Air Fryer Recipes make it easy to whip up tasty appetizers, quick dinner ideas, and even healthy dessert recipes. This kitchen appliance cooks foods like cheesy mushrooms and crispy Brussels sprouts with little to no oil.
It can also be used to make fried favorites, like this Chick-fil-A copycat recipe or these fish tacos. It even works well for snacks, such as these homemade doughnuts.
1. Baked Potatoes
Baking potatoes in an air fryer is a fast and easy way to make them crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They can be served with all sorts of toppings to create a delicious meal.
The best air fryer baked potato recipes use russet potatoes for their classic flavor and texture. Scrub the potatoes, then dry them thoroughly. Prick them with a fork and rub or brush them with oil before seasoning. This step is important because it helps ensure the skins crisp up. A sprinkle of salt adds flavor.
Bake the potatoes for about 30 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Let them cool slightly before cutting open and adding toppings. Topping ideas include sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, green onions, and more. You can also serve a scoop of chili or beans, salsa, nacho cheese, or pulled pork with these tasty potatoes.
2. Chicken Breast
Lean cuts of meat can get dry and boring, but an air fryer helps them stay moist and flavorful. This recipe features a delicious blend of spices including smoked paprika, cumin, and onion powder that creates a crispy, savory crust. Simply brush boneless chicken breasts with olive oil before rubbing them with the seasoning blend and cooking them in the air fryer.
This easy recipe makes a quick dinner for any night of the week. Add it to salads or casseroles for a complete meal. Or wrap them in bacon for Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken!
Make this chicken recipe ahead of time and store it in an airtight freezer-safe container for meal prep. It reheats well in the air fryer or in the microwave for a quick snack or lunch. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
3. Frozen Foods
Frozen foods are a staple in many homes, offering convenience and a quick meal solution. But they can be tricky to prepare, as they often turn soggy or unappetizing when cooked incorrectly.
The air fryer can make them crispy and delicious, as the hot circulating air cooks the food evenly on all sides. Plus, you don’t have to worry about overcrowding, which can lead to inconsistent results.
The air fryer is ideal for frozen foods like tater tots and onion rings, as they cook quickly and crispy with minimal added oil. You can even use it to bake frozen foods such as cookies and doughnuts, as long as you preheat the oven first. Just be sure to check the box for baking times and instructions. Make these air fryer frozen foods into a full meal with some dipping sauce and a salad.
4. Vegetable Fries
Vegetable fries are a healthy and fun way to add more vegetables to your diet. They’re great for snacking or as a side dish. They also pair well with dipping sauces like ketchup or mustard.
To make air fryer vegetable fries, simply slice your favorite vegetables into “fry” shapes and coat them with a little oil and seasonings. You can use any kind of veggie, from potatoes to zucchini or even butternut squash. Just keep in mind that firm types of veggies, like beets or carrots, will need more time to roast than soft ones.
When working with frozen vegetables, always check the label to make sure they don’t contain any extra oil. If they do, you’ll need to thaw them before cooking. Once thawed, add them to the air fryer in a single layer and cook.
5. Baked Apples
A traditional fall treat, baked apples are a delicious way to use up your fruit and make for a satisfying snack or dessert. This air fryer recipe is a healthy and delicious twist on this classic dish.
Start by prepping the apples and coring them using a paring knife, melon baller, or spoon. Combine the topping ingredients, stir, and then fill the apple cavities.
Add 1/2 cup water to the air fryer basket to generate steam. This will keep the apples moist and prevent them from drying out during the cooking process.
6. Burgers
Craving a juicy hamburger but don’t want to fire up the grill? Air fryers can do the trick! These burgers are easy to make and delicious, especially when topped with cheese.
In a bowl combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt and garlic powder. Mix well and form into four even patties. Preheat the air fryer and cook the patties for 8 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional six to eight minutes.
Serve on buns or wraps and top with desired condiments. This recipe calls for ketchup and mayonnaise, but feel free to experiment with other toppings like sliced pickles, caramelized onions, guacamole or arugula. Enjoy! This makes a great weeknight meal! The air fryer saves so much time too.
7. Chicken Wings
Whether they’re breaded or not, chicken wings get that perfectly crisp-on-the-outside texture in an air fryer thanks to the appliance’s fans and heating mechanism. Crushed Ritz crackers add even more crunch to this air-fried chicken recipe.
Vegetable fries—savory or sweet—also come out crispy in an air fryer. Try them with a mix of herbs and Parmesan cheese or carrots seasoned with butter and brown sugar.
The Potash Twins make donuts in the air fryer that are both healthier and quicker than deep-fried varieties. You can make them vegan, too, by substituting the milk for almond milk. Use these appetizers as part of a meal or serve them at your next party. They’re a great way to impress your guests. And they’re surprisingly easy to make. (Just don’t forget the sauce!)!
8. Fish Tacos
If you love fish tacos but find they’re too labor-intensive for a weeknight dinner, these air fryer recipes are your saving grace. The spiced cod in this recipe is a crowd-pleaser, but you can also try it with mahi mahi or another type of fish.
Topping your tacos with an easy slaw is just as simple in the air fryer as it is on the stovetop. Simply mix sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, lime juice, and salt before tossing in cabbage and red onion.
Whether you’re craving a savory grilled cheese or a sweet glazed doughnut, the air fryer is your best friend when it comes to easy dinner recipes. You’ll be able to put a healthy dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. Even better, you’ll be able to avoid the calorie overload of traditional deep-fried foods.
9. Chicken Tenders
Air fryers cook foods by circulating hot air, so you can make deep-fried-like dishes with less than half the oil. These crispy chicken tenders are seasoned with garlic, paprika, and cayenne to give them some extra kick.
You’ll be amazed at how quick and easy it is to make air-fried chicken with this recipe! It only takes about 12 minutes total to cook these mouthwatering chicken tenders. They’re a perfect appetizer or lunch to enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces.
This recipe makes a whole pound of chicken tenders, but you can also make them in batches and freeze them for later. Just make sure to leave some room between each batch when lining them up on a baking sheet. You’ll want to avoid overcrowding them since they will cook at different speeds. This will affect how quickly they’ll be ready to eat.
10. Potato Chips
Potato chips are a snack favorite but they can be high in calories and fat. The good news is that you can make healthier versions in your air fryer!
Scrub the potatoes, then slice them thin (with a mandoline or sharp knife). Soak the slices in cold water to remove excess starch and to help them crisp up in the Air Fryer Recipes.
Toss the potato slices with a few tablespoons of oil and your desired seasonings. Try just salt and pepper or a sprinkle of paprika, for example. Air fry for about 10 minutes, turning and tossing them halfway through cooking. Serve hot with a dipping sauce like homemade healthier French onion dip made with Greek yogurt. Make extras and store in an airtight container. They will keep it for a couple of days.