Air fryers are a game-changer in the kitchen, providing healthier versions of crispy dishes with less oil. Here are 20 fantastic air fryer recipes that are quick, easy, and full of flavor.
1. Air Fryer French Fries
Ingredients:
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Toss potato strips with olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
- Place the potato strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for another 5 minutes for extra crispiness.
Tip: Soak the potato strips in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking. This removes excess starch, making the fries crispier.
2. Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- Toss wings with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Place wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Tip: Pat the wings extra dry with paper towels before seasoning. This ensures the skin gets super crispy.
3. Air Fryer Onion Rings
Ingredients:
- 2 large onions, sliced into rings
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup plant-based or regular milk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Dredge onion rings in flour, then dip in milk, and coat with breadcrumbs mixed with paprika.
- Arrange rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Tip: Double-coat the onion rings by dipping them in milk and breadcrumbs twice. This creates a thicker, crunchier crust.
4. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients:
- 8 mozzarella sticks, frozen
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 egg or egg substitute, beaten
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
- Coat frozen mozzarella sticks with flour, then dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy.
Tip: Freeze the coated mozzarella sticks for 15 minutes before air frying. This prevents the cheese from oozing out too quickly.
5. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt.
- Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Tip: Toss the Brussels sprouts with a splash of balsamic vinegar after cooking for a tangy, flavorful twist.
6. Air Fryer Fish Tacos
Ingredients:
- 4 fish fillets (tilapia or cod)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Coat fish fillets in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs mixed with cumin.
- Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Tip: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating on the fish.
7. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Toss sweet potato slices with olive oil and cinnamon.
- Arrange in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
Tip: Use a mandoline slicer to ensure the sweet potato slices are uniformly thin. This helps them cook evenly and become perfectly crispy.
8. Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
- Coat shrimp in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Tip: Spray the breaded shrimp lightly with cooking oil before air frying. This enhances the golden, crispy texture.
9. Air Fryer Apple Chips
Ingredients:
- 2 large apples, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Sprinkle apple slices with cinnamon.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Tip: Soak the apple slices in lemon water for 10 minutes before air frying to prevent browning and add a subtle tang.
10. Air Fryer Falafel
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 1/4 cup parsley
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons flour
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Blend chickpeas, parsley, garlic, cumin, and flour in a food processor until combined.
- Form into small balls and arrange in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Tip: Chill the falafel mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping into balls. This helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
11. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into sticks
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated vegan or regular Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Coat zucchini sticks in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Tip: Sprinkle a little cornstarch on the zucchini sticks before coating them with flour. This helps the breading stick better.
12. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup plant-based or regular milk
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Toss cauliflower florets in a batter made from flour and milk.
- Arrange in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes.
- Toss cooked florets in hot sauce mixed with olive oil and return to the air fryer for another 5 minutes.
Tip: Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the batter for a crispier coating on the cauliflower.
13. Air Fryer Eggplant Chips
Ingredients:
- 1 medium eggplant, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Toss eggplant slices with olive oil, paprika, and salt.
- Arrange in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Tip: Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry before air frying.
14. Air Fryer Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or plant-based alternative
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg or egg substitute
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl and form into small balls.
- Arrange meatballs in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Tip: Roll the meatballs in a light coating of olive oil before air frying to help them brown evenly.
15. Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients:
- 12 large button mushrooms
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup vegan or regular cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Remove mushroom stems and mix breadcrumbs, cream cheese, parsley, and garlic in a bowl.
- Stuff each mushroom cap with the filling.
- Arrange in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes.
Tip: Use a small spoon or piping bag to stuff the mushroom caps neatly for even cooking.
16. Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets
Ingredients:
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Coat tofu cubes in flour, dip in milk, and coat with breadcrumbs mixed with paprika.
- Arrange in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Tip: Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water. This ensures a firmer, crispier texture.
17. Air Fryer Hash Browns
Ingredients:
- 2 large potatoes, grated
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Mix grated potatoes, onion, olive oil, and salt in a bowl.
- Form small patties and place them in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Tip: Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes using a clean kitchen towel. This prevents sogginess.
18. Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Toss chickpeas with olive oil, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Arrange in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy.
Tip: Let the chickpeas cool completely in the air fryer basket after cooking. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool.
19. Air Fryer Donuts
Ingredients:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
- 2 tablespoons vegan or regular butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Use a small cutter to create holes in the center of each biscuit.
- Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden.
- Brush with melted butter and coat in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
Tip: Brush the donuts with melted butter immediately after cooking, then roll them in cinnamon sugar while still warm for maximum flavor.
20. Air Fryer Vegetable Spring Rolls
Ingredients:
- 8 spring roll wrappers
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Mix cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, and soy sauce in a bowl.
- Place a small amount of the filling in the center of each wrapper and roll tightly.
- Arrange spring rolls in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
Tip: Lightly brush the spring rolls with oil before air frying to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
Conclusion
With these 20 air fryer recipes, you can enjoy a variety of crispy, delicious dishes without the extra oil. From savory favorites like chicken wings and falafel to sweet treats like donuts, these recipes make the most of your air fryer. Experiment with these ideas and transform your mealtime with healthy and flavorful options!