Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by making it easier to create crispy, delicious meals with less oil. These versatile appliances can handle everything from main dishes to sides and snacks, bringing restaurant-quality results to your kitchen counter.
You can transform your weeknight dinner routine with these 17 tested recipes that deliver outstanding flavor and texture while saving time and effort. Each recipe has been carefully selected to showcase the air fryer’s ability to produce perfectly cooked foods with minimal fuss and cleanup. Your meals will come out golden and crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside.
1. Air-Fryer Stuffed Acorn Squash
Cut your acorn squash in half and remove the seeds. Brush the inside with oil and add a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Place the squash halves in your air fryer basket at 375°F. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the squash becomes fork-tender.
While the squash cooks, prepare your stuffing. You can use a mix of cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, or ground sausage as filling options.
Fill the tender squash halves with your chosen stuffing mixture. Return to the air fryer for 5 minutes to heat everything through.
For a sweet variation, skip the savory stuffing and add brown sugar or maple syrup to the squash before cooking. The natural sweetness of the squash pairs perfectly with these additions.
2. Air-Fryer Mini Cheesecakes
These mini cheesecakes make a perfect dessert in your air fryer. You’ll need cream cheese, graham crackers, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream for the base recipe.
Start by mixing crushed graham crackers with melted butter and sugar to create the crust. Press this mixture into your mini cheesecake molds.
Mix softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream until smooth. Pour this filling into your prepared crusts.
Set your air fryer to 320°F and cook for 12-15 minutes. The centers should be slightly jiggly when done. Let them cool, then chill in the fridge for 2 hours.
You can top your cheesecakes with fresh berries or make a quick berry sauce by cooking mixed berries with water and sugar until thickened.
3. Air-Fryer French Fries
Your air fryer can make crispy french fries with just a fraction of the oil used in deep frying. Cut your potatoes into 1/4-inch thick strips for the best results.
Soak the cut potatoes in hot water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch. Dry them completely with paper towels before cooking.
Toss your fries with a light coating of oil and your favorite seasonings. Salt and pepper work great, or try garlic powder and paprika for extra flavor.
Cook the fries at 360°F for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This creates a golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside tender.
4. Crispy Air-Fryer Tofu
Air-fried tofu makes a tasty protein-rich meal in under 20 minutes. You’ll need extra-firm tofu and basic pantry ingredients to get started.
Press your tofu block between paper towels for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut it into 1-inch cubes for the best results.
Mix soy sauce, olive oil, and a touch of maple syrup for a simple marinade. Coat the tofu cubes lightly with cornstarch to achieve maximum crispiness.
Place the tofu in a single layer in your air fryer basket at 375°F. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket a few times until the cubes turn golden brown and crispy.
You can serve your crispy tofu over rice, in salads, or with your favorite stir-fry vegetables.
5. Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Your air fryer makes crispy coconut shrimp easy and uses less oil than deep frying. Set your air fryer to 375-400°F before starting.
Pat the raw shrimp dry with paper towels and keep the tails on. This helps the coating stick better and makes them easier to handle.
Coat the shrimp in flour, dip in beaten egg, then press into shredded coconut. Make sure each shrimp gets an even coating.
Place shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook for 3 minutes, flip them over, then cook another 3 minutes until golden brown.
Work in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Your shrimp will turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
6. Air-Fryer Popcorn Shrimp
Make crispy popcorn shrimp in your air fryer without the greasy mess of deep frying. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for best results.
Coat your shrimp in flour mixed with garlic powder and salt. Dip them in beaten egg, then roll in panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook for 5 minutes, flip them over, then cook another 5 minutes until golden brown.
You can cook about 12 ounces of shrimp at once, depending on your air fryer size. Serve these crispy bites as a snack, appetizer, or add them to salads.
7. Air-Fryer Zucchini
The air fryer turns zucchini into a tasty side dish in just minutes. You can cut your zucchini into spears or rounds before cooking.
Season your zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Cook the zucchini at 360°F for 10-12 minutes. You don’t need to flip them during cooking. The air fryer will make them tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.
Try making zucchini fries by coating slices in breadcrumbs before air frying. They make a great healthy alternative to regular fries.
8. Air-Fryer Chicken Wings
Air-fryer chicken wings turn out incredibly crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside. You can cook them in under 20 minutes at 400°F.
Pat your wings dry with paper towels before cooking. This step helps achieve that perfect crispy skin you want.
Season the wings with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. A simple mix of paprika and garlic powder works great for basic wings.
Place the wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t stack them, or they won’t crisp up properly.
Cook for 8 minutes, shake the basket to flip them, then cook another 8 minutes until golden brown. The wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
9. Air-Fryer Salmon
Air-fryer salmon cooks up perfectly moist on the inside with a crispy exterior in just 10 minutes. You’ll get restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil or melted butter, then season with salt and pepper.
Place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 minutes until the thickest part flakes easily with a fork.
You can try different seasonings like garlic, lemon juice, or herbs such as dill and parsley. The cooked salmon pairs well with air-fried vegetables or rice.
Save any leftovers for salads, tacos, or bagel toppings. This versatile protein makes great next-day meals.
10. Air-Fryer Egg Rolls
Air-fryer egg rolls give you the perfect crispy texture without deep frying. You only need a small amount of oil to achieve golden-brown results.
The basic filling starts with cooked ground pork, shredded cabbage, carrots, ginger, and garlic. You can customize the filling with different meats or make it vegetarian with extra vegetables.
To prepare them, wrap your filling in egg roll wrappers and brush lightly with oil. Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes in your air fryer basket.
Make sure to leave space between each egg roll for proper air circulation. You’ll know they’re done when the wrapper turns golden brown and crispy.
11. Air-Fryer Potato Wedges
Cut your potatoes in half lengthwise, then cut each half into four wedges to create eight pieces per potato. Make sure the wedges are similar in size for even cooking.
Toss your wedges in olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. You can add dried oregano or thyme for extra flavor.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the wedges in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.
Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the wedges with tongs. Cook for another 5 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside while staying soft inside.
You can serve these crispy wedges as a side dish or snack. They taste great with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
12. Air-Fryer Green Beans
Air fryer green beans make a quick and tasty side dish that pairs well with any main course. You can cook them at 375°F for 8-10 minutes for the perfect crisp-tender texture.
Before cooking, toss your fresh green beans with a little olive oil, salt, and garlic powder. Place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
Shake the basket halfway through cooking time to help the beans cook evenly. You might need to cook in batches if you have a lot of green beans.
For extra flavor, try adding grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs during the last few minutes of cooking. A dash of sesame oil can give them an Asian-inspired twist.
13. Air-Fryer Burgers
Air fryer burgers cook up juicy and tender in just 10 minutes. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick meal.
Mix ground beef with garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Form the mixture into patties of your desired size.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the patties in the basket and cook for 5 minutes. Flip them over and cook for another 5 minutes.
For cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese during the last 30 seconds of cooking. Your burgers will come out perfectly cooked with a nice crust on the outside.
14. Air-Fryer Meatloaf
Air fryer meatloaf cooks faster than traditional oven methods and creates a delicious crispy crust. You can make this classic comfort food in about 35 minutes at 350°F.
Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, milk, diced onions, and seasonings. Shape the mixture into a loaf that fits your air fryer basket.
Place the meatloaf in a greased air fryer basket or use a foil sling for easy removal. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Add a simple glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This creates a sweet and tangy topping that caramelizes perfectly.
15. Air-Fryer Apple Pies
You can make crispy, golden apple pies in your air fryer in just minutes. These handheld treats are perfect for quick desserts or snacks.
Start by cutting circles from refrigerated pie crust using a 2¼-inch round cookie cutter. Fill each circle with seasoned apple filling and fold the dough over to create half-moons.
Spray both sides of the pies with oil and place them in your air fryer basket lined with parchment paper. Cook at 350°F for 5 minutes per side until they turn golden brown.
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch. These pies cook in half the time of traditional oven-baked versions while still delivering that classic apple pie taste.
16. Air-Fryer Chocolate Lava Cake
Your air fryer can create rich, decadent chocolate lava cakes in under 20 minutes. These individual-sized desserts feature a warm, gooey chocolate center that flows out when you cut into them.
The recipe needs basic ingredients: chocolate chips, butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and flour. Mix melted chocolate and butter first, then combine with the other ingredients to make your batter.
Spray two ramekins with non-stick cooking spray and pour the batter in. Place them in your air fryer basket at 350°F for 7-8 minutes. The outside will be set while the center stays molten.
Let the cakes rest for 1 minute before turning them onto plates. Serve right away while the centers are still warm and flowing.
17. Air-Fryer Fried Pickles
You can make crispy, crunchy fried pickles in your air fryer with less oil than deep frying. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F before starting.
Pat your pickle slices completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness.
Create a simple breading station with three bowls: seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Dip each pickle slice in flour first, then egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the breaded pickles in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
These make perfect snacks for game day or party appetizers. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Health Benefits of Using an Air Fryer
Air fryers offer significant health advantages by changing how you cook everyday foods. They make it easier to create nutritious meals while keeping the flavors you enjoy.
Reduced Oil Consumption
Your air fryer needs just a fraction of the oil used in traditional deep frying. Most recipes need only 1-2 teaspoons of oil instead of several cups.
This reduction in oil leads to fewer calories in your meals. A batch of air-fried french fries contains up to 70% fewer calories than deep-fried versions.
The minimal oil use also means less saturated fat in your diet. This can help support heart health and maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Preservation of Nutrients
Air fryers cook food quickly at high temperatures, which helps lock in vitamins and minerals. The rapid cooking time means less nutrient loss compared to longer cooking methods.
The circulating hot air creates a crispy exterior while keeping foods tender inside. This helps preserve water-soluble vitamins that might be lost during boiling or steaming.
Your vegetables retain more of their natural nutrients when air fried. The quick cooking time prevents excessive breakdown of beneficial compounds like vitamin C and antioxidants.
Many foods maintain their natural flavor profiles better in an air fryer. You can achieve tasty results without adding extra fats or seasonings to compensate for nutrient loss.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Results
Getting crispy, evenly cooked food from your air fryer depends on proper temperature control and preheating. These steps make a big difference in your cooking results.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Always preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding food. This creates the ideal cooking environment from the start.
Press the preheat button if your model has one. If not, simply run the empty air fryer at your planned cooking temperature.
Key preheating tips:
- For foods under 350°F: Preheat for 3 minutes
- For foods over 350°F: Preheat for 5 minutes
- Keep the basket empty during preheating
- Leave space between the basket and heating element
Choosing the Right Cooking Temperature
Set your air fryer temperature about 25°F lower than regular oven recipes. The concentrated heat and fan circulation cook food faster at lower temperatures.
Temperature guidelines:
- Frozen foods: 350-400°F
- Fresh vegetables: 375°F
- Chicken pieces: 375°F
- Fish fillets: 350°F
- French fries: 400°F
Check food halfway through cooking and adjust temperature if needed. Food should brown evenly without burning.
Let the basket heat up between batches if cooking multiple rounds. This maintains consistent cooking temperatures.