29 Air Fryer Recipes That Are Faster & Better Than the Oven

When I want a hot meal without the long wait, my air fryer is the first thing I reach for. It cooks food faster than the oven, gives everything a great texture, and doesn’t heat up the whole kitchen. These air fryer recipes make it easy to get crispy, juicy, and flavorful meals on the table with way less hassle.

Close-up of a cheesy baked dip topped with chopped green onions, with a hand dipping a piece of toasted bread into it, in a black skillet. — Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Candied Almonds

These almonds develop a crisp coating in minutes, giving you a snack that’s ready faster than traditional roasting. The air fryer ensures even cooking without constant stirring. Perfect for making a batch ahead of time or serving fresh when you need them.
Get the Recipe: Candied Almonds

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. — Ground Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These meatballs cook up evenly in the air fryer, keeping them juicy without extra effort. They’re ready in less time than baking and don’t require flipping halfway through. A great way to make a protein-packed meal without turning on the oven.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Close-up of a crispy air fried chicken drumstick on a white plate garnished with parsley, with hot sauce in the background. — Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

The air fryer crisps up the skin while keeping the meat tender inside, making these a hassle-free option for any meal. They cook much faster than in the oven and don’t require as much cleanup. Serve them with your favorite sides for a simple dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

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

These crispy pasta chips come together in minutes, making them a fun alternative to traditional snacks. The air fryer gives them the perfect crunch without needing deep frying. They’re great for dipping or eating on their own.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

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.

These Brussels sprouts develop crispy edges while staying firm inside, all in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven. The air fryer makes it easy to get that roasted texture without overcooking. A quick side dish that works for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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.

These s’mores have perfectly toasted marshmallows and melted chocolate in minutes, with no need for an open flame. The air fryer gives you all the classic flavors without waiting on the oven or dealing with a mess. A fun way to make this treat anytime.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S’mores

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.

These ribs cook faster than traditional methods while still coming out tender. The air fryer locks in flavor and creates a great texture without drying them out. A good choice when you don’t want to wait hours for a full rack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

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 helps create a warm, creamy dip with a crispy top in less time than baking. It’s an easy way to get that familiar flavor without needing to stuff and fry individual wontons. A great appetizer that doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

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 brownie bites cook up quickly with a rich, soft texture inside and slightly crisp edges. The air fryer cuts down on baking time while keeping them from drying out. A simple way to make a small batch without using the oven.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Bites

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 crisps up the bread while melting the cheese perfectly, all in minutes. This method makes it easier than pan-frying and faster than baking. A great option for a quick and filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

These bacon-wrapped bites cook up in minutes, giving you a mix of crispy and sweet in each piece. The air fryer speeds up the process and keeps the bacon from getting greasy. A quick appetizer that’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

Chicken Nuggets

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

These nuggets come out crispy on the outside and tender inside, all without deep frying. The air fryer makes them quicker than baking while giving them a golden finish. A great option for an easy meal or snack.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Cornish Hen

The air fryer helps this Cornish hen cook evenly, creating crisp skin without drying out the meat. It’s a quicker alternative to roasting while still getting the same well-cooked result. A good choice for a smaller meal that doesn’t need the whole oven.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hen

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.

The air fryer gets these wings crispy in less time than traditional methods, with a flavorful coating in every bite. There’s no need for extra oil, and they don’t require turning during cooking. A simple way to make wings at home without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

The air fryer gives these shrimp a lightly charred finish without needing an outdoor grill. They cook evenly in minutes, making them a quick addition to any meal. A great way to prepare shrimp without overcooking.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

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-serve apple crisp cooks up fast, creating a warm fruit filling with a crispy topping. The air fryer makes it easy to prepare without heating up the kitchen. A great dessert option when you don’t need a full dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One

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 bite-sized snacks cook quickly in the air fryer, with crispy bacon wrapped around each piece. There’s no need for constant turning or watching the oven. A simple appetizer that’s ready in no time.
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.

These home fries come out crispy outside and soft inside without the need for deep frying. The air fryer makes them cook faster and more evenly than the oven. A great side dish that doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

The air fryer helps cook the shrimp quickly while crisping up the bacon at the same time. This method keeps them from getting greasy and cuts down on cooking time. A simple way to prepare a flavorful appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

These cabbage wedges cook up tender inside with a lightly crisp outer layer from the bacon. The air fryer speeds up the process while keeping everything evenly cooked. A good option for an easy side dish.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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.

The air fryer heats the ham evenly while caramelizing the glaze in less time than the oven. This method keeps the meat from drying out while adding great texture. A simple way to prepare a flavorful main dish.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

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 fresh apple salad comes together in minutes, making it a quick side dish for any meal. The air fryer can be used to add a crispy topping like nuts or seeds without needing the stovetop. A light and easy addition to the table.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad

S’mores Dip

The air fryer melts the chocolate and toasts the marshmallows in minutes, creating a warm dip that’s ready to serve. It’s faster than using the oven and doesn’t require extra steps. A fun dessert that’s easy to make for a group.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Dip

Egg White Frittata Muffins

These egg muffins cook up quickly in the air fryer, making them a great breakfast option. The air fryer ensures even cooking without drying them out. A simple way to prepare a meal ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Egg White Frittata Muffins

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 walnuts develop a crisp coating in just minutes, making them an easy snack. The air fryer helps distribute the flavors evenly without needing extra oil. A quick option for adding crunch to salads or enjoying on their own.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Spiced Walnuts

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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

These chicken tenders cook up with a crispy coating in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven. The air fryer helps them stay tender inside while cutting down on cooking time. A great choice for a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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 drumsticks cook up evenly with a crisp coating that forms in minutes. The air fryer makes it easier than deep frying while keeping the meat tender. A fun option for serving at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lollipops

Air Fryer Lumpia

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

These lumpia cook up golden and crispy without needing to be deep-fried. The air fryer ensures even cooking while keeping them from getting greasy. A great way to prepare this snack with less hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Air Fryer Apple Fritters

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

These fritters develop a crisp outer layer while staying soft inside, all in less time than baking. The air fryer makes them cook evenly without needing excess oil. A simple way to make a small batch when you want a quick dessert.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Fritters