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    Home / Roundups

    You’re Wasting Your Air Fryer If You’re Not Making These Recipes

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Feb 28, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

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    If you're only using your air fryer for fries and frozen snacks, you're missing out on its full potential. This handy appliance can make everything from crispy mains to quick desserts, all with less mess and faster cooking times. These recipes will show you just how much your air fryer can do-and why it deserves a permanent spot on your counter.

    A person holds a seasoned, air-fried chicken wing garnished with parsley.Pin
    Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    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 cook up tender on the inside with a perfectly crisped exterior, all without needing a grill. The air fryer locks in the flavor while cutting down on cook time. Perfect for busy days when you want something hearty without hours of prep. A great way to enjoy ribs without the hassle of traditional cooking methods. This recipe makes full use of the air fryer's ability to cook meat evenly and quickly.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

    Air Fryer Honey Spiced Walnuts

    Bowl of glazed candied walnuts on a white surface.Pin
    Air Fryer Honey Spiced Walnuts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These walnuts turn out crunchy and coated in just the right amount of sweetness and spice. The air fryer helps them roast evenly, bringing out their natural flavor. Perfect for snacking, adding to salads, or serving as a quick appetizer. They come together in minutes and store well for later. A simple way to make a flavorful snack with minimal effort.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Spiced Walnuts

    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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

    The air fryer gives this cabbage a crisped, slightly smoky finish while keeping the inside tender. Wrapping it in bacon adds extra flavor, making it a great side or appetizer. Cooks quickly without the need for constant attention. A great way to bring more variety to your meals while using the air fryer efficiently. This dish proves that simple ingredients can turn into something special.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

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

    The combination of crispy bacon and juicy pineapple makes this a great mix of sweet and savory. The air fryer cooks the bacon evenly while keeping the pineapple warm and juicy. These bite-sized pieces are perfect for appetizers, party platters, or snacks. A great way to make something different with minimal prep. This is one of those recipes that shows how versatile the air fryer really is.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

    Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

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

    No need to thaw-these wings go straight from freezer to crispy in no time. The air fryer cooks them evenly while keeping the skin crisp and the meat juicy. Perfect for a last-minute meal or game-day snack. Toss them in your favorite sauce or seasonings for endless variety. A great way to get crispy wings without deep frying.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

    Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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

    These poppers turn out crisp on the outside and creamy inside with just the right amount of heat. The air fryer helps them cook evenly without making a mess. Great as an appetizer, snack, or party food that disappears fast. A simple way to get a crunchy bite without deep frying. If you aren't making these in your air fryer, you're missing out.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

    Air Fryer Garlic Bread

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

    This garlic bread gets a perfectly crisp edge while staying soft inside. The air fryer speeds up the process and eliminates the need for an oven. Great as a quick side for pasta, soups, or any meal needing extra flavor. A great way to use your air fryer for more than just main dishes. Once you try it this way, you won't want to go back.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread

    Egg White Frittata Muffins

    Three egg white frittata muffins on a plate with sprigs of rosemary.Pin
    Egg White Frittata Muffins. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These protein-packed muffins cook up fluffy and evenly in the air fryer. A great meal prep option for breakfasts or snacks on the go. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time while keeping them light and airy. You can customize them with different mix-ins for variety. A simple way to make breakfast faster and easier.
    Get the Recipe: Egg White Frittata Muffins

    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.Pin
    Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These chicken thighs cook up juicy inside with a perfectly crisped outside. The air fryer locks in moisture while cutting down on cooking time. A great option for an easy, no-fuss dinner that pairs well with any side. Works well for meal prepping or a quick weeknight meal. A simple way to get flavorful chicken without the hassle.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Air Fryer Home Fries

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

    These home fries turn out crispy on the outside and soft in the center without needing much oil. The air fryer speeds up the cooking process while giving them a golden finish. A great way to make breakfast potatoes or a side dish with minimal effort. Perfect for pairing with eggs, burgers, or any meal needing a crispy potato side. Once you make them this way, you'll never go back to the stovetop.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

    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.Pin
    Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These sweet potatoes cook up tender on the inside with lightly crisped edges. The air fryer cuts down the cooking time while bringing out their natural sweetness. Great as a side dish, meal prep ingredient, or snack. Works well with both sweet and savory seasonings for different flavors. A simple way to make sweet potatoes without turning on the oven.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

    Apple Puff Pastry Tart

    A dessert plate with apple slices, a pastry drizzled with icing, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with syrup. A checkered cloth is nearby.Pin
    Apple Puff Pastry Tart. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This quick dessert bakes up golden and flaky with warm, soft apples inside. The air fryer makes it easy to get that perfect pastry texture without waiting for the oven. Great for a last-minute dessert or when you want something sweet with minimal effort. Serve it on its own or with a scoop of ice cream for extra flavor. A simple way to make bakery-style pastries at home.
    Get the Recipe: Apple Puff Pastry Tart

    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.Pin
    Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These bite-sized chicken pieces stay juicy inside while the bacon gets crispy in the air fryer. A great appetizer, snack, or easy meal option. The air fryer makes them cook evenly without needing much oil. A perfect way to use your air fryer for quick, flavorful bites. Once you try them, they'll be a go-to for any gathering.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

    Air Fryer Pineapples

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

    The air fryer caramelizes the edges of these pineapples while keeping them juicy. A great way to enhance their natural sweetness without extra sugar. Works well as a snack, side, or topping for meals and desserts. Quick to make with no need for complicated ingredients. A smart way to bring out more flavor in fruit.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pineapples

    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 skewers cook up juicy and evenly in the air fryer, making them a great quick meal option. The air fryer gives them a lightly crisped edge while keeping the inside tender. Works well for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. A simple way to enjoy grilled-style chicken without an actual grill. This is one recipe that makes full use of what an air fryer can do.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    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.Pin
    Brownie Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These small brownies bake up with a soft center and slightly crisp edges. The air fryer makes them cook evenly in a fraction of the time. Perfect for quick desserts or bite-sized treats for gatherings. Great for when you want homemade brownies without heating up the whole oven. Once you try making brownies in the air fryer, you won't want to use anything else.
    Get the Recipe: Brownie Bites

    Maple Glazed Carrots

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

    These carrots cook up tender with a slight caramelization on the edges. The air fryer helps them cook evenly without needing constant stirring. A great way to add a touch of sweetness to a simple side dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals. A smart way to make vegetables more enjoyable.
    Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots

    Frozen Pot Pie

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

    The air fryer crisps up the crust while heating the filling evenly. A great way to cook a frozen pot pie without waiting for the oven. The crust turns out flakier, and the filling stays hot and creamy. Works well for quick meals when you don't have time for from-scratch cooking. A simple way to make frozen food taste better.
    Get the Recipe: Frozen Pot Pie

    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 quickly while getting a lightly charred edge from the air fryer. A great way to bring grilled flavors indoors with no mess. Works well as an appetizer, main dish, or salad topping. The air fryer locks in flavor while keeping the shrimp tender. A simple way to make shrimp without extra hassle.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    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.Pin
    Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These chicken legs turn out crispy on the outside and juicy inside, all without deep frying. The air fryer makes them cook evenly while keeping the skin golden and flavorful. A great choice for a quick dinner that requires minimal prep. Perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without the hassle. Once you try them this way, you'll never want to cook them any other way.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    Air Fryer Pasta Chips

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

    These crispy pasta chips are a fun and crunchy snack made easily in the air fryer. They cook up golden and crisp in a fraction of the time compared to baking. Great for dipping into sauces or enjoying on their own. A creative way to turn cooked pasta into something different. This is a perfect example of how an air fryer can do more than just cook meats.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

    Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

    These potato wedges come out crispy on the outside and soft inside, just like restaurant-style fries. The air fryer makes them golden without needing much oil. Great as a side dish for burgers, sandwiches, or as a snack. Quick to make with simple ingredients and no complicated steps. A smart way to get crispy potatoes without deep frying.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

    Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

    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. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These pork belly bites turn out crispy on the outside with a tender, flavorful center. The air fryer helps render the fat while keeping the meat juicy. A great way to make a flavorful dish without the mess of pan-frying. Perfect for serving as an appetizer, topping for bowls, or pairing with rice. If you haven't made pork belly in the air fryer, you're missing out on how easy it is.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

    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.Pin
    Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These wings turn out crispy and packed with bold lemon pepper flavor. The air fryer cooks them quickly while locking in the juiciness. A great snack or meal option that works for any occasion. No need to deal with a deep fryer to get perfectly crisp wings. Once you try these, they'll become a go-to recipe.
    Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

    Air Fryer Apple Fritters

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

    These fritters cook up with a crisp outer layer and soft, warm apples inside. The air fryer gives them the perfect texture without needing much oil. Great for a quick breakfast, dessert, or snack. A simple way to make bakery-style treats at home. Once you try them in the air fryer, you'll see how effortless they are.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Fritters

    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 quick and easy melt comes together in minutes with a perfectly toasted finish. The air fryer gives the bread a crisp edge while keeping the crab mixture warm and flavorful. Great for a light meal or snack when you want something warm and filling. A simple way to make a seafood favorite without needing a stovetop. Once you try it, you'll want to make it again and again.
    Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

    Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

    Close-up of a pastry topped with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.Pin
    Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These puff pastry bites turn out flaky with a sweet and creamy filling. The air fryer bakes them evenly, giving them a golden crust without needing an oven. A great appetizer for parties, holidays, or a quick treat. They come together quickly with minimal effort. A simple way to make something that looks fancy but is incredibly easy.
    Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

    Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

    Air fryer frozen sweet potato fries.Pin
    Frozen Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    The air fryer makes frozen sweet potato fries crispier and more flavorful than baking. They cook evenly without becoming soggy or overcooked. A great side dish or snack that's ready in minutes. No need to wait for the oven or deal with flipping fries on a pan. Once you try them this way, you'll never go back to baking them.
    Get the Recipe: Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

    Chicken Lollipops

    A close-up of a hand holding a crispy breaded chicken drumstick, with more drumsticks on a white plate in the background.Pin
    Chicken Lollipops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These chicken lollipops turn out crisp on the outside and tender inside with the help of the air fryer. The cooking process locks in flavor while cutting down on oil. A great appetizer or main dish that's fun to eat and packed with flavor. Perfect for game nights, parties, or weeknight meals. Once you make them in the air fryer, it'll be hard to cook them any other way.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Lollipops

    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.

    The air fryer gives these Brussels sprouts crispy edges while keeping the inside tender. They cook faster and more evenly than roasting in the oven. A great side dish that pairs well with any meal. Adding simple seasonings makes them flavorful without much effort. A perfect way to get crispy vegetables without extra oil.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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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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