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    Home / Roundups

    30 Air Fryer Meals That Make Crisp the Easy Option

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Jan 14, 2026 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    If you're anything like me, you love meals that are crisp, flavorful, and come together without a lot of fuss. Air fryer recipes make that easy, letting you get golden, crunchy results without standing over the stove. I've put together a collection of my favorite dishes that turn quick prep and fast cooking into meals everyone will enjoy.

    A close-up of a hand holding a crispy, breaded chicken drumette with more drumettes in the background on a white plate.Pin
    Chicken lollipops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Whole Chicken

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

    This whole chicken cooks evenly in the air fryer, giving the skin a crisp finish while keeping the meat juicy. It works well for family dinners or a weekend meal. The cooking time is simple to track, making it easy to plan. It's a practical choice when you want a full meal with minimal effort.
    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.Pin
    Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These bite-sized pieces cook quickly and come out crisp on the outside while staying tender inside. The bacon adds a crunchy layer that the air fryer handles perfectly. They're ideal for a snack or appetizer. The prep is simple and quick, making them easy to fit into any mealtime.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

    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.Pin
    Apple Puff Pastry Tart. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This tart has a flaky crust that crisps nicely in the air fryer. It's a sweet option that can serve as a snack or light dessert. The prep is straightforward, and it cooks in under 20 minutes. It's a convenient choice when you want a crisp finish without heating the oven.
    Get the Recipe: Apple Puff Pastry Tart

    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.

    The glaze caramelizes quickly in the air fryer, giving the ham a crisp outer layer. It's a great option for holiday meals or a special dinner. Cooking times are easy to follow, and the results are reliable. It's a simple way to get a crisp finish with a rich flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

    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 come out golden and crispy in just a few minutes. They're practical for lunch or dinner and easy to cook straight from raw. The prep is minimal, and the air fryer makes cleanup simple. They're a quick way to get a crispy meal the whole family will enjoy.
    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.Pin
    Apple Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    The apple slices are crisp and fresh, adding a crunchy element to the salad. It pairs well with any meal and doesn't require much preparation. The salad can be served immediately, keeping the ingredients crisp. It's an easy option for a light and refreshing dish.
    Get the Recipe: Apple Salad

    Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

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

    These bites come out golden and crisp on the outside while staying tender inside. They're a practical choice for appetizers or a main dish. Cooking time is manageable, and they hold up well if made in batches. They offer a crisp texture that's difficult to achieve without the air fryer.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

    Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

    A plate of freshly cooked Filipino banana turon lumpia spring rolls.Pin
    Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    The banana filling softens while the wrapper crisps perfectly in the air fryer. They're easy to prep ahead and cook quickly. These treats are great for snacks or dessert. The crisp exterior makes them a convenient choice for a ready-to-serve option.
    Get the Recipe: Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

    Air Fryer Garlic Bread

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

    The bread gets evenly toasted and crisp, while the garlic butter melts into every slice. It's a simple addition to dinner or a quick snack. Cooking time is short, and the air fryer keeps the bread from becoming soggy. It's a practical way to get a crisp, flavorful side with minimal effort.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread

    Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

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

    The apple slices develop a caramelized, slightly crisp edge in the air fryer. They're quick to prepare and work well as a snack or topping. The cooking time is easy to manage, and the flavor is concentrated. They're a convenient option when you want crisp, cooked apples without much fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

    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.

    These fritters cook evenly and develop a crisp exterior while remaining soft inside. They're quick to make and don't require much prep. The air fryer keeps them from becoming greasy. They're a practical choice for a quick, crispy treat.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Fritters

    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.

    The chicken thighs cook evenly and get a crisp surface while staying juicy. They're ideal for lunch or dinner with minimal prep. The cooking time is simple to follow. This recipe works well when you want a crispy, flavorful meal quickly.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Chicken Nuggets

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

    These nuggets crisp perfectly in the air fryer without needing extra oil. They're convenient for a quick lunch, dinner, or snack. Prep is straightforward, and they cook fast. They're a practical choice when you want a crunchy, ready-to-eat option.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

    Crab Rangoon Dip

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

    The dip forms a slightly crisp top while staying creamy underneath. It's quick to make and easy to serve for parties or snacks. The air fryer shortens cooking time compared to an oven. It's a convenient way to get a crisp finish on a creamy dish.
    Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

    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.

    The crab cakes get a golden, crisp crust while staying tender inside. They're easy to prep and cook in under 20 minutes. This makes them practical for dinner or appetizers. The air fryer ensures a consistent crispness without much effort.
    Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cakes

    Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

    Stack of bacon wrapped onion rings.Pin
    Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    The bacon crisps up perfectly while keeping the onion soft inside. They're great for a snack or side dish. Cooking time is manageable, and the air fryer ensures even crisping. They're a practical option when you want a crunchy, handheld dish.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

    Air Fryer Cornish Hen

    Air fryer Cornish hen on a white plate with lemon wedges.Pin
    Air Fryer Cornish Hen. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    The hen cooks evenly with crisp skin and tender meat. It's suitable for a small dinner with minimal prep. The cooking time is easy to track. This recipe works well for a complete, crisp-finished meal without fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hen

    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 develop a crisp skin while the sauce caramelizes slightly. They're quick to cook and work well for lunch or dinner. The prep is straightforward, and cleanup is easy. They're a practical choice for a crisp, flavorful wing.
    Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Wings with Mustard

    Air Fryer Pasta Chips

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

    These chips crisp up quickly and hold their shape well. They're convenient for snacking or topping salads. Prep is fast, and the cooking time is short. They offer a quick way to get a crunchy, crisp snack.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

    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.

    The salmon fillet cooks evenly and develops a slight crisp on the edges. It's simple to prepare and pairs well with vegetables or grains. Cooking time is straightforward and consistent. It's a practical choice for a quick, crisp-touched meal.
    Get the Recipe: Salmon Bowl

    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.

    The bacon crisps nicely while keeping the salmon tender inside. They're suitable for appetizers or small meals. Prep is minimal, and cooking is fast. They're a convenient option when you want a crisp exterior with rich flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

    Air Fryer Pineapples

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

    The pineapple chunks caramelize slightly while staying juicy. They're quick to prep and cook. This makes them great for snacking or dessert toppings. The air fryer ensures a crisped edge without extra steps.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pineapples

    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage on white plate.Pin
    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    The bacon crisps while the cabbage softens slightly, creating a balanced texture. It's easy to prep and cook quickly. The air fryer shortens cooking time and reduces mess. It's a practical choice for a side with a crisp touch.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    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 shrimp cook fast and get a slightly crisp exterior while staying tender inside. They're great for dinner or appetizers. Skewers make prep simple, and cooking time is short. This recipe works well when you want a crisp finish with minimal effort.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Chicken Lollipops

    A close-up of a hand holding a crispy breaded chicken drumstick, with more drumsticks on a white plate in the background.Pin
    Chicken Lollipops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These drumettes crisp up quickly in the air fryer while staying juicy inside. They're ideal for snacks or main dishes. Prep is simple, and cooking time is manageable. They're a practical choice for a hand-held, crisp-topped treat.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Lollipops

    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.Pin
    Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    The sweet potato slices or cubes develop a crisp outer layer while staying soft inside. They're quick to prep and cook. This makes them suitable for sides or snacks. The air fryer provides a crisp finish without extra oil.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

    Air Fryer S'mores

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

    The marshmallows and chocolate get slightly crisped on the top while the base remains soft. They're quick to assemble and cook. This makes them great for a fast dessert option. The air fryer adds a crisp touch without extra steps.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S'mores

    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.

    The top of the dip forms a crisp, caramelized layer while staying creamy underneath. It's quick to make and easy to serve. Cooking time is short and straightforward. It's a convenient choice when you want a crisp finish on a creamy dessert.
    Get the Recipe: S'mores Dip

    Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

    Air fryer frozen sweet potato fries.Pin
    Frozen Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These fries crisp up nicely without oil drenching. They're fast to cook and require minimal prep. The air fryer keeps them evenly cooked. They're a practical option for a quick, crisp side.
    Get the Recipe: Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

    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.

    The edges of the brownies get slightly crisp while the inside stays soft. They're easy to prep and cook quickly. This makes them great for snacks or dessert. The air fryer gives a crisp finish with minimal effort.
    Get the Recipe: Brownie Bites

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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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