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    Home / Roundups

    23 Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Wish You Had in Your Life Sooner

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Mar 27, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    I used to think air fryers were just another kitchen gadget, but once I started using one, there was no going back. The speed, crispiness, and easy cleanup make it hard to justify cooking any other way. These recipes prove why the air fryer isn't just convenient but an essential appliance for quick, home-cooked meals.

    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 (Lechon Kawali). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

    Sliced grilled chicken breast garnished with parsley on a white plate.Pin
    Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    This marinated chicken comes out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor without the hassle of grilling or pan-frying. The air fryer locks in moisture while giving the outside a nice, golden finish. It's a simple way to make a restaurant-quality main dish at home in under 20 minutes. Once you try this, you'll wonder why you ever cooked chicken another way.
    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.Pin
    Fried Eggs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    Cooking eggs in an air fryer means no more standing over the stove, and they turn out perfectly every time. Whether you like them soft or with crispy edges, this method keeps things easy and mess-free. Breakfast comes together quickly, making busy mornings much smoother. You'll never want to go back to the stovetop method once you see how effortless this is.
    Get the Recipe: Fried Eggs in Air Fryer

    Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

    Plate of sliced teriyaki chicken over white rice, topped with sesame seeds, served with snap peas and carrot slices.Pin
    Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    This teriyaki chicken is coated in a rich, sticky sauce and gets a perfect caramelized finish in the air fryer. The fast cook time keeps the chicken juicy while letting the flavors develop in minutes. It's an easy way to enjoy a takeout-style meal without waiting on delivery. After trying this, you won't feel the need to order teriyaki from a restaurant again.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki 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.Pin
    Ground Turkey Air Fryer Spring Rolls. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    These crispy spring rolls come together with minimal effort and are packed with a flavorful turkey filling. The air fryer gives them a crunchy exterior without the excess oil from deep frying. They make a great appetizer, snack, or even a light meal when paired with a dipping sauce. After making these once, takeout spring rolls won't seem nearly as tempting.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Air Fryer Spring Rolls

    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.Pin
    Air Fryer BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    Barbecue chicken in the air fryer means no waiting around for the grill to heat up or dealing with messy cleanup. The outside gets a caramelized glaze while the inside stays juicy. It's a quick, fuss-free way to get that barbecue flavor any night of the week. This method is so easy, you'll wonder why you didn't start cooking chicken this way sooner.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

    Air Fryer Steak Tips

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

    These steak tips cook up fast with a rich, seared exterior and tender, juicy inside. The air fryer gives them that steakhouse-style char without needing an outdoor grill. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, they pair well with any side dish. Once you taste how easy it is to get perfectly cooked steak at home, restaurant prices won't seem worth it anymore.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Tips

    Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

    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 (Lechon Kawali). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This air fryer version of lechon kawali delivers crispy, golden pork belly without the mess of deep frying. The outside gets crunchy while the inside stays melt-in-your-mouth tender. It's a great way to enjoy this dish without all the extra oil and time spent hovering over the stove. Once you try it this way, you'll never go back to frying.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

    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.

    These sweet, crispy banana lumpia cook up in minutes with a caramelized finish and flaky wrapper. The air fryer cuts down on oil but keeps the crunch that makes them so good. They're perfect as a quick dessert or snack with minimal effort. After one batch, you'll see why making them at home beats store-bought every time.
    Get the Recipe: Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

    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.

    Roasting tomatoes in the air fryer brings out their natural sweetness in a fraction of the time. They get slightly charred on the edges and become perfect for adding to pasta, salads, or sandwiches. No need to turn on the oven or wait around for them to roast. Once you try this, you'll never waste time roasting tomatoes the old way again.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

    Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

    A bowl of bacon-wrapped cocktail sausages served on a bed of fresh green herbs.Pin
    Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These bite-sized sausages wrapped in crispy bacon cook up quickly in the air fryer with almost no cleanup. The bacon crisps up perfectly without needing to flip or babysit them. They're a hit for parties, game days, or an easy snack. You'll never want to bake these in the oven again once you see how simple the air fryer makes them.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

    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.Pin
    Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These chicken kabobs cook quickly with a charred finish that tastes like they came off the grill. The air fryer keeps them juicy inside while crisping up the edges just right. They're an easy way to bring a little extra flavor to dinner without the hassle of grilling. Once you try this, you'll find yourself making kabobs more often.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    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.Pin
    Maryland Crab Cakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These air fryer crab cakes have a crisp, golden crust while staying tender inside. They cook up fast without the need for a greasy pan or extra oil. Perfect as a main dish or appetizer, they're great for an easy seafood night at home. Once you make them yourself, restaurant crab cakes won't feel worth the price.
    Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cakes

    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 bite-sized salmon pieces stay tender while the bacon crisps up perfectly in the air fryer. They're packed with flavor and cook in minutes, making them a quick dinner or appetizer. The air fryer keeps them from drying out while adding the right amount of crispiness. After making these, you won't believe how simple a seafood dish can be.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

    Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

    Air-fried brussels sprouts with grated parmesan cheese on a white plate.Pin
    Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These Brussels sprouts come out crispy and caramelized in just minutes, with no need for excess oil. The air fryer enhances their flavor while cutting down on cook time. They're a great side dish for any meal and require almost no effort. Once you try them this way, you won't go back to roasting them in the oven.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

    Air Fryer Lumpia

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

    Lumpia in the air fryer turns out just as crispy as the traditional fried version but without the mess. The wrapper stays golden and flaky while the filling stays hot and flavorful. It's an easy way to make this classic dish at home without dealing with deep frying. After trying this, you'll wonder why you didn't start air frying lumpia sooner.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

    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.

    This tuna melt gets a perfectly toasted bread exterior while keeping the inside warm and creamy. The air fryer makes it easy to get a golden, crispy finish without using a skillet. It's a quick and simple way to upgrade lunch or dinner in minutes. After making it once, you'll question why you ever made a tuna melt any other way.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

    Crab Melt

    Two plates of crab melt with sliced tomatoes and melted cheese, garnished with lemon slices on a white wooden surface.Pin
    Crab Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This crab melt gets a golden, crispy finish in the air fryer while keeping the filling warm and rich. It's a quick way to make a restaurant-style sandwich at home. The air fryer helps it come together in minutes without needing to flip it on the stove. After one bite, you'll wonder why you didn't start making melts this way sooner.
    Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

    Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

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

    These warm cinnamon apples cook quickly in the air fryer, turning soft with a caramelized coating. They make a great topping for oatmeal, pancakes, or ice cream, or can be enjoyed on their own as a quick snack. The air fryer cuts down the cook time while enhancing the natural sweetness. Once you try this, waiting for baked apples in the oven won't seem worth it.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

    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.Pin
    Air Fryer Granola. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This homemade granola turns out perfectly crisp without the need for constant stirring or long bake times. The air fryer evenly toasts oats, nuts, and seeds in minutes, making it an easy way to prepare breakfast or snacks. It's a great alternative to store-bought versions, with full control over ingredients. After one batch, you'll see why this method makes granola prep so much easier.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Granola

    Air Fryer Pasta Chips

    Pasta chips in a white bowl.Pin
    Air Fryer Pasta Chips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These crispy, golden pasta chips take just minutes to make in the air fryer. They're a fun and crunchy snack that pairs perfectly with dips or can be enjoyed on their own. The air fryer ensures an even crisp without needing deep frying. Once you try them, you'll wonder why you haven't been making pasta chips this way all along.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

    Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

    Close-up of an air-fried barbecued rib with charred edges over a white plate.Pin
    Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These ribs come out tender inside with a caramelized, crispy coating on the outside-all without the need for a grill or oven. The air fryer locks in the flavors while cutting down on cooking time. They're great for a quick weeknight meal or when you want ribs without waiting hours for them to cook. After making them this way, traditional methods will feel like too much effort.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

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

    These smashed potatoes turn out crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and covered in melted cheese. The air fryer speeds up the process while keeping cleanup easy. They make a great side dish for any meal with minimal prep work. Once you try this, you'll never want to roast potatoes in the oven again.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

    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.

    These shrimp skewers cook up fast in the air fryer with a slight char that makes them taste like they came off the grill. They stay juicy while getting a crisp, flavorful coating on the outside. Perfect for an easy dinner or appetizer, they pair well with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. After trying this, standing over a grill to cook shrimp won't seem necessary anymore.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

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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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