27 Air Fryer Recipes That Are Faster (and Better) Than Oven-Baked

When it comes to saving time in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor, air fryer recipes are a game-changer. They cook faster, require less cleanup, and deliver results that often outshine traditional oven-baking. I’m always amazed at how easy it is to create crispy, flavorful dishes with just a fraction of the effort, making these recipes perfect for busy days or when you want great food in less time.

A bowl of yogurt topped with sliced red apples, granola, and dried fruit, with a spoon resting inside. A jar of granola is tipped over nearby on a white surface with a red checkered cloth.

Want to save this post?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

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

These air fryer puff pastry bites come out golden and flaky in record time, making them an excellent choice for appetizers. The combination of tangy cranberry and creamy Brie is perfect for any occasion. Using the air fryer means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with guests. These bites are great for impressing without a lot of work. They’ll quickly become a go-to for entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a breeze in the air fryer, with no preheating required. They come out crisp and evenly cooked, saving you time and effort. Perfect as a snack or side dish, these fries are ready in minutes. The air fryer locks in flavor and texture better than traditional oven methods. A convenient way to enjoy a quick favorite without hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

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.

These kabobs are a quick and flavorful way to serve tender chicken and vegetables. The air fryer ensures even cooking and faster preparation than grilling or baking. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, they’re easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. The minimal mess makes cleanup a breeze. A fun and versatile meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

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. — Maryland Crab Cakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air frying crab cakes gives them a perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. Faster than oven baking, they’re an excellent choice for appetizers or light meals. This method highlights the natural flavors of the crab without the need for excess oil. Perfect for entertaining or treating yourself to a special dinner. A great way to make restaurant-style crab cakes at home.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cakes

Candied Almonds

These air fryer candied almonds are a quick way to prepare a sweet and crunchy snack. The air fryer delivers consistent results without the need for constant stirring. Perfect for parties, gifting, or snacking, they’re done in a fraction of the time compared to stovetop methods. Their irresistible flavor and texture make them a hit with everyone. A simple treat that’s big on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Candied Almonds

Baked Apple in Air Fryer

Baked apple on a white plate filled with oats, nuts, and cranberries, with cinnamon sprinkled around. A red checkered cloth is partially visible on the side. — Baked Apple in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This air fryer baked apple is a quick and cozy dessert option that’s ready in minutes. The air fryer softens the apple while caramelizing the sugars perfectly. Ideal for a single serving or small gatherings, it’s a comforting treat without the long baking time. Customize with your favorite spices or toppings for added flavor. A simple yet satisfying way to enjoy a warm dessert.
Get the Recipe: Baked Apple in Air Fryer

Crab Rangoon Dip

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

The air fryer makes this dip faster to prepare while keeping it warm and creamy. Perfect for parties or as a snack, it pairs beautifully with crackers or veggies. The air fryer ensures a bubbling, golden top without the wait of traditional baking. Great for entertaining when you want something quick but crowd-pleasing. A must-try for any appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Dehydrated Strawberries in an Air Fryer

These dehydrated strawberries are a simple and quick way to create a versatile snack or topping. The air fryer speeds up the process compared to traditional dehydrating methods. Perfect for adding to cereals, yogurt, or baked goods, they’re full of natural sweetness. The compact preparation makes them great for small batches. A healthy option that’s easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Dehydrated Strawberries in an Air Fryer

S'mores Dip

Air frying this dip gives you perfectly melted chocolate and gooey marshmallows in no time. Ideal for sharing, it’s a fun and quick dessert for any occasion. The air fryer creates a toasty top layer, mimicking the campfire experience indoors. Great for kids and adults alike, it’s ready faster than baking. A treat everyone will love digging into.
Get the Recipe: S'mores Dip

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Plate of sliced teriyaki chicken over white rice, topped with sesame seeds, served with snap peas and carrot slices. — Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This air fryer teriyaki chicken is a fast and flavorful main dish or protein-packed addition to rice bowls. The air fryer locks in moisture while creating a slight char that’s hard to beat. Ready in a fraction of the time, it’s a great option for busy evenings. Pair with vegetables or noodles for a complete meal. An easy way to bring bold flavor to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

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. — Brownie Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air fryer brownie bites are ready in no time, with a fudgy center and crisp edges that everyone loves. Perfect for satisfying a quick chocolate craving, they’re portioned just right for snacking or sharing. The air fryer simplifies the baking process, delivering consistent results every time. A great dessert for when you want something special without the wait. Ideal for small gatherings or treating yourself.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Bites

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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

These jalapeño poppers come out with a crisp, golden exterior and a creamy filling, all in less time than traditional baking. Perfect for game days or as a quick appetizer, they’re a hit with any crowd. The air fryer ensures evenly cooked poppers with minimal mess. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, they’re a must for casual entertaining. A great way to bring bold flavors to the table effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

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

Smashed potatoes in the air fryer come out crispy and golden with melty cheese on top in a fraction of the time. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, they’re full of texture and flavor. The air fryer makes it easy to achieve that ideal combination of crunch and gooeyness. A great choice for busy nights or when you need a reliable crowd-pleaser. These will quickly become a favorite addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One

A plate of apple crisp with chunks of apple, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an oat crumble topping. — Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This single-serving apple crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that’s ready in minutes. The air fryer perfectly cooks the apples and crisps the topping for a comforting treat without the wait. Ideal for when you want something homemade but quick, it’s easy to customize with your favorite spices or additions. Great for a solo dessert or a simple way to enjoy seasonal flavors. A hassle-free option that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One

Air Fryer Granola

A bowl of yogurt topped with granola, sliced apples, nuts, and honey on a spoon. A red checkered cloth and a jar of granola are in the background. — Air Fryer Granola. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Making granola in the air fryer is a faster way to achieve crunchy clusters without constant stirring. Perfect for breakfasts or snacks, this method delivers evenly toasted results. It’s easy to customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Great for small batches or when you need granola in a hurry. A convenient way to make a pantry staple with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Granola

Fried Eggs in Air Fryer

Plate with two sunny-side-up eggs, perfectly cooked like fried eggs in an air fryer, and two strips of crispy bacon, next to a fork and a dark cloth napkin. — Fried Eggs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Air frying eggs is a simple and quick method for perfectly cooked fried eggs every time. Ideal for breakfast or as a topping for rice bowls or salads, they’re versatile and hassle-free. The air fryer ensures evenly cooked whites and a runny yolk, all without using a stovetop. Great for mornings when you need to save time but still want a hearty start. A reliable recipe that fits seamlessly into any routine.
Get the Recipe: Fried Eggs in Air Fryer

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.

Boneless chicken thighs come out tender and juicy with a slightly crisp exterior in just a fraction of the usual cooking time. Perfect for a main dish, they pair well with nearly any side. The air fryer makes it easy to achieve consistently great results with minimal prep and cleanup. Great for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. A flavorful and practical option for your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Pineapples

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

These caramelized pineapples are a quick and easy way to create a sweet and tangy snack or dessert topping. The air fryer enhances the natural sweetness while adding a light, toasty finish. Perfect for pairing with ice cream, yogurt, or enjoying on their own. Great for summer gatherings or when you need a simple treat in minutes. A refreshing option that’s as versatile as it is quick.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pineapples

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 in the air fryer turn out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a standout side dish. Faster than roasting, this method brings out their natural flavor with a satisfying texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals, they’re easy to customize with your favorite seasonings. The air fryer’s speed and simplicity make them an easy addition to your vegetable routine. A great way to enjoy a classic dish with less hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Close-up of a hand holding a seasoned chicken wing garnished with fresh herbs, with more pieces on a plate in the background. — Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These lemon pepper chicken wings are crispy, flavorful, and ready in a fraction of the time it takes to bake. Perfect for game nights or casual dinners, they’re a crowd-pleasing option. The air fryer locks in the juiciness while creating a perfectly crisp coating. Easy to prepare and clean up, they’re a win for busy days. A bold and convenient way to enjoy your favorite wings at home.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

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.

The air fryer makes tuna melts crispy and golden in minutes, delivering a warm and satisfying meal without extra effort. Perfect for lunch or a quick dinner, they’re easy to assemble and cook. The air fryer’s efficiency ensures evenly melted cheese and toasted bread every time. A simple option for those moments when you need something fast but filling. Great for adding variety to your meal lineup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

Sliced grilled chicken breast garnished with parsley on a white plate. — Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Marinated chicken breasts cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer, staying juicy with a light, crisp exterior. Perfect for a main dish or slicing into salads and wraps, they’re versatile and easy to prepare. The air fryer reduces cook time while enhancing flavor with no extra effort. A great option for weeknights or meal prepping ahead of time. Reliable and quick, this recipe is a kitchen staple.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

Chicken Lollipops

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

These air fryer chicken lollipops are a fun and flavorful appetizer that cooks faster than traditional methods. The air fryer ensures crispy, evenly cooked pieces with minimal mess. Perfect for parties or casual dinners, they’re as easy to eat as they are to prepare. Great for impressing guests with something different but low effort. A crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lollipops

Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

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

These pork belly bites come out crispy and tender in the air fryer, with less mess than frying on the stovetop. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, they’re flavorful and easy to prepare. The air fryer’s speed and efficiency make them a quicker alternative to traditional methods. Great for family meals or entertaining guests with a no-fuss approach. A satisfying way to enjoy a classic dish with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

Cream Cheese Danish

A pastry with berry filling and white drizzle on a white plate is accompanied by strawberry slices. A red and white checkered cloth, blueberries, and a bowl of strawberries are nearby. — Cream Cheese Danish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These cream cheese danishes are a quick and easy air fryer breakfast or dessert option. The air fryer creates a flaky pastry with a creamy, sweet filling in minutes. Perfect for busy mornings or an afternoon treat, they’re simple to prepare and serve. The faster cook time and minimal cleanup make them an easy favorite. A great way to enjoy a bakery-inspired treat at home.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Danish

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 bacon-wrapped chicken bites are a quick and savory appetizer that cooks perfectly in the air fryer. The bacon crisps up while keeping the chicken tender, creating a perfect bite every time. Great for game days, parties, or snacks, they’re ready faster than baking. The air fryer’s even cooking ensures a mess-free preparation. A reliable option for serving up big flavor with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

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

Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer delivers juicy meat with a perfectly crisp skin in much less time than the oven. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this method ensures even cooking throughout. The air fryer’s compact design locks in flavor while minimizing cleanup. Great for when you need a hassle-free option to serve up a hearty meal. A fantastic way to simplify a classic dish.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer