23 Air Fryer Recipes That Show You How To Cook Smarter

The air fryer has completely changed the way I cook, making meals faster, easier, and way less messy. Whether I need a quick weeknight dinner or a crispy snack without the hassle, it always gets the job done. These recipes take full advantage of the air fryer’s speed and convenience, proving that great food doesn’t have to mean extra effort.

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.

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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Sliced grilled chicken breast in a white dish, with whole pieces on another plate in the background, next to a fork and dark cloth napkin. — Air Fryer BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This barbecue chicken comes out with crispy skin and tender meat without needing a grill. The air fryer locks in flavor while cutting down on cook time, making it a practical option for a quick dinner. A simple marinade or spice rub is all it takes to get a meal that feels like it took much more effort. It’s an easy way to enjoy bold flavors with less cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Ground Turkey Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Spring rolls on a rectangular white plate with parsley garnish, accompanied by a small bowl of dipping sauce. A textured pink cloth is nearby. — Ground Turkey Air Fryer Spring Rolls. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

These spring rolls come out crisp and golden in minutes without deep frying. The air fryer helps keep things light while still giving that crunch you expect. Using ground turkey makes this a budget-friendly and versatile option for an easy appetizer or light meal. They’re a great way to cook smarter without losing the flavors you want.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Air Fryer Spring Rolls

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.

Teriyaki chicken gets a quick and even cook in the air fryer, with a slightly caramelized glaze that sticks to the meat. The air fryer keeps the outside crisp while the inside stays juicy. There’s no need to stand over the stove, making this an easy dinner option on busy nights. It’s a reliable way to make a favorite dish with less hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

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.

Cooking eggs in the air fryer is a hands-off way to get perfect results every time. There’s no need to babysit the pan or deal with sticking, making breakfast easier. Whether you like them over-easy or well done, they cook quickly and evenly. It’s a simple trick that makes mornings more convenient.
Get the Recipe: Fried Eggs in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Steak Tips

A bowl of seasoned meat cubes garnished with chopped herbs, with a fork resting on the side. — Air Fryer Steak Tips. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Steak tips in the air fryer cook fast while staying tender inside with a browned exterior. The circulating heat gives them a great sear without needing a grill or stovetop. A quick marinade or seasoning mix takes them to the next level without extra effort. They’re a smart way to get a restaurant-style meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Tips

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 evenly in the air fryer, locking in moisture while getting a lightly crisped outside. There’s no need to constantly check or flip them, making dinner easier to manage. The air fryer helps the marinade caramelize just enough to add depth to the flavor. It’s a reliable way to make a simple meal feel more special.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

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 crisp on the outside and tender inside without the need for deep frying. The air fryer keeps them light while still giving them the right texture. They’re a great way to bring seafood into your meal rotation without a lot of effort. This method keeps things simple while still delivering great flavor.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cakes

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.

Cooking chicken legs in the air fryer gives them crispy skin and juicy meat with minimal prep. The air fryer does the work, leaving you with an easy, hands-off meal. A quick seasoning blend is all it takes to make them flavorful without a complicated process. It’s an easy way to cook chicken that feels like more effort than it is.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

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 crisp without needing to be deep-fried. The air fryer melts the cheese filling perfectly while keeping the peppers from getting too soft. They make a great snack, appetizer, or party food with minimal effort. This is a smart way to make a popular dish without extra mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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 come out with crispy skin and juicy meat in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them. The air fryer helps the lemon pepper seasoning stick, making each bite flavorful. There’s no need for oil or deep frying to get the crispiness you want. It’s a simple way to get a game-day favorite without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

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.

Chicken skewers cook evenly in the air fryer, getting a nice char without needing a grill. The high heat helps lock in flavor while keeping the meat tender. A simple marinade makes them even better with minimal effort. They’re a great way to make a meal that looks impressive but doesn’t take much time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

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 come out crispy without needing a deep fryer or a lot of oil. The air fryer gives them a golden crust while keeping the inside tender. They’re a great choice for a quick meal or snack that feels homemade without much effort. This method makes it easy to skip store-bought versions without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon-wrapped cabbage cooks quickly in the air fryer, with the bacon crisping up perfectly while the cabbage softens. The combination of smoky bacon and tender cabbage makes for a flavorful side dish or appetizer. It’s an easy way to turn simple ingredients into something more interesting. Using the air fryer keeps the process quick and cleanup minimal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Chocolate Puff Pastry

Close-up of a flaky pastry cut open to reveal a filling of chocolate, with a visible crispy golden crust. — Chocolate Puff Pastry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Puff pastry in the air fryer turns golden and flaky in minutes, making it a quick way to bake without an oven. The chocolate filling melts perfectly, creating a rich contrast to the crisp layers. This is a great dessert option when you want something impressive without a complicated process. The air fryer makes it easy to get bakery-quality results at home.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Puff Pastry

Air Fryer Biscoff Cream Cheese Muffins

A person holds a partially eaten, golden-brown muffin, showcasing its fluffy and moist texture. — Air Fryer Biscoff Cream Cheese Muffins. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These muffins cook evenly in the air fryer, with a soft interior and slightly crisp top. The combination of Biscoff and cream cheese makes for a rich, balanced flavor. They’re a great option for breakfast or an afternoon snack that feels special but is simple to make. Using the air fryer keeps baking easy and convenient.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Biscoff Cream Cheese Muffins

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 apple salad combines crisp apples, fresh greens, and a balanced dressing for a fresh, easy side dish. It’s a great way to add something light and refreshing to a meal without extra cooking. The mix of textures and flavors makes it feel more put-together without much effort. It’s a smart way to add variety to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad

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 cuts down on baking time while still giving you a crunchy, evenly toasted result. It’s a simple way to control ingredients and flavors without store-bought options. This works well for breakfast, snacks, or topping yogurt. The air fryer makes it easy to get the right texture without a long wait.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Granola

S’mores Dip

This dip melts chocolate and marshmallows perfectly in the air fryer, giving you all the flavors of classic s’mores without a campfire. It’s a fun and easy dessert that comes together quickly. With just a few ingredients, it’s a great last-minute option for a sweet treat. The air fryer makes it possible to get that toasted marshmallow finish without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Dip

Crab Melt

This crab melt combines seafood with melted cheese and a crisp base for a quick, easy meal or appetizer. The air fryer helps everything cook evenly while keeping the texture just right. It’s a great way to enjoy a seafood dish without needing a lot of prep or time. This is a practical way to bring more variety to your meals with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

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 chicken bites cook quickly in the air fryer, with the bacon crisping up perfectly while keeping the meat tender. They make an easy appetizer or snack that feels more special without extra work. A simple seasoning or dipping sauce takes them up a notch without adding much time. The air fryer makes them crisp and flavorful without needing to stand over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

These pork belly bites come out crispy on the outside and tender inside without deep frying. The air fryer renders the fat perfectly, leaving you with a rich, flavorful bite. They’re a great way to enjoy this classic dish with less effort and mess. Cooking them in the air fryer keeps things simple while still getting the right texture.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

Crab Rangoon Dip

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

This dip brings all the flavors of classic crab rangoon into an easy-to-make, shareable dish. The air fryer helps the top get warm and slightly golden while keeping the inside creamy. It’s a great appetizer option when you want something rich and flavorful without complicated prep. Using the air fryer makes it possible to get the perfect texture without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

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 evenly in the air fryer, staying juicy while getting a light crust on the outside. There’s no need to stand over the stove flipping them, making the process easier. They work well for meal prep, pasta dishes, or as a simple protein option. The air fryer helps lock in moisture while cooking them faster than the oven.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Meatballs