I’ll probably take that extra step to make the mac and cheese since my kids loved it so much, but I won’t be doing it again for spaghetti or Mexican rice.
I could save time and mess by making those dishes on my stove. Plus, the air fryer is an unnecessary step if I have to pre-cook carbs beforehand.
I’ll continue to use the air fryer for proteins, especially when I’m trying to keep my oven usage to a minimum. Being able to make meatballs or chicken nuggets in the appliance was a major plus and something I’d definitely consider for future dinners.
The taco meat was also tasty, and I could see this air-fryer method being great for someone who doesn’t want to or can’t stand over a stovetop for a prolonged period.
This story was originally published on September 24, 2023, and most recently updated on July 20, 2026.