15 Must-Try Air Fryer Recipes: Crispy, Delicious, and Easy!
The air fryer has revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier and faster way to achieve that crispy, golden-brown goodness we all crave. If you’re new to the air fryer world or just looking for fresh ideas, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of our 15 best air fryer recipes, complete with detailed instructions, tips, and variations, so you can enjoy delicious meals with minimal effort.
Why Air Fry?
Before diving into the recipes, let’s quickly recap why air frying is so popular:
* **Healthier:** Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, significantly reducing the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying methods. This translates to fewer calories and less fat in your meals.
* **Faster:** Air fryers preheat quickly and cook food faster than conventional ovens, saving you valuable time in the kitchen.
* **Crispy Results:** The rapid air circulation ensures that food gets crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
* **Easy to Use:** Air fryers are incredibly user-friendly, with simple controls and pre-set programs for various foods.
* **Easy to Clean:** Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Our Top 15 Air Fryer Recipes
Let’s get cooking! Here are our 15 favorite air fryer recipes that are guaranteed to become staples in your kitchen:
1. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and wingettes
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tsp salt
* 1/2 tsp black pepper
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1/2 tsp paprika
* Optional: Your favorite wing sauce (Buffalo, BBQ, Honey Garlic, etc.)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Wings:** Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
2. **Season the Wings:** In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure the wings are evenly coated.
3. **Air Fry:** Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
4. **Cook:** Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. **Sauce (Optional):** If desired, toss the cooked wings in your favorite wing sauce.
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce (ranch, blue cheese, etc.) and sides (celery, carrots).
**Tips and Variations:**
* For extra crispy wings, add a teaspoon of baking powder to the seasoning mix.
* Experiment with different spice blends to create your own signature wing flavor.
* If using a wing sauce, wait until the wings are cooked before tossing them in the sauce to prevent them from becoming soggy.
2. Perfectly Air Fried French Fries
**Ingredients:**
* 2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* Optional: Paprika, garlic powder, or other desired seasonings
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Fries:** Soak the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours). This helps remove excess starch and results in crispier fries. Drain the fries and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
2. **Season the Fries:** In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
3. **Air Fry:** Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
4. **Cook:** Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce (ketchup, mayonnaise, aioli, etc.).
**Tips and Variations:**
* Soaking the fries is crucial for achieving crispy results. Don’t skip this step!
* For even crispier fries, double fry them: air fry for 10 minutes, then remove, let cool slightly, and air fry again for another 5-10 minutes.
* Experiment with different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes.
3. Juicy Air Fryer Salmon
**Ingredients:**
* 2 salmon fillets (4-6 oz each), skin on or off
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* 1 tbsp lemon juice
* Optional: Fresh herbs (dill, parsley), garlic powder, or other desired seasonings
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Salmon:** Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
2. **Season the Salmon:** In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and any other desired seasonings. Brush the mixture over the salmon fillets.
3. **Air Fry:** Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets.
4. **Cook:** Air fry for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately with your favorite sides (rice, roasted vegetables, salad).
**Tips and Variations:**
* Don’t overcook the salmon, as it will become dry. Check for doneness after 8 minutes and adjust cooking time accordingly.
* For extra flavor, add a slice of lemon on top of each salmon fillet while air frying.
* Experiment with different seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.
4. Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
**Ingredients:**
* 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed
* 1 tbsp cornstarch
* 1 tbsp soy sauce
* 1 tsp sesame oil
* 1/2 tsp garlic powder
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* Optional: Sriracha, ginger, or other desired seasonings
**Instructions:**
1. **Press the Tofu:** Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water. This is crucial for achieving crispy tofu. You can use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in paper towels and place a heavy object on top.
2. **Cut the Tofu:** Cut the pressed tofu into cubes.
3. **Season the Tofu:** In a large bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Make sure the tofu is evenly coated.
4. **Air Fry:** Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
5. **Cook:** Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy.
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce (sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, soy sauce) or add to stir-fries, salads, or rice bowls.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Pressing the tofu is essential for achieving crispy results. Don’t skip this step!
* For extra flavor, marinate the tofu in the soy sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before air frying.
* Experiment with different sauces and seasonings to create your own signature tofu dish.
5. Easy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
**Ingredients:**
* 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* Optional: Balsamic glaze, parmesan cheese, or other desired toppings
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:** Trim the Brussels sprouts and halve them lengthwise.
2. **Season the Brussels Sprouts:** In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. **Air Fry:** Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
4. **Cook:** Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and slightly browned.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately with your favorite toppings (balsamic glaze, parmesan cheese, toasted nuts).
**Tips and Variations:**
* For extra flavor, toss the Brussels sprouts with bacon bits or pancetta before air frying.
* If using balsamic glaze, drizzle it over the Brussels sprouts after they are cooked.
* Experiment with different seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes.
6. Delicious Air Fryer Shrimp
**Ingredients:**
* 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1/2 tsp paprika
* Optional: Lemon wedges, fresh parsley, or other desired toppings
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Shrimp:** Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
2. **Season the Shrimp:** In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. **Air Fry:** Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
4. **Cook:** Air fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through, until they are pink and opaque.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, or add to pasta, salads, or tacos.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Don’t overcook the shrimp, as it will become rubbery. Check for doneness after 5 minutes and adjust cooking time accordingly.
* For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in the olive oil mixture for at least 30 minutes before air frying.
* Experiment with different seasonings, such as Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, or Italian seasoning.
7. Quick Air Fryer Asparagus
**Ingredients:**
* 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* Optional: Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, or other desired toppings
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Asparagus:** Trim the woody ends of the asparagus spears.
2. **Season the Asparagus:** In a large bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. **Air Fry:** Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
4. **Cook:** Air fry for 5-7 minutes, until the asparagus is tender-crisp.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately with your favorite toppings (parmesan cheese, lemon juice, balsamic glaze).
**Tips and Variations:**
* For extra flavor, toss the asparagus with garlic powder or red pepper flakes before air frying.
* If using parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the asparagus after it is cooked.
* Experiment with different seasonings, such as Italian seasoning or everything bagel seasoning.
8. Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings
**Ingredients:**
* 1 large onion, sliced into 1/2-inch rings
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 tsp salt
* 1/2 tsp black pepper
* 1 tsp paprika
* 1/2 tsp garlic powder
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
* Cooking spray
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Onion Rings:** Separate the onion slices into rings. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. **Bread the Onion Rings:** Dip each onion ring in the flour mixture, then in the beaten egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs, ensuring it is fully coated.
3. **Air Fry**: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
4. **Cook:** Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping the onion rings halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce (ketchup, ranch, BBQ sauce).
**Tips and Variations:**
* For a crispier coating, double dip the onion rings in the egg and breadcrumbs.
* Add some parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
* Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier coating.
9. Cheesy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package (12-15 oz) frozen pizza rolls
* Optional: Marinara sauce for dipping
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Pizza Rolls**: No thawing necessary! Simply open the package of frozen pizza rolls.
2. **Air Fry**: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place the frozen pizza rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
3. **Cook:** Air fry for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the pizza rolls are heated through and the crust is golden brown and crispy. Be careful, the filling will be hot!
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Cooking time may vary depending on the brand of pizza rolls and your air fryer. Check for doneness after 6 minutes.
* For extra crispy pizza rolls, spray them lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
* Get creative with dipping sauces! Try ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
10. Fluffy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
**Ingredients:**
* 2 large Russet potatoes, scrubbed
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* Optional: Your favorite toppings (butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, chives)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Potatoes:** Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry. Prick the potatoes several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
2. **Season the Potatoes:** Rub the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. **Air Fry**: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket.
4. **Cook:** Air fry for 40-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the potatoes.
5. **Serve:** Cut open the potatoes and fluff the insides with a fork. Top with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* For crispy skin, rub the potatoes with coarse salt before air frying.
* If you’re short on time, you can microwave the potatoes for a few minutes before air frying to speed up the cooking process.
* Experiment with different toppings! Try chili, pulled pork, or even steamed broccoli and cheese sauce.
11. Sweet Air Fryer Apple Chips
**Ingredients:**
* 2 apples (Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), thinly sliced
* 1 tsp cinnamon
* Optional: 1 tbsp sugar (or sweetener of your choice)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Apples:** Wash, core, and thinly slice the apples using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick.
2. **Season the Apples:** In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with cinnamon and sugar (if using). Make sure the slices are evenly coated.
3. **Air Fry:** Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Place the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You will likely need to cook them in batches.
4. **Cook:** Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping the apple slices halfway through, until they are crispy and slightly browned. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the slices.
5. **Cool:** Let the apple chips cool completely before serving. They will crisp up further as they cool.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use a mandoline for consistent and thin apple slices.
* For a healthier option, omit the sugar or use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
* Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra flavor.
12. Homemade Air Fryer Pizza
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade)
* 1/2 cup pizza sauce
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, etc.)
* Optional: Olive oil, Italian seasoning
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:** If using pre-made dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make it easier to work with. If making your own dough, follow your favorite recipe.
2. **Shape the Pizza:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to fit the size of your air fryer basket. You may need to cut the dough to fit.
3. **Assemble the Pizza:** Place the dough in the air fryer basket. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and add your favorite toppings. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, if desired.
4. **Air Fry:** Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Air fry for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Check frequently to prevent burning.
5. **Serve:** Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent the pizza from sticking.
* For a crispier crust, pre-cook the dough in the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
* Experiment with different types of cheese, sauces, and toppings to create your own custom pizza.
13. Crispy and Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
**Ingredients:**
* 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 tsp salt
* 1/2 tsp black pepper
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 cup breadcrumbs
* Cooking spray
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces.
2. **Bread the Chicken:** In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In another shallow dish, place the beaten egg. In a third shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs.
3. **Bread the Chicken Nuggets:** Dip each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then in the beaten egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs, ensuring it is fully coated.
4. **Air Fry:** Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
5. **Cook:** Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping the chicken nuggets halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce (ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard).
**Tips and Variations:**
* For extra crispy chicken nuggets, use panko breadcrumbs or add some crushed cornflakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
* Add some parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
* Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes before breading for extra tender and juicy nuggets.
14. Easy Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
**Ingredients:**
* 2 ears of corn, husks removed
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* Optional: Butter, chili powder, lime wedges, or other desired toppings
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Corn:** Remove the husks and silk from the corn. Cut the corn in half, if necessary, to fit into your air fryer.
2. **Season the Corn:** Brush the corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. **Air Fry**: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the corn in the air fryer basket.
4. **Cook:** Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the corn halfway through, until it is tender and slightly browned.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately with butter, chili powder, lime wedges, or your other favorite toppings.
**Tips and Variations:**
* For a sweeter flavor, soak the corn in salted water for 30 minutes before air frying.
* Wrap the corn in foil before air frying for extra moistness.
* Experiment with different seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Cajun seasoning.
15. Gooey Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
**Ingredients:**
* 1 roll (16.5 oz) refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cookie Dough:** Slice the cookie dough into individual cookies.
2. **Air Fry:** Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the cookie dough slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. **Cook:** Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and slightly soft in the center. Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the cookies.
4. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool slightly in the air fryer basket before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Watch the cookies closely, as they can burn quickly in the air fryer.
* For extra gooey cookies, underbake them slightly.
* Add some chopped nuts or sprinkles to the cookie dough before air frying.
Conclusion
These 15 air fryer recipes are just the beginning of what’s possible with this versatile kitchen appliance. From crispy chicken wings to juicy salmon and even gooey chocolate chip cookies, the air fryer makes cooking easier, faster, and healthier. So, get in the kitchen, experiment with different recipes and flavors, and discover your own air fryer favorites. Happy cooking!