21 Air Fryer Recipes That’ll Have You Cooking Like a Pro in No Time

Air fryers make cooking faster, easier, and way less messy, which is exactly what we all need on busy days. Whether you're craving crispy appetizers, quick dinners, or even desserts, these recipes take the guesswork out of using your air fryer. Once you see how simple and reliable these meals are, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start using it sooner.

A close-up of a hand holding a crispy, breaded chicken drumette with more drumettes in the background on a white plate. — Chicken lollipops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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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.

This dish is a great way to bring bold flavors to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. The air fryer locks in the juiciness of the chicken while creating a caramelized teriyaki glaze. It’s a quick option for a weeknight meal that feels special but requires minimal effort. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s an easy go-to when you need a no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

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.

Cooking steak tips in the air fryer makes them tender on the inside with a crisp sear on the outside. It’s a simple way to get restaurant-quality results at home without standing over a hot stove. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prepping for the week. The air fryer takes all the guesswork out of cooking steak just right.
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.

Marinating the chicken ahead of time makes this recipe full of flavor while keeping it moist. The air fryer ensures an evenly cooked, juicy result in a fraction of the time it would take in an oven. It’s a reliable choice for a no-fail meal, whether you serve it as a main dish or slice it up for salads and wraps. A great option when you need something easy but don’t want to skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

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.

Making fried eggs in the air fryer is a game changer when it comes to convenience. There’s no need to babysit the pan, and cleanup is minimal. Whether you like your yolks runny or firm, the air fryer gives consistent results every time. It’s a simple trick that makes breakfast easier without sacrificing quality.
Get the Recipe: Fried Eggs in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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

These make a great appetizer or snack when you want something that feels special but doesn’t require much effort. The air fryer crisps up the exterior perfectly while melting the cheese inside. They’re quick to make and disappear even faster, whether you’re serving them at a gathering or just as a fun side. Once you see how easy they are, you’ll be adding them to your regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

This crispy, caramelized treat is a classic that becomes even easier to make in the air fryer. The banana filling gets warm and soft while the wrapper crisps up beautifully. It’s a great choice when you want a sweet snack or dessert without dealing with deep frying. Simple ingredients and quick cook time make this a hassle-free way to enjoy a traditional favorite.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

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.

Cooking chicken lollipops in the air fryer gives them a crispy texture on the outside while keeping them juicy inside. They’re an excellent choice for parties, game nights, or an easy dinner that feels a little more fun. The air fryer ensures even cooking, so you don’t have to worry about them drying out. A simple, mess-free way to enjoy this flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lollipops

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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

These air fryer chicken tenders are crispy outside and juicy inside without the hassle of deep frying. They cook quickly, making them perfect for a weeknight meal or a kid-friendly lunch. The air fryer gives them a great crunch without extra oil. Once you try them, you won’t want to make chicken tenders any other way.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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.

Making kabobs in the air fryer means you can enjoy juicy, well-seasoned chicken without firing up the grill. They cook evenly and quickly, making them a great option for a no-fuss meal. Whether you serve them with rice, salad, or a dipping sauce, they’re versatile and easy. A simple way to bring bold flavors to your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Egg White Frittata Muffins

A close-up of a hand holding an egg white frittata muffin with visible toppings of cheese and chopped peppers. — Egg White Frittata Muffins. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These frittata muffins make breakfast easy by providing a protein-packed option that’s ready in minutes. The air fryer gives them a light texture while ensuring even cooking. They’re great for meal prepping since you can make a batch and grab them throughout the week. A no-fuss way to start the day with something quick and filling.
Get the Recipe: Egg White Frittata Muffins

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Cooking bacon-wrapped salmon in the air fryer keeps the salmon tender while crisping up the bacon perfectly. This combination makes for a flavorful appetizer or a main dish that comes together quickly. With minimal prep and fast cook time, it’s a great choice when you want something a little different without extra hassle. Once you try them, they’ll become a regular on your menu.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon 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.

These air fryer chicken nuggets give you crispy bites without needing a deep fryer. They cook up golden brown and juicy inside, making them perfect for kids and adults alike. With just a few ingredients and a short cook time, they’re an easy go-to for lunch or dinner. A simple way to enjoy homemade nuggets with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

Air Fryer Chicken Wings on white plate. — Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

No need to defrost—this air fryer method takes frozen wings straight to crispy perfection. The air fryer locks in moisture while giving them a crunchy texture, making them a solid choice for game days or quick meals. You don’t have to deal with messy frying, and they cook in a fraction of the time compared to the oven. A great way to enjoy wings without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

Crab Melt

The air fryer gives this crab melt a perfectly crispy base while keeping the cheesy topping warm and bubbly. It’s an easy lunch or light dinner that feels a little more special than a basic sandwich. Everything comes together in minutes, making it a great choice when you need something fast but flavorful. Once you see how simple it is, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

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 cook up crispy on the outside and soft inside with barely any effort. The air fryer takes care of the work, giving you evenly cooked potatoes in half the time of the stovetop. Whether you serve them with eggs for breakfast or as a side for dinner, they’re a solid addition to any meal. A hassle-free way to get perfectly cooked potatoes without standing over a pan.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

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

Cooking carrots in the air fryer brings out their natural sweetness while giving them a slight crisp. The maple glaze adds a simple but flavorful touch, making them a great side dish for any meal. They cook quickly and require very little effort, which makes them perfect for busy nights. A great way to make vegetables feel a little more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Bowl of roasted sweet potato cubes garnished with herbs. — Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Roasting butternut squash in the air fryer saves time while bringing out its natural flavors. The edges get slightly crisp while the inside stays soft, making it a great side dish or addition to salads and grain bowls. With minimal prep and an even cook, it’s a stress-free way to add more veggies to your meals. A simple dish that’s easy to make anytime.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

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.

The air fryer gives these crab cakes a crispy exterior while keeping them tender inside. They’re packed with flavor and require less oil than traditional frying, making them a mess-free option. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer. A great way to enjoy crab cakes without the hassle of pan-frying.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cakes

Air Fryer Lumpia

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

Making lumpia in the air fryer cuts down on mess while still giving you that signature crisp wrapper. The filling stays warm and flavorful, making it a great appetizer or snack. They cook quickly and evenly, so you can have a batch ready in minutes. A simple way to enjoy this classic dish with less effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

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.

Roasting Roma tomatoes in the air fryer intensifies their flavor and softens their texture in just minutes. They’re a great addition to salads, pasta, or as a side dish. The air fryer makes the process fast and easy, with less cleanup than using the oven. A quick way to add deep flavor to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

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.

Cooking sweet potatoes in the air fryer gives them a caramelized exterior while keeping them soft inside. It’s a simple side dish that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The air fryer speeds up the process and requires less oil than traditional roasting. A quick and effective way to enjoy this versatile ingredient.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes