The air fryer has evolved from a novelty gadget to America's most-used kitchen appliance, and creative cooks are discovering techniques that go far beyond frozen french fries. Here are five methods that will transform how you use your air fryer.
Dehydrating is an underutilized air fryer function. Set to 130°F and run for 4-6 hours to make beef jerky, dried fruit, or vegetable chips. The circulating air produces results comparable to dedicated dehydrators at a fraction of the cost and counter space.
Proofing bread dough works beautifully in an air fryer. Set to the lowest temperature (around 100°F) and place your dough inside. The warm, enclosed environment creates ideal proofing conditions, cutting rise time by 30% compared to room temperature.
Roasting garlic in an air fryer takes 20 minutes at 350°F instead of 45 minutes in a conventional oven. Wrap whole heads in foil with a drizzle of oil and you'll have sweet, caramelized garlic for spreads, sauces, and mashed potatoes in record time.
Reheating pizza in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes produces results superior to the microwave (soggy) or oven (too long). The crust stays crispy while the cheese melts perfectly — many people say it's better than fresh delivery.
Finally, use your air fryer for quick desserts. Mug cakes, individual lava cakes, and even mini cheesecakes cook perfectly in 8-12 minutes. The convection heat creates a beautiful exterior while maintaining a gooey center.
