7 Air Fryer Meals That Didn’t Impress And 8 Chef-Approved Recipes That Actually Deliver

Air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm, promising to make cooking faster and healthier. However, not every dish cooked in an air fryer turns out perfectly. Some meals fall short, while others surprise with their deliciousness. This article explores seven air fryer meals that fail to impress and eight chef-approved recipes that truly deliver, offering a balanced view of this popular kitchen gadget.

1. Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs

Air fryer hard-boiled eggs hold the promise of simplicity. Yet, they often lead to cracked shells, overcooked whites, and yolks. The traditional stovetop method retains its reign for consistently perfect results. When using an air fryer, precision becomes tricky. High temperatures cause rapid pressure changes, making the shells prone to cracking.

Moreover, achieving the right doneness is elusive. The eggs can turn out rubbery, a far cry from the soft, creamy texture desired. While the air fryer is a versatile tool, this task remains better suited for the simple stovetop boil. The quest for the ideal hard-boiled egg continues.

2. Frozen Fish Fillets (Straight from the Box)

Frozen fish fillets straight from the box can be a disappointment in air fryers. Although the exterior crisps up nicely, the inside often remains mushy. This texture imbalance detracts from the overall experience, leaving much to be desired.

While air frying promises convenience, it struggles with maintaining even cooking for frozen fish. The heat fails to penetrate evenly, resulting in partially cooked centers. Traditional oven baking or pan-frying offers a better alternative for achieving that perfectly cooked fish fillet.

For a satisfying meal, it’s worth reconsidering how to approach cooking these convenient fillets.

3. Air-Fried Bacon

Air-fried bacon seems like a dream come true but often turns into a smoky mess. The bacon curls unpredictably, and splatters result in excessive smoke production.

Many users find themselves dealing with smoke alarms rather than enjoying crispy bacon. The air fryer struggles to achieve the even cooking a skillet or oven provides. The unpredictable curling and splattering make the process more cumbersome than expected.

Bacon enthusiasts may find solace in returning to traditional cooking methods that offer more control and less cleanup. Air frying bacon leaves much room for improvement.

4. Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Air fryer French toast sticks are often dry, losing the rich custard flavor that defines the dish. The air fryer’s rapid cooking can sap moisture, leaving sticks that are more akin to toast than their custardy counterparts.

When compared to pan-frying with butter, air frying lacks the depth of flavor. The quick process tends to cook out the delightful eggy taste. While convenient, the texture suffers, making them less enjoyable.

For those craving traditional French toast sticks, sticking to a pan may remain the best route. The allure of speed can’t quite capture the essence of this breakfast favorite.

5. Battered Foods (Tempura, Beer-Battered Anything)

Battered foods, like tempura or beer-battered dishes, struggle in air fryers. The wet batter tends to turn into a gooey mess rather than crisping up. The very promise of air frying, delivering a crunchy exterior, is unmet with these foods.

The air fryer doesn’t replicate the immersion frying method essential for batter-based dishes. As a result, the texture falls flat, disappointing those hoping for a golden crunch. For achieving that perfect batter finish, deep-frying remains unparalleled.

Adventurous cooks may consider adapting batters for the air fryer, but traditional methods still shine brightest.

6. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Grilled cheese sandwiches tend to come out unevenly toasted in air fryers. The bread often gets dark before the cheese has a chance to melt, leading to an unsatisfying bite.

While the air fryer is quick, it lacks the even heat distribution needed for a perfect grilled cheese. The classic stovetop method, with its gentle heat, allows cheese to melt thoroughly while the bread toasts evenly.

While the air fryer’s speed is appealing, it falls short for this comfort food classic. For a gooey, evenly cooked sandwich, the stovetop remains the method of choice.

7. Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Air fryer pasta chips have become a trendy snack, but their promise of crunch often leads to tooth-breaking shards. The air fryer’s rapid cooking can over-crisp these chips, making them less enjoyable.

This TikTok trend quickly gained popularity, yet many find the results to be less than pleasant. The risk of overly hard chips detracts from the snacking experience. Achieving the right texture requires careful attention and adaptation.

For those looking for a crunchy snack, considering other methods or recipes might yield better results. Air frying pasta into chips needs more finesse to truly satisfy.

8. Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Bone-In, Skin-On)

Air fryer chicken thighs with bone-in and skin-on are a triumph. The device transforms them into a meal with perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat in under 25 minutes. This dish exemplifies what the air fryer can achieve with the right approach.

The even heat distribution ensures the skin crisps without drying the meat. Quick seasoning before cooking enhances flavors, resulting in a satisfying meal. The air fryer truly excels here, offering a delicious and efficient option for busy nights.

For anyone unsure about using an air fryer, these chicken thighs demonstrate its potential to deliver outstanding results.

9. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air fryer Brussels sprouts are a revelation, crisp on the edges and tender inside. Perfect for transforming this polarizing vegetable into a favorite dish.

Tossing them in olive oil ensures an even, golden finish. After cooking, a drizzle of balsamic glaze or sprinkle of parmesan elevates their flavor, making them irresistible.

Air frying brings out the best in Brussels sprouts, turning them into a delightful side dish. It’s an easy way to convert skeptics into fans, showcasing the air fryer’s ability to enhance flavors while preserving texture.

10. Air Fryer Salmon Fillets

Air fryer salmon fillets are a quick and healthy dinner option, flaky and buttery in less than 12 minutes. Minimal oil and simple seasoning allow the salmon’s natural flavors to shine.

The air fryer cooks the fillets evenly, ensuring they remain tender and moist. This method offers a reliable way to prepare salmon without overcooking.

For those looking for a speedy yet flavorful meal, air frying salmon fillets is an excellent choice. It showcases the air fryer’s strength in cooking seafood to perfection, making it a staple for health-conscious individuals.

11. Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries

Air-fried sweet potato fries offer a healthier alternative to traditional fries, with a satisfying crunch. Tossed in olive oil and seasoned with spices, they crisp up beautifully.

The key to their success lies in a light cornstarch coating, which enhances their texture. The air fryer excels in delivering evenly cooked fries without the need for excessive oil.

For those craving a guilt-free snack or side, air-fried sweet potato fries prove the air fryer’s ability to produce flavorful, crispy results. It’s a delicious approach to enjoying sweet potatoes in a new way.

12. Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Air fryer stuffed peppers offer a quick and tasty meal, with crispy tops and hot, melty filling. The air fryer speeds up the cooking process while ensuring the peppers remain tender.

A variety of fillings can be used, from rice and beans to meat and cheese, catering to different tastes. The air fryer enhances the flavors, making this dish a family favorite.

For those seeking a versatile and satisfying meal, air fryer stuffed peppers deliver. They highlight the air fryer’s capability to cook complex dishes with ease, providing both flavor and convenience.

13. Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air fryer chicken wings are beloved by chefs for their crispy texture without the deep-frying mess. The air fryer achieves a golden crust, perfect for tossing in buffalo sauce.

This method results in wings that are both juicy and flavorful, making them a hit at any gathering. The air fryer simplifies the process, reducing oil usage and cleanup time.

For wing enthusiasts, the air fryer promises an easy path to delicious results. It demonstrates how even classic dishes can be reinvented, blending tradition with modern cooking technology.

14. Air-Fried Tofu Bites

Air-fried tofu bites offer a perfect snack or addition to stir-fries. With a golden, crispy exterior, they mimic the texture of meat, making them a versatile ingredient.

The air fryer allows for even cooking, enhancing the tofu’s flavor with a simple marinade. These bites become a delightful option for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

For those exploring plant-based options, air-fried tofu bites provide a satisfying alternative. They showcase the air fryer’s ability to transform humble ingredients into exciting dishes.

15. Air Fryer Falafel

Air fryer falafel delivers crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside delights. Unlike traditional deep-frying, this method reduces oil usage while still achieving the desired texture.

These chickpea balls become a healthier option, maintaining their rich, savory flavors. The air fryer offers a consistent result, making homemade falafel more accessible.

For fans of Mediterranean cuisine, air fryer falafel provides a delicious way to enjoy a beloved dish. It highlights the air fryer’s potential to create healthier versions of classic recipes without sacrificing taste.