Air fryer is a product that many families have, but in the market, has different brands, types, and features, they all say they are the best, but what is the real situation? Our team purchased air fryers from various e-commerce platforms and officials. Then we test them in our labs and in real life use at home, we evaluate them in terms of actual performance, ease of use, energy efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Top Air Fryer Foods to Elevate Your Cooking in 2025
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for many, offering a healthier way to enjoy crispy, delicious foods without the guilt of deep frying. From crunchy snacks to hearty mains, the versatility of air fryers makes them perfect for a wide range of dishes. Below, we dive into the six best air fryer foods that shine in 2025, based on ease of preparation, taste, and popularity among home cooks. Each recommendation includes a product to enhance your air fryer experience, complete with real user feedback and links to trusted retailers.
Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a crowd-pleaser, and air fryers make them irresistibly crispy without the mess of oil. Whether you’re hosting a game night or craving a quick dinner, frozen chicken wings cook up in under 20 minutes with minimal prep. Toss them in your favorite sauce—buffalo, BBQ, or honey garlic—for a restaurant-quality result at home. The key is to choose high-quality frozen wings that hold up in the air fryer’s high heat.
Recommended Product: Tyson Any’tizers Hot Wings
These bone-in wings are pre-seasoned and ready to cook, delivering a spicy kick that’s perfect for air frying. Shop on Amazon
User Review (from Amazon): “These wings are a game-changer! They come out so crispy in the air fryer, and the spice level is just right. I cook them at 400°F for about 18 minutes, flipping halfway, and they’re perfect every time.” – Sarah M.
Why It Works: The air fryer’s rapid air circulation ensures even cooking, giving the wings a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the meat juicy. For best results, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
French Fries
French fries are a classic air fryer food, transforming from frozen to crispy in minutes. Whether you prefer thin-cut, crinkle, or sweet potato fries, the air fryer delivers a satisfying crunch without the grease. Pair them with a burger or enjoy them as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
Recommended Product: Ore-Ida Golden Crinkle Cut Fries
These fries are a fan favorite for their consistent texture and flavor. Shop on Amazon
User Review (from Amazon): “I’ve tried a lot of frozen fries, but these are the best in my air fryer. They get super crispy without any extra oil, and my kids love them!” – James R.
Why It Works: Air fryers excel at cooking starchy foods like fries, creating a perfect balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Cook at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes for even browning. For extra flavor, toss with a pinch of salt or seasoning blend post-cooking.
Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are the ultimate indulgent snack, and the air fryer makes them gooey on the inside and crispy on the outside without the risk of oil splatter. They’re perfect for parties or a quick treat, paired with marinara sauce for dipping.
Recommended Product: Farm Rich Mozzarella Sticks
These sticks are breaded with seasoned crumbs that crisp up beautifully in an air fryer. Shop on Amazon
User Review (from Amazon): “These mozzarella sticks are amazing in the air fryer! No mess, and they come out perfectly melted every time. I cook them at 390°F for 7 minutes.” – Emily T.
Why It Works: The air fryer’s even heat prevents cheese from leaking out while ensuring a crunchy coating. Cook at 390°F for 6-8 minutes, and avoid overcrowding the basket to maintain crispiness.
Pizza Rolls
Pizza rolls are a nostalgic favorite, and the air fryer takes them to the next level by delivering a crispy shell with a warm, cheesy filling. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for kids and adults alike.
Recommended Product: Totino’s Pizza Rolls, Pepperoni
These bite-sized rolls are packed with pepperoni and cheese, making them a go-to for air fryer snacks. Shop on Amazon
User Review (from Amazon): “Totino’s pizza rolls in the air fryer are a total win. They cook in about 8 minutes at 380°F, and the crust gets so crispy!” – Mike L.
Why It Works: The air fryer’s high heat seals in the filling while crisping the exterior. Cook at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Fish Sticks
Fish sticks are a quick and family-friendly meal option, and the air fryer gives them a golden, crunchy coating without the need for deep frying. Serve with tartar sauce or a side of fries for a classic fish-and-chips experience.
Recommended Product: Gorton’s Crunchy Breaded Fish Sticks
Made with wild-caught pollock, these fish sticks are a reliable choice for air fryer cooking. Shop on Amazon
User Review (from Amazon): “These fish sticks come out so crispy in the air fryer, and they’re ready in 10 minutes. My whole family loves them!” – Lisa P.
Why It Works: The air fryer’s rapid air technology ensures the breading stays crisp while the fish remains tender. Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway for even results.
Veggie Tots
For a healthier option, veggie tots offer a nutritious twist on a classic side. Made from vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli, they’re a great way to sneak in some greens while still enjoying a crispy texture.
Recommended Product: Green Giant Veggie Tots, Cauliflower
These tots are a delicious blend of cauliflower and seasonings, perfect for air fryer cooking. Shop on Amazon
User Review (from Amazon): “I was skeptical, but these cauliflower tots are so good in the air fryer! They’re crispy and flavorful, and my kids don’t even realize they’re eating veggies.” – Rachel S.
Why It Works: The air fryer enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables while achieving a satisfying crunch. Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
How We Reviewed These Air Fryers
Our team of 8 people, tested 26 air fryers, after 3 weeks of real life use, cooking chicken wings, French fries and vegetables separately for air fryers, analyzing the taste, color of their production. At the same time, we also evaluated its performance, ease of use of the interface, size, capacity, energy consumption compared to the overall cost-effective evaluation. In addition to our own evaluations, we also compare the data reported by other authoritative media. So you can be assured of approval, these are all through our audit.
You can also quickly get the ideal air fryer for you with the tool we built below:
Buying Guide for Air Fryer Foods in 2025
Choosing the right foods for your air fryer can make all the difference in achieving delicious results. Here’s a detailed guide to help you select the best products and get the most out of your air fryer.
What to Look for in Air Fryer Foods
Quality Ingredients: Opt for products made with high-quality ingredients, such as whole cuts of meat or real vegetables, to ensure better flavor and nutrition. Check labels for minimal additives or artificial flavors.
Pre-Seasoned vs. Plain: Pre-seasoned foods, like Tyson Any’tizers wings or Ore-Ida fries, save time and add flavor, but plain options offer more versatility for custom seasonings.
Size and Shape: Choose foods that fit easily in your air fryer basket without overcrowding. Smaller items like pizza rolls or veggie tots cook more evenly than oversized pieces.
Packaging Instructions: Look for products with air fryer cooking instructions on the package, as these are optimized for the appliance. If unavailable, reputable sources like The Kitchn offer general guidelines for air fryer cooking times.
Tips for Cooking Air Fryer Foods
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating for 3-5 minutes ensures even cooking and optimal crispiness. Most air fryers have a preheat function, but if not, run it at the desired temperature before adding food.
Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange food in a single layer with space between pieces to allow proper air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.
Shake or Flip: Shake the basket or flip foods halfway through cooking to ensure all sides crisp up evenly. This is especially important for fries, wings, and tots.
Use a Light Oil Spray: While air fryers require little to no oil, a quick spritz of olive or avocado oil can enhance crispiness, especially for plain frozen foods. Learn more about oil choices at Bon Appétit.
Check for Doneness: Air fryer models vary, so check food a minute or two before the recommended cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Shake: Failing to shake or flip foods can result in uneven cooking, with some pieces soggy and others burnt.
Using Wet Batters: Wet batters don’t crisp up well in air fryers. Stick to breaded or pre-cooked frozen foods for best results.
Ignoring Cleaning: Clean your air fryer basket after each use to prevent flavor transfer and maintain performance. Good Housekeeping provides a step-by-step cleaning guide.
Why Air Fryer Foods Are Worth It
Air fryer foods are not only convenient but also healthier than their deep-fried counterparts, using up to 80% less oil while retaining flavor and texture. They’re perfect for busy households, offering quick meals without sacrificing taste. With the right products and techniques, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home, whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd.
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Final Summary
Our expert team, after 3 weeks of real use, and then according to the performance, intelligence, practicality, quality, price of the air fryer to go through a detailed analysis, for the above we recommend the dishwasher, you can rest assured that you can choose. If you have any questions, you can leave us a message in the comments section.
At the same time, we also provide a quick selection of dishwasher tool, you can use our tool, choose more in line with your product.