My Stovetop Is Basically an Expensive Paperweight Now That I've Mastered These 9 Meals

The air fryer sounds like an awesome, miraculous gadget, but that isn't just blowing smoke. It's a versatile option for anyone looking to get dinner out on the table quickly, or anyone who doesn't want to put up with traditional cooking methods to do so. And it's capable of completely putting your usual cooking avenues out of commission, especially your oven. 

I started with the boring stuff like frozen fries and wings, but the real magic happened when I realized it could handle things like salmon fillets and gourmet grilled cheese with zero effort. The secret is the "superconvection" -- a high-speed fan that blasts hot air directly onto your food. You get that deep-fried, golden-brown crunch in about half the time it takes to preheat a standard oven, and you can skip the greasy mess entirely.

If you're still holding out, you're just punishing yourself with longer wait times and more dishes. Whether you're roasting vegetables or finishing a steak, the air fryer is an objective upgrade for your weeknight routine. Stop letting it take up space and start letting it do the heavy lifting.

Best Air Fryers for 2026 See at CNET

When you're balancing work life, family demands and a never-ending to-do list but refuse to compromise on good food, air fryer recipes become a total cheat code. They're virtually mistake-proof, and food comes out crispy and bursting with taste. It's ideal for those frantic weeknight dinners when inspiration runs dry -- or for creating show-stopping seasonal dishes that seem far more labor-intensive than they really are.

Check out the nine foods below that you must cook in an air fryer. And if you're searching for an air fryer or to upgrade your existing oven, we have a new favorite model with a glass cooking chamber that's easy to clean and doubles as a food storage container. 

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1. Hard-boiled eggs

From runny yolks to jammy to hard-cooked, the air fryer can do it, and there's no waiting for water to boil or forgetting to set a timer (air fryers have the timer built in). There's a lot of internet voodoo about dos and don'ts when it comes to boiled eggs in the air fryer, but in my experience, you can disregard most of it, and you'll end up with beautifully cooked eggs with the perfect yolk consistency every time.

Here's how to make "hard-boiled eggs" in the air fryer

2. Salmon

Broiled salmon is a simple, healthy weeknight dinner staple. It's not difficult to make in the oven but if you're only cooking for one or two people, the preheating time is a pain and you'll waste a lot of energy for a small amount of food. Pan-seared salmon is excellent and quick but there's almost no way to cook salmon on the stove without creating an oily and odorous mess. 

I tried cooking roasted salmon in the air fryer and it came out perfectly in about 10 minutes, including preheating time. The closed cooking chamber captures all of the grease and even hides some of the fishy smell from taking over the space. 

OK, so you might catch me throwing the occasional filet of salmon on the grill during warmer months but gone are the days of me wiping fish grease from the backsplash behind my kitchen stove. 

Here's how to make perfect air fryer salmon.

3. Roasted chicken

This one surprised me the most because I make a roast chicken most Sundays and had become content with my method of using the oven. I learned fast that the air fryer does an even better job because it's able to crisp the skin quickly without overcooking the meat. Air-fryer roasted chicken takes about 45 minutes -- about 15% quicker than the oven -- and it's nearly impossible to screw up.

Here's how to make a quick roasted chicken in the air fryer.

4. Bacon cheeseburgers 

Air fryer cheeseburgers have become a staple around my home. The exception is during summer when the grill is in full swing but during cooler months, I turn to the air fryer for this American classic. It's cleaner than pan frying, but the burger doesn't cook in its own grease, so you get a lighter, healthier meal (if you're into that sort of thing). You can also add the bun and a couple of slices of bacon to the burger, making it a complete meal with minimal cleanup.

Here's how to make a cheeseburger from top to bottom in the air fryer.

5. Chicken cutlets 

Before the air fryer, I used to pan-fry breaded chicken cutlets for chicken Parmesan and other recipes but the air fryer does the same job with less mess and produces less oily fried chicken, too. 

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I recommend using boneless chicken thighs, which have sufficient fat content to withstand the convection heat without drying out. Simply coat the chicken in a beaten egg wash, followed by breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, and other spices. Cook at 375°F for about 15 minutes.

You can spray the cutlets lightly with oil before cooking to achieve an extra-crispy crust, but it's not necessary. I've tried the same method with chicken breasts; it works well, but there is a greater risk of drying out the meat.

Best Places to Buy Chicken Online See at CNET

6. Cauliflower steak

One of my favorite things to cook in the air fryer is cauliflower. A slab of cauliflower makes an excellent, hearty side dish or main course if you're going plant-based. Simply toss a thick slice or two of cauliflower with olive oil, salt, pepper, or your preferred seasoning, and air fry for 10-12 minutes on high. The air fryer gives it a beautiful caramelized crust and it cooks the dense veggie fast enough so that the inside of the cauliflower doesn't become mushy.

7. Leftover pizza

While not every type of food is best reheated in the air fryer, many are. Air fryers are the perfect way to revive leftover pizza, fried chicken, grilled meats and vegetables. A microwave heats food unevenly and tends to impart a rubbery texture. Air fryers give food a second life via convection heat for a crispy crust and even heating. 

Here's the best way to reheat every type of leftover.

8. Hot dogs

It's hard to screw up a hot dog but if you want a perfectly charred wiener in less than five minutes with essentially no cleanup, look to the air fryer. Air fryer hot dogs are as simple as simple, and the super convection oven gives them a perfect browning in two or three minutes. 

Here's how to make hot dogs in the air fryer all summer.

9. Baked potatoes

OK, so technically, this one starts out in the microwave and then gets finished in the air fryer. The microwave softens the inside in less than 8 minutes, while the air fryer blasts the edges and skin to crispy perfection. It's a restaurant-quality baked potato in less than 12 minutes. Here's how to make the best air-fryer baked potato ever. 

And if you're still not sure what an air fryer is and how it works, check out our complete guide to air fryers.

9. Grilled cheese

For a grilled cheese, the air fryer works on both bread surfaces and the cheese all at once, resulting in a quicker melt. This adheres the cheese to the bread slices together, making for a much easier flip. (Flipping is still recommended but with far less drama.)

Here's the secret to perfect air fryer grilled cheese.