools. Still, silicone can change airflow, so I do not cover the liner with food in a thick layer. A single layer helps food crisp more evenly.

Pros:

• Two reusable liners provide a practical backup.
• Fits many 4- to 7-quart square air fryer baskets.
• Helps reduce food stuck to the basket.
• Useful for saucy or greasy recipes.
• Reusable design can reduce the need for parchment sheets.
• Works well for simple cleanup after daily meals.

Cons:

• It may reduce crisping if food blocks too much airflow.
• Exact fit depends on the shape of the air fryer basket.
• Silicone may hold food smells if not washed well.

What Amazon Buyers Are Saying

Buyer feedback for reusable silicone liners commonly centers on easier cleanup and good basket coverage. Users also tend to value having two liners for meal prep. The main concerns buyers raise with this type of product involve fit, movement during cooking, and a change in crispness compared with cooking directly in the basket. I suggest checking your basket shape and washing the liner before first use.

My Recommendation

I recommend the Boribim liners for cooks who want less scrubbing and often prepare moist foods. They are not my first choice when maximum crispness matters, but they are useful for everyday cooking. The two-pack adds convenience and value.

JUNTIANZE Air Fryer Tray Extractors

The JUNTIANZE set contains two clip-style tools for pulling trays and racks from air fryers or toaster ovens. I see a clear use for these tools when cooking hot food on a rack or tray. They can help keep your hands farther from hot metal. The small size also makes storage simple.

This set is especially helpful with an air fryer oven that uses several shelves. It may make it easier to remove fries, wings, toast, or roasted vegetables without grabbing a hot edge. These tools do not cook food, but they can improve handling and comfort. Use a firm grip and move slowly, since tray weight and shape vary by appliance.

Pros:

• Includes two tray extractor tools.
• Useful for air fryer ovens and toaster ovens.
• Helps remove hot racks and trays.
• Small design takes little drawer space.
• Can reduce the need to touch hot metal.
• Useful when cooking several types of food in one appliance.

Cons:

• It may not fit every tray edge or rack design.
• It does not replace heat-resistant gloves for all tasks.
• Users must still handle hot food with care.

What Amazon Buyers Are Saying

Customer discussions about tray tools often focus on convenience during use. Buyers tend to like having a dedicated tool instead of using a fork or towel to move a hot tray. The most common limitation with this kind of accessory is compatibility. Before ordering, I would compare the tool shape with the rim of your air fryer tray.

My Recommendation

This is a useful low-cost add-on for an air fryer oven or toaster oven with racks. It makes sense for cooks who often prepare large batches or use several levels. I would skip it if you own only a small basket-style fryer with no removable tray.

Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5-Quart AF141

The Ninja Air Fryer Pro AF141 is a 5-quart basket air fryer with four cooking functions: air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. It reaches up to 400°F and uses 1,750 watts. The 5-quart size gives a good balance for singles, couples, and small families. It also offers enough space for many daily meals without taking up the room of a full oven.

This model is a strong fit for the best things to make in air fryer cooking. I would use it for fries, chicken wings, salmon, vegetables, frozen snacks, and reheating pizza. The nonstick basket and dishwasher-safe parts can make cleanup easier. As with most basket fryers, food cooks best when I avoid overcrowding and shake or turn it during cooking.

Pros:

• Useful 5-quart capacity for daily meals.
• Four practical cooking functions.
• Up to 400°F for crisping and roasting.
• Nonstick basket supports easier food release.
• Dishwasher-safe parts simplify cleanup.
• Fits well in many home kitchens.

Cons:

• A 5-quart basket may feel small for large families.
• One basket means you cannot cook two foods at separate settings at once.
• Food can cook unevenly if the basket is too full.

What Amazon Buyers Are Saying

Customer feedback for this Ninja model commonly highlights simple controls, fast cooking, and crisp results. Buyers often mention its useful size for everyday portions. Some owners note that cooking time can vary by food amount and starting temperature. A few users may also prefer a larger dual-basket design when they cook a main dish and side dish together.

My Recommendation

The Ninja AF141 is my top all-around choice in this guide. It has the right mix of capacity, core functions, and easy cleaning for most homes. It is worth buying if you want a dependable basket air fryer for fries, wings, vegetables, fish, and reheated food.

Chefman 14-Quart Air Fryer Oven

The Chefman 14-quart model is built for cooks who need more space and more cooking modes. It offers air frying, baking, broiling, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating. It also includes a rotisserie function and a windowed door. This oven-style design can feel more flexible than a small basket fryer.

I would choose it for family-size fries, chicken pieces, roasted vegetables, toast, dried fruit, and batch snacks. The shelves give you more room to spread food out, though you still need to rotate trays when a recipe calls for even browning. The larger body needs more counter space, so measure your kitchen before you buy. The window can also help you check food without opening the door as often.

Pros:

• Large 14-quart interior suits batch cooking.
• Six cooking functions cover many recipes.
• Rotisserie function adds cooking variety.
• Windowed door helps monitor food.
• Useful for families and meal prep.
• Can replace some small oven tasks.

Cons:

• Larger footprint needs more counter space.
• Multiple racks may need rotation for even results.
• Cleaning an oven-style interior can take more time than cleaning one basket.

What Amazon Buyers Are Saying

Reviews of large air fryer ovens often praise their capacity and range of cooking modes. Buyers like preparing more food at once and checking progress through the door. Common concerns include the counter footprint, tray cleanup, and the need to learn rack positions. These points are normal for a larger oven-style appliance, but they matter if you want a simple plug-in-and-cook design.

My Recommendation

I recommend this Chefman for families, meal preppers, and anyone who wants an air fryer oven instead of a compact basket. It offers more cooking space and more ways to use the appliance. Choose it over the Ninja if capacity matters more than a small footprint.

Vinino Silicone Air Fryer Accessories Set

The Vinino set is made for 5- to 8-quart air fryers and combines silicone liners with muffin and egg bite molds. It gives a basket fryer more cooking options without adding another appliance. I like sets like this for breakfast bites, small cakes, muffins, and soft foods. The BPA-free material and dishwasher-safe design add useful convenience.

This accessory set supports several of the best things to make in air fryer appliances. You can use the molds for egg bites, muffins, and portioned desserts. The liners can help with sticky marinades and crumb-heavy recipes. Before cooking, I would confirm that the accessory leaves enough room for air to move around the food.

Pros:

• Fits many 5- to 8-quart air fryers.
• Includes tools for both baking and cooking.
• Useful for muffins and egg bites.
• Silicone helps food release from molds.
• Dishwasher-safe design supports easy cleanup.
• Can expand the range of recipes in one appliance.

Cons:

• Not every piece will fit every basket shape.
• Molds can limit airflow when filled too closely.
• Soft silicone may need careful handling when full.

What Amazon Buyers Are Saying

Buyers of accessory sets often like the chance to bake and make small portions in an air fryer. Egg bite and muffin molds tend to be useful for breakfast prep. The most common concerns involve fit and the learning curve for baking times. Since air fryer baskets differ, users should measure the inside width and height before ordering.

My Recommendation

This is a good choice for cooks who want to make more than fries and wings. I especially like it for breakfast bites, muffins, and small desserts. It earns a strong rating because it adds variety, but it is less useful if you only cook crisp foods.

Chefman Compact 4-Quart Air Fryer

The Chefman 4-quart air fryer is aimed at small kitchens and quick meals. It includes four presets and touchscreen controls. Its Hi-Fry technology is designed to add extra crispness near the end of cooking. The nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket also supports simple cleanup.

A 4-quart fryer works well for one or two people. I would use it for a small batch of fries, chicken tenders, vegetables, fish fillets, or reheated leftovers. It takes less room than a large air fryer oven, but the smaller basket needs careful portion control. Overfilling can lead to soft food and uneven browning.

Pros:

• Compact size suits small counters.
• Useful 4-quart capacity for one or two people.
• Touchscreen controls are simple to read.
• Four presets make common meals easy.
• Hi-Fry mode aims to improve crispness.
• Nonstick and dishwasher-safe parts help with cleanup.

Cons:

• Capacity may not suit large families.
• One small basket limits batch cooking.
• Presets may still need adjustment for food size and amount.

What Amazon Buyers Are Saying

Feedback on compact air fryers often praises their small footprint and quick meal setup. Buyers tend to like the simple controls and easy basket cleaning. The main complaint with smaller models is limited room when cooking for more than two people. Users also note that food may need shaking or turning for even color.

My Recommendation

I recommend this Chefman for apartment kitchens, dorm rooms, singles, and couples. It gives you a simple way to cook many everyday foods without using much counter space. It is not the best pick for family-size portions, but its value is strong for small servings.

PINTAUR Silicone Liners for Dual Air Fryers

The PINTAUR set includes two reusable silicone liners made for many 8- to 10-quart dual-basket air fryers. The two-piece design makes sense when both baskets need protection at the same time. It may also help when cooking foods with sauce, cheese, or crumbs. The listed compatibility includes several popular air fryer brands, but I still recommend measuring before purchase.

These liners can support large-batch cooking and reduce the mess left by marinated chicken or seasoned vegetables. They may also help protect the baskets from scratches during normal use. However, liners can change how hot air moves around food. I use them for messy recipes and cook directly in the basket when I want the strongest crisp finish.

Pros:

• Two liners suit dual-basket cooking.
• Designed for many 8- to 10-quart models.
• Helps with saucy and crumb-heavy foods.
• Reusable design supports regular meal prep.
• Can reduce basket scrubbing.
• Useful for cooking two foods at once.

Cons:

• Compatibility depends on the exact basket shape.
• It may reduce browning if food covers the airflow holes.
• Silicone liners need thorough washing after greasy recipes.

What Amazon Buyers Are Saying

Buyers who choose dual-basket liners often value the two-piece format and easier cleanup. Many users look for liners because they cook sauced wings, vegetables, or other messy foods. Fit remains the key concern with this type of product. Some users also find that food crisps best when they leave enough open space around each piece.

My Recommendation

I recommend PINTAUR for owners of larger dual-basket air fryers who want less cleanup. It is a practical accessory, not a must-have for every recipe. Confirm your basket dimensions first, and remove excess moisture from food when you want a crisp finish.

Best Things to Make in an Air Fryer

The best things to make in air fryer appliances are foods that benefit from dry, fast heat. Frozen fries, chicken wings, potato wedges, and mozzarella sticks are easy starting points. I also like salmon, shrimp, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and small peppers. An air fryer can reheat pizza and roasted foods while keeping the outside crisp.

For better results, dry food before cooking and use a light coat of oil when needed. Leave space between pieces so hot air can move. Shake small foods halfway through the cook time. Turn larger pieces with tongs. Always check meat with a food thermometer. The USDA recommends safe internal temperatures, including 165°F for poultry and 145°F for fish, followed by a rest when appropriate.

You can also make breakfast and snacks. Egg bites, toast, bacon, hash browns, quesadillas, and stuffed mushrooms work well in many models. With a suitable accessory set, you can try muffins and small cakes. Cooking times vary by appliance, food size, and starting temperature, so I use the recipe time as a guide rather than a rule.

How to Choose Best Things to Make in Air Fryer

Choosing the right product depends on how you cook. A small basket may suit one person, while a large air fryer oven may work better for family meals. Accessories can improve cleanup and add new recipe options. I focus on fit, airflow, safe handling, useful capacity, and long-term value.

1. Match the Size to Your Portions

Start with the number of people you feed. A 4-quart model can work well for one or two people. A 5-quart basket offers more room for daily meals. Families may prefer a 14-quart oven-style model or a large dual-basket appliance. Remember that a large stated capacity does not mean you should pile food to the top. Food needs room for hot air to circulate.

2. Check Airflow, Basket Shape, and Accessories

Airflow helps create a crisp surface. A basket with open space around the food often gives better results than a crowded basket. If you buy a silicone liner, check its length, width, and height against your basket. A liner that blocks too many holes may soften fries or wings. For baking, confirm that molds leave enough room beneath the heating element.

3. Compare Useful Features and Long-Term Value

Look for features you will use often. Air fry, roast, and reheat cover most daily needs. Dehydrate, bake, broil, and rotisserie modes add value if you plan to use them. Dishwasher-safe parts can save time, while a window can help with an oven-style model. I also consider counter space, controls, power needs, warranty details, and the cost of replacement parts.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

The Ninja Air Fryer Pro AF141 is my best overall pick for the best things to make in air fryer cooking. Choose the Chefman 14-quart model for family meals, or the compact Chefman 4-quart model for a small kitchen.

Use silicone liners for easier cleanup, and choose the Vinino set for baking and egg bites. With the right size and spacing, you can make crisp, quick meals with less oil and less mess.

FAQs Of best things to make in air fryer

What are the best things to make in an air fryer for beginners?

Start with frozen fries, chicken wings, potato wedges, vegetables, fish fillets, and reheated pizza. These foods are simple and need little preparation.

Can I use silicone liners in an air fryer?

Yes. Use a liner that fits your basket and is made for high-heat cooking. Do not let it block all airflow, and follow the liner maker’s care directions.

What size air fryer is best for two people?

A 4- to 5-quart air fryer often works well for two people. Choose a larger model if you want leftovers or batch cooking.

Does an air fryer need oil?

Many foods need no added oil. A small amount can help fresh vegetables, potatoes, and lean foods brown and crisp.

Why does my air fryer food come out soft?

The basket may be too full, or the food may contain excess moisture. Cook in smaller batches, dry the food, and shake or turn it during cooking.

Can I bake desserts in an air fryer?

Yes. You can make small muffins, egg bites, cakes, and other desserts with a suitable pan or mold that fits the basket.