If you’ve ever doubted the capabilities of your air fryer, these 17 recipes are set to change your mind. They peel back the curtain on a world of easy, less-greasy, and utterly delicious meals that can be whipped up in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to the air fryer scene, these discoveries promise to elevate your cooking game, proving that great taste doesn’t have to be complicated.
![Stacked taquitos on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/taquitos-la-horiz.jpg)
Air Fryer Churros
![Churros on a white plate with a bowl of caramel dipping sauce on the side.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/air-fryer-churros-1.jpg)
Make churros at home with an air fryer, turning a traditional deep-fried treat into a lighter delight. These churros come out golden and crispy, ready to be dipped in chocolate or dusted with sugar and cinnamon. It’s a quick and easy way to satisfy those dessert cravings without leaving your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Churros
Air Fryer Turkey Legs
![Roasted turkey legs on a cutting board with a knife.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/af-turkey-legs-5.jpg)
Transform your turkey legs into a fairground favorite right at home, using the air fryer for a juicy inside and crispy outside. This recipe brings the magic of smoked flavor without the need for a grill, making any meal a special occasion. Pair with your favorite sides for a feast that’s both simple and spectacular.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Legs
Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken
![A hand holding a crispy fried chicken drumstick.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/af-buttermilk-fried-chicken-fdl.jpg)
Enjoy the classic comfort of buttermilk fried chicken without the guilt, thanks to the air fryer’s ability to crisp without heavy oil. This method locks in the juiciness, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite. It’s a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor, making weeknight dinners feel like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas
![Caramelized bananas with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Air-Fryer-Caramelized-Bananas-1600.jpg)
Turn bananas into a decadent dessert with the air fryer, caramelizing them to perfection with a hint of sweetness. This dish is a simple yet elegant way to end any meal, offering a natural sweetness that’s enhanced by the heat. Serve over ice cream or with a dollop of whipped cream for an easy gourmet dessert.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas
Air Fryer Enchiladas
![A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/af-enchiladas.jpg)
Bring a Tex-Mex favorite to your table faster than ever with air fryer enchiladas, bubbling with cheese and your choice of filling. They emerge perfectly heated with a desirable crispness that oven-baked versions envy. This is a game-changer for enchilada enthusiasts, proving that comfort food can be quick and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas
Air Fryer Broccolini
![Air fried broccolini on a plate with lemons in the background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/af-broccolini-5.jpg)
Elevate your side dish game with air-fried broccolini, achieving a tender yet crispy texture that’s hard to resist. It’s a straightforward way to bring out the best in vegetables, with a hint of garlic and lemon adding a bright touch. This recipe makes eating your greens not just a duty, but a delight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccolini
Air Fryer Popcorn
![Popcorn in a white bowl with a black and white checked napkin.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/af-popcorn.jpg)
Believe it or not, your air fryer can pop corn, delivering a movie-night essential with less oil and no stovetop mess. It’s a fun, novel way to prepare a healthy snack, perfect for family movie nights or as a guilt-free treat. This method might just change the way you think about popcorn forever.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Popcorn
Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins
![Pile of cornbread muffins on a white plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/af-cornbread-muffins.jpg)
Whip up cornbread muffins in the air fryer for a quick, comforting side that’s golden and delicious. These muffins are perfect for sopping up chili or stew, or just enjoying with a dab of butter. It’s an innovative approach to baking that saves time without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins
Air Fryer Carnitas
![Low angle shot of 3 carnitas tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/air-fryer-carnitas-robin.jpg)
Achieve the irresistible texture of carnitas — crispy on the outside, tender on the inside — without hours of cooking. This air fryer version simplifies the process, bringing a favorite Mexican dish into your weekly meal rotation with ease. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings for a taco night that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
![Stacked taquitos on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/taquitos-la-horiz.jpg)
Roll up a batch of chicken taquitos in the air fryer for a crispy, satisfying meal or snack that beats store-bought every time. Filled with flavorful chicken and cheese, they’re a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a mess-free, quick way to enjoy a beloved snack, proving the air fryer’s versatility.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Air Fryer Onion Rings
![Pile of onion rings on a white plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/af-onion-rings-1024x679-2.jpg)
Satisfy your craving for crunchy, golden onion rings without the deep fryer. The air fryer produces a perfectly crispy coating around sweet, tender onions, making for a healthier version of this classic snack. They’re ideal for a side dish or a fun appetizer, proving that you can enjoy your favorites with a healthier twist.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Onion Rings
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
![Zucchini fries on a plate with spicy ketchup for dipping.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/af-zucchini-fries-5.jpg)
Turn zucchini into irresistible fries with the air fryer, offering a veggie-packed alternative to traditional french fries. They come out crispy and golden, perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce. It’s a snack or side that adds a serving of vegetables to your meal in the most delicious way possible.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Air Fryer Croutons
![Low angle shot of croutons on a small metal baking sheet.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Air-Fryer-Croutons-1600.jpg)
Transform day-old bread into crunchy, golden croutons with the air fryer, adding the perfect finishing touch to salads or soups. This recipe offers a quick and easy way to reduce food waste while elevating your dishes. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference in texture and flavor in any salad bowl.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Croutons
Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken
![Low angle shot of korean fried chicken with a hand holding a piece of the chicken.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AF-Korean-Fried-Chicken-1600.jpg)
Get the crunch and flavor of Korean fried chicken without the hassle of deep frying. This air fryer version is glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce, offering the perfect combination of flavors. It’s a dish that brings the taste of Korea to your table, with a modern twist that makes it a weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu
![Air fried tofu on a white plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/AF-Salt-and-Pepper-Tofu.jpg)
Enjoy tofu like never before, with a crispy exterior and soft interior, seasoned simply with salt and pepper. It’s an easy, versatile dish that can be added to salads, bowls, or enjoyed as a snack. This recipe showcases the air fryer’s ability to transform tofu into something special, making it a staple for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu
Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites
![Bowl of jalapeno popper bites.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/af-jalapeno-popper-bites.jpg)
Put a twist on the classic appetizer with these jalapeno popper bites, crisped to perfection in the air fryer. They’re spicy, cheesy, and irresistible, perfect for parties or a fun snack. This recipe is proof that the air fryer can handle everything from snacks to mains, making every bite better.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites
Air Fryer Brownies
![Brownies with nuts and caramel stacked on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Air-Fryer-Brownies-1600.jpg)
Yes, you can even make brownies in the air fryer! They emerge perfectly cooked, with a gooey center and a slightly crispy top. It’s a novel way to satisfy your sweet tooth, proving the air fryer’s versatility extends to desserts, too.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brownies