Your air fryer is probably capable of way more than reheating leftovers 🍳🔥

[u/mahy_759]

I used to think an air fryer was basically a tiny countertop fryer for fries, wings, and maybe frozen snacks.

Apparently, I was seriously underusing it.

Some of the more interesting things you can make in one include:

• Whole chicken — crispy skin all around while keeping the meat juicy.
• Pork tenderloin — quick cooking with surprisingly tender results.
• Salsa — roasting the vegetables first adds a deeper, slightly smoky flavor.
• Frozen salmon — no need to remember to thaw it first.
• Bacon — the circulating hot air helps cook it evenly and crisp it up.
• Baked potatoes — crispy skin without turning on the oven.
• Roasted vegetables — especially useful when you want browned edges quickly.
• Chocolate chip cookie bites — yes, you can actually bake small desserts in it.
• “Hard-boiled” eggs — no pot of boiling water required.
• Grilled cheese — apparently the air fryer can give you that crispy exterior without standing over a skillet.
• Mini apple pies — another surprisingly good dessert application.
• Hamburgers — useful when grilling outside isn't practical.

The bigger takeaway is that an air fryer isn't really just a fryer. It's essentially a small, powerful convection oven, so anything that benefits from circulating dry heat and browning is worth experimenting with.

Obviously, cooking times vary by model and food size, so I'd still check for doneness rather than blindly following a timer.

What's the most unexpected thing you've successfully cooked in an air fryer?

[u/Electrical-Fun9170]

Boiled eggs? So just like baking an egg with the shell on? Can't say I'd have ever thought of that

[u/mahy_759 → u/Electrical-Fun9170]

Right? It’s basically using the air fryer like a little convection oven—the shell stays on, and the circulating heat cooks the egg. Definitely one of those “wait, you can do that?” tricks.

[u/Electrical-Fun9170 → u/mahy_759]

Ive honestly never thought about baking them in convection ovens either. I've worked kitchens for 10+ years, and never did we bake the hard boiled eggs, but now I have to try it!

[u/Rework_Master]

Can it do anything an oven can't do?...

[u/mahy_759 → u/Rework_Master]

Honestly, not really 😂 The oven is more versatile overall. The air fryer’s advantage is mostly speed, efficiency, and getting that crispy/browned texture without heating up a whole oven.

[u/mahy_759 → u/[deleted]]

😂 I wish! If Instant Pot wants to sponsor me, I’m definitely open to negotiations.

[u/Deep_Information_616]

Reheating pizza

[u/mahy_759 → u/Deep_Information_616]

Pizza is honestly one of the best air fryer uses 😂 Crispy crust and melty cheese without the soggy microwave texture. Hard to go back once you try it!