Cooking steak in an air fryer results in a well-done steak and does not achieve the crust created by pan-searing. This wonderful crust results from the Maillard reaction, an interaction between proteins and carbohydrates when foods are cooked at high temperatures.

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, and even if the chicken or roast fits in the air fryer, there's a decently high risk that it won't cook evenly. It is best to cut the chicken or meat into smaller pieces to prevent overcrowding.

Cooking bacon in an air fryer can be messy, as the circulating hot air in the device can cause bacon grease to splatter. You may be able to prevent this by placing a piece of bread in the air fryer basket to absorb the grease, but you’re better off cooking the bacon another way.

Like steaks, burger patties are usually cooked well-done in an air fryer. The best way to air fry a patty is by choosing an 80/20 meat-to-fat ground beef blend, pressing down the center of the meat to prevent swelling, and checking the meat early on to avoid overcooking.

Air-fried chicken wings present a lighter alternative to their deep-fried counterparts. Air frying is a faster way to prepare them, and they can be just as crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside as conventionally made wings.