Air Fryer Hacks That Made Me Forget About My Oven

Getting an air fryer was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I’d finally seen enough videos on social media feeds to cave and it revolutionized my kitchen life. The only thing is that I wish I’d known a few air fryer hacks sooner. Make your meals even easier by getting ahead of the curve and learning the internet’s trade secrets before you get one too.

Air Fryer Hacks TikTok Is Crazy About

Even if TikTok isn’t around for much longer, it’s been a treasure trove of life hacks. These are the best viral videos people have posted that changed how I used my roaster oven.

Make Gooey Hardboiled Eggs

@proflex.health

Air Fryer Hack Gooey Eggs #airfryerhack #eggs #easyrecipes #airfryer #fy #simplerecipe

♬ original sound – Shayne Rowland | Fatloss Coach

Hardboiled eggs are nutrient-dense. They add slightly over six grams of protein to each meal, but they’re also a pain to make. Boiling and peeling the shells takes forever — unless you have an air fryer. This TikToker posted exactly how they fried two eggs, dumped them in ice and peeled them in seconds. The result? A gooey center perfect for topping toast or oatmeal.

Enjoy Nearly Instant Cookies

@morganchompz

who missed the air fryer videos? 😅 #airfryerhack #airfried #cookies #chocolatechipcookie #cookiedough #airfryerdessert #desserts #tastetest #bakingcookies #foodhacks #samsclubfinds #desserthack #morganchomps

♬ original sound – Morgan Chomps

The next time you reach into the fridge for a spoonful of cookie dough, bring it over to your air fryer instead. One TikToker discovered how you can spray an air fryer basket with oil, spread store-bought cookie dough over it and bake it for 10 minutes. You’ll get a thin sheet of the chewiest cookies without warming up your entire kitchen using your oven.

Serve Restaurant-Worthy Paninis

@autumnhitthejackpot

Air fryer sandwich hack – this one actually worked!

♬ original sound – Autumn Jackpot

Paninis are grilled sandwiches, typically using Italian ingredients. However, you can make any sandwich a panini if you have a roaster oven. Fill two slices of bread with your homemade pulled pork and tasty toppings. If you cook the entire sandwich in your fryer, you’ll get melted cheese and crunchy bread that’s the world’s most effortless, satisfying panini.

Other Air Fryer Secrets I Adore

TikTok isn’t the only place to find air fryer hacks. These are a few of the tricks I’ve picked up since exploring recipes and cleaning techniques in my kitchen.

1. Clean the Heating Element Regularly

If you’ve made anything that splatters in your roaster oven, you’ll know that the grease gets everywhere. I made the mistake of only washing the frying basket, but the heating element collects oil too.

Use a damp sponge and dish soap to gently scrub anything off the metal coils without running them directly under water. Wipe them clean with a damp towel and dry it before using it for your next meal.

2. Use It to Reheat Leftovers

Your microwave is about to get a much-deserved vacation. Add leftovers to your air fryer to make them taste fresh again. I love using it to heat up pizza, meatballs, chicken wings, baked potatoes and even mac and cheese. If you start them on a low heat, like 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you can cook them in only a few minutes and add more time as needed.

3. Cook Things With Oven-Safe Dishware

Air fryers get extremely hot, so you shouldn’t ever put something in there that wouldn’t last in an oven. That includes common household things like:

• Plastic dinnerware
• Cardboard containers
• Styrofoam bowls
• Paper towels

I nearly lit my kitchen on fire because I forgot to remove the paper towels from underneath my fried dumplings when I was hungry for leftovers. Take it from me — checking for an oven-safe label is no small safety requirement for recipes that require dishware, like air frying bread dough in a bowl.

4. Dehydrate Your Favorite Fruits

Dried fruit isn’t only a super sweet snack. It can also turn into craft supplies for seasonal wreaths, cocktail garnishes or pie toppings. Set your fryer at the lowest heat possible and let your fruit slices slowly cook for at least 30 to 45 minutes. Your model may also have a dehydrator setting, depending on what you buy.

5. Roast Coffee Beans at Home

Calling all my fellow java lovers — air fryers bring you one step closer to the perfect cup of coffee. When I realized I could roast beans in my kitchen, I immediately stopped buying grounds at the grocery store. Add your preferred beans to the basket, roast them at a low temperature and shake them every few minutes to give them an even toasting. You can pull them out when they reach your desired roast level.

I let my beans cool for at least an hour before tossing them in my blender. It grinds them to a perfect consistency, but you could also use a food processor. Save your grounds in an airtight container and freeze them to have a month’s-worth of java within reach for only a couple dollars.

What I Typically Make With My Air Fryer

It’s easy to get caught up in typical fried recipes. Don’t forget about these foodie favorites that make each meal glorious.

Breakfast Foods

Biscuits, pancakes and bacon always cook well in an air fryer. Follow a recipe designed for that kind of cooking to have the crispiest breakfasts during your busiest mornings. In the mood for French toast or cinnamon rolls? Your roaster oven can handle it all.

Roasted Snacks

Most people picture meals coming out of their countertop friers, but I use mine for snacks too. I love making homemade seasoned chickpeas and mozzarella sticks before movie nights. Taquitos, fresh potato skins and fried pickle slices are also among my favorite bite-sized recipes. Say goodbye to pre-packaged snacks that raise your grocery bill and hello to creative snacks that make every day more enjoyable.

Meal-Prepped Meats

I’d never tried meal prepping before getting an air fryer. I didn’t want to spend all my free time making each serving, but it makes meat an effortless ingredient. Add chicken breasts, mini meatloaves, turkey wings or an entire rotisserie chicken to the basket before going on with your day. They’ll taste like freshly delivered take-out and last three to four days if you store them in airtight containers in the fridge.

Have an Easier Time in the Kitchen

Air fryer hacks are always trending. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience how they make life easier. Once you start making meals and snacks in a countertop fryer, you’ll rarely need your oven or microwave again. Say hello to a future of new crispy recipes.