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    Home / Roundups

    Once You Try These 30 Air Fryer Recipes, There’s No Going Back

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Feb 20, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    I used to think my air fryer was just for quick frozen snacks, but I was so wrong. It’s the secret to flavor-packed meals and snacks without the hassle of deep frying or waiting on the oven. Once you try these air fryer recipes, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked any other way.

    Close-up of a grilled barbecue rib with shiny glaze on a white plate.
    Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs. 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.
    Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    These marinated chicken breasts come out juicy with a crispy exterior, all without the hassle of pan-frying. The air fryer locks in flavor while cutting down on cooking time, making this a perfect go-to meal. It’s a simple way to get dinner on the table fast, without dealing with a greasy mess. After trying this, you won’t want to cook chicken breasts any other way.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

    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 teriyaki chicken is coated in a flavorful sauce that caramelizes perfectly in the air fryer. Instead of standing over a stove, you get tender, saucy chicken with minimal effort. It’s an easy dinner that tastes just as good as takeout but requires less cleanup. Once you see how simple this is, it will become a regular in your meal rotation.
    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.

    Making fried eggs in the air fryer is a game-changer for easy breakfasts. No need to babysit a skillet—just pop them in and let the air fryer do the work. You get consistent results every time with perfectly set whites and slightly runny yolks. After trying this, standing over the stove will feel unnecessary.
    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.

    These air fryer steak tips turn out perfectly browned on the outside and tender inside, all in just minutes. Forget heating up a pan or waiting for the grill—this method is quick and mess-free. Whether for a main dish or a protein-packed snack, this is one of those meals you’ll keep coming back to. Once you see how easy it is, cooking steak any other way might feel like a hassle.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Tips

    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

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

    These smashed potatoes get crispy edges and gooey cheese in no time, without the need for deep frying. The air fryer makes the process effortless while giving you that perfect mix of crispy and soft textures. They work as a side dish or even a snack when you need something hearty. Once you see how simple they are, you’ll want to make them all the time.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

    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 time while giving you crunchy, golden clusters. There’s no need to keep stirring or waiting for the oven—this method keeps things simple. You get a quick, homemade snack without the long baking process. After trying this, you won’t want store-bought again.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Granola

    Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

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

    These wings go straight from the freezer to crispy perfection without any extra effort. The air fryer cooks them evenly, so there’s no need for deep frying or waiting for them to thaw. It’s a foolproof way to get crispy, flavorful wings fast. Once you try this, frozen wings will never feel like a hassle again.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

    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 crispy with a creamy, melty center, all in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them. The air fryer makes it easy to get that perfect texture without deep frying. They make for a quick appetizer that disappears fast. After making these, you’ll never go back to store-bought.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

    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 are wrapped in crispy bacon and cook up quickly in the air fryer. The bacon gets golden and crisp without the need for turning or extra grease. They’re the kind of appetizer that vanishes from the plate before you know it. Once you see how effortless they are, you’ll want to make them for every gathering.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

    Air Fryer Home Fries

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

    Home fries in the air fryer cook up crispy on the outside and soft on the inside without needing a skillet full of oil. They’re an easy way to get diner-style potatoes at home with hardly any effort. Whether for breakfast or as a dinner side, they fit any meal. After making them this way, standing over the stove won’t seem worth it anymore.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

    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 on the outside and juicy inside without the hassle of deep frying. The air fryer gives them a golden crunch while keeping cleanup to a minimum. They make an easy meal or snack that both kids and adults will keep reaching for. Once you try them, frozen tenders won’t compare.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    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 bacon-wrapped little smokies cook up quickly in the air fryer with crispy bacon and a smoky, savory bite. There’s no need to wait forever for the oven when the air fryer does the job faster. They’re a perfect party appetizer that disappears fast. After making them this way, you won’t bother with any other method.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

    Cream Cheese Danish

    A pastry with berry filling and white drizzle on a white plate is accompanied by strawberry slices. A red and white checkered cloth, blueberries, and a bowl of strawberries are nearby.
    Cream Cheese Danish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This cream cheese Danish comes together easily in the air fryer with flaky pastry and a smooth, rich filling. The air fryer creates a golden, bakery-style crust in less time than the oven. It’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat without any extra fuss. After seeing how simple this is, grabbing one from a store won’t feel necessary anymore.
    Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Danish

    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 has all the flavors of crab rangoon but is even easier to make in the air fryer. It gets perfectly warm and creamy with a golden, crispy top in minutes. Serve it with crackers or chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. After making it this way, you won’t go back to baking it.
    Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

    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 roasted Roma tomatoes cook in the air fryer with deep, concentrated flavor and caramelized edges. They’re a simple way to add bold flavor to sandwiches, pastas, or salads without turning on the oven. The air fryer keeps things quick while enhancing the natural sweetness. Once you try them, roasting tomatoes any other way will feel unnecessary.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

    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.

    These maple-glazed carrots turn tender with a slight crisp around the edges, all in a fraction of the time of traditional roasting. The air fryer helps the glaze caramelize perfectly without extra effort. They make a simple yet flavorful side dish for any meal. After making them this way, waiting on the oven won’t feel worth it.
    Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

    Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

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

    These cinnamon apples soften perfectly in the air fryer while keeping just the right amount of texture. The quick cooking time means you get warm, spiced apples in minutes without waiting for the oven. They’re great on their own or as a topping for oatmeal or ice cream. Once you see how easy this is, stovetop versions won’t seem as convenient.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

    Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

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

    The air fryer makes these bacon-wrapped pineapple bites crisp up quickly with a sweet and smoky flavor combo. There’s no need to deal with excess grease or long baking times. They make a quick appetizer or snack that’s hard to stop eating. After trying them this way, you’ll want to make them for every gathering.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

    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.

    These baby back ribs turn out tender with crispy, caramelized edges in the air fryer. There’s no need to wait for hours when this method cuts the time down significantly. They’re packed with flavor and don’t require a grill or slow cooker. Once you see how quick and easy this is, you’ll keep coming back to it.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

    Baked Apple in Air Fryer

    Baked apple on a white plate filled with oats, nuts, and cranberries, with cinnamon sprinkled around. A red checkered cloth is partially visible on the side.
    Baked Apple in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This baked apple comes out warm and tender with just the right amount of sweetness. The air fryer speeds up the process, giving you a soft center and slightly crisp edges without needing the oven. It’s a simple dessert or snack that takes minimal effort. After trying it this way, baking apples any other way will seem unnecessary.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Apple in Air Fryer

    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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

    These bacon-wrapped cabbage wedges cook up crispy on the outside and tender inside without much effort. The air fryer makes the bacon golden and crisp while keeping the cabbage flavorful. It’s a simple side dish that works with almost any meal. Once you see how easy this is, boiling or roasting cabbage won’t seem as appealing.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

    Roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots on a white plate.
    Whole Chicken in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer gives you crispy skin and juicy meat in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven. There’s no need to deal with basting or rotating—just set it and let the air fryer handle the rest. It’s an easy way to get a full meal without the hassle. After making it this way, roasting a chicken the old-fashioned way won’t feel worth it.
    Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

    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 chicken nuggets turn out crispy on the outside and tender inside without deep frying. The air fryer keeps them golden and crunchy without the extra grease or mess. They make a quick meal or snack that’s better than frozen store-bought versions. Once you try them, you won’t want to go back to any other method.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

    Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven

    A hand holding a bacon-wrapped shrimp dipped in a small bowl of sauce, with a green leaf garnish on the side.
    Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    The air fryer makes these bacon-wrapped shrimp cook up fast with perfectly crisp bacon and juicy shrimp. There’s no need to deal with flipping them in a pan or waiting on the oven. They’re a quick appetizer that’s full of flavor with minimal effort. After making them this way, you’ll want to serve them at every gathering.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven

    Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

    Stack of bacon wrapped onion rings.
    Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These bacon-wrapped onion rings come out crispy and packed with smoky flavor in a fraction of the time of baking. The air fryer keeps them evenly cooked without the hassle of deep frying. They make a fun appetizer or side dish that’s easy to whip up. Once you try them this way, traditional onion rings won’t be as tempting.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

    Crab Melt

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

    The air fryer gives these crab melts a perfectly toasted bread base with warm, creamy seafood filling. There’s no need to wait on an oven broiler when this method does the job in minutes. It’s an easy lunch or snack that feels a little more special without extra work.
    Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

    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 Maryland-style crab cakes turn out golden and crisp in the air fryer without needing a skillet full of oil. The air fryer locks in moisture while creating a crisp crust, making them easier and quicker than pan-frying. They’re perfect for a quick seafood dinner or an impressive appetizer. Once you try them this way, standing over a stove to fry them won’t seem worth it.
    Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cakes

    S’mores Dip

    A hand holding a graham cracker dipped in s'mores dip with more crackers and dip in the background.
    S’mores Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    The air fryer melts the chocolate and toasts the marshmallows to perfection in just minutes. There’s no need for a campfire or oven when you can get the same gooey, melted result with hardly any effort. It’s a fun dessert that comes together fast and is great for sharing. After trying it this way, you’ll never go back to making s’mores one at a time.
    Get the Recipe: S’mores Dip

    Air Fryer Butternut Squash

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

    This butternut squash roasts up tender with lightly crisp edges in less time than the oven. The air fryer enhances its natural sweetness while keeping the prep and cleanup simple. It works as an easy side dish for busy weeknights or holiday meals. Once you make it this way, waiting on the oven will feel unnecessary.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

    Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

    These potato wedges come out crispy on the outside and fluffy inside without needing a deep fryer. The air fryer speeds up cooking while keeping them evenly golden and perfectly seasoned. They’re an easy side dish or snack that requires minimal effort. After making them this way, frozen fries won’t seem as appealing.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

    More Roundups

    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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