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    Home / Roundups

    27 Air Fryer Favorites That Never Get Old

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Sep 20, 2026 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    The air fryer isn't just a passing kitchen trend-it's here to stay. Some recipes are so good they end up in constant rotation, and those are the true air fryer favorites. They save you time, keep cleanup simple, and still deliver the kind of crunch or comfort you want. Plus, they make it easier to whip up something impressive without a lot of effort. These are the recipes that earn a permanent spot on the weekly menu.

    Maryland Crab Cakes

    Close-up of a crab cake on a plate, topped with creamy sauce, partially cut to show the inside. Lemon wedges and parsley garnishes are nearby.Pin
    Maryland Crab Cakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    These crab cakes come out golden with a crisp crust and a tender inside. They're quicker in the air fryer than on the stovetop, and cleanup is much easier. Serve them as a dinner centerpiece or in smaller portions for an appetizer. This recipe is one of those air fryer favorites you'll come back to often.
    Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cakes

    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.Pin
    Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Boneless chicken thighs cook evenly in less time than the oven. The meat stays juicy without extra effort, which makes them reliable for weeknight meals. They pair easily with simple sides, so you can mix things up often. This recipe is handy when you want dinner done with little stress.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

    Close-up of a pastry topped with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.Pin
    Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These puff pastry bites turn golden and flaky in the air fryer while the brie melts inside. They look elegant but are simple enough to prepare for a casual gathering. Cooking them this way keeps the process quick and less messy. They're perfect for parties or small get-togethers without a lot of fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

    Air Fryer French Toast

    Air fryer french toast slices with syrup and blueberries on plate.Pin
    Air Fryer French Toast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    French toast cooks evenly in the air fryer with a crisp edge and soft middle. It's ready in minutes, making it a good choice for busy mornings or breakfast-for-dinner nights. You can cook several pieces at once without crowding a pan. This recipe shows why air fryer favorites aren't limited to savory foods.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Toast

    Brownie Bites

    Close-up of a hand holding a half-eaten chocolate brownie with gooey chocolate chunks, with another partial brownie blurred in the background.Pin
    Brownie Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Brownie bites in the air fryer come out fudgy inside with just enough chew on the edges. They're portioned for easy sharing and don't leave a sink full of dishes. The method keeps dessert simple without losing flavor. These are ideal when you want something sweet without much work.
    Get the Recipe: Brownie Bites

    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.Pin
    Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These bites stay juicy inside while the bacon crisps evenly in the air fryer. They work well as appetizers, snacks, or even part of a larger meal. Prep is quick, and cleanup doesn't take much effort. This recipe shows how air fryer favorites can be both practical and flavorful.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

    Air Fryer Lumpia

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

    Lumpia come out crisp and golden without soaking up extra grease. The air fryer speeds things up, so they're ready to serve in less time. They're versatile enough to serve as a snack, side, or appetizer. This approach gives you crunch without the heaviness of deep frying.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

    Ground Turkey Meatballs

    Three glazed meatballs are arranged in a row on a white plate, each garnished with a stick and a small sprig of parsley. A red checkered cloth and some fresh parsley are in the background.Pin
    Ground Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Turkey meatballs hold their shape in the air fryer while cooking evenly throughout. They get a nice crust outside but stay juicy inside. These work well with pasta, sandwiches, or even on their own. It's a smart recipe for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Meatballs

    Air Fryer Tuna Melt

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

    A tuna melt crisps up nicely in the air fryer, with warm filling inside and toasted bread outside. It's faster than oven baking and cleaner than stovetop cooking. You can pull this together for lunch or dinner without much planning. It's one of those recipes that proves simple food can still feel complete.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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

    These chicken tenders cook fast and come out crisp without excess oil. They're easy to prepare, which makes them a dependable choice for both snacks and meals. Kids and adults enjoy them, so they work in just about any setting. This is a true air fryer favorite for busy households.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

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

    Roma tomatoes roast quickly with a soft inside and a lightly crisp edge. They don't need much seasoning, and the flavor deepens nicely in minutes. These are great as a side or mixed into other dishes. It's a simple way to add roasted vegetables to everyday meals.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

    Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

    Bacon wrapped pineapple on a white plate.Pin
    Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Pineapple wrapped in bacon cooks evenly in the air fryer and comes out with a balanced mix of sweet and savory. It's a simple appetizer or snack that doesn't take long to prep. Cleanup is quick, which keeps things stress-free. This pairing works well for casual meals or gatherings.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

    Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

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

    Shrimp stay tender while the bacon crisps evenly in the air fryer. They're easy to portion for snacks, dinners, or party trays. Cooking time is short, so you don't spend much time waiting. This recipe is a clear example of why seafood belongs in your air fryer favorites.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

    Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

    Three pieces of bacon-wrapped salmon bites garnished with parsley on a white plate.Pin
    Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These salmon bites cook quickly and pair well with basic sides. The bacon gets crisp without overcooking the fish. Portions are small enough to avoid waste but still filling. It's a simple way to prepare seafood without much effort.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

    Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

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

    Baby back ribs come out browned and tender in a fraction of the time it takes to roast or grill. You can skip the long bake and still enjoy meaty flavor. Cleanup is easier compared to handling a grill. This recipe is a go-to when you want ribs without the wait.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

    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.Pin
    Salmon Bowl. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A salmon bowl from the air fryer is quick to assemble and fits easily into a busy day. The salmon cooks evenly with a tender, flaky finish. You can adjust toppings and sides to keep the meal versatile. This recipe proves that full meals belong on the list of air fryer favorites.
    Get the Recipe: Salmon Bowl

    Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

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

    Glazed ham cooks evenly in the air fryer while staying juicy inside. The glaze caramelizes nicely without extra effort. It's an easy option for weeknights but also works for special occasions. Cooking and cleanup both stay simple, which helps keep stress low.
    Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

    Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

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

    Little smokies wrapped in bacon crisp quickly in the air fryer. They're perfect for appetizers, snacks, or game-day spreads. Portions are manageable and don't leave a lot of leftovers. Using the air fryer saves time compared to oven roasting.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

    S'mores Dip

    A hand holding a graham cracker dipped in s'mores dip with more crackers and dip in the background.Pin
    S’mores Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This dip toasts evenly in the air fryer, so you get gooey chocolate and marshmallows with a crisp top every time. It's quick to prep, which is great when dessert feels like an afterthought. You can serve it straight from the dish, so no one waits around. Cleanup stays easy, so you'll want to repeat it often.
    Get the Recipe: S'mores Dip

    Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Grilled shrimp skewers with red and green bell peppers, served with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce on a white plate.Pin
    Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    The air fryer keeps shrimp juicy while cooking them evenly in minutes. You don't need a grill, and they still taste fresh enough for a light dinner or quick starter. The cleanup is quick, so it fits into a busy weeknight easily. They're a solid option when you want seafood without the fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    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.Pin
    Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These skewers cook evenly and stay tender without needing an outdoor grill. They're quick enough for a weeknight but also work on a party spread. Seasoning stays simple, so you can adjust flavors however you like. The short cooking time makes them a stress-free dinner choice.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    Air Fried Ham with Keto Glaze

    Sliced roasted ham garnished with sprigs of rosemary on a white plate.Pin
    Air Fried Ham with Keto Glaze. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Slices of ham warm through quickly in the air fryer and grab onto that glaze with no trouble. The caramelization happens fast, giving dinner a polished finish without effort. Portioning stays simple, so you don't waste leftovers. It's an easy way to serve a classic meal in less time.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fried Ham with Keto Glaze

    Air Fryer Pineapples

    Sliced pinieapples sprinkled with cinnamon on a plate.Pin
    Air Fryer Pineapples. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Pineapple cooks up sweet with just the right bit of caramelization in minutes. You can serve it as a fresh side or save it for dessert, and both work well. The prep is basically nothing, so it's a low-effort add-on to dinner. The flavor feels bright without any extra sugar.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pineapples

    Egg White Frittata Muffins

    Three egg white frittata muffins on a plate with sprigs of rosemary.Pin
    Egg White Frittata Muffins. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These mini frittatas come out light with a crisp edge that holds up well. The air fryer shortens the cook time, which makes them great for breakfast prep. You can eat them on the go or enjoy them warm out of the basket. They keep their texture better than a big oven-baked version.
    Get the Recipe: Egg White Frittata Muffins

    Air Fryer Apple Fritters

    Glazed apple cinnamon fritters on a plate with front one broken in half.Pin
    Air Fryer Apple Fritters. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Apple fritters crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without all the oil. They're fast enough to whip up for breakfast or even a quick dessert. The texture hits that sweet spot of light and crisp outside with soft apples inside. It's a bakery-style snack you can pull off at home.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Fritters

    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.Pin
    Hot Honey Chicken Wings with Mustard. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    The wings crisp up perfectly in the air fryer and coat easily with sticky hot honey mustard. They cook fast, which keeps them in reach for a quick dinner or party plate. Portions are easy to scale without much effort. Cleanup is way easier than frying in oil.
    Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Wings with Mustard

    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

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

    These potatoes crisp up on the outside while staying soft inside, and they cook quicker than in the oven. The prep is minimal, which makes them fit nicely into a busy dinner night. They portion easily, so no one fights over servings. It's a simple upgrade to a familiar side dish.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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    A woman in a green shirt stands in a kitchen holding a bowl of strawberries.

    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

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