What began as a way to make fries with less oil has turned into a go-to kitchen tool for full meals. Now, chefs are finding smart and tasty ways to use air fryers beyond the basics. They are bringing new ideas to simple dinners by mixing flavors, textures, and even world cuisines into everyday air-fried meals.
A New Way to Make Comfort Food
Many home cooks use air fryers to make fast versions of comfort food, but chefs are taking it further. Instead of only making fries or nuggets, they are turning air fryers into mini ovens for full dishes. Some restaurants now serve air-fried chicken that tastes like it was deep-fried but has 75% less fat, according to a 2025 report from the National Restaurant Association.
Chefs also use air fryers for casseroles, stuffed vegetables, and even baked pasta. For example, air-fried mac and cheese balls are becoming a favorite appetizer in many homes and cafés. They are crispy outside and creamy inside, all made in under 20 minutes.
Global Flavors in a Small Basket
Another trend is the use of global spices and cooking styles. Chefs are blending traditional recipes from different countries with the speed of air frying. Korean-style chicken wings, Indian samosas, and Mexican street corn are all being made in air fryers. A survey from Statista found that 64% of air fryer owners in the US now cook foods inspired by international flavors.
For instance, air-fried tempura shrimp gets the same crunch without the heavy oil. Chefs also use miso glaze or tikka masala spice blends to coat vegetables and seafood before air frying. These small twists make weekday dinners more interesting without adding more work.
Smarter Ingredients for Health and Taste
Many chefs are using air fryers to make meals that taste rich but are still light and healthy. By using olive oil sprays and nut coatings, they get crisp textures without deep frying. Studies from Harvard Health Publishing say air frying can cut calories by up to 70% compared to traditional frying.
Chefs are also turning to plant-based foods. Air-fried tofu, chickpeas, and mushrooms are becoming common in modern kitchens. These foods hold flavor well and stay crispy after cooking. Some chefs even use crushed oats or quinoa instead of breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Desserts That Surprise Everyone
Air fryers are not only for savory dishes. Pastry chefs now use them for desserts that once needed ovens. Air-fried donuts, cookies, and fruit crisps are on the rise. In 2025, food delivery apps saw a 40% increase in searches for “air fryer dessert ideas.”
Chefs have started using the air fryer for sweet treats like caramelized bananas or mini cheesecakes. The quick heat helps sugar melt perfectly, giving desserts a golden surface without drying them out. And for people who want to avoid long baking times, this method saves almost half the energy of a regular oven.
Why Chefs Love This Change
Chefs enjoy that air fryers make food taste fresh without needing much oil or time. They can test new dishes, reduce waste, and serve food faster. Many restaurant owners also find them cheaper to run than ovens or fryers. And at home, it means families can make healthy dinners that still feel like comfort food.
Air fryers now stand for both ease and creativity. Chefs are showing that even weeknight meals can be exciting with a few small changes. With the right mix of flavor, timing, and imagination, the air fryer keeps proving that simple tools can do amazing things in the kitchen.
FAQs
1. Can I cook full meals in an air fryer?
Yes, many chefs make full dishes like chicken with veggies, stuffed peppers, or even small casseroles using air fryers.
2. Do air fryers make food as crispy as deep fryers?
Yes, they do, but they use hot air instead of oil. You can still get the same crunch with less fat.
3. What are some healthy air-fryer recipes chefs recommend?
Air-fried salmon, crispy chickpeas, and veggie chips are common healthy favorites among chefs.
4. Can I bake desserts in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make cookies, donuts, or small cakes in an air fryer, and they turn out golden and tasty.
5. Why are air fryers becoming so popular with chefs?
They cook fast, use less oil, save energy, and still give great flavor and texture to food.
