30 Air Fryer Recipes That Nail Crisp Without the Grease

I love how the air fryer makes it possible to get that crisp finish without drowning food in oil. It's one of those kitchen tools that saves time while still giving you the kind of crunch you'd normally expect from deep-frying. These recipes prove you can keep things lighter without missing out on the texture and flavor that make fried food so good.

Roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots on a white platter, garnished with rosemary. — Air Fryer Whole Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

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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.

These wings are the perfect balance of sweet heat and tangy flavor, and they come out crisp in the air fryer without extra oil. They cook quickly, making them a go-to option when you're short on time. The honey and mustard coating gives them bold flavor without needing much effort. They're great for game nights or a simple dinner with minimal cleanup. You'll love how the air fryer gets the skin crunchy while keeping the meat tender.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Wings with Mustard

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.

A salmon bowl comes together quickly and makes a complete meal in one go. The air fryer gives the fish a golden finish without the heaviness of frying. Pairing it with grains and veggies makes it versatile for lunch or dinner. It's a practical option when you want something fresh but still hearty. This meal proves you can enjoy crisp textures without needing extra grease.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Bowl

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

These salmon bites are simple to make yet feel special enough for sharing or snacking. The air fryer cooks the bacon to the perfect crisp while keeping the salmon tender inside. They're ready in a short amount of time, which makes them a good last-minute option. You can serve them at gatherings or as a quick appetizer before dinner. They show just how well the air fryer handles crispness without relying on oil.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

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

Warm cinnamon apples are a quick comfort food that doesn't need much time in the air fryer. They turn soft on the inside while the outside gets a gentle crisp. This is a nice option for when you want a sweet treat without frying. It's a recipe that works for both weeknights and family weekends. The air fryer makes them crisp enough to feel special without being greasy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

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.

These crab cakes come out with a firm golden crust in the air fryer while keeping the inside moist. They're quick to put together and work well as a meal or appetizer. The air fryer makes them crisp without a heavy fried coating. You can prepare them in advance and cook when ready, which makes mealtime easy. They're proof you don't need a lot of oil to get the texture just right.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cakes

S'mores Dip

This dip gives you all the fun of s'mores without needing a campfire. The air fryer melts the chocolate and toasts the marshmallows evenly in minutes. It's perfect for sharing with family or guests when you want a sweet snack. You can enjoy the crisp topping without the mess of frying. It's a quick way to bring a cozy treat to the table.
Get the Recipe: S'mores Dip

Crab Rangoon Dip

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

Crab rangoon dip gets bubbly and warm in the air fryer, making it easy to enjoy with chips or veggies. It saves you the effort of folding individual wontons while still giving you that same flavor. The air fryer adds a golden finish without soaking in grease. This dish works well for gatherings or as a family snack. It's a quick option that still feels like something special.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

The air fryer cooks bacon wrapped shrimp fast, giving you crispy bacon and juicy shrimp in one bite. They make a great appetizer or snack without requiring much effort. The air fryer keeps the texture light while still crisping everything perfectly. They're ready in minutes, making them ideal for busy nights. This recipe shows how the air fryer nails crunch without heavy frying.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

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.

Cooking ham in the air fryer gives it a beautiful caramelized glaze without hours in the oven. The orange glaze keeps it bright and flavorful. It's a good option for holidays or simple family dinners. The air fryer helps the outside crisp slightly while the inside stays juicy. This method is a practical way to enjoy ham with less work and no extra grease.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Dehydrated Strawberries

Using the air fryer to dehydrate strawberries makes for a simple, hands-off snack. They come out chewy with a light crisp that feels fresh and different. This is a good option when you want something homemade instead of store-bought. They keep well and can be added to cereals, salads, or eaten on their own. The air fryer lets you get that crisp texture without traditional frying.
Get the Recipe: Dehydrated Strawberries

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.

Chicken legs in the air fryer turn out with a crispy skin that doesn't need deep frying. They cook quickly, which makes them great for weeknight meals. The meat stays tender and flavorful inside. It's a simple dish that doesn't require a long list of ingredients. This recipe is a good reminder that the air fryer can give you crunch without grease.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Whole Chicken

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

Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer gives you crisp skin all over without using much oil. It's an efficient way to get a family meal done in less time than the oven. The inside stays juicy while the outside has that golden finish everyone loves. It's practical for meal prep since you can use leftovers in different ways. The air fryer makes this big task easier while still keeping things crisp.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

These onion rings cook evenly in the air fryer, giving you crunchy bacon on the outside and sweet onion inside. They're simple to make and fun to serve at gatherings. The air fryer helps them crisp up without being greasy. They're done quickly, which makes them perfect for snacking or as a side. This recipe shows how crisp texture can be done right without frying in oil.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Fried potato wedges with ketchup and parsley. — Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Potato wedges are a quick side dish that works with almost any meal. The air fryer makes them crisp on the outside while soft inside, no deep fryer needed. They're easy to season however you like. They're ready in minutes and perfect for family dinners. The air fryer gives them that fry-shop feel without extra grease.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Egg White Frittata Muffins

These frittata muffins are a quick breakfast option you can make ahead or enjoy fresh. The air fryer keeps them light but gives a nice firm edge. They're easy to customize with different fillings. This makes mornings smoother since you can grab and go. They show how the air fryer can handle crisp edges without frying.
Get the Recipe: Egg White Frittata Muffins

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

Bacon-wrapped pineapple comes out crisp and caramelized in the air fryer. The sweet and salty mix makes it a fun snack or appetizer. It's quick to put together and cooks in just minutes. The air fryer makes sure the bacon gets crunchy without dripping in oil. This recipe is a good way to enjoy crisp texture in a simple bite.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

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.

Apple fritters cook fast in the air fryer, giving you a warm treat with less mess. They come out crisp on the outside and soft inside. It's a great choice when you want something sweet without deep frying. They work well for weekend breakfasts or quick desserts. The air fryer keeps them crunchy without extra grease.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

Grilled salmon fillet on a white plate garnished with lemon slices and dill, next to a red checkered cloth and a fork. — Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer saves time and avoids the need for thawing. The outside still crisps up nicely while the inside stays tender. It's a simple meal you can prepare even on busy days. The air fryer keeps cleanup easy compared to pan-frying. This method proves you can still get that crisp finish without extra oil.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

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 puff pastry bites turn golden and flaky in the air fryer in just minutes. The cranberry and brie filling makes them a good pick for gatherings or snacks. They cook quickly without needing the oven. The air fryer helps the pastry crisp perfectly without extra grease. It's a smart way to make appetizers that look and taste like you spent more time on them.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

Turon cooks beautifully in the air fryer, giving you a crisp wrapper around soft banana filling. It's quicker and less greasy than frying in oil. This snack works well for sharing or as a sweet end to a meal. The air fryer gives it that crunch people love without the mess of deep frying. It's a simple way to enjoy a classic treat with less work.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

Crab Melt

A crab melt turns warm and crisp in the air fryer in little time. The bread gets golden while the filling stays creamy. It's a quick lunch or dinner option without needing much prep. The air fryer gives it the crunch you'd expect from a hot sandwich without frying. It's a good way to put together a meal that feels both easy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

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 apple crisp is the right size for when you just want a single serving. The air fryer cooks it quickly, giving the topping a nice crunch. It's a simple dessert that doesn't take much time. The filling stays warm and soft while the top crisps perfectly. It's a reminder that you can still enjoy crisp texture without using heavy frying.
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 little smokies come out with crisp bacon wrapped around smoky sausage. The air fryer cooks them evenly in minutes. They're a fun snack or party bite that doesn't take much effort. The crisp texture comes through without extra grease. This recipe shows how easy appetizers can be with the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

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.

Pork belly bites turn golden and crunchy in the air fryer while staying tender inside. They're quick enough for weeknight meals or sharing with friends. The air fryer keeps them crisp without dripping oil everywhere. They're simple to season however you like. This is a solid example of crisp texture done well without frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

Chicken Nuggets

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

Chicken nuggets are a classic that the air fryer makes even better with crisp coating and tender meat. They cook in minutes, making them perfect for kids or busy nights. You don't need a deep fryer to get that crunchy bite. They're practical for both snacks and meals. The air fryer proves you can have that fry-shop feel without the grease.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Cornish Hen

A Cornish hen fits neatly in the air fryer, making it easy to get crisp skin all around. It cooks faster than in the oven and stays juicy inside. This makes it great for a small dinner without leftovers. The air fryer gives you a golden finish without added oil. It's a good choice when you want a simple but special meal.
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.

These wings cook quickly in the air fryer with a crisp coating and bright flavor. They're simple enough for weeknights yet work well for gatherings. The air fryer keeps them crunchy without soaking in oil. They're ready fast, which makes them great when you don't want to fuss over dinner. This recipe shows how wings can be crisp without being greasy.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

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 in the air fryer cook with a tender inside and crisp edges. They're easy to make as a side dish for any meal. The air fryer gives them a fry-like feel without being heavy. They cook faster than the oven and don't need much oil. It's a smart way to bring crisp texture to a simple vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

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.

An apple salad is quick to throw together and makes a refreshing side. The air fryer can add crisp apples or toppings like nuts for extra texture. It's a simple option that works well for lunches or dinners. This salad keeps things light while still feeling complete. It's proof that you can bring crisp elements to meals without frying.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad

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.

Ground turkey meatballs cook fast in the air fryer with a crisp outside and tender middle. They're practical for meal prep or quick dinners. The air fryer keeps them from sitting in grease while still giving good texture. They can be used in pastas, sandwiches, or served on their own. This is a reliable way to enjoy crisp bites without frying in oil.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Meatballs