30 air fryer recipes that earn a permanent counter spot

I rely on my air fryer more than almost any other kitchen tool, so I pulled together these XX air fryer recipes because they're the kind you actually make again and again. They're built around fast cooking times, simple prep, and meals that fit real schedules without turning dinner into a project. If your air fryer already lives on the counter-or you want a good reason to keep it there-this collection is made for everyday cooking that feels doable.

A hand scooping a creamy dip with melted cheese and green onions, served with bread in a cast-iron skillet. — Crab Rangoon Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Air Fryer S'mores

A s'more with melted marshmallow and chocolate between graham crackers on a white plate. — Air Fryer S’mores. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dessert comes together quickly, making it a smart option when the air fryer is already out on the counter for frequent use. It works well for short cooking times and minimal prep, which fits busy evenings or last-minute treats. The portions are easy to control and serve, making it practical for family desserts or casual get-togethers. It functions best as a fast sweet course rather than a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S'mores

Salmon Bowl

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed salmon, sliced cucumbers, corn, tomato wedges, and a drizzle of orange sauce, with chopsticks picking up a piece of salmon. — Salmon Bowl. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This meal benefits from air-fried salmon or vegetables that cook fast and cleanly, supporting regular air fryer use during the week. It's simple to assemble and works well for lunch or dinner without stretching prep time. The components can be made ahead, which keeps weeknight cooking manageable. It's a balanced bowl-style meal that feels complete without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Bowl

Whole Chicken

Roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots on a white plate. — Whole Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cooking a whole chicken this way highlights why the air fryer earns frequent counter space thanks to even cooking and reduced hands-on time. It's practical for weekend dinners with leftovers for later meals. Prep is straightforward and doesn't require constant attention. This works well as a main course for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

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.

These bites cook quickly and consistently, reinforcing why the air fryer stays within arm's reach. They require minimal prep and are easy to portion for snacks or party trays. The short cook time makes them reliable for busy schedules. They fit well as an appetizer or protein add-on.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A single barbecued chicken skewer on a white plate, with a small bowl of barbecue sauce and a parsley garnish, next to a plate of additional chicken skewers. — Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Skewers are a strong choice for regular air fryer use because they cook evenly and finish fast. Prep is manageable, especially when planning ahead for dinners. The size makes them easy to serve for family meals or casual gatherings. They work best as a main dish or protein side.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

A plate of jalapeño poppers on a table. — Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This recipe supports frequent air fryer use thanks to quick cooking and easy cleanup. It's simple to prepare and doesn't require close monitoring. The size and format make it useful for parties or snack nights. It works well as an appetizer rather than a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

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

These cook efficiently in the air fryer, reinforcing why it's worth keeping on the counter for repeat use. Prep is minimal, which helps when hosting or planning snacks. The batch size is easy to scale without extra effort. They are best served as an appetizer or game-day food.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Air Fryer Home Fries

Air-fried potato cubes with diced green bell peppers on plate. — Air Fryer Home Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Home fries are a dependable side that highlights the air fryer's everyday usefulness. They require little prep and cook faster than traditional methods. This makes them practical for breakfast or dinner plates. They work well as a supporting side rather than a standalone meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

Cinnamon apple slices on a white plate. — Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This recipe fits regular air fryer use because it cooks quickly and needs minimal cleanup. It's easy to prepare with familiar ingredients and short timing. The portion size works for snacks or simple desserts. It functions well as a sweet side or topping.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

These show the value of keeping the air fryer accessible due to even cooking and manageable timing. Prep is straightforward and doesn't require advanced planning. They're easy to serve in small batches for sharing. This recipe works best as a side or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Chicken Nuggets

Hand dipping a chicken nugget into a bowl of ketchup, with a gray cloth background. — Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Nuggets are a practical reason the air fryer stays on the counter thanks to fast cook times and hands-off cooking. Prep is minimal and fits well into busy family routines. Portions are easy to adjust for different appetites. They're ideal for lunch or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Lumpia

Filipino spring rolls in a basket with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Lumpia benefits from the air fryer's ability to cook evenly without constant attention, supporting frequent use. Prep can be done ahead, which helps with meal planning. The cook time is short and predictable. It works well as an appetizer or snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Roasted tomatoes seasoned with herbs and spices, served on a white plate garnished with parsley. — Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This recipe makes sense for regular air fryer use because it cooks quickly and avoids heating the oven. Prep is simple and timing is easy to manage. The tomatoes can be used in multiple meals throughout the week. They function best as a side or ingredient addition.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Maple Glazed Carrots

Sliced glazed carrots garnished with herbs on a fork, with more on a plate in the background. — Maple Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These carrots highlight everyday air fryer value with quick cooking and simple prep. They fit easily into weeknight dinners without extra steps. Portions are easy to adjust based on the meal. This works well as a vegetable side dish.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots

Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Close-up of an air-fried barbecued rib with charred edges over a white plate. — Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ribs in the air fryer show why it earns counter space by reducing cook time and oversight. Prep is manageable and doesn't require constant checking. This makes it realistic for weekend meals at home. It serves best as a main course.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Hot Honey Chicken Wings with Mustard

Three glazed chicken wing pieces garnished with parsley are arranged on a white plate. A red and white checkered cloth is visible beside the plate. — Hot Honey Chicken Wings with Mustard. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Wings cook evenly and efficiently, reinforcing frequent air fryer use for family meals. Prep is straightforward and the timing is predictable. They're easy to serve for dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe works as a main dish or shared plate.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Wings with Mustard

Air Fryer Tuna Melt

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

This sandwich benefits from the air fryer's fast heating and consistent results, making it a repeat choice. Prep is minimal and fits well into lunch routines. The cook time is short, which keeps meals moving. It works best as a quick lunch or light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Two halves of baked sweet potato topped with butter and garnished with herbs on a white plate, with a red checkered napkin on the side. — Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sweet potatoes are a strong everyday choice that shows why the air fryer stays out. Prep is simple and cook time is reliable. They can be used across multiple meals during the week. This works well as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Honey Spiced Walnuts

Bowl of glazed candied walnuts on a white surface. — Air Fryer Honey Spiced Walnuts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These nuts highlight how the air fryer handles small batches quickly, supporting frequent use. Prep takes very little time and cleanup is easy. They store well after cooking for later use. This recipe works as a snack or topping.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Spiced Walnuts

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

This recipe fits regular air fryer use thanks to fast cooking and easy portioning. Prep is straightforward and doesn't require special tools. The short cook time makes it convenient for gatherings. It works best as an appetizer or side.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

Crab Rangoon Dip

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

This dip benefits from air fryer heating that's quick and consistent, making it worth keeping nearby. Prep is manageable and can be done ahead of time. It reheats well for flexible serving. This works as a party appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Sliced ham with orange slices and grapes, garnished with parsley on a platter. — Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ham cooks efficiently here, reinforcing why the air fryer earns ongoing counter space. Prep is simple compared to larger oven methods. The timing is easier to manage for smaller meals. This serves well as a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Close-up of a garlic bread slice topped with melted cheese and herbs held over a plate. — Air Fryer Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic bread highlights the air fryer's everyday usefulness with fast cooking and easy cleanup. Prep is minimal and timing is short. It pairs well with many meals without extra effort. This works best as a side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

A basket of crispy roasted pork belly chunks garnished with parsley, served in a white paper-lined wicker basket. — Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These bites cook evenly and quickly, supporting frequent air fryer use. Prep is manageable and doesn't require constant attention. Portions are easy to control for serving. This works as an appetizer or protein side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

S'mores Dip

This dessert makes sense for regular air fryer use due to short cook times and a simple setup. Prep is minimal, and cleanup stays easy. It's practical for sharing without extra equipment. This works as a casual dessert.
Get the Recipe: S'mores Dip

Apple Puff Pastry Tart

A dessert plate with apple slices, a pastry drizzled with icing, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with syrup. A checkered cloth is nearby. — Apple Puff Pastry Tart. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This tart benefits from the air fryer's ability to bake small batches efficiently. Prep is straightforward and doesn't take much time. The size makes it easy to serve without leftovers. It works well as a dessert or brunch item.
Get the Recipe: Apple Puff Pastry Tart

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air-fried brussels sprouts with grated parmesan cheese on a white plate. — Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Brussels sprouts show everyday air fryer value with quick cooking and consistent results. Prep is simple and fits into weeknight meals. Portions are easy to scale. This recipe works as a vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

A piece of air fried chicken thigh on a fork, with a caramelized exterior and garnished with a small leaf, in focus against a blurred background of more chicken pieces. — Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These thighs highlight why the air fryer stays on the counter with reliable cook times and minimal prep. They're easy to plan for weeknight dinners. Cleanup is quick, which helps with busy schedules. This works well as a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Tenders are a repeat favorite that justify frequent air fryer use. Prep is minimal and cooking is fast. Portions are easy to adjust for families. This works well for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Apple Salad

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

This salad pairs well with air-fried components, supporting regular air fryer use during meal prep. Assembly is quick and doesn't add much time to cooking. It fits easily into lunch or dinner plans. This works best as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad

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