50 Delicious Recipes: What You Can Cook in an Air Fryer (Ultimate Guide)

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying while still delivering that satisfying crunch we all crave. After testing dozens of recipes in my own kitchen, I’ve compiled this ultimate guide to help you make the most of this versatile appliance. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your air fryer repertoire, these 50 delicious recipes will transform your cooking experience.

Why Air Fryers Have Become a Kitchen Essential

When I first purchased my air fryer, I was skeptical about whether it would live up to the hype. Three years later, it’s become the most-used appliance in my kitchen. According to a recent survey, over 40% of American households now own an air fryer, and that number continues to grow.

The appeal is obvious: air fryers use circulating hot air to cook food, requiring significantly less oil than traditional frying methods while still producing crispy, delicious results. Research from the American Heart Association suggests that switching to air frying can reduce calorie intake by 70-80% compared to deep frying.

Breakfast Delights: Start Your Day with the Air Fryer

I never imagined my air fryer would become essential for breakfast, but these morning recipes have changed my routine completely.

Quick Breakfast Recipes

• French Toast Sticks – The perfect combination of crispy exterior and soft, custardy interior.
• Bacon – Perfectly crisp bacon without the mess of stovetop cooking. I was amazed at how the excess fat drips away!
• Breakfast Egg Cups – These customizable cups with eggs, cheese, and your choice of veggies make meal prep a breeze.
• Homemade Granola – Achieve that perfect toasty flavor without worrying about burning it in the oven.
• Breakfast Potatoes – Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, ready in half the time of oven roasting.

The breakfast egg cups have become my Sunday ritual. I make a batch of 12, refrigerate them, and have grab-and-go breakfasts for the entire week. The texture is somehow better than when I make them in the oven—more evenly cooked and never rubbery.

Main Course Magic: From Proteins to Full Meals

Your air fryer isn’t just for snacks—it can handle impressive main courses that will have your family requesting seconds.

Chicken Recipes That Will Impress

• Whole Roasted Chicken – Believe it or not, a 4-pound chicken fits perfectly in larger air fryer models, resulting in crispy skin and juicy meat.
• Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders – All the flavor of the famous spicy dish with significantly less oil.
• Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs – These develop an incredible caramelization that’s hard to achieve in a regular oven.
• Chicken Parmesan – The breading stays perfectly crisp, even when topped with sauce and cheese.
• Buffalo Wings – Restaurant-quality wings at home with a fraction of the calories.

I served the air fryer Nashville Hot Chicken at a dinner party last month, and my guests couldn’t believe it wasn’t deep-fried. The exterior had that authentic crunch while the meat remained incredibly tender. One friend even asked for my “frying secret” and was shocked to learn it was air fried!

Seafood Made Simple

• Crispy Coconut Shrimp – The golden perfection of fried coconut shrimp without the heavy, oily aftermath.
• Salmon Fillets – Perfect every time with a gorgeous exterior and tender, flaky interior.
• Fish Tacos – Crispy fish that maintains its texture even with toppings.
• Crab Cakes – Less likely to fall apart than when pan-fried.
• Garlic Butter Scallops – Perfectly seared in just minutes.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

• Crispy Tofu Cubes – Achieve that elusive perfect texture: crisp outside, tender inside.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers – Faster cooking time means this classic is now weeknight-friendly.
• Falafel – Traditionally deep-fried, these chickpea patties are just as delicious air-fried.
• Buffalo Cauliflower Bites – The vegetarian answer to buffalo wings that might convert even dedicated carnivores.
• Eggplant Parmesan – No more soggy eggplant or excessive oil absorption.

Side Dishes That Steal the Show

Sometimes the sides become the star attraction, especially when they’re this good.

Vegetable Sides with a Twist

• Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze – Crispy and caramelized edges that convert sprout skeptics.
• Sweet Potato Fries – That elusive crispy texture that’s difficult to achieve in a conventional oven.
• Zucchini Chips – Paper-thin slices transform into addictive crispy chips.
• Garlic Parmesan Broccoli – Roasted to perfection with crispy, cheesy edges.
• Crispy Onion Rings – Light, crispy coating without deep-frying.

I’ve been making sweet potato fries for years, always battling with limp, soggy results. My first batch in the air fryer was a revelation—perfectly crisp exterior with a fluffy center. The key tip I discovered was to soak the cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking, which removes excess starch.

International Cuisine Made Easy

Your air fryer is like a passport to global flavors, making international dishes more accessible than ever.

• Gyoza/Potstickers – Perfectly crisp bottoms without sticking or breaking.
• Empanadas – Flaky, golden pastry without deep frying.
• Indian Samosas – Crispy triangles with spiced potato filling that taste authentic.
• Korean Fried Chicken – That signature crackly crust with a sticky-sweet glaze.
• Italian Arancini – Crispy risotto balls with oozy cheese centers.

Desserts: Yes, Your Air Fryer Can Handle Sweets!

Perhaps the most surprising category—your air fryer is capable of creating incredible desserts.

• Churros – That distinctive crispy exterior with a soft, doughy center.
• Apple Fritters – Sweet, caramelized apples in a tender pastry.
• Chocolate Chip Cookies – Crisp edges with gooey centers in just 8 minutes.
• Baked Apples – Tender, cinnamon-infused fruit without turning on the oven.
• Cannoli – Crispy shells ready for your favorite filling.

The chocolate chip cookies were a game-changer during summer when I didn’t want to heat up the kitchen with the oven. The air fryer created cookies with a unique texture—super crisp on the outside with centers that remained soft and slightly underdone, just how I like them.

Air Fryer Models Compared: Finding Your Perfect Match

Before diving into these recipes, it’s important to have the right equipment. After testing various models, here’s a comparison of some popular air fryers:

I started with the Dash Compact model when I lived in a small apartment and upgraded to the Ninja when I moved into a house. The difference in capacity was significant—I could finally cook a full meal for two people in one batch instead of multiple rounds.

Air Fryer Tips and Tricks from My Kitchen to Yours

After countless hours of air frying, I’ve learned some valuable lessons that will help you get the most from your appliance:

• Don’t overcrowd the basket – This is perhaps the #1 mistake beginners make. Food needs space for air circulation to get crispy.
• Shake or flip halfway – Most recipes benefit from a mid-cook shake or flip for even browning.
• Preheat for best results – Though some manufacturers claim it’s unnecessary, I’ve found that 3-5 minutes of preheating improves texture.
• Use a light coating of oil – A spray bottle filled with your favorite oil allows for even, light application.
• Line the drawer with parchment paper for sticky foods – Special perforated air fryer parchment sheets are ideal, but regular parchment with holes poked in works too.

Common Air Fryer Mistakes to Avoid

• Using aerosol spray cans directly in the basket – The chemicals can damage the non-stick coating. Use a pump sprayer instead.
• Cooking very wet batters – They’ll drip through the basket before setting. Freeze battered items before air frying.
• Neglecting to clean between batches – Food particles can smoke and affect flavor.
• Using too much oil – It defeats the purpose and can cause smoking.
• Not checking food early – Air fryers cook faster than conventional methods, so check before the suggested time.

Conclusion: Your Air Fryer Journey Begins

The versatility of the air fryer continues to amaze me, even after years of use. From quick weeknight dinners to impressive party appetizers and even desserts, this appliance has earned its permanent spot on my countertop. According to culinary experts at Serious Eats, air fryers excel at cooking frozen foods, reheating leftovers, and creating crispy textures with minimal added fat.

Start with the recipes that appeal to you most, and don’t be afraid to experiment. You might just discover your new signature dish! Remember that cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so use the suggested times as a starting point and adjust as needed for your specific appliance.

What’s your favorite air fryer recipe? I’d love to hear about your experiences and any creative dishes you’ve developed in the comments below!