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    Home / Roundups

    30 air fryer recipes that replace more than just the oven

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Feb 2, 2026 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    I rely on my air fryer because it does more than replace the oven-it steps in for the stove, grill, and even the toaster when I want faster results with less cleanup. These air fryer recipes are built for real life, whether that means quick meals, smaller portions, or keeping the kitchen cool and efficient. If you like practical cooking that saves time and still fits into everyday routines, this is the kind of lineup you'll actually use again and again.

    A hand holding a bacon-wrapped shrimp dipped into a small bowl of sauce, placed on a white surface with green herbs.Pin
    Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    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.

    This recipe works well in the air fryer because it delivers the same charred edges and quick cook time without needing the grill or oven. It comes together fast, making it a solid option for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Shrimp cook evenly in the compact heat, helping avoid overcooking. It's a flexible main that pairs easily with simple sides.
    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.Pin
    Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This single-serve dessert benefits from the air fryer's direct heat, which crisps the topping quickly without heating the whole kitchen. It's easy to prep and cooks in a short amount of time. The size makes it ideal for a quick dessert or late-night treat. Cleanup is minimal, which keeps things simple.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One

    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.Pin
    Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken legs cook evenly in the air fryer, giving crisp skin while keeping the meat juicy without using the oven. This recipe is easy to prepare and works well for busy nights. The cook time is shorter than traditional roasting. It's a reliable choice for a simple family dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    Air Fryer Home Fries

    Air-fried potato cubes with diced green bell peppers on plate.Pin
    Air Fryer Home Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These home fries cook up with a crisp outside and soft center thanks to steady air circulation. The air fryer handles them faster than stovetop or oven methods. Prep is straightforward, making this a strong breakfast or brunch option. They also work well as a side for dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

    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 air fryer helps wings cook evenly while creating a crisp finish without deep frying. This recipe is great for game day snacks or casual meals. The cook time is manageable and doesn't require constant attention. It's an easy way to make wings without turning on the oven.
    Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Wings with Mustard

    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.

    A Cornish hen fits perfectly in the air fryer, allowing even cooking without the long roast time of an oven. This makes it practical for a small dinner that still feels special. Prep is simple and cook time is shorter than expected. It's a good option when cooking for one or two people.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hen

    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 evenly in the air fryer, concentrating flavor without needing a long bake. This recipe works well as a side or topping. It's quick to prepare and cooks faster than traditional roasting. The air fryer keeps the texture consistent without extra effort.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

    Air Fryer Pineapples

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

    Pineapple caramelizes nicely in the air fryer due to steady heat and quick cooking. This makes it an easy option for dessert or a sweet side. Prep takes very little time. It's a simple recipe that doesn't require oven space.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pineapples

    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 bites cook evenly in the air fryer, helping the bacon crisp while the salmon stays tender. The smaller size keeps cooking time short. They work well as an appetizer or light meal. Using the air fryer avoids the need for broiling.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

    Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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

    The air fryer crisps the outside of these poppers without deep frying. They cook quickly and are easy to prepare ahead of time. This makes them practical for parties or snacks. Cleanup is simpler than oven baking.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

    Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

    Potato wedges cook evenly in the air fryer, producing a crisp exterior without long oven times. They're easy to prep and cook faster than traditional baking. This makes them a reliable side dish. They pair well with many main meals.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

    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 muffins cook evenly in the air fryer, helping them set without drying out. They're easy to portion and cook in batches. The short cook time makes them practical for meal prep. They work well for breakfast or quick snacks.
    Get the Recipe: Egg White Frittata Muffins

    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 air fryer melts and browns the topping quickly without using the oven. This makes it convenient for small batches. Prep is minimal and cook time is short. It's best served as a shared dessert.
    Get the Recipe: S'mores Dip

    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.

    Ham reheats and browns well in the air fryer, keeping slices moist without long oven times. This recipe is easy to prepare and cooks evenly. It works well for smaller meals or leftovers. The air fryer prevents drying out.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fried Ham with Keto Glaze

    Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

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

    The air fryer crisps the bacon while warming the pineapple evenly. This keeps cook time short and consistent. It's a simple appetizer with minimal prep. The compact cooking space helps everything cook evenly.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

    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, creating a crisp outside without using a skillet or oven. This reduces hands-on time. It's easy to make in small batches. It works well for breakfast or brunch.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Toast

    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.

    Puff pastry rises well in the air fryer thanks to steady heat. These bites cook faster than oven baking. Prep is simple and predictable. They're a good option for appetizers or holiday snacks.
    Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

    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.

    Pork belly cooks evenly in the air fryer, helping render fat without constant monitoring. This shortens cooking time compared to oven roasting. Prep is straightforward. It works well as an appetizer or main protein.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly 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.

    The air fryer crisps puff pastry evenly without overheating the kitchen. This makes it practical for small desserts. Cook time is shorter than oven baking. It's easy to portion and serve.
    Get the Recipe: Apple Puff Pastry Tart

    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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

    Cabbage softens evenly in the air fryer while the bacon crisps. This eliminates the need for oven roasting. Prep is minimal and cook time is manageable. It works well as a side dish.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    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.

    These s'mores cook quickly in the air fryer, melting the center evenly. There's no need for an oven or open flame. Prep takes just a few minutes. It's a simple dessert for small groups.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S'mores

    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.

    The air fryer melts cheese evenly while keeping the bread crisp. This avoids soggy results common with other methods. Cook time is quick. It's an easy lunch or light dinner option.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

    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.

    While traditionally no-cook, this recipe benefits from air fryer-prepared components that add contrast without oven use. It's quick to assemble and works well as a side or light meal. Prep is simple and flexible. The air fryer adds efficiency without extra equipment.
    Get the Recipe: Apple Salad

    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 air fryer crisps the wrapper evenly without deep frying. This reduces hands-on cooking time. Prep is straightforward and predictable. It works well as a snack or dessert.
    Get the Recipe: Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

    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 cook quickly in the air fryer while the bacon crisps evenly. This avoids stovetop splatter. Prep is simple and cook time is short. It works well as an appetizer or main.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

    Frozen Pot Pie

    Pot pie on plate with fork in middle.Pin
    Frozen Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A frozen pot pie heats evenly in the air fryer without waiting for a full oven preheat. This shortens cooking time. It's a convenient meal with no prep. The crust browns well in the compact heat.
    Get the Recipe: Frozen Pot Pie

    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 cook evenly in the air fryer, helping the bacon crisp without drying out the chicken. Prep is quick and simple. They cook faster than oven versions. This makes them practical for snacks or meals.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

    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 thighs stay juicy in the air fryer thanks to even heat. Cook time is shorter than oven baking. Prep is minimal and predictable. They work well for weeknight dinners.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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

    Chicken tenders cook evenly and crisp in the air fryer without deep frying. This keeps cooking time short. Prep is simple and consistent. They're a good option for family meals.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    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 air fryer helps the glaze set evenly without drying out the ham. This reduces the need for oven space. Cook time is manageable and hands-off. It works well for smaller holiday meals or leftovers.
    Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

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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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