The Best Air Fryer Recipes - Delicious Fried and Crispy Recipes with Less Guilt. (2024)

Jill Mills

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From breakfast to dinner and dessert, we’ve uncovered the BEST Air Fryer Recipes. These include the traditional favorites like chicken wings to more unconventional air fryer recipes like blueberry wontons and hush puppies!

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I LOVE my air fryer. It is probably my favorite appliance in the kitchen. It makes recipes quick and easy and, often, healthier than the original recipe. I love discovering and trying new air fryer recipes and am always shocked at the things you can actually make in your air fryer. Everyone seems to automatically think of bar foods but you can even cook dessert!

I use my air fryer several times a week so I’ve rounded up some of those recipes I make frequently to share with you.

What Is An Air Fryer?

Air fryers have become the latest must-have kitchen gadget over the best several years. And, for good reason! Air fryers are like magic in a box. They are essentially small, countertop convection ovens that “fry” your food with little or no oil, using just hot air.

How Do Air Fryers Work?

Air fryers work similarly to a convection oven. You place your food in the basket, which has many small holes, and hot air immediately circulates on all sides of the food. The quick, hot heat crisps the outside while the inside cooks giving you the “deep fried effect” without actually immersing anything in oil.

Some recipes will call for oil just to coat whatever you’re cooking and I do recommend spraying the basket to prevent things from sticking but otherwise, no oil is needed.

What Can I Cook In An Air Fryer?

Oh, so many things! The original idea was that an air fryer could be used in place of a deep fryer for many fried foods but over the last few years the internet has uncovered how to cook basically anything and anything in the air fryer.

You can cook your typical fried foods like chicken fingers, French fries, and onion rings but also things like hamburgers, steak, hotdogs, roasted vegetables, pizza, and even desserts.

Honestly, if you can bake it or fry it, you can likely make it in the air fryer!

Just getting started with your air fryer? Be sure to check out my air fryer tips and cooking times printable!

Air Fryer Pizza

MakeEasy Air Fryer Pizzafor a delicious build-your-own pizza dinner the whole family will love. Biscuit dough crusts topped with sauce, pepperoni, sausage, and cheese, then baked fresh in minutes in the air fryer. Pizza night has never been so fun!

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Air Fryer Donuts

All you need is a can of refrigerated biscuits and 3 other ingredients to make these cinnamon sugar air fryer donuts! And they’re ready in just 5 minutes!

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Air Fryer Pickles

With these Air Fryer Pickles, you can indulge in deep fried pickles whenever the craving hits, with none of the guilt! These easy fried pickles are super crispy even without being fried in oil and are served with the best homemade dipping sauce.

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Air Fryer Pineapple

ThisAir Fryer Pineapplerecipe is perfect for creating sweet caramelized pineapple in less than 20 minutes. Serve with ice cream for a seriously quick and easy dessert.

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Air Fryer Nashville Chicken

This Nashville chicken is absolutely irresistible! Strips of chicken are dipped in buttermilk and seasoned with a splash of hot sauce and pickle juice. And the air fryer cooks them in just minutes!

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Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs

Tiny little bites of fried apple pie that you can pop in your mouth., these apple pie bombs are absolute perfection when served warm! All of your favorite apple pie flavors with none of the work.

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Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Fried chicken that doesn’t require deep frying? Sign me up! My air fryer has helped revamp my dedication to healthier eating and this recipe is one example of why. This fried chicken is so good you won’t even realize it’s not deep-fried!

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Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp (From Skinnytaste)

This fast and easy Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp recipe is a meal-in-one, made with shrimp, sausage, and lots of colorful vegetables such as zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers. Customize it to your family’s preferences for a fast and healthy weeknight dinner.

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Air Fryer Steak Fries (From Kleinworth & Co)

Air Fryer Steak Fries are loaded with garlic & parmesan cheese. This quick & easy recipe is ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for game day, race day, or as a bbq side dish. Delish!

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How To Make Bacon In The Air Fryer

Bacon in the air fryer? Why yes, yes it is possible! And so darn good! Air fryer bacon is just as crispy as fried bacon, without all of the mess and grease.

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Air Fryer Jalapeno Cheese Balls

For a fun, cheesy appetizer with a little kick of heat, try these jalapeno bacon cheese balls! They’re like jalapeno poppers but better. Perfect for game day or any party!

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Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs

Hard boiled eggs are one of my favorite air fryer hacks. Here’s how to make them!

  • Preheat the air fryer to 250.
  • Add all the eggs to the basket and cook according to your preference, between 13 minutes for soft-boiled eggs and 17 minutes for hard boiled eggs.
  • Remove the eggs from the basket, and plunge them into an ice bath. Peel when cool and enjoy!
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Strawberry Air Fryer Cheesecake

Strawberry Cheesecake is one of my favorite air fryer desserts to share with friends and family. It has a sweet and creamy flavor that’s perfect for summer when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen with the oven!

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Air Fryer Bagels

Enjoy homemade bagels in 15 minutes with this easy recipe. All you need is simple ingredients like flour, Greek yogurt, and your favorite bagel toppings.

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Air Fryer Pasta Chips with Dipping Sauce

Have you seen the new TikTok craze,Pasta Chips? Guess what…they’re made in the air fryer! If you’ve been curious about this crispy crunchy snack, this recipe is going to blow your mind.

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Air Fryer Doritos Chicken Tenders

These Dorito air fryer chicken tenders are my kids’ new favorite meal. And I absolutely don’t mind making it for them a little too often because the crispy chicken tenders aren’t soaked with grease.

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Air Fryer Apple Fries

These apple fries are coated with graham crackers and sugar then air fried until crispy. Dipped into a caramel dipping sauce, they’re like a caramel apple but better!

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Air Fryer Garlic Knots

TheseAir Fryer Parmesan Garlic Knotsare crispy and crunchy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. All you need to do is make the knots, add your butter concoction, and pop them into the air fryer.

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Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Crispy chicken wings in less than 15 minutes with no grease? Yes, it’s possible! These air fryer wings use a dry rub for a crisp outside and incredible flavor.

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Air Fryer Blackberry Hand Pies

Hand pies are always a super fun dessert because who doesn’t love a personal-sized pie?! Now with the air fryer they’re easier to make than ever and still have that crisp, flaky outer crust.

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Air Fryer Avocado Fries

If you like avocados you’re going to totally try your hand at these air fryer avocado fries. They are breaded in Panko bread crumbs and seasoned with cajun spices for a delicious snack idea. We like making these as a dinner side dish or as an appetizer when we have company!

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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

Another favorite chicken wing recipe, these air fryer BBQ wings are coated in a delightful BBQ sauce while still getting perfectly crunchy on the outside. Not a fan of BBQ? Sub your favorite wing sauce!

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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers (from Berry Maple)

These easy air fryer jalapeno poppers are stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon. In addition to being delicious, these poppers are keto, low carb, and weight watchers friendly. Perfect for your next party!

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Air Fryer Reuben Egg Rolls (from Plum Crazy about Coupons)

One of the more unique air fryer recipes, these Reuben egg rolls take the typical sandwich ingredients and roll them up in an egg roll wrapper. The end result is surprisingly crisp and flavorful!

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Air Fryer Copycat Chick-Fil-A Nuggets

If you love Chick-Fil-A then you have to try these air fryer copycat nuggets! With just a few simple ingredients, they taste so close to the fast food favorite!

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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

When it comes to a full meal in the air fryer, this chicken parmesan recipe is one of my favorites. The chicken is cooked in less than 10 minutes and the flavor is exactly what you’d expect from your favorite Italian restaurant.

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Air Fryer Blueberry Cheesecake Wontons

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s a little unique, you can’t go wrong with these blueberry cheesecake wontons! This bite-sized dessert is stuffed with your favorite blueberry pie and cheesecake fillings in an easy-to-grab format. Perfect for sharing with friends and family!

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Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Salmon

This lemon pepper salmon tastes like something straight out of a restaurant but it’s ready in just minutes! The air fryer makes the salmon extra flaky without drying it out. Perfect for a nice dinner with friends and family!

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Coca-Cola Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Marinated in Cherry co*ke and a few other ingredients, these Coca-Cola air fryer wings are just what you need for your next game day party! They’re perfectly sticky and sweet with just a bit of warmth. Dip in ranch for the perfect party appetizer.

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Air Fryer S’mores Hand Pies

When you can’t roast s’mores over the campfire, the air fryer is the second-best option! These fun s’mores hand pies have all the elements of the classic campfire dessert with no fire necessary. Enjoy s’mores year-round with this fun dessert.

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Air Fryer Mashed Potato Cakes

These mashed potato cakes are a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes! Stir in some bacon, cheese, and chives then coat with panko crumbs before air frying to crisp, cheesy perfection.

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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Jalapeno Poppers (from This Old Gal)

A twist on the classic appetizer, these jalapeno poppers are stuffed with cream cheese then wrapped in chicken and bacon. Top with some BBQ sauce for a delightful dinner or party appetizer! You can even make these low carb and keto.

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Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli

Toasted ravioli in the air fryer is super crisp and dippable. Enjoy it as an appetizer before an Italian entree or make it the star of the show itself.

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Air Fryer Frosted Donuts (from Fluster Buster)

All you need to make these donuts is refrigerated biscuits, coconut oil, and 5 minutes of time! Add chocolate frosting and sprinkles or your other favorite donut toppings for a healthier alternative to this typically oily breakfast treat.

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Air Fryer Hush Puppies

Enjoy these air fryer hush puppies alongside your seafood dinner (maybe even one on this list!) or as a snack. You’ll likely be surprised at the flavor in this traditionally deep-fried recipe!

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The Best Air Fryer Recipes - Delicious Fried and Crispy Recipes with Less Guilt. (2024)

FAQs

Can you make crispy in air fryer? ›

A main draw of air fryers is that they use significantly less oil than regular frying and even roasting. However, a small amount of oil is usually necessary to achieve a crispy texture.

What foods are better in an air fryer? ›

Veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms & onions, and cauliflower all turn out incredible in the air fryer. You can also make your main dish IN the air fryer. It works magic with proteins like tofu, chicken drumsticks, meatballs, pork chops, fried chicken… even steak.

How can I make my air fry better? ›

While you are air-frying
  1. Add water to the air fryer drawer when cooking fatty foods. ...
  2. Don't overcrowd the basket. ...
  3. Flip foods over halfway through the cooking time. ...
  4. Open the air fryer as often as you like to check for doneness. ...
  5. Use toothpicks to hold foods down. ...
  6. Shake the basket. ...
  7. Spray with oil part way through.

What cannot be cooked in air fryer? ›

7 Foods You Should Never Cook In Your Air Fryer
  1. Wet Batters. Those beer-battered onion rings, fries, fish cutlets, plus tempura veggies and more are not well suited for a crisp in the air fryer. ...
  2. Cheesy Items. ...
  3. Large, Bone-In Meat Cuts. ...
  4. Baked Goods. ...
  5. Greens. ...
  6. Raw Rice and Other Grains. ...
  7. Too Much of Anything.
Apr 14, 2023

Why are people getting rid of air fryers? ›

Households are shelving their air fryers in favour of another kitchen appliance that is cheaper to run, and just as healthy.

Why are my fries not crispy in air fryer? ›

It's essential that you spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and that you leave a little space between each one. If they're too crowded, the potatoes will steam inside the air fryer, and they won't get crispy. In order to give them adequate space, you'll likely need to work in batches.

What is the best meat to air fry? ›

Ribeye and New York strip steak tastes great when prepared in an air fryer, but many other cuts such as tri-tip, flank steak, and top round also work well. Marinate lean steak cuts prior to cooking, and try to stick with 1-inch-thick steaks for the best results.

What is the best meat to cook in the air fryer? ›

As with all dry-heat cooker methods (grilling, broiling, pan frying and oven roasting), tender beef cuts perform best in the air fryer. Those cuts include Top Sirloin, KC Strip, Ribeye, Tenderloin and Tri Tip. Ground beef also can be easily prepared in an air fryer.

How to make food crispier in air fryer? ›

While we wish it were possible to fry without any oil, air fryers do need a little oil to make your food crispy (but you'll use a lot less than a traditional fryer). Toss your food with a small amount of oil (around a tablespoon or less) to coat it evenly, then add it to the air fryer basket.

What I wish I knew before I get an air fryer? ›

6 things I wish I'd known before I bought an air fryer
  • Air fryers do not fry. Deep fried foods: not like air fried ones. ...
  • The air fryer parts you use most are easy to clean but the outer parts… not so much. ...
  • There's a war going on in the air fryer community! ...
  • Air fryers can be quite large.

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer? ›

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

What is the easiest thing to cook in an air fryer? ›

Here are all our favourite easy air fryer recipe ideas, from simple scones to the best crispy homemade potatoes.
  • 10Air fryer Caramello danish. ...
  • 11Crispy air fryer Italian frittole. ...
  • 12Air fryer Crunchy Nut French toast. ...
  • 13Air fryer chicken satay. ...
  • 14Air fryer coccoli. ...
  • 15Air fryer little potato pancakes.

Does Gordon Ramsay use an air fryer? ›

Though Gordon Ramsay is clearly a fan of using an air fryer to cook steak, at his restaurants, his go-to method involves using a pan instead. Because you can only cook steak one or two at a time in them, an air fryer isn't the best option if you're feeding a crowd.

What does an air fryer do better than an oven? ›

Because of its smaller size, an air fryer—or a countertop oven on the air fry setting—usually circulates the air a bit faster than in a convection oven. This can sometimes give you a crispier finish that is just a bit closer to an actual deep-fried finish, depending on your recipe.

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