Let’s Air Fry Some Food
Let’s face it, not everything needs to be cooked in an insane amount of oil. Sometimes, you want to take a healthier approach to some of your favorite foods. And air fryers are a fantastic tool to quickly whip up crispy, delicious meals with less oil and less mess. Here are 20 fantastic air fryer recipes that are perfect for any time of day or occasion, from quick dinners to satisfying snacks.
1. Air Fried Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan in the air fryer is a quick and healthier version of the traditional dish. To make it, coat chicken breasts in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then air fry at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once done, top with marinara sauce and a slice of mozzarella cheese, then cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve with a side of zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist!
2. Crispy Air Fried Fish Tacos
For fish tacos, use white fish fillets like tilapia or cod. Lightly season them with taco seasoning, coat them in a thin layer of olive oil, and cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. The result? Fish that’s tender inside with a crispy crust on the outside. Serve in soft tortillas with cabbage slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema for a fresh, easy dinner.
3. Air Fryer Veggie Spring Rolls
Air fryer spring rolls are the perfect crispy snack, and they’re way healthier than their deep-fried counterparts. Fill rice paper wrappers with a mix of thinly sliced veggies (like carrots, cabbage, and mushrooms), then spritz with a little oil and air fry at 380°F for 6-8 minutes. Serve them with a soy-based dipping sauce, and you’ve got an irresistible finger food for parties.
4. Air Fried Chicken Quesadillas
Quesadillas in the air fryer are super easy to make. Take flour tortillas, fill them with shredded chicken, cheese, and your favorite veggies, then fold them in half. Spray the outside with a bit of olive oil and cook at 370°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll get a crisp, golden quesadilla with melted cheese inside – perfect for lunch or a snack.
5. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries in the air fryer are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Simply cut sweet potatoes into wedges, toss with olive oil, salt, and your favorite seasonings (paprika works well!), and air fry at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through. The result is perfectly crispy, healthier fries that make a great side dish or snack.
6. Air Fried Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
For a veggie-packed twist on classic buffalo wings, try buffalo cauliflower bites. Toss cauliflower florets in a mixture of hot sauce, olive oil, and a bit of garlic powder, then air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. The cauliflower gets crispy, with the perfect amount of heat. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
7. Air Fryer Falafel
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish that’s usually deep-fried, but making it in the air fryer cuts down on oil while keeping it crispy. Blend chickpeas with onions, garlic, parsley, and spices, form them into balls, and air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Serve in pita bread with hummus, lettuce, and tomatoes for a filling, healthy meal.
8. Air Fryer Tofu Bites
Tofu can be tricky to cook perfectly, but the air fryer makes it so easy! Press out any excess moisture from the tofu, cut it into cubes, and toss it in soy sauce, cornstarch, and your favorite spices. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, and you’ll have crispy, golden tofu. It’s a great addition to salads, bowls, or just as a snack.
9. Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers in the air fryer are a game changer. Cut bell peppers in half and remove the seeds. Stuff them with a mixture of cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, and cheese. Air fry at 360°F for 8-10 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. These make a perfect, healthy dinner or snack.
10. Air Fried Shrimp
Air fryer shrimp cooks quickly and keeps that delicious crispy texture. Toss shrimp in olive oil, garlic, paprika, and salt, and cook at 400°F for 5-6 minutes. You’ll get shrimp that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Serve it as an appetizer or on top of a salad.
11. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are usually fried, but air frying makes them lighter and just as crispy. Coat mozzarella sticks in egg and breadcrumbs, then air fry at 390°F for 6-7 minutes. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a fantastic appetizer or snack.
12. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Making chicken tenders in the air fryer is super easy! Coat chicken strips in seasoned breadcrumbs, lightly spray with oil, and cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result? Crispy, golden tenders that are juicy on the inside. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
13. Air Fryer Salmon Fillets
Salmon cooks beautifully in the air fryer. Simply season the fillets with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. The air fryer crisps up the skin while keeping the inside perfectly tender. Serve with steamed veggies or a side of quinoa for a balanced, delicious meal.
14. Air Fryer Meatballs
Air fryer meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and quick to make. Mix ground beef or turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and Italian seasoning, then form into balls. Air fry at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through. Serve them with pasta, on a sub, or with a dipping sauce.
15. Air Fried Breakfast Potatoes
For crispy breakfast potatoes, cut your potatoes into cubes, season them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite spices, and air fry at 400°F for 15-18 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. These potatoes are perfect for breakfast or as a side dish.
16. Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
Air fryer eggplant Parmesan is a healthier way to enjoy this classic dish. Slice eggplant, dip it in egg wash, coat it with breadcrumbs, and air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella, and cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese melts. It’s a lighter, crispy take on the original!
17. Air Fryer Bacon
Yes, you can cook bacon in the air fryer! Lay your bacon slices in the air fryer basket, and cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it. It’s less greasy and much quicker than frying it in a pan, with less mess to clean up afterward.
18. Air Fryer Panko-Crusted Zucchini Fries
These zucchini fries are a healthy alternative to regular fries, and they’re perfect for dipping in marinara sauce. Cut zucchini into strips, dip in egg, coat in panko breadcrumbs, and air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. The result? Crispy, golden fries that are light and full of flavor.
19. Air Fryer Pita Chips
Homemade pita chips are crispy, crunchy, and perfect for dipping. Cut pita bread into triangles, brush with olive oil, and season with salt or garlic powder. Air fry at 375°F for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Serve with hummus or your favorite dip.
20. Air Fryer Veggie Frittata
Make a quick, healthy frittata in the air fryer! Whisk eggs, cheese, and your favorite veggies together, pour into a greased pan, and cook at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. You’ll have a fluffy, tasty frittata with minimal effort.
Wrapping Up
These 20 air fryer recipes are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking a quick dinner, preparing a snack, or impressing guests, the air fryer makes everything easier and more delicious. With less oil and a lot of flavor, you’ll enjoy crispy and satisfying meals in no time.
