23 Air Fryer Recipes That Ruin the Stove for You

Ever since I started using my air fryer, my stove has taken a serious backseat. It makes cooking faster, cleanup easier, and turns out meals that are just as good, if not better, than traditional methods. If you're looking for recipes that save time without sacrificing flavor, these air fryer options will quickly become your go-to.

Two crab cakes on a white plate garnished with lemon wedges and parsley, with a dollop of sauce on top. — Maryland Crab Cakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

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Air Fryer French Toast

Crisp on the outside and soft inside, this breakfast classic cooks up perfectly in the air fryer without needing to watch a stovetop. The even heat ensures a golden crust while locking in flavor. Ideal for mornings when time is short but you still want something homemade. A great way to start the day with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Toast

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 quickly in the air fryer, making them a simple dinner option without the hassle of stovetop monitoring. Juicy and packed with flavor, they pair well with pasta, rice, or even a side of roasted vegetables. The air fryer keeps them perfectly browned while cutting down on grease. A practical choice for a filling and stress-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Meatballs

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 salmon straight from frozen in the air fryer means no thawing, no fuss, and minimal prep. It delivers flaky, evenly cooked fillets without needing a stovetop or oven. Great for busy evenings when you want something nutritious without extra steps. A reliable go-to for making seafood effortless.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

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 crisps up these wings beautifully while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. With no need for deep frying, they’re lighter yet still packed with bold seasoning. Perfect for game nights or quick dinners that feel special without extra work. A strong contender for wing lovers who want convenience without sacrificing texture.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

These bite-sized salmon pieces wrapped in bacon come together quickly in the air fryer, eliminating stovetop splatter. The crisped bacon contrasts with the soft salmon, making them a crowd-pleaser for meals or appetizers. They cook fast and require little effort, making them great for last-minute plans. A smart way to serve something memorable with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

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.

The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping up the bacon, making these bite-sized chicken pieces a perfect choice for dinners or snacks. No need to stand over a pan or worry about uneven cooking. They’re great for sharing or adding to salads and wraps. An easy solution when you want something hearty without stovetop mess.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

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 cook evenly in the air fryer, developing a crisp exterior while staying tender inside. Without needing a pan, you avoid oil splatter and keep cleanup simple. Great for serving as a main dish or alongside fresh greens. A solid way to enjoy seafood with ease.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cakes

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

The air fryer ensures a crisp bacon shell around each onion ring without relying on deep frying. They cook up quickly and require no flipping, making them a hassle-free option. Great for snacks, appetizers, or adding to a burger plate. A fun twist on a classic that doesn’t need a stove.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Egg White Frittata Muffins

These protein-packed muffins bake up light and fluffy in the air fryer, making them an efficient breakfast option. Quick to prepare and easy to grab on the go, they work well for busy mornings. The air fryer delivers a consistent texture without oven time. A practical choice for meal prepping or sharing at brunch.
Get the Recipe: Egg White Frittata Muffins

Crab Melt

The air fryer toasts the bread while warming the crab filling, making this sandwich crisp outside and creamy inside. No need to use a stovetop or oven, keeping things simple while still delivering plenty of flavor. Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner that feels special. An easy way to enjoy seafood without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

Chicken Nuggets

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

Cooking these in the air fryer means crisping them up without relying on a deep fryer or oven. They come out evenly browned and ready to serve with minimal effort. Great for a quick dinner or snack that avoids greasy pans. A reliable go-to for making homemade or frozen nuggets feel freshly made.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Lumpia

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

Lumpia turns golden and crisp in the air fryer, skipping the oil splatter of traditional frying methods. The process is quick, making them ideal for serving as an appetizer or alongside a meal. They cook evenly, eliminating the need for a stove. A convenient way to prepare a classic dish with ease.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Maple Glazed Carrots

Sliced glazed carrots garnished with herbs on a fork, with more on a plate in the background. — Maple Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Roasting carrots in the air fryer keeps them tender with a light caramelized glaze, making them a great side dish. No need to keep an eye on a stovetop pan, as the air fryer handles it effortlessly. A simple way to bring bold flavor to a meal without extra work. Perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

The air fryer crisps up the bacon while cooking the shrimp evenly, avoiding stovetop splatter. Quick to prepare and easy to serve, these bites work well as appetizers or paired with sides for dinner. They deliver great texture in minimal time. A solid choice for seafood lovers who want a no-fuss method.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

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

These potatoes get crispy edges while staying soft inside thanks to the air fryer’s even heat. No need for frying pans or excessive oil, keeping the preparation simple. A great side dish that works with everything from steak to seafood. An easy way to add texture and flavor to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

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 the bread and melts the cheese perfectly, making this sandwich quick to prepare. No stovetop needed, eliminating the hassle of flipping or monitoring heat. A smart choice for a fast lunch or casual dinner. Great when you want something warm and filling without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

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.

The air fryer renders fat and crisps up each bite, making them rich and flavorful without stovetop frying. They cook quickly while developing a perfect texture. Great as a main dish or appetizer, served alongside rice or greens. A strong option for those looking for bold flavors with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

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 warms and thickens this creamy dip, making it a great option for entertaining. No need for stovetop stirring or constant monitoring. Serve with crackers or vegetables for an easy addition to any meal. A simple way to enjoy a popular flavor with less work.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

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.

Cooking ribs in the air fryer speeds up the process while keeping them tender and caramelized. No stovetop or grill needed, making them great for any season. They come out juicy without requiring a long cook time. A strong alternative to traditional rib preparation that skips the extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

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 crisp up quickly in the air fryer, avoiding the need for oven baking. With no greasy pans to deal with, cleanup stays simple. Great for parties, gatherings, or a casual dinner side. A straightforward way to serve something fun with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

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.

Roasting Brussels sprouts in the air fryer gives them crispy edges and a tender bite without needing a stovetop pan. They cook evenly, making them an easy side dish option. Perfect for pairing with any main course while skipping extra effort. A practical way to make greens enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Roasted tomatoes seasoned with herbs and spices, served on a white plate garnished with parsley. — Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These tomatoes blister and soften in the air fryer, delivering great flavor without using the oven. The process is quick, making them perfect for adding to pasta, salads, or sandwiches. No need to monitor a stovetop pan, keeping things stress-free. A simple method for enhancing meals with fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Air Fryer Home Fries

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

Cooking home fries in the air fryer ensures crisp edges and fluffy centers without needing a stovetop. They come together quickly and pair well with breakfast or dinner. A great way to prepare potatoes without extra oil or effort. Perfect for making a comforting side with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries