The 17 wildly good recipes you can make with an air fryer

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If you’ve got an air fryer and haven’t fully tapped into its potential, you’re in for a treat! We’ve lined up 17 fantastic air fryer recipes that are about to make your meal prep a whole lot more exciting. These dishes are not only tasty but also a healthier alternative to traditional frying, thanks to the magic of air frying technology. You’ll get all the flavor and texture you love, with none of the guilt usually associated with fried foods. So, let’s crank up that air fryer and cook up something delicious!

Golden roasted air fryer baby potatoes on a serving plate with a wooden and metal spoon.
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs in a bowl.
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Using the air fryer, these meatballs turn out crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside. Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs are a fantastic choice for a healthier take on a classic favorite. They’re perfect for a protein-rich snack or as part of a hearty meal. Enjoy them with pasta or on their own with your favorite dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Pasta chips in a white bowl.
Air Fryer Pasta Chips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Discover the unexpected treat of Air Fryer Pasta Chips, a creative snack that’s as addictive as it is easy to make. These crispy treats are perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces or enjoying straight from the basket. Once you start snacking on these, you might never look at leftover pasta the same way again!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Some picking up a slice of cheese quesadilla.
Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla transforms a simple dish into something spectacular. In the air fryer, the tortilla gets wonderfully crispy, encasing a melting, gooey cheese center. It’s a quick fix for a busy day’s lunch or a casual dinner that requires minimal effort. Serve it with a side of guacamole and salsa for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Air Fryer Breakfast Pockets

White plate with two breakfast pockets, a fork, and a glass of orange juice.
Air Fryer Breakfast Pockets. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

These pockets are stuffed with whatever breakfast goodies you like, cooked to perfection with a crispy outside and a warm, inviting inside. Air Fryer Breakfast Pockets are your new best friend for busy mornings. They’re far superior to anything you’d buy frozen, offering a homemade taste that’s both satisfying and convenient.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Breakfast Pockets

Air Fryer Empanadas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Empanadas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Enjoy a taste of Latin cuisine with Air Fryer Empanadas, where traditional meets modern cooking methods. The pastry is light and flaky, with a golden finish that’s hard to resist. These are perfect for serving at parties or enjoying a family meal. They can be filled with a variety of mixtures, catering to all taste preferences.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Air Fryer Katsu Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Katsu Chicken Thighs on a white plate with white rice, a brown sause, and parsley.
Air Fryer Katsu Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Your family will love the authentic taste that the air fryer helps achieve. Air Fryer Katsu Chicken Thighs offers a healthier version of this beloved Japanese dish. The chicken is crispy on the outside, tender, and juicy on the inside, perfectly mimicking the deep-fried original. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a favorite without the guilt of frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Katsu Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

A person dipping fried shrimp into a bowl of dip.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Prepare to be wowed by the Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp, a dish that delivers big on both flavor and texture. These shrimp are enveloped in a spicy, creamy sauce that explodes with flavor. The air fryer ensures they are perfectly crispy without being greasy. This recipe is a keeper, especially for those who love bold seafood dishes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon

Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon with rice, butter, parsley, black pepper, and a salad on a black plate.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a seafood favorite. The salmon cooks up in no time, resulting in a dish that’s moist and flavorful with a lovely glaze. It’s perfect for a healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste. This cooking method locks in flavors and keeps the salmon tender.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon

Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich

Air fryer chicken pesto sandwich on a white plate.
Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

This sandwich could easily become your go-to for quick yet impressive meals. Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich is a must-try for sandwich enthusiasts. Juicy chicken smothered in flavorful pesto, all held together with toasted bread, makes for a lunchtime revelation. It’s a gourmet sandwich made easy and fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Golden roasted air fryer baby potatoes on a serving plate with a wooden and metal spoon.
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Baby Potatoes emerge from the air fryer with a crisp exterior and a fluffy interior, ideal for any side dish. They capture a perfect golden brown that not only looks appealing but tastes incredible too. This cooking method highlights the natural flavors of the potatoes without needing excess oil.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Air Fryer Poached Eggs

Poached eggs on a wooden cutting board with a fork.
Air Fryer Poached Eggs. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

This cooking method simplifies the traditional process, eliminating the need for pots and water. Air fryer poached eggs could become your new morning routine staple. The eggs are perfect for a quick, nutritious start to the day, coming out ready to top toast or vegetables. They retain a delicate texture that is often hard to achieve on the stove.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Poached Eggs

Air Fryer Peaches

Air-fried peaches on a plate with a wooden spoon.
Air Fryer Peaches. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

Peaches cooked in an air fryer develop a caramelized exterior that enhances their natural juiciness. This method is quick and easy, providing a dessert option that doesn’t heat up the kitchen. Air Fryer Peaches can serve as a decadent topping for ice cream or a standalone treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peaches

Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts

An air fryer basket with stuffed chicken breasts.
Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Try air frying to keep your stuffed chicken juicy and flavorful. Stuffed chicken breasts prepared in an air fryer retain moisture and infuse flavors beautifully. The hot air circulation cooks the chicken evenly while crisping the outer layer to perfection. This technique allows the stuffing to meld perfectly with the meat, enhancing every bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts

BBQ Air Fryer Pork Chops

A bite of bbq pork chop on a fork.
BBQ Air Fryer Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Serve these pork chops with a side of veggies for a complete meal that’s prepared in no time. BBQ pork chops achieve a perfect char and smoky flavor in the air fryer without any grill required. The chops cook up quickly, making this method ideal for a fast dinner solution. This recipe is perfect for those who crave the taste of BBQ year-round.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Air Fryer Pork Chops

Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Closeup of crispy smashed potatoes with dill and chili slices.
Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Crispy smashed potatoes from the air fryer are a revelation in texture. Each potato is crunchy on the outside with a satisfyingly soft inside. This method uses far less oil than traditional frying, which makes the dish a healthier option. They’re perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces or as a standalone snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Souffle

Sweet potato casserole in a blue dish.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Souffle. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Serving this souffle might just change the way you think about quick cooking. The air fryer turns the traditional sweet potato souffle into a quick, effortless dish that doesn’t compromise on texture or taste. This method significantly reduces cooking time, which is perfect for busy days. It’s a sophisticated side that pairs well with both meat and vegetarian main courses.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Souffle

Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Carrot fries achieve a whole new level of appeal when cooked in an air fryer. They come out crispy and are perfect for dipping into a rich aioli. This dish is a healthier alternative to traditional fries and just as satisfying. These carrot fries are so delicious, they’re likely to become a go-to snack or side in your household.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

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