The air fryer has changed the way we cook at home. If you haven’t added one to your kitchen yet, it’s worth it—this appliance delivers quick, crispy results with less oil and less hassle. We use ours nearly every day, and on our weekly Costco runs we keep finding great foods that turn out perfectly in the basket.
From proteins to snacks and party appetizers, here are our top Costco picks to cook in the air fryer.
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Best Proteins to Air Fry
Salmon – Cooking salmon in the air fryer is quick and foolproof. For a simple, tasty approach, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on top, press on panko crumbs, and air fry until the crust is golden. The result is moist fish with a crisp topping in minutes.
Chicken Wings – Costco carries frozen and fresh wing options as well as pre-cooked wings near the rotisserie section. All of these crisp up nicely in the air fryer, but pre-cooked wings especially regain that just-baked texture and extra crunch.
Italian Sausage — On rainy nights when grilling isn’t possible, Italian sausages do beautifully in the air fryer. Pierce the casing, cook at 400°F for roughly 12 minutes, and check for doneness with a thermometer. You’ll get a juicy interior and a nicely browned casing.
Shrimp — Shrimp cooks fast and can overcook easily; the air fryer helps prevent that. Toss shrimp with a little olive oil and your favorite seasoning, air fry at 400°F for 5–6 minutes, shaking once halfway through. Perfect for tacos, salads, or pasta dishes.
Real Good Chicken Strips — These gluten-free strips crisp up well and are less greasy when air fried versus baked, delivering satisfying crunch and mild flavor without extra oil.
Snack Time Favorites
Sweet Potato Fries – Simple and delicious when cooked in a single layer. They crisp quickly, so watch them closely to avoid burning. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure an even, crunchy finish.
French Fries – Costco’s frozen fries crisp up into tasty, golden fries with far less oil than traditional frying. Spread them in one layer for the best results and shake the basket once or twice for even browning.
Dino Nuggets – These are an easy, kid-friendly option. The fun shapes are a hit with kids, and older children can usually handle cooking them in the air fryer without preheating an oven.
Mini Tacos — Microwave these and they become soggy; air frying restores the crispness. Heat until golden and serve with a creamy cilantro-lime sauce or salsa for easy party bites.
Mozzarella Sticks – The air fryer seals in the cheese while crisping the coating, preventing premature leaks and delivering a perfect melty center with a crunchy exterior. Serve with your favorite marinara.
Crispy Appetizers & Party Pleasers
Panko Shrimp – Panko-coated shrimp crisp beautifully in the air fryer and make an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer. Serve with garlic aioli, sweet chili, or buffalo sauce for dipping.
Spring Rolls – Vegetable spring rolls crisp up fast and free oven space during busy meals or holiday gatherings. They’re a convenient vegetarian option and come with dipping sauce in many packages.
Spanakopita – These flaky spinach and cheese triangles get extra crunchy in the air fryer while staying tender inside, making them a reliable favorite for brunches and holiday spreads.
Tempura Shrimp – Tempura shrimp often turns soggy in the oven; the air fryer ensures a golden, crispy coating that stays light and crunchy—great for appetizers or mains.
Portuguese Custard Tarts – These mini tarts are perfect for a quick dessert or coffee break. Air frying reheats and crisps them in about ten minutes without waiting for the oven to preheat, giving you a flaky crust and warm custard center.
Costco Foods We’ll Never Air Fry Again
Some items just don’t work well in an air fryer. We tested these and decided to stick with other cooking methods.
Hamburgers — Cooking burgers in an air fryer created a mess and didn’t produce the flavor or texture we prefer. For frozen or grilled-style burgers, the grill or oven delivers better results.
Raw Chicken Tenderloins — Unbreaded tenderloins tended to dry out for us in the air fryer. Until we find a reliable method, we’ll cook these using other techniques that keep them juicier.
Bacon — Bacon can be tricky in an air fryer and produced inconsistent results and excessive splatter in our tests. The oven remains our go-to for evenly cooked, crisp bacon with less cleanup.
Thinking About Buying an Air Fryer? Here’s What to Consider
If you’re shopping for an air fryer, do a bit of research to match the model to your needs. Size, features, and ease of cleaning will shape how useful it is for your household.
Key points to consider:
- Size Matters — Choose a capacity that fits your family. Smaller 4L models are fine for singles or couples, but families often prefer 6L–8L to avoid cooking in multiple batches.
- All-in-One vs. Air Fryer Only — An air-fryer-only unit is usually simpler and easier to clean. Multi-function toaster-oven hybrids can do more but may be bulkier and harder to maintain.
- Controls & Presets — Preset buttons can be handy, but many users prefer manual control. When unsure, a good rule of thumb is to try 400°F as a starting point and adjust time based on the food and your model.
The air fryer has earned a permanent spot on our counter. Costco’s freezer aisles are full of foods that cook quickly and turn out crispy and delicious in this appliance. Whether you need a fast snack, an easy weeknight dinner, or party appetizers, the right Costco items make air frying simple and satisfying.
Give It a Try!
Costco offers a wide selection of air-fryer-friendly foods that simplify mealtime and taste great. Have a favorite we didn’t include? Share it in the comments—we’re always hunting for new finds to test.
Happy air frying!
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