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Air fryers are a kitchen staple, and for a good reason! Air fryers make delicious food without all the oil. You may already know they make golden fries and crispy chicken, but air fryers can do so much more! From seafood to desserts, I’ve compiled a list of some of my best air fryer recipes that everyone is sure to love!
Table of Contents
What can you make in an air fryer? Well, the possibilities are virtually endless! Not only does an air fryer make the most delectable comfort food, but you can also use it to make the food you’d typically grill, bake, or saute. Air fryer meals satisfy all your cravings, from crispy Coconut Shrimp to luscious chocolate cake. This list of the 50 best air fryer recipes will show you it’s one of the most versatile kitchen tools, serving up healthier versions of your favorite dishes.
What is an air fryer?
You’ve probably been hearing more and more about air fryers lately. It’s a kitchen appliance that can fit on your countertop and fry food without the use of oil. They cook food by circulating hot air around the ingredients as a convection oven does. However, the speed at which it circulates the hot air is much faster than a convection oven. And because of this speed, the result mimics that of deep-fried golden crispy food.
If you are looking for more specific details on using this amazing appliance, my comprehensive guide on how to use an air fryer has everything covered. So if you’re not familiar with an air fryer, that would be a good starting point then be sure to come back here to check out the best recipes for air fryer.
What’s the best air fryer?
After reading some reviews and testing some air fryers, my favorite air fryer is the Instant Brand one that you can find on Amazon (affiliate link). I like how it fits on my countertop, it’s easy to use, crisps food perfectly, and is super easy to clean! Be sure to check out my post on how to clean an air fryer to remove any stuck-on grease. Spoiler alert: it’s easier than you think!
Why You Should Cook More Air Fryer Recipes
- Healthier Cooking: One of the major benefits is that an air fryer can be used without any fat or with just a tiny spray of oil if you choose. You can cook fries, wings, onion rings, and so much more and still get the super crispy results without all that oil.
- Minimal Clean-Up: Air fryer meals means clean-up is a breeze. Cleaning up is never fun, but with an air fryer, you just have a basket and pan to clean, and most are dishwasher safe. Also, most parts are non-stick coated, so food won’t stick.
- Quicker Meals: Because air fryers are smaller than ovens and circulate the air around with fans, they cook food faster. Preheating an oven can take up to 30 mins, whereas air fryers come up to temp within a couple of minutes. Frozen fries that would usually take 45 mins come out perfectly crispy in 15 minutes! This makes healthy air fryer recipes incredibly quick.
- Versatile: You can cook fresh and frozen foods and even reheat leftovers. You can do anything from meat to veggies and sandwiches to casseroles. You can make even more when you include certain added features, such as a rotisserie rack, grills, cake pans, etc. Dividable baskets also mean you can cook different foods at the same time.
- Saves Space: If you have a small kitchen or limited countertop space, an air fryer takes up minimal room in your kitchen, plus they are easy to store away. Air fryers can also replace other appliances, like toaster ovens.
- Easy to Use: Most fryers are very simple to use. You just choose the temperature and the cooking time, and then add the food – no need for any stirring or nursing the food.
Best Air Fryer Recipes
Make meal time easier with some of these tasty and healthy air fryer recipes. We’ve scoured the internet for some of the best recipes for air fryer and I’m sure you’ll find a few air fryer meals in this collection that will go on your regular meal rotation. Whether you’re looking for breakfast ideas, main entrees that can be whipped up fast, deliciously roasted vegetables, or even air fryer dessert recipes, this round up has you covered. You’ll even find a dedicated section for the best air fryer chicken recipes and the top air fryer recipes for potatoes. There is truly, something for everyone.
Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes
- Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs – Start the day on the right note – with a hard-boiled egg! This easy hands-off method is perfect for busy mornings. Just set the eggs in the air fryer basket, set the timer, and go get ready for the day.
- Air Fryer French Toast – Whether you whip these up for quick breakfast or enjoy them as a sweet treat later in the day, these French toast sticks will become a favorite fast! They’re easy to prep and cook quickly in the air fryer, fuss-free! Enjoy with maple syrup or quick strawberry chia jam.
- Easy Air Fryer Omelette – Made in the air fryer with all your favorite fixings and 8 minutes from start to finish. Bulk it up with cooked ground beef and mushrooms and top with fresh green onions for a pop of color.
- Air Fryer Fried Eggs – Nothing beats a good morning than fried eggs. But if you’re like me, the first hours of the day are at a premium. That’s where air fried eggs come in. You don’t have to heat up your kitchen, and you don’t have to watch them cook on the stovetop. Enjoy this classic breakfast fuss-free.
- Air Fryer Breakfast Burritos – Similar to my southwest breakfast burrito, these are filled with eggs, beans, and veggies and are oh-so-good! Burritos make a hearty meal to start the day with. Prep them in advance and freeze for a hassle-free breakfast. Your future self will thank you.
- Air Fryer Breakfast Pizzas – English muffins topped with pizza sauce or leftover homemade spaghetti sauce, cracked egg, cheese, and your favorite toppings like black olives, onions, mushrooms, and more! Pop them in the air fryer for an easy and delicious breakfast the whole family will love.
Best Air Fryer Recipes with Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs – Get perfectly juicy and crispy chicken thighs in half the time. Change up your seasonings and include this as part of your weekly meal rotation. So quick, so easy, and most importantly so delicious!
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – This is one the best air fryer chicken recipes because it’s perfect on those nights when you want something that’s quick to prepare but utterly satisfying. Chicken tenders are so versatile. Pair them with lemon pasta or dunk them in your favorite sauce.
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings – Everyone needs a good chicken wings recipe in their arsenal. These wings are a healthier option without the deep drying or long cooking time in the oven. They’re crisp on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside.
- Breaded Air Fryer Chicken – Love fried chicken but not all the greasiness that comes with it? Try these! Thinly sliced chicken breasts are dredged in seasoned breadcrumbs and air-fried until golden crisp and mouthwatering delicious.
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast – Say good-bye to dry and rubbery chicken breast. The air fryer captures the moist and juicy textures while delivering a flavor that’s hard to resist. Pair it with your favorite pasta or salad dish and you have a delicious meal!
- Pickle Brined Air Fryer Chicken – Have you ever brined chicken in pickle juice? It’s so good! The pickle juice tenderizes the chicken and gives it a salty slightly briny flavor. The chicken tenders are then baked to golden perfection in the air fryer. This will be your new favorite chicken recipe!
- Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan – Pounded chicken breasts are dredged in a flour and breadcrumb coating and air-fried. Then they’re topped with marinara sauce and a slice of mozzarella cheese for a delicious and healthier chicken Parmesan dinner.
Top Air Fryer Recipes for Main Course
- Air Fryer Salmon – This salmon dish can be whipped up in 10 minutes, making it ideal for a simple weeknight dinner. Let the air fryer do all the work in creating a wonderfully tender salmon that tastes like something off a fancy restaurant menu.
- Air Fryer Fish & Chips – Fish and chips is a classic pair that’s traditionally deep fried. But making it in the air fryer is so quick, easy, and much better for you! Serve it with steamed broccoli for an easy family weeknight meal.
- Air Fryer Hamburgers – You may never go back to grilled hamburgers again after trying this easy and tasty version. This is one of those super easy air fryer meals that the whole family will love because you cook the meat and they build their own burgers.
- Air Fryer Steak – I know nothing competes with a classic grilled steak, but sometimes firing up the grill is too much after a long day. The good news is that you can still enjoy tender, juicy, and oh-so-perfect steak using an air fryer. It’s quick, easy, and fuss-free.
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp – These are so quick and easy to make and taste just as good, if not better, than your favorite restaurant appetizer. It’s made in the air fryer with a just a handful of ingredients and have that perfect crispy edges and golden brown crust.
- Air Fryer Greek Salmon – A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings give this salmon incredibly fresh flavor. Whip up a quick Greek salad to top the fillets and you have a healthy, light, and oh-so-delicious meal in less than 30 minutes!
- Air Fryer Meatballs – Grab a bowl and mix ground beef with just a handful of simple ingredients and pop them in your air fryer for an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love. They’re crispy, tender, and oh-so delicious. They will quickly become one of your top air fryer recipes that you’ll be coming back to regularly.
- Crispy Feta Crouton Salad – Take your salad to the next level by jazzing them up with air fried crispy feta croutons. Feta cubes are coated with seasoned breadcrumbs and air fried to crispy perfection before being paired with a light and refreshing salad. This is one of my top air fryer recipes because it’s quick and delicious!
- Parmesan Air Fryer Cod – Crispy golden outside and flakey and tender on the inside; you will love this with any side, salad, or as is. It’s that good. And the simple seasonings let the natural flavors in cod shine through. Serve over brown rice and a fresh garden salad to make it a complete meal.
Air Fryer Potato Recipes
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries – These fries give you that satisfying crunch and delicious flavor while cutting down on calories and fat. They make a perfect side dish to many recipes and serve as a tasty snack with ranch dip.
- Air Fryer French Fries – A good stack of fries makes a great snack or side dish. Air Fryer fries come out wonderfully crispy with just a fraction of the oil used in traditional deep frying, making them a healthier and equally delicious choice to enjoy with your burger or just because.
- Air Fryer Baked Potato – If you love a crispy potato skin with a moist, fluffy, soft, and pillowy interior, you will love these baked potatoes. Top them with butter, sour cream, cheese, and chives for an easy weeknight side dish.
- Air Fryer Potatoes – You need a good potato dish on your list of healthy air fryer recipes and this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s made with better-for-you ingredients and uses only 1 teaspoon of olive oil for 3 potatoes. And the texture and flavor is top-notch.
- Air Fryer Potato Skins – Stuffed potato skins are a classic American appetizer that are filled with cheese and green onions. Or pair them with a hearty protein like garlic butter steak bites or rosemary roasted chicken for an easy meal.
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips – This take offers a better solution when your potato chip cravings are running high. They are made using a fraction of the oil that you would find in your favorite chips, but are still equally delicious.
- Air Fryer Potatoes au Gratin – These cheesy scalloped potatoes are a perfect side dish for holiday dinners or weeknight meals. They’re made with Yukon gold potatoes, heavy cream, shredded cheese, and simple seasonings and cook up real fast in the air fryer.
Air Fried Vegetables
- Air Fryer Mixed Vegetables – When it comes to healthy air fryer recipes, you know vegetables are making that list. This easy side dish features Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, squash, and onions and makes a quick side that pairs great with any protein. It’s a simple vegetable side dish that requires little prep and minimal ingredients but gives big flavors.
- Air Fryer Cauliflower – Toss cauliflower florets in oil and seasonings and pop them in an air fryer to roast until perfectly crispy on the outside and deliciously tender on the inside texture. It’s a much easier and fuss-free version but equally delicious as the whole roasted cauliflower.
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts – Win any Brussels sprouts skeptics with this air fryer version. You’ll be surprised by the flavor with just a few basic ingredients. They come out tender-crisp, not mushy, and with crunchy edges. Even the kids will devour them!
- Air Fryer Corn Ribs – Long strips of corn are coated with butter flavored with cilantro and air fried to perfection. This Tik Tok sensation is fun to serve and can easily be customized with so many flavors.
- Air Fryer Green Beans – This side dish comes together quickly in less than 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or a quick side dish for a fancy weekend meal. Plus, there’s no need to preheat the oven, saving time and energy while enjoying that perfectly crisp-tender texture.
- Air Fryer Roasted Asparagus – Crisp, tender, and delicious. Once you air fry asparagus, there’s no going back. Well, unless you grill asparagus because that’s equally delicious. But they’re something about roasted asparagus that make them so mouthwatering and delicious. Try air frying them and see for yourself.
Easy Air Fryer Snacks and Appetizers
- Avocado Fries – No one will ever guess these avocado fries are not deep fried. They have that perfect crispy, deep-fried feel but without the need for lots of oil. Cut avocado wedges, dredge them in breadcrumbs, and pop them in the air fryer for a hassle-free appetizer that will be a guaranteed hit.
- Air Fryer Pasta Chips – These viral Tik Tok chips are crunchy, tasty, and oh-so-perfect for dipping with your favorite sauce for a fun appetizer idea. They’re made with cooked pasta that’s tossed with olive oil, parmesan cheese, and spices before air fried until crispy.
- Air Fryer Chickpeas – These roasted chickpeas are perfect when you’re craving something crunchy and salty but still want your snack to be healthy-ish. All you need is a can of chickpeas, some spices, and your air fryer.
- Air Fryer Popcorn – If you prefer not to use the microwave to make popcorn – try it in the air fryer. With just 3 ingredients and 10 minutes, you can have a bowl full of perfectly crunchy, salty, and puffy popcorn that kids and adults alike will love.
- Air Fryer Falafel – Give falafel a healthier twist by cooking it in the air fryer. Falafel is one of Lebanon’s iconic street foods made with chickpeas, herbs, and aromatics. These small bites are a breeze to make and taste just as delicious, if not better!
- Air Fryer Zucchini Chips – Crispy, cheesy, and so easy to make, these breaded zucchini bites are perfect as a delicious appetizer or snack. They are so addicting when dipped into the accompanying dill and garlic sour cream dip.
- Air Fryer Tofu – These meatless bites have the best quick marinade made with Asian flare and tossed in cornstarch to create a light, crispy coating. Enjoy them with a spicy mayo dipping sauce for a protein-packed appetizer or as an entree with sides.
- Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots – Your regular tater tots get a makeover with this tasty rendition. Made with mashed cauliflower, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs, these veggie bites are then cooked to a golden brown perfection for a healthy appetizer or snack.
- Sweet Potato Bites – This fancy finger food has the perfect blend of flavors in every bite. Air fryer roasted sweet potatoes are topped with whipped cheese and delicious toppings like dried cranberries and fresh thyme for a tasty bite-size appetizer you won’t be able to say no to.
- Air Fryer Honey Goat Cheese Balls – With 5 simple ingredients, this appetizer has creamy goat cheese interior and crispy breadcrumbs crust. Drizzle honey for the most decadent treat that’s perfect for any holiday party or just because.
Dessert Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Apple Chips – Some of the best recipes for air fryer are also the most simplest. With just 2 ingredients, these apple chips come together to curb any sugar cravings. Seasoned with cinnamon and no added sugar, you’ll actually feel good about serving this fruit snack. Plus, using the air fryer means you can enjoy them in 15 minutes!
- Air Fryer Churros – These are such a delightful treat. This Mexican-inspired dessert is freshly baked in an air fryer and coated with cinnamon sugar for an addicting sweet treat everyone will love. You’ll be surprised at how easy this comes together at home.
- Air Fryer Banana Fritters – These healthier air fryer banana fritters are quick to make and have better-for-you-ingredients. They cook quickly in the air fryer and produce a satisfying and wholesome treat for all to enjoy.
- Air Fryer Chocolate Cake – If you love my chocolate mug cake but need to treat a few more people than just yourself, you will love this air fryer chocolate cake. It conveniently makes 4 servings and has the perfect crumb and oh-so-delicious.
- Air Fryer Apple Fritters – This is the most perfect fruit-filled breakfast pastry or sweet dessert that you can enjoy any time of day. With a simple donut-like batter made from scratch and fresh cubed apples in every bite, you won’t be able to stop at just one.
frequently asked questions
The best foods to cook in an air fryer are typically those that would benefit from crispy textures. This includes foods like chicken, fish, French fries, and various vegetables like Brussels sprouts and broccoli. Prepared frozen foods like beef taco burritos also come out deliciously crispy without the need for extra oil.
The most important thing to avoid are foods with large water content like a wet, runny batter, as it can be blown around in the air fryer and hit the heating elements. Likewise, avoid putting loose seasoning or breading into the air fryer for the same reason. You’ll notice that many of our breaded recipes call for oil to help the seasoning adhere to food – that’s a crucial step you do not want to skip.
I recommend neutral oils like olive oil and avocado oil for air frying. It’s best to use oils with a high smoke point to prevent smoking and maintain food quality.
Now that you have this collection of the best recipes for air fryer, the only question left: what will you make first? Whether it’s one of the best air fryer chicken recipes or a tasty potato side, your air fryer is ready to make your meals both convenient and delicious. Be sure to share with us below!
full list of recipes
Check out the picture cards for all the recipes listed above. You can click on any of the recipes cards to take you directly to those recipes.
Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
Air Fryer French Toast
Easy Air Fryer Omelette
Air Fryer Fried Eggs
Breakfast Burritos {Easy Freezer Breakfast!} – Plated Cravings
Air Fryer English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Breaded Air Fryer Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Pickle Brined Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Air Fryer Salmon
Air Fryer Fish & Chips
Air Fryer Hamburgers
Air Fryer Steak
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Air Fryer Greek Salmon
Air Fryer Meatballs
Crispy Feta Croutons Salad
Incredible Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Cod
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer Baked Potato
Air Fryer Potatoes
Homemade Air Fryer Potato Skins
Air Fryer Sweet Potato
Air Fryer Vegetables
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
Air Fryer Green Beans
Perfect “Roasted” Air Fryer Asparagus
Avocado Fries
Pasta Chips
Air Fryer Chickpeas
Air Fryer Popcorn
Air Fryer Falafel
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Air Fryer Tofu
Air Fryer Cauliflower Tater Tots
Cranberry Goat Cheese Sweet Potato Bites
Airfryer Honey Goat Cheese Balls
Apple Chips
Air Fryer Churros
Air fryer banana fritters
Air Fryer Chocolate Cake – Who Needs A Cape?
Air Fryer Apple Fritters
For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Recipes with 5 Ingredients or Less, Easy Pantry Meals, Leftover Meals, and Recipes to Make this Summer.
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