27 Recipes That Make Owning a Single Air Fryer Feel Like a Mistake

I used to think owning one air fryer was enough—until I realized how many incredible recipes it can handle. From quick snacks to full meals and even desserts, the possibilities seem endless, and having just one appliance often feels limiting. If you’re like me and love efficiency in the kitchen, these recipes will show you why one air fryer might not be enough for all the delicious things you’ll want to try.

Three pieces of bacon-wrapped salmon bites garnished with parsley on a white plate. — Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Air Fryer Pasta Chips

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

These crunchy and flavorful pasta chips are a game-changer for snacking, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. They’re quick to prepare and bring a fun twist to your usual air fryer recipes. The golden crisp of each chip will make you rethink using a single air fryer for snacks alone. Whether paired with a dip or eaten straight from the bowl, they’ll keep everyone reaching for more. They’re an easy way to add some creativity to your snack game.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

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 smashed potatoes are the perfect side dish with crispy edges and a fluffy interior that’ll have you wondering why you’ve stuck with one air fryer so long. They’re easy to prep and make for a versatile pairing with nearly any meal. The air fryer brings out their natural flavor while adding an irresistible crunch. Great for weeknights or gatherings, they offer a fresh twist on traditional potatoes. You’ll find them on repeat in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

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 brings a refreshing crunch that pairs perfectly with savory meals or stands alone as a quick snack. The balance of sweet and tart flavors makes it a hit for any time of day. It’s a simple dish that highlights the versatility of fresh ingredients when paired with your air fryer creations. Perfect for busy days, this salad is light yet satisfying. You’ll want to make it a regular part of your rotation.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

A piece of air fried chicken thigh on a fork, with a caramelized exterior and garnished with a small leaf, in focus against a blurred background of more chicken pieces. — Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and ready in no time, making them perfect for weeknight dinners. The air fryer locks in the flavor and delivers a crispy exterior without much effort. This recipe shows that you don’t need multiple appliances to create a meal that feels like it came from a restaurant. Pair them with a side dish or salad for a complete, fuss-free meal. They’ll make you see your air fryer in a whole new light.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

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.

Sweet and savory, these maple-glazed carrots are a side dish that shines alongside any main course. The air fryer caramelizes the glaze beautifully, creating a dish that’s as simple as it is flavorful. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, they come together quickly without much cleanup. This recipe is a great example of how your air fryer can handle more than just quick snacks. You’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all along.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

These crispy potato wedges are the ultimate side dish or snack, perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own. They’re quick to prepare and turn out perfectly golden in the air fryer. With their soft centers and crunchy edges, they’ll make you reconsider limiting your air fryer use. Serve them with burgers, sandwiches, or as a party snack everyone will love. They’re a must-try for any potato fan.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

These shrimp skewers are a quick and flavorful option that works for both casual meals and entertaining. The air fryer gives them a perfectly grilled texture without the hassle of firing up an actual grill. They’re ready in minutes, making them ideal for busy days or last-minute plans. Pair them with a fresh salad or rice for a complete meal. This recipe shows how versatile and efficient an air fryer can be.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Cooking a Cornish hen in the air fryer delivers juicy meat with perfectly crispy skin in a fraction of the time. This recipe is ideal for small gatherings or an impressive dinner for two. The air fryer handles the cooking evenly, making it easy to achieve a restaurant-quality result at home. It’s a simple yet elegant way to showcase what an air fryer can do beyond quick snacks. Once you try this, you’ll realize how versatile your air fryer truly is.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

These bacon-wrapped salmon bites are a savory, protein-packed snack or appetizer that will leave everyone wanting more. The air fryer crisps the bacon perfectly while keeping the salmon tender. They’re quick to prepare and perfect for entertaining or a fun dinner addition. With such bold flavors and ease of cooking, they make you appreciate the versatility of air frying. They’re proof that your air fryer can handle more than just the basics.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Sliced ham with orange slices and grapes, garnished with parsley on a platter. — Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This orange-glazed ham is a sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for holidays or a special family meal. The air fryer ensures even cooking and a caramelized glaze that highlights the flavors beautifully. It’s quicker than traditional methods, making it an excellent choice for a stress-free celebration. Serve it with your favorite sides to complete the meal. This recipe shows how your air fryer can make special occasions even better.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

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 lemon pepper wings are crispy, flavorful, and ready to impress at any meal or gathering. The air fryer locks in the juicy texture while delivering a golden, seasoned crust. They’re perfect for game nights, parties, or a quick dinner that feels a little special. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they prove your air fryer can handle crowd-pleasers with ease. They’ll have you rethinking what’s possible with just one air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Candied Almonds

These candied almonds are a sweet and crunchy snack that comes together quickly in the air fryer. Perfect for gifting or enjoying at home, they’re a great way to showcase the air fryer’s versatility. The sugary coating caramelizes beautifully, creating a treat that’s hard to resist. Whether for holiday celebrations or an everyday snack, these almonds are easy to make and impossible to forget. You’ll love how effortlessly the air fryer handles this classic treat.
Get the Recipe: Candied Almonds

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 creamy and savory crab rangoon dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer made even easier in the air fryer. The bubbling top and rich flavors make it perfect for gatherings or movie nights. Pair it with chips, crackers, or veggies for a versatile dish everyone will enjoy. Quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear, it’s a great example of how your air fryer can simplify entertaining. This recipe will quickly become a go-to in your appetizer lineup.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

These banana turon lumpia are a crispy and sweet dessert that comes out beautifully golden in the air fryer. They’re a simple yet special way to end any meal or enjoy a mid-day treat. The air fryer’s ability to crisp the wrappers without added oil makes this dish easy and convenient. Perfect for family nights or sharing with friends, they’re a great way to enjoy something new. Once you try these, you’ll appreciate the versatility of your air fryer even more.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Close-up of a garlic bread slice topped with melted cheese and herbs held over a plate. — Air Fryer Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This garlic bread is perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it an easy addition to any meal. The air fryer gets it done in minutes, saving time without sacrificing flavor. Great for pasta nights, soups, or even as a quick snack, it’s a recipe you’ll keep turning to. It’s proof that even simple sides can shine when made in the air fryer. After trying this, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it this way all along.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Glazed apple cinnamon fritters on a plate with front one broken in half. — Air Fryer Apple Fritters. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These apple fritters are a warm and sweet treat that come out perfectly crisp in the air fryer. They’re quick to prepare and make for a cozy dessert or mid-day snack. The air fryer ensures a golden finish without the mess of deep frying. Perfect for fall or anytime you’re craving something comforting, they show how versatile air fryers can be. They’re a delightful way to turn simple ingredients into something special.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Air Fryer Pineapples

Sliced pinieapples sprinkled with cinnamon on a plate. — Air Fryer Pineapples. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer pineapples are a sweet and juicy side dish or dessert that’s ready in minutes. The caramelized edges add a touch of indulgence without much effort. They’re perfect for serving alongside savory dishes or topping with ice cream for a quick treat. This recipe highlights how the air fryer can handle fresh ingredients in creative ways. It’s an easy way to bring a tropical twist to your table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pineapples

Air Fryer Lumpia

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

This air fryer lumpia delivers the perfect crunch on the outside with a flavorful filling inside, making it ideal for appetizers or snacks. The air fryer simplifies the process, cutting cooking time without losing texture or taste. It’s a great way to enjoy this classic dish with less oil and effort. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe shows how versatile your air fryer can be. Once you try it, you’ll see how easily it becomes a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

These bacon-wrapped cabbage slices are a savory and satisfying side dish that pairs well with just about any meal. The air fryer crisps the bacon while keeping the cabbage tender, making it a standout addition to your menu. They’re simple to prepare and ready in no time, making them perfect for weeknight dinners. This recipe highlights how creative and efficient air frying can be. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to do more with their air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Brownie Bites

Close-up of a hand holding a half-eaten chocolate brownie with gooey chocolate chunks, with another partial brownie blurred in the background. — Brownie Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air fryer brownie bites are rich, fudgy treats that bake up perfectly in no time. Great for portion control or quick desserts, they’re perfect for any chocolate lover. The air fryer ensures even cooking and a soft, gooey center with a slightly crisp edge. Whether for a sweet snack or after-dinner dessert, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy homemade brownies without much fuss. You’ll love how the air fryer simplifies dessert-making.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Bites

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

Sweet pineapple wrapped in salty, crispy bacon makes for a snack or appetizer that’s hard to resist. The air fryer handles the cooking perfectly, bringing out bold flavors in a matter of minutes. This recipe is great for parties, game days, or a quick addition to dinner. It’s another example of how versatile your air fryer can be when it comes to creative combinations. Once you’ve tried these, you’ll want them on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

Air Fryer French Toast

This air fryer French toast is golden, fluffy, and ready in minutes, making it a great breakfast option. The air fryer cooks it evenly, giving it a slight crisp on the outside while staying soft inside. It’s perfect for busy mornings or a weekend brunch with minimal cleanup. Pair it with your favorite toppings for a meal that feels special without taking much effort. You’ll appreciate how easy and convenient the air fryer makes breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Toast

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 are crispy, juicy, and perfect for everything from lunches to snacks. The air fryer delivers a crunchy coating without the mess of traditional frying. They’re quick to make, making them ideal for busy weeknights or a casual family meal. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for a simple yet satisfying dish. This recipe is a great way to see how your air fryer can streamline meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Frozen Pot Pie

Pot pie on plate with fork in middle. — Frozen Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cooking a frozen pot pie in the air fryer gives you a crispy crust and hot, flavorful filling in record time. This method is perfect for quick lunches or dinners when time is short. The air fryer ensures even cooking, turning a store-bought item into something that feels a bit more special. It’s a convenient option for solo meals or smaller households. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll see why it’s a game-changer for frozen foods.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Pot Pie

Dehydrated Strawberries

These dehydrated strawberries are a naturally sweet snack that’s easy to make in the air fryer. Perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or enjoying on their own, they’re a versatile option for any time of day. The air fryer makes the process quick and efficient, showing its ability to handle more than just cooking. This recipe is great for meal prep or adding a touch of homemade to your snacks. It’s a simple way to see the air fryer’s full potential.
Get the Recipe: Dehydrated Strawberries

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 air fryer Maryland crab cakes are golden, crisp, and packed with flavor, making them ideal for a quick dinner or appetizer. The air fryer ensures a perfect texture without the need for excessive oil. They’re great for entertaining or enjoying a seafood-inspired meal at home. Serve them with your favorite sauce or salad for a complete dish. This recipe highlights how your air fryer can handle even more delicate dishes with ease.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cakes

Air Fryer S’mores

A s'more with melted marshmallow and chocolate between graham crackers on a white plate. — Air Fryer S’mores. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Making s’mores in the air fryer gives you gooey marshmallows and melty chocolate with minimal effort. It’s a fun way to enjoy this classic treat without needing a campfire. Great for family nights, parties, or whenever a craving strikes, they’re ready in minutes. The air fryer makes this nostalgic dessert quick and convenient to enjoy anytime. Once you try them, you’ll never look at s’mores the same way again.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S’mores