If you own an air fryer, you’re already well aware of its ability to create crispy French fries, vegetables, and chicken wings. But did you know your favorite kitchen gadget can be used to make grilled cheese sandwiches, donuts, mac and cheese balls, and even hard-boiled eggs?
That’s right! The magical countertop machine can quickly and easily cook just about anything imaginable. Below, we’re highlighting a few of the most surprising things you can make in an air fryer.
Check out these seven surprising things you can make in an air fryer
Air-Fryer Desserts
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Nothing beats the crispy exterior and soft, gooey interior an air fryer gives cookies. Start by lining the bottom of your basket with parchment paper before evenly spacing four balls of cookie dough. Bake at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes or until the cookies reach your desired level of doneness. Once you’ve mastered classic chocolate chip cookies, try adding walnuts, extra chocolate chunks, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Biscuit Donuts
If you love donuts but don’t want all the added fat and calories from deep frying, try making these easy air-fried biscuit donuts. To start, spread a can of biscuits out on a baking sheet, cut a hole in the center of each, and coat lightly with cooking spray. Cook 3 to 4 donuts at a time at 350 degrees for 5 to 6 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown. Brush both sides of the warm donuts with melted butter and coat in cinnamon sugar.
Classic S’mores
Bring the fun of camping inside your kitchen by making classic s’mores in your air fryer. Stack your graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows and place up to four s’mores in the air fryer at once. Cook at 375 degrees for about 5 to 7 minutes or until the marshmallows begin to turn golden brown. The trick to preventing your marshmallows from blowing around in the basket is to cut off the ends of the marshmallow to ensure it sticks to the graham cracker.
Air-Fryer Snacks
Macaroni and Cheese Balls
Air-fried macaroni and cheese balls are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and oh so gooey. You get all the decadence of the original deep-fried version without the added fat. Plus, they’re a great way to use up any leftover mac and cheese from last night’s dinner. Simply roll mac and cheese into a small ball, coat with oil and panko breadcrumbs, and air fry at 370 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are perhaps one of the most surprising things to make with an air fryer! Place up to six eggs straight from your refrigerator into your air fryer and cook at 300 degrees for 12 minutes. To make peeling easier, drop the freshly-cooked eggs in cold water before removing the shells.
Easy Croutons
An air fryer makes it easier than ever to make your own homemade croutons using old bread. Cube the bread into large chunks and lightly coat them with olive oil and a bit of salt and pepper. Air fryer at 375 degrees for about 5 minutes or until your croutons are nice and crunchy.
Toasted Ravioli
Toasted ravioli are deliciously crispy on the outside and ooey-gooey on the inside. Simply coat thawed or fresh ravioli in eggs and breadcrumbs before cooking at 375 degrees for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. To ensure they get crispy, you’ll want to cook them in multiple small batches. Serve with warm marinara sauce or ranch.
