Most people get an air fryer for one simple reason: they want to enjoy their favourite fried foods without the guilt. Crunchy chips, golden nuggets, crispy spring rolls… all with little to no oil. It’s a game-changer, right?
But here’s the secret: that crispy goodness? That’s only 10% of what your air fryer can do. If you're only using it for fries, you're barely scratching the surface.
This article is your backstage pass to the other 90% - a world where your Ninja air fryer doesn’t just crisp, it conquers everything from juicy steaks to gooey lava cakes, flaky fish to roasted peaches, and even perfectly baked bread rolls. Yes, really.
Welcome to the Unexpected Stars of the Air Fryer - a list of surprising foods you didn’t know you could cook, but absolutely should. These aren't your average "air fryer recipes", they're the bold, the weird, and the wildly delicious things that will make you look at your Ninja and think: Is there anything you can’t do?
Ready to turn your air fryer into the MVP of your kitchen? Let’s unlock its full potential.
👉 Explore the range of Ninja Air Fryers now.
The Unexpected Stars of the Air Fryer
With Ninja’s powerful, smart technology, your appliance does so much more than just “fry.” Whether it’s the juicy steak, the golden grilled cheese, or gooey baked desserts, these unexpected foods shine because of the precision and versatility built into Ninja’s range.
1. The Perfect Steak
Who says you need a BBQ to get a crusty, juicy steak? With select Ninja models like the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill, you get the power of indoor grilling and air frying in one. The Grill function sears your steak at high heat, while the Foodi Smart Probe continuously tracks internal temps to ensure you hit your perfect doneness, without even opening the lid. The result? A steakhouse-quality finish, minimal smoke, and zero guesswork.
👉 Try it with this New York Strip Steak & Grilled Asparagus recipe.
2. Flaky, Never-Dry Fish Fillets
Fish is delicate, but Ninja makes it foolproof. Thanks to the Air Fry and Roast settings, heat circulates rapidly and evenly, so fish fillets crisp beautifully on the outside while staying moist inside. And unlike a pan or oven, the Ninja doesn’t dry them out or require flipping halfway.
Bonus: Some models feature Smart Finish, letting you roast fish in one drawer and cook sides (like potatoes or asparagus) in the other, so everything’s ready at the same time.
👉 Start with this Roasted Salmon and Parmesan Asparagus recipe.
3. Hard-Boiled Eggs (Without the Water!)
Yes, you read that right. Thanks to the consistent, circulating heat of the Air Fry function, you can “boil” eggs, without boiling a thing. No pot. No cracked shells. No waiting for water to boil. Just set your temperature and time, and let the air fryer work its magic. The result is perfectly cooked, easy-to-peel eggs that make meal prep a total breeze.
👉 Take things up a notch with this seriously tasty Scotch Egg recipe
4. Quick & Crispy Tofu
Soggy tofu? Not on Ninja’s watch. With the Air Fry or Bake function, you’ll get irresistibly crispy cubes, no deep frying required. Just press out the moisture, give it a light cornstarch coating, and don’t overcrowd the basket. Ninja’s DualZone Technology on models like the FlexDrawer or Foodi Dual Zone makes it easy to batch cook and crisp every piece evenly.
👉 For more tips check out this [How to Make Perfectly Crispy Tofu in an Air Fryer] guide
5. Entire Baked Desserts
With Bake mode and consistent high heat, your air fryer can handle gooey brownies, tender muffins, cookie skillets, and even mini cakes. The smaller internal space heats faster and bakes more evenly than traditional ovens, perfect for small batches and sweet cravings.
And if your model has a Proof function (hello, fresh cinnamon rolls), you can rise your dough right in the air fryer - no warm cupboard required.
👉 See what’s possible in our [Easy and Delicious Desserts You Can Make in an Air Fryer]
6. The Ultimate Grilled Cheese
There’s grilled cheese… and then there’s air-fried grilled cheese. The difference? That ultra-even, golden crisp you only get when hot air circulates around every edge of the bread. No soggy spots. No burnt patches. Just a golden, crunchy exterior with gooey cheese inside. Add sliced tomato, caramelised onion or even a sprinkle of chilli flakes - the air fryer handles them all without making a mess.
👉 Because everything's better with cheese in the middle, make these burgers next.
Is an Air Fryer Right for You?
A Ninja air fryer isn’t just an appliance, it’s many appliances in one.
It saves time and space
Roast veggies, crisp up leftovers, dehydrate fruit, or even bake muffins - all from a single, compact unit. Whether you're tight on kitchen space or simply want to streamline your cooking routine, it’s a smart, time-saving solution.
Still deciding between an oven, deep fryer, or air fryer?
👉 See how they stack up in our side-by-side guide.
It’s perfect for any household
Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a hungry family, or meal prepping for the week ahead, there’s a Ninja model to suit. With sizes ranging from single-drawer essentials to mega-capacity DualZone machines, you’ll find an option tailored to your lifestyle and your appetite.
👉 Discover the best Ninja air fryers for families, meal preppers & solo cooks.
One Appliance, Endless Possibilities
Still thinking an air fryer is just for chips? It’s time to think bigger. From juicy steaks and flaky fish to crispy tofu, molten desserts, and even hard-boiled eggs, your Ninja air fryer isn’t just handy, it’s game-changing. And the best part? That’s just scratching the surface.
If you don’t have one yet - or you’re only using yours for the basics - you’re seriously underplaying what an air fryer can do. This isn’t just a shortcut for weeknight meals. It’s a space-saving, time-slashing, creativity-unlocking powerhouse that might just become the most-used appliance in your kitchen.
👉 Ready to discover which model unlocks the other 90% of what’s possible?
Explore the Ultimate Ninja Air Fryer Buying Guide and find your perfect match. You’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.
