26 air fryer recipes so easy, you’ll want to throw out your stove

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The air fryer is quickly becoming a kitchen essential for anyone looking to make quick, crispy, and flavorful meals without the hassle. It’s a game-changer that can do everything from crisping up your favorite snacks to cooking entire meals with little to no oil. If you’re looking for simple, easy-to-make dishes that will save you time and effort, the air fryer is the perfect tool to make it all happen.

What I love most about air fryer recipes is how they allow you to enjoy all the crispy texture and rich flavors without having to deal with a stove or deep fryer. From appetizers to main dishes, you can get creative and try new things without the complicated techniques or messy cleanup. Plus, with the air fryer’s quick cooking time, you’ll be able to enjoy your meal in no time.

Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, these recipes will give you the tools to master meals that are as easy as they are delicious. Perfect for busy evenings or when you just don’t feel like firing up the stove, these air fryer recipes will make your kitchen time feel effortless. Get ready to discover how much fun cooking can be when you let the air fryer take the lead.

A spoon lifting a smashed potato garnished with rosemary, with a festive table setting in the background.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

These smashed potatoes are crisped to perfection without needing to boil or bake in the oven. The air fryer locks in flavor and texture in half the time. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this side dish requires minimal effort. No stovetop or oven juggling, just quick and reliable results. A must-try for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes turn golden and caramelized in minutes using the air fryer. This method cuts down cooking time while enhancing their natural sweetness. Perfect as a side dish or a healthy snack, they’re incredibly easy to make. The air fryer keeps your kitchen cool and cleanup fast. A smart choice for quick, wholesome meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

Forget defrosting—these chicken wings go straight from the freezer to crispy perfection in the air fryer. The process is fast and foolproof, delivering juicy wings without the wait. Great for impromptu dinners or game-day snacks. No oven or deep fryer needed, making it a convenient choice for any occasion. Enjoy crowd-pleasing wings with minimal prep and effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

A person dipping a piece of bread into a skillet of cheesy dip.
Crab Rangoon Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crab Rangoon Dip

This creamy dip transforms classic crab rangoons into a quick, shareable dish. The air fryer warms it up quickly, creating a golden, bubbly top. Pair it with crackers or veggies for an easy appetizer. No need to preheat an oven, so it’s ready in less time. Perfect for entertaining or snacking with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Air fryer apple fritters provide a crispy outside with soft, spiced apple filling. They cook evenly without deep-frying, cutting down on mess and oil. Ready in minutes, they’re perfect for breakfast or dessert. The air fryer ensures a quicker, simpler process compared to traditional methods. Enjoy warm fritters without the usual hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

These jalapeño poppers come out hot and melty in no time, thanks to the air fryer. With minimal prep and no oven required, they’re an easy appetizer or snack. The air fryer keeps the jalapeños crisp while perfectly melting the filling. Ideal for parties or a spicy treat at home. A fast, fuss-free way to enjoy a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

A hand holding a bacon-wrapped shrimp dipped in a small bowl of sauce, with a green leaf garnish on the side.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Bacon wrapped shrimp cooks to perfection in the air fryer, delivering juicy shrimp and crispy bacon in minutes. This recipe simplifies the process, eliminating the need for multiple cooking methods. Great for appetizers or a quick protein-packed snack. The air fryer keeps things easy, with less mess and cleanup. A flavorful, time-saving option for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Roasted Roma tomatoes come out tender and sweet, with just the right amount of char, in the air fryer. No need for a stovetop or oven, making this recipe incredibly simple. Perfect for pasta, salads, or as a side dish, they’re ready in a fraction of the usual time. The air fryer ensures consistent results with less hassle. A quick, convenient way to enhance your meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

These cinnamon apples cook quickly in the air fryer, creating a warm, spiced treat without the need for a stovetop. Perfect for a simple dessert or snack, they’re ready in minutes. The air fryer locks in flavor while keeping cleanup minimal. No need for pots and pans, just easy, flavorful results. A comforting option for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

Dehydrated Strawberries in an Air Fryer.
Dehydrated Strawberries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dehydrated Strawberries

Dehydrated strawberries become a chewy, naturally sweet snack when prepared in the air fryer. This method is faster than traditional dehydration and keeps things simple. Great for adding to cereals, yogurt, or enjoying on their own. The air fryer makes it easy to whip up a batch without special equipment. A practical choice for homemade snacks.
Get the Recipe: Dehydrated Strawberries

Air Fryer Cornish Hen

This Cornish hen recipe delivers juicy meat and crispy skin in less time than oven roasting. The air fryer ensures even cooking without needing to monitor a stove. Perfect for a small, satisfying dinner. Cleanup is minimal, and you won’t need multiple pots or pans. A simple way to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Chicken legs come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside with the air fryer. No need to turn on the oven or stand over a stove. They cook evenly and quickly, making them ideal for weeknight dinners. With minimal prep and a short cooking time, they’re a practical choice. A hassle-free way to enjoy a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, air-fried apples, red onions, nuts, and crumbled cheese.
Apple Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Apple Salad

This apple salad offers a crisp, refreshing side that pairs well with various meals. While it doesn’t use the air fryer, it complements many air-fried dishes perfectly. Quick to assemble, it’s a versatile addition to your table. A simple, no-cook option that balances out heartier mains. A fresh, easy way to round out your menu.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad

Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

Pork belly bites turn golden and crispy in minutes using the air fryer. No need for stovetop frying or oven roasting, making this recipe a quick option. Perfect as an appetizer or a savory snack. The air fryer keeps cleanup simple while delivering restaurant-quality results. A flavorful, low-effort way to enjoy this rich cut of meat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Garlic bread gets crispy edges and a soft center in just minutes using the air fryer. No need to wait for an oven to preheat or risk burning on a stovetop. Ideal as a side for pasta dishes or soups. The air fryer ensures consistent results with minimal effort. A quick, reliable way to upgrade your meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread

A bowl of bacon-wrapped cocktail sausages served on a bed of fresh green herbs.
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

These bacon wrapped little smokies cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer, making them perfect for parties or snacks. The bacon crisps up beautifully without needing to flip or monitor. Easy to prepare and quick to cook, they’re a crowd-pleaser. With less mess than traditional methods, the air fryer makes this dish even simpler. Enjoy bold flavors with minimal time spent in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Chicken Lollipops

Chicken lollipops come out juicy with a crispy coating in the air fryer. This method saves time and effort compared to frying or baking. Perfect for appetizers or as a fun dinner option. The air fryer ensures even cooking and easy cleanup. A creative, low-stress way to serve chicken.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lollipops

Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Frozen sweet potato fries crisp up perfectly in the air fryer with no need for added oil. This method is faster and more efficient than oven baking. Ideal for a quick snack or as a side to burgers and sandwiches. The air fryer keeps them light and evenly cooked. A reliable, time-saving option for fry lovers.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

A grilled cheese tuna sandwich is cut in half on a plate.
Air Fryer Tuna Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air Fryer Tuna Melt

The air fryer delivers a perfectly melted tuna sandwich with crispy bread in minutes. No stovetop or oven needed, making it a quick lunch or dinner option. It cooks evenly and requires minimal cleanup. Great for busy days when you want something warm and hearty fast. An easy, no-fuss recipe for a classic comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Maple Glazed Carrots

Carrots are glazed in a sweet maple coating and roasted to tender perfection in the air fryer. This recipe is quick to prepare and cooks in half the time of traditional methods. A perfect side dish for any meal, it adds a touch of sweetness and warmth. The air fryer simplifies the process and reduces cleanup. A fast, flavorful addition to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Lemon pepper chicken wings cook quickly and come out crispy in the air fryer. This method enhances their flavor without requiring a messy fryer or lengthy oven time. Perfect for game nights or casual dinners. The air fryer ensures even cooking and easy cleanup. A stress-free way to enjoy bold, tangy wings.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Two plates of crab melt with sliced tomatoes and melted cheese, garnished with lemon slices on a white wooden surface.
Crab Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crab Melt

This air fryer crab melt is a simple, savory dish ready in minutes. The air fryer perfectly melts the cheese and crisps the bread without needing an oven. Great for a quick lunch or light dinner. It’s an easy way to enjoy seafood without the fuss. A convenient and flavorful recipe for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts roast to a crisp, golden finish in the air fryer, cutting down on time compared to oven roasting. The air fryer enhances their nutty flavor while keeping them tender inside. A healthy side dish that’s ready in under 20 minutes. Minimal prep and cleanup make it a great addition to any meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Ground Turkey Meatballs

These ground turkey meatballs cook evenly and stay juicy in the air fryer. No stovetop frying or oven baking needed, making them a quick, healthier option. Perfect for pairing with pasta, rice, or as a snack. The air fryer keeps things simple and cleanup minimal. A great recipe for any time you want a hearty protein with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Meatballs

Three bacon-wrapped pieces of chicken on a white plate with a sprig of parsley and a red and white checkered cloth on the side.
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Bacon wrapped chicken bites cook quickly and turn out perfectly crisp in the air fryer. This method saves time and reduces mess compared to traditional frying or baking. Ideal for appetizers, snacks, or a protein-packed addition to salads. The air fryer locks in flavor while keeping cleanup easy. A simple, crowd-pleasing recipe for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders get crispy on the outside and stay juicy inside using the air fryer. This recipe skips the mess of stovetop frying or the wait of oven baking. Ready in minutes, they’re perfect for quick lunches or dinners. The air fryer ensures even cooking with minimal effort. A reliable, go-to option for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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