Our Best Air Fryer Recipes: Crispy, Delicious, and Easy!
The air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook. It’s a countertop appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in crispy exteriors and tender interiors, all with less oil than traditional frying methods. This makes it a healthier and more convenient option for preparing a wide variety of dishes. In this article, we’ll explore some of our best air fryer recipes, complete with detailed steps and instructions, so you can enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals with ease.
Why Choose an Air Fryer?
Before diving into the recipes, let’s quickly recap why air fryers are so popular:
* **Healthier Cooking:** Uses significantly less oil than deep frying.
* **Faster Cooking:** Preheats quickly and cooks food faster than ovens.
* **Easy to Use:** Simple controls and preset functions make it user-friendly.
* **Easy to Clean:** Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe.
* **Versatile:** Can be used to cook a wide range of foods, from appetizers to desserts.
Essential Air Fryer Tips for Success
* **Don’t overcrowd the basket:** This ensures even cooking and maximum crispness. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Preheat the air fryer:** Just like an oven, preheating helps food cook more evenly.
* **Use a little oil (but not too much):** A light coating of oil helps food crisp up and prevents it from drying out. Use an oil sprayer for even distribution.
* **Shake or flip food halfway through:** This promotes even browning and cooking on all sides.
* **Clean the air fryer regularly:** This prevents buildup and ensures optimal performance.
* **Use parchment paper liners (optional):** These make cleanup even easier, especially for messy foods.
* **Check for doneness:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure that meat and poultry are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Our Top Air Fryer Recipes
Here are some of our favorite air fryer recipes, categorized for easy browsing:
Air Fryer Appetizers
1. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs chicken wings (drums and flats separated)
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1 tsp onion powder
* 1 tsp paprika
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up.
2. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. You may need to cook them in batches.
6. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
**Tips & Variations:**
* For extra crispy wings, dust them with a little cornstarch or baking powder before air frying.
* Experiment with different spice blends to create your own unique wing flavors.
* Toss the cooked wings in your favorite wing sauce, such as buffalo, BBQ, or honey garlic.
2. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
**Ingredients:**
* 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
* 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1/2 tsp dried oregano
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1 egg, beaten
* 2 tbsp milk
**Instructions:**
1. In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and salt.
2. In another shallow dish, whisk together the egg and milk.
3. Dip each mozzarella stick in the egg mixture, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
4. Repeat the dipping and breading process for each mozzarella stick.
5. Place the breaded mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.
6. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
7. Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd.
8. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent them from bursting.
9. Serve immediately with marinara sauce.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Double bread the mozzarella sticks for extra protection against bursting.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a little heat.
* Use different types of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar, for a different flavor.
3. Air Fryer Potato Skins
**Ingredients:**
* 4 medium russet potatoes
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
* 1/4 cup sour cream
* 2 tbsp chopped green onions
**Instructions:**
1. Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry.
2. Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
3. Rub the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork.
6. Let the potatoes cool slightly, then cut them in half lengthwise.
7. Scoop out the potato flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato on the skin. Reserve the scooped-out potato for another use (e.g., mashed potatoes).
8. Brush the potato skins with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
9. Place the potato skins in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are crispy.
10. Sprinkle the potato skins with cheddar cheese and bacon. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
11. Top with sour cream and green onions before serving.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
* Add other toppings, such as chopped tomatoes, black olives, or jalapenos.
* For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon.
Air Fryer Main Courses
1. Air Fryer Salmon
**Ingredients:**
* 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tsp lemon juice
* 1/2 tsp garlic powder
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the salmon fillets with the marinade.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin side down if using skin-on fillets. Do not overcrowd.
6. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
7. Garnish with lemon slices (optional) and serve immediately.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add other herbs and spices to the marinade, such as dill, parsley, or paprika.
* Serve the salmon with roasted vegetables, rice, or a salad.
* Use different types of salmon, such as sockeye or coho.
2. Air Fryer Chicken Breast
**Ingredients:**
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tsp paprika
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1/2 tsp onion powder
* 1/2 tsp dried thyme
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) to ensure even cooking.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the chicken breasts with the spice mixture.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
5. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd.
6. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Marinate the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes before cooking for more flavor.
* Use different spice blends to create your own unique chicken flavors.
* Serve the chicken with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.
3. Air Fryer Pork Chops
**Ingredients:**
* 2 (1-inch thick) boneless pork chops
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1 tsp paprika
* 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the pork chops with the spice mixture.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd.
6. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pork chops are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest.
7. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use bone-in pork chops for more flavor.
* Marinate the pork chops for at least 30 minutes before cooking for more flavor.
* Serve the pork chops with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.
Air Fryer Side Dishes
1. Air Fryer 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
**Instructions:**
1. Soak the fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This will help them crisp up.
2. Drain the fries and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. You may need to cook them in batches.
6. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
**Tips & Variations:**
* For extra crispy fries, double fry them. Air fry them for 10 minutes, then remove them from the air fryer. Increase the air fryer temperature to 450°F (230°C) and air fry them for another 5-7 minutes.
* Experiment with different seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
* Make sweet potato fries by using sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes.
2. Air Fryer Asparagus
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Wash and trim the asparagus spears. Snap off the tough ends.
2. In a bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place the asparagus in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus.
6. Serve immediately with lemon wedges (optional).
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes.
* Drizzle with balsamic glaze after cooking.
* Serve as a side dish to grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
3. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* Balsamic glaze, for serving (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Wash and trim the Brussels sprouts. Cut them in half lengthwise.
2. In a bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
4. Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and slightly charred.
6. Drizzle with balsamic glaze (optional) and serve immediately.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes.
* Toss with cooked bacon or pancetta for added flavor.
* Serve as a side dish to roasted chicken, pork, or beef.
Air Fryer Desserts
1. Air Fryer Apple Chips
**Ingredients:**
* 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
* 1 tsp cinnamon
* 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Wash and core the apples. Slice them thinly using a mandoline or a sharp knife. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips.
2. In a bowl, toss the apple slices with cinnamon and sugar (if using).
3. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
4. Place the apple slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
5. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the apple chips are crispy and slightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
6. Let the apple chips cool completely before serving. They will crisp up as they cool.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use different types of apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
* Add other spices, such as nutmeg or ginger.
* Drizzle with melted chocolate after cooking.
2. Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
**Ingredients:**
* Your favorite chocolate chip cookie dough (homemade or store-bought)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
2. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper.
3. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie.
4. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and slightly soft in the center.
5. Let the cookies cool slightly in the air fryer basket before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate.
* Add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the cookie dough.
* Sprinkle the cookies with sea salt after cooking.
3. Air Fryer S’mores
**Ingredients:**
* Graham crackers
* Marshmallows
* Chocolate squares
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Break the graham crackers in half.
3. Place a chocolate square on one half of each graham cracker.
4. Top with a marshmallow.
5. Place the s’mores in the air fryer basket.
6. Air fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and melted, and the chocolate is soft.
7. Top with the other half of the graham cracker and serve immediately.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use different types of chocolate, such as peanut butter cups or caramel-filled chocolates.
* Add a sprinkle of sea salt to the marshmallows before air frying.
* Use different types of graham crackers, such as cinnamon or chocolate graham crackers.
Conclusion
The air fryer is a versatile and convenient appliance that can help you create delicious and healthy meals with ease. These recipes are just a starting point – feel free to experiment and adapt them to your own tastes and preferences. With a little practice, you’ll be amazed at the variety of dishes you can cook in your air fryer! Enjoy!
Remember to always check the specific instructions for your air fryer model, as cooking times and temperatures may vary slightly. Happy air frying!