We understand your air fryer has become like one of the family members and it's all good. These 19 recipes provide you with all the crispy, golden, crunchy, deliciousness you desire minus the huge mess from the oil and frying process. Let's make dinner (as well as snacks and dessert) much simpler!
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1) Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
You will absolutely forget all about deep fryers with how painfully and crunchingly crispy the wings come out.
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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Delicious, crunchy, and crackly chicken wings with juicy meat promise zero greasy mess, and are ready for any and all sauces you are craving!
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels, then toss them in a bowl with the baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, not touching.
- Air fry at 250F for 12 minutes to render the fat.
- Bump the heat to 400F and cook another 12 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway, until deep golden and crispy.
- Let them rest 5 minutes, then toss in your favorite sauce or serve plain.
Notes
The two-temperature method is the secret to extra-crispy skin, so don't skip the low-heat start.
2) Homemade Air Fryer French Fries
No guilt from the deep fryer and they're crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside!
Homemade Air Fryer French Fries
These hand-cut potatoes are transformed into golden and crispy fries that are better than any drive-thru fries!
Ingredients
Method
- Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes, then drain and pat very dry.
- Toss the fries with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Air fry at 380F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Increase to 400F and cook another 8 to 10 minutes until deep golden and crisp.
- Season with a little more salt while hot and serve right away.
Notes
Soaking pulls out extra starch, which is what gives you that crispy exterior.
3) Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
You don’t have to put in much effort and can enjoy meat that melts in your mouth and crispy skin.
Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
In under 30 minutes you can prepare bone-in chicken thighs that have an incredibly crisp skin that is perfectly tender and juicy on the inside.
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the thighs dry and rub with olive oil.
- Mix the paprika, onion powder, salt, and thyme, then rub all over the chicken.
- Place skin-side down in the air fryer basket and cook at 380F for 10 minutes.
- Flip skin-side up and cook another 10 to 12 minutes until the skin is crisp and the internal temperature reaches 175F.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Starting skin-side down helps the fat render so the skin crisps up beautifully.
4) Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
All tofu skeptics in my family are going for thirds with tofu this crispy.
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Golden cubes of tofu with crunchy edges and a delicious glaze that fit perfectly in bowls, stir-fries, or just by the handful from the basket.
Ingredients
Method
- Press the tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Toss the cubes gently with soy sauce and sesame oil, then sprinkle with cornstarch and garlic powder and toss again to coat.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400F for 13 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until golden and crispy on all sides.
- Serve over rice or in a grain bowl.
Notes
The cornstarch coating is what gives you those crackly edges, so make sure each cube is dusted.
5) Quick Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
With no need for a deep fryer, you can have this ready in no time, and that cheesy goodness is to die for.
Quick Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
The mozzarella sticks have a crunch and their center's melty. You're gonna want to dip these in marinara.
Ingredients
Method
- Freeze the cheese sticks for at least 30 minutes so they hold their shape.
- Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each stick in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, then repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a double coat.
- Lightly mist with cooking spray and arrange in the basket without touching.
- Air fry at 390F for 6 to 8 minutes until golden, watching closely so they don't burst. Serve hot with marinara.
Notes
Don't skip the freezing step or the cheese will ooze out before the coating crisps up.
6) Flavorful Air Fryer Salmon
Fancy tasting weeknight salmon that comes together quicker than the rice!
Flavorful Air Fryer Salmon
With just 12 minutes in the oven, you can have tender and flaky salmon fillets, and with a sweet and savory glaze, they will have a little crunch on the edges.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and salt.
- Pat the salmon dry and brush the glaze generously over the tops.
- Place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400F for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Brush with any remaining glaze and serve.
Notes
Thinner fillets cook fast, so start checking at 8 minutes to avoid drying them out.
7) Easy Air Fryer Donuts
Donuts that are warm and sugary, made from a can of biscuit dough? Yes, and they are extremely good!
Easy Air Fryer Donuts
No frying oil required to make and ready in minutes to make fluffy and mouth watering cinnamon-sugar donuts from biscuit dough!
Ingredients
Method
- Separate the biscuits and use a small round cutter or bottle cap to cut a hole in the center of each.
- Lightly mist the air fryer basket and arrange the donuts in a single layer.
- Air fry at 350F for 5 to 6 minutes until puffed and golden, working in batches if needed.
- Stir the sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl.
- Brush the warm donuts with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar and serve right away.
Notes
Don't toss the donut holes; air fry them for about 3 minutes for a little bonus treat.
8) Crunchy Air Fryer Onion Rings
All of the crunch from the state fair with none of the grease after.
Crunchy Air Fryer Onion Rings
Crispy seasoned batter stays on the onion rings and shatters with every bite.
Ingredients
Method
- Separate the onion slices into individual rings.
- Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko mixed with paprika and salt.
- Dredge each ring in flour, then egg, then press firmly into the panko.
- Mist with cooking spray and arrange in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry at 380F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crunchy.
Notes
Use the larger outer rings and save the small centers for tonight's burgers.
9) Tender Air Fryer Pork Chops
Air fryers can make incredible meals like these juicy, flavorful pork chops with a spicy, crunchy crust.
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Tender Air Fryer Pork Chops
Learn how to cook juicy, restaurant-style pork chops from the comfort of your home. Sear seasoned pork chops in less than fifteen minutes! Each pork chop has a perfectly crusted exterior. The inside is juicy and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the pork chops dry and rub with olive oil.
- Combine the garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper, then coat the chops on both sides.
- Arrange in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
- Cook at 400F for 6 minutes, flip, and cook another 5 to 6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145F.
- Rest 5 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute.
Notes
A touch of brown sugar in the rub gives you a gorgeous caramelized crust.
10) Zesty Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos
These quick and easy shrimp tacos make every night taco night!
Zesty Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos
Spiced air-friend shrimp in warm tortillas, crunchy slaw, and a squeeze of lime.
Ingredients
Method
- Toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400F for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking halfway, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Warm the tortillas and fill each with shrimp and shredded cabbage.
- Squeeze lime over the top and serve immediately.
Notes
Don't overcook the shrimp; they're done the moment they curl and turn pink.
11) Delicious Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
They are sweet, salty, and crispy enough to change the mind of anyone who says they don't like sweet potatoes.
Delicious Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries that are caramelized have a smoky spice, and they are crispy.
Ingredients
Method
- Toss the sweet potato sticks with cornstarch until lightly coated.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika and salt, tossing to coat evenly.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed.
- Cook at 380F for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes, until crisp at the edges.
- Season with a little more salt and serve hot.
Notes
The cornstarch is the trick to crispy sweet potato fries that aren't soggy.
12) Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
These crispy cauliflower bites are sooo good! They go even faster than fries!
Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
These beautifully golden and crunchy cauliflower florets are battered to absolute perfection. An addictive snack or side dish!
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the flour and milk into a thin batter.
- Dip each floret in the batter, letting the excess drip off, then roll in panko mixed with garlic powder and salt.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and mist with cooking spray.
- Cook at 400F for 13 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Serve hot with your favorite dip.
Notes
Toss them in buffalo sauce after cooking if you want a little heat.
13) Savory Air Fryer Eggplant
Crispy eggplant rounds that have finally made this veggie a crowd favorite at my table.
Savory Air Fryer Eggplant
Sliced breaded eggplants that are crispy and golden brown on the outside and creamy and soft on the inside.
Ingredients
Method
- Salt the eggplant rounds and let them sit 15 minutes, then pat dry to draw out moisture and bitterness.
- Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan.
- Dredge each round in flour, then egg, then the breadcrumb mixture.
- Mist with cooking spray and arrange in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry at 380F for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender. Sprinkle with salt and serve.
Notes
Salting first keeps the eggplant from turning soggy or bitter.
14) Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers
Air fryers do the work for you, and you get a warm, cozy meal that is all stuffed inside a pepper!
Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers
Sweet bell peppers filled with seasoned beef, rice, and melted cheese make for a great meal.
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain and stir in the rice, marinara, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Spoon the filling into the hollowed peppers and top with shredded mozzarella.
- Place the peppers upright in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 360F for 15 to 18 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool a couple minutes before serving.
Notes
Use a muffin tin liner or small ramekin to keep wobbly peppers standing upright.
15) Sweet Air Fryer Apple Chips
These cinnamon apple chips are super cheap to make and have a crunchy flavor of fall!
Sweet Air Fryer Apple Chips
Kids' favorite wholesome snack; thin, crisp and sweet apple slices with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Ingredients
Method
- Slice the apples as thinly and evenly as possible, ideally with a mandoline.
- Toss the slices with cinnamon and sugar.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, overlapping as little as possible.
- Cook at 300F for 16 to 18 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes, until the chips look dry and the edges curl.
- Let them cool fully; they crisp up as they sit.
Notes
They feel a little bendy when hot, so be patient and let them cool to get the crunch.
16) Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Kids will be so impressed, the freezer aisle will be a thing of the past!
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ready to dip in ranch or honey mustard, these are crunchy panko crusted chicken tenders.
Ingredients
Method
- Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko mixed with garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
- Dredge each tender in flour, then egg, then press firmly into the panko.
- Mist with cooking spray and arrange in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry at 390F for 6 minutes, flip, and cook another 5 to 6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Serve with dipping sauce.
Notes
Press the panko on firmly so the coating stays crunchy and doesn't flake off.
17) Gooey Air Fryer Brownies
Dessert emergencies are real, so here are some fudgy, gooey brownies that can be made in no time.
Gooey Air Fryer Brownies
Brownies baked in the air fryer feature rich chocolatey flavor, fudgy texture, and an oozy, gooey center. Best of all, they have that shiny, crackly top just like traditional brownies.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the melted butter and sugar together, then beat in the eggs until glossy.
- Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased pan that fits your air fryer.
- Air fry at 320F for 16 to 18 minutes until the top is set but the center is still soft.
- Let cool at least 15 minutes before slicing so they hold together.
Notes
Pull them while the center still looks slightly underdone for that gooey texture; they firm up as they cool.
18) Spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
It feels almost righteous! All the flavors you savor from buffalo sauce with its spicy kick.
Spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Tossing cauliflower florets in buffalo sauce is a great way to make a crispy fiery snack that everyone is sure to enjoy.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the flour, water, and garlic powder into a thin batter.
- Dip each floret in the batter and let the excess drip off, then arrange in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry at 380F for 12 minutes, shaking halfway, until crisp.
- Stir the buffalo sauce and melted butter together, then toss the cooked florets in the sauce.
- Return to the air fryer for 4 to 6 minutes to set the glaze, then serve.
Notes
Serve with celery and blue cheese dressing to cool down the heat.
19) Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
These Brussels sprouts are garlicky and crispy. They'll turn your whole house into believers!
Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts that have been caramelized and have crispy brussels sprout leaves, garlic, and parmesan snow.
Ingredients
Method
- Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, and salt.
- Arrange cut-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 380F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway, until the edges are crispy and deeply browned.
- Transfer to a bowl and toss with the grated parmesan while still hot.
- Serve right away.
Notes
Cut-side down means more contact with the basket and more of those crispy, caramelized edges.