Air Fryer Recipes You Need To Try

Air fryers have become incredibly popular in recent years for good reason – they allow you to quickly make delicious fried favorites with a fraction of the oil, meaning less calories and fat compared to deep frying. As someone who loves cooking and trying new recipes, I was eager to test out an air fryer and have been blown away by how crispy and flavorful the results are using little to no oil.

After testing over 50 air fryer recipes in my own kitchen, I’m sharing my 10 absolute favorite must-try meals and snacks to make in the air fryer. These air fryer recipes are easy to make, full of flavor, and healthier than their traditional deep fried counterparts. Keep reading for the top air fryer recipe ideas, along with my tips and tricks for air fryer cooking success.

1. Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Crispy, juicy chicken wings fresh from the air fryer are my new favorite appetizer. The air fryer allows you to cook wings to perfect crunchy, mouthwatering perfection using hardly any oil. Here’s my simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings, drum mettes and flats
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp chili powder or paprika (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels and place in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with seasonings. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Arrange wings in a single layer in air fryer basket, meaty side down first.
3. Cook at 400F for 22 minutes, flipping halfway through. Wings are done when skin is crispy and juices run clear when pierced with a fork.

The air fryer yields addictively crunchy chicken wings in just over 20 minutes. I like to serve them immediately with my favorite dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or barbecue sauce. They make the perfect appetizer for game day or parties!

2. Air Fryer French Fries

Believe it or not, fries made in the air fryer taste just as delicious and crispy as traditional deep fried french fries, with a fraction of the oil and calories. Here are some tips for making flawless air fryer fries:

• Use starchy potatoes like Russets for best texture. Scrub clean but leave the skins on.
• Cut potatoes into uniform 1/2 inch thick fries for even cooking.
• Soak cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes to remove starch. Dry thoroughly before air frying.
• Toss fries with just 1-2 Tbsp oil before air frying for optimal crispness.
• Set air fryer to 400F and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking basket halfway.

When I’m craving crispy fries, this simple air fryer recipe satisfies my craving for a much healthier, less messy indulgence I can feel good about. Serve them up hot with my favorite condiments like ketchup, ranch, or garlic aioli.

3. Air Fried Vegetables

One of my favorite ways to use my air fryer is to roast up fresh, in-season vegetables. The super hot air circulating around vegetables caramelizes their natural sugars, drawing out amazingly sweet and intense flavors.

Some of my go-to vegetables to air fry include:

• Broccoli & Cauliflower – Toss florets in 1 tsp oil, 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper. Air fry at 400F for 14-18 minutes, shaking halfway.
• Brussels Sprouts – Halve sprouts and toss in 1 tsp oil, salt and pepper. Air fry at 400F for 15-18 minutes until browned and tender.
• Asparagus – Toss trimmed asparagus in 1 tsp oil, salt and pepper. Air fry at 400F for 8-10 minutes.
• Green Beans – Toss trimmed beans in 1 tsp oil, salt and pepper. Air fry at 400F for 8-10 minutes.

Experiment with your favorite seasonings – I love using garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, etc. The air fryer brings out amazing flavors from fresh veggies!

4. Air Fryer Donuts

Warm, fluffy homemade donuts are just a few minutes away with my easy air fryer donut recipe. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
• 2 Tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Separate biscuit dough into 8 rounds. Use a bottle cap or round cutter to cut out dough holes.
2. Brush both sides of donuts lightly with melted butter.
3. Mix together sugar and cinnamon and place in a shallow dish.
4. Air fry donuts at 350F for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown.
5. Roll hot donuts in cinnamon sugar to coat.
6. Glaze or dip donuts while still warm if desired.

This is one of my favorite recipes because who doesn’t love a freshly-baked warm donut? They are ready in just 15 minutes and taste absolutely divine. I like to dip them in a vanilla glaze or chocolate sauce.

5. Air Fried Potato Wedges

For a tasty, healthier spin on potato wedges, the air fryer once again does the trick. Here are my tips:

• I prefer Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes – the starchier the better.
• Cut potatoes into thick wedges about 1 inch wide.
• Soak in water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch then drain and pat very dry.
• Toss wedges in 1 Tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper and desired seasonings.
• Air fry at 400F for 18-22 minutes, shaking halfway.

I love sprinkling mine with chili powder or cajun seasoning. Serve these crispy, fluffy wedges hot from the air fryer as a hearty side or appetizer.

6. Air Fried Tofu

For an easy protein packed vegetarian meal, air fried tofu is quick, delicious, and full of texture. Here’s how I prepare it:

• Start with extra firm tofu and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
• Cut tofu into 1/2 inch thick triangles or rectangles.
• Marinate tofu for at least 30 minutes in soy sauce, syrup, garlic and desired seasonings.
• Mist tofu with oil spray and air fry at 390F for 15 minutes, gently flipping halfway.

The air fryer yields tofu with an amazingly crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with a soft, silky interior. I like to enjoy it over rice with stir fried veggies for a fast, Meatless Monday dinner!

7. Air Fried Fish

For perfect fish with a light, crispy battered crust, the air fryer is my go-to over frying. Follow these steps:

• Pat fish fillets dry thoroughly. Brush lightly with oil or mayo to help coating stick.
• Prepare batter by whisking together 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 cup beer or seltzer.
• Dip fillets in batter, let excess drip off, then place in air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
• Air fry at 400F for 8-10 minutes until fish flakes easily and batter is golden brown.

The air fryer yields deliciously tender fish inside a remarkably crunchy, battered crust in less than 15 minutes. Serve with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite condiments.

8. Air Fried Onion Rings

With my recipe, you can indulge in crispy breaded onion rings minus the messy fryer and all the excess grease. Here’s how:

• Choose large onions and slice into 1/2 inch thick rounds. Separate into rings.
• Soak rings in cold milk or buttermilk for 30 minutes.
• Make batter with 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp paprika, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup beer or seltzer until smooth.
• Dip rings in batter until fully coated then transfer to air fryer basket, spacing apart.
• Air fry at 400F for 5 minutes. Gently flip then cook 5 more minutes.

Enjoy these crunchy air fried onion rings as the perfect accompaniment for burgers, sandwiches, and dips!

9. Air Fryer Bacon

For less splatter and easy clean-up, I love cooking bacon in the air fryer. Here are my tips:

• Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on the air fryer basket.
• Cook at 400F for 8-10 minutes. I cook thick cut bacon for 10 minutes but thinner cut takes less time.
• For crisper bacon, prop up slices on a bacon rack. This allows more air flow.
• Check frequently

10. Air Fried Fruit Chips

For a naturally sweetened treat, air fried fruit chips are a healthy alternative to potato chips that satisfies any snack craving.

Almost any fruit can be dried into chips with an air fryer. Some of my favorites are:

• Apple – Core apples and slice into 1/8 inch rings. Air fry at 300F for 45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Banana – Peel and slice bananas about 1/4 inch thick on the bias. Air fry at 300F for 2 hours, flipping occasionally.
• Strawberries – Slice strawberries about 1/4 inch thick. Air fry at 300F for 2 hours, flipping occasionally.
• Pineapple – Cut pineapple into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices. Air fry at 300F for 2-3 hours until completely dried out.

Air fried fruit chips make for a tangy, sweet and healthy snack – way better than potato chips when you’re craving something salty and crunchy! They also make great salad or yogurt toppings.

Tips for Air Fryer Success

Based on my experience testing dozens of air fryer recipes, here are some of my top tips:

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air flow is critical for getting food crispy so leave some space between food items. Cook in smaller batches if needed.
• Flipping or shaking food midway through cooking helps ensure even browning and cooking.
• Brush or mist foods with oil before cooking for crispiest results. Just a small amount is needed.
• Adjust cooking temperatures and times as needed based on your particular model of air fryer. Get to know your appliance!
• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness of proteins like chicken and fish for food safety.
• Let foods rest for 5 minutes before serving for best texture – this helps prevent drying out.

Benefits of Cooking with an Air Fryer

Air fryers have quickly become one of my most used kitchen tools because they have so many benefits:

• Healthier – Uses little to no oil to cook food, reducing fat and calories compared to deep frying.
• Quick – Cooks food super fast thanks to rapid air circulation. Most foods ready in 15-30 minutes.
• Crispy texture – Gives foods an amazingly crisp exterior with tender, juicy interiors.
• Convenient – Simple to use with just set-it-and-forget it functionality. Takes the work out of cooking.
• Easy cleanup – With little to no oil, air fryers are much easier to clean than oven, grills, or deep fryers.

Conclusion

Thanks to their ease of use and stellar results, air fryers have become a staple in my kitchen. If you don’t have one yet, I highly recommend trying out these top 10 air fryer recipes for deliciously crispy, healthier versions of fried favorites. With an air fryer, you can indulge in all your cravings while still eating clean. Let me know your favorite air fryer recipes in the comments!

People Also Ask

What is the best oil to use in an air fryer?

For most air fryer recipes, I recommend avocado, olive, grapeseed or canola oil. Avoid oils with low smoke points like extra virgin olive oil. Misting or brushing food with oil is best – you only need about a teaspoon.

How do you know when food is done in an air fryer?

Check food at the minimum cook time and then every couple minutes after that. Meat should reach safe internal temperatures – use a thermometer to check. Most vegetables and starches are done when fork tender or browned/crisped.

Can you put foil in an air fryer?

It’s best not to cover the whole air fryer basket in foil as airflow is important. You can loosely tent delicate foods with foil. For easier cleanup, line just the bottom of the basket with foil. Don’t let foil touch heating elements.

Is air fried food healthy?

Air frying is much healthier than deep frying since it uses little to no oil. But oil isn’t the only factor for health – consider what foods you air fry. Air fried fresh veggies are very healthy; air fried fatty meats or starchy batters less so.

What foods should not be cooked in an air fryer?

Avoid cooking anything with lots of sugar, cheese or fat that can easily melt or drip, like cookies or sandwiches. These can make a mess. Don’t air fry delicate seafood. Items need some surface area for air flow.

Do air fryers really make food crispy?

Yes, the rapid hot air circulation of an air fryer absolutely makes foods crispy! The key is making sure not to overcrowd food in the basket, and mist food with oil before cooking. Brushing battered items with oil helps form a crispy crust.

How do you clean an air fryer?

Unplug and let cool completely before cleaning. The basket and crisper plate are dishwasher safe on the top rack. Avoid harsh abrasives. For the interior, wipe down with a hot damp cloth to remove any grease buildup. Clean after each use to prevent messes.

What are the best air fryer accessories to buy?

Some great accessories include a cooking rack to elevate foods for airflow, silicone pot holders for safely removing hot items, a baking pan for items that may drip, and an oil sprayer for evenly misting oil. Grill, doughnut and cake pans designed specifically for air fryers are also useful.