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    Home » Trending

    20 unexpected things you can make in the air fryer

    Published: Apr 2, 2026 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Unexpected things you can make in the air fryer are taking over kitchens everywhere. This must-see list is full of surprising ideas that look unreal. Don’t miss what this simple gadget can really do!

    Air Fryer Eggplant

    Air Fryer Eggplant. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Big surprise right here with Air Fryer Eggplant turning soft slices into something with a bit of bite. Not many expect this veggie to work so well in an air fryer. It shows how simple produce can come out better than expected.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Eggplant

    Air Fryer Salmon Bites

    A plate with air fryer salmon bites, rice, broccoli and sauce on it.
    Air Fryer Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Quick and impressive, Air Fryer Salmon Bites prove seafood belongs in this gadget too. Texture stays firm without drying out, which can be tricky. It is one of those unexpected things people end up making again.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites

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    Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

    A close-up of several pieces of breaded and fried shrimp stacked on a wooden surface.
    Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

    Crispy without the usual mess, Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp feels like something that should not work this easily. The air fryer keeps the outside crisp while the inside stays just right. It is a fun pick that surprises first-timers.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

    Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots

    A platter of breaded and fried bite-sized snacks garnished with fresh herbs, served with a bowl of creamy dipping sauce on the side.
    Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Snack time gets interesting with Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots coming out crisp and soft in all the right ways. Not the first thing that comes to mind for an air fryer. It is a simple idea that feels a bit unexpected.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots

    Air Fryer Parsnips

    Air Fryer Parsnips. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    A lesser-known veggie shines with Air Fryer Parsnips turning into something worth trying. Slight crisp and natural flavor make them stand out. It is a good reminder the air fryer is not just for common picks.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parsnips

    Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes

    A white plate of sliced roasted potatoes topped with melted cheese and herbs, next to a gold fork on a white surface.
    Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes. Photo credit: Kitchen Divas.

    Classic but still surprising, Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes show how basic sides can feel different here. The texture comes out better than expected with little effort. It is an easy win for everyday cooking.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes

    Air Fryer Calzones

    Glass plate with a calzone, marinara in a bowl, and zucchini.
    Air Fryer Calzones. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

    Big surprise in every bite, Air Fryer Calzones prove dough-based meals work in this appliance. The outside cooks evenly while the inside stays soft. Not something most people think to try at first.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Calzones

    Air Fryer Whole Chicken

    Low angle shot of an air fried whole chicken.
    Air Fryer Whole Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Go big with Air Fryer Whole Chicken showing the appliance can handle more than small snacks. Skin comes out crisp while the inside stays juicy. It feels unexpected for such a compact tool.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken

    Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes

    A plate with six roasted tomato slices, seasoned with salt and pepper, next to a small bowl of salt on a wooden surface.
    Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Simple but eye-opening, Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes bring out deeper flavor fast. The texture softens without falling apart. It is a smart way to use the air fryer beyond basics.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes

    Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

    Chicken Caprese with tomato and basil on a blue plate.
    Air Fryer Caprese Chicken. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

    Fresh and filling, Air Fryer Caprese Chicken turns a simple combo into a full meal. Everything cooks evenly without much effort. It is one of those ideas that feels new for an air fryer.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

    Air Fryer Green Bean Fries

    Crispy air fryer green bean fries with yogurt dip on a plate.
    Air Fryer Green Bean Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Crunchy and different, Air Fryer Green Bean Fries turn a basic veggie into something snackable. The texture comes out crisp without heavy oil. It is a surprising way to switch things up.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Bean Fries

    Air Fryer Halloumi

    Air Fryer Halloumi. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Cheese in the air fryer sounds odd, but Air Fryer Halloumi actually holds its shape well. The outside firms up while the inside stays soft. It is one of the more unexpected things to try.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Halloumi

    Air Fryer Pork Belly

    Stack of air fryer pork belly strips in hoisin glaze.
    Air Fryer Pork Belly. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Rich cuts work too, and Air Fryer Pork Belly proves it with crisp edges and tender bites. The air fryer handles it better than many expect. It is a bold option that stands out.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly

    Air Fryer Filet Mignon

    Air fryer filet mignon with sliced potatoes.
    Air Fryer Filet Mignon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Steak night gets interesting with Air Fryer Filet Mignon cooked in a small appliance. The texture stays even without needing a grill. It is not the usual method, which makes it surprising.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Filet Mignon

    Air Fryer Zucchini

    Air Fryer Zucchini. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Light and quick, Air Fryer Zucchini shows how simple veggies can come out better here. Slight crisp keeps it from getting soggy. It is an easy option that still feels a bit unexpected.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini

    Air Fryer Panko Shrimp

    Air Fryer Panko Shrimp with cilantro lime dressing and parsley on a white plate.
    Air Fryer Panko Shrimp. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

    Crisp coating without deep frying makes Air Fryer Panko Shrimp stand out right away. The inside stays tender while the outside holds texture. It is a smart way to switch up a familiar dish.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Panko Shrimp

    Air Fryer Hush Puppies

    A white bowl filled with several golden-brown, round biscuits on a dark wooden surface.
    Air Fryer Hush Puppies. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Small bites done differently, Air Fryer Hush Puppies show this appliance can handle more than expected. The texture stays soft inside with a light crisp outside. It is not the usual way people make them.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hush Puppies

    Air Fryer BBQ Ribs - Best Dry Rib Rub

    Cooked and sliced pork ribs with a glazed finish on parchment paper.
    Air Fryer BBQ Ribs - Best Dry Rib Rub. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Big flavor in a small space, Air Fryer BBQ Ribs - Best Dry Rib Rub prove ribs do not need a grill. The outside forms a nice layer while the inside stays tender. It is one of the most surprising uses here.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Ribs - Best Dry Rib Rub

    Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

    Air Fryer Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Simple but better, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes come out with a crisp skin and soft center. The air fryer speeds things up compared to the oven. It is a familiar food with a new approach.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

    Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

    Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Two-in-one cooking works well with Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus done in minutes. Both parts cook evenly without much effort. It is a quick idea that feels a little unexpected.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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