By: Denise Bustard17 Comments
Posted: 3/18/22Updated: 11/5/21
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43 easy air fryer recipes that you need in your life! Air fryer snacks, sides, mains, and vegan recipes! Crispy and delicious with a fraction of the oil.
Once you've mastered our 5 air fryer secrets you will be more than ready to get cooking with these 43 must-try air fryer recipes!
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While the most popular food to cook in the air fryer is probably french fries (they are definitely delicious) there are also so many other sides, mains, and vegan recipes that you can cook up in the air fryer!
We've rounded up some of our favorite air fryer recipes for you to try, including a few dishes you may not have known were possible to cook in the air fryer. Air fryer pizza, burgers, chicken fajitas, and falafel are so tasty, and fun to try out in the air fryer!
Reasons you'll love these recipes
- these recipes make eating healthy so delicious, and easy
- there's something for everyone here - from vegan falafels to air fryer pizza, and more
- everything that comes out of the air fryer is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside - with hardly any oil needed!
Recipe Video
Watch the video below to see four of our favorite proteins to cook in the air fryer. You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel, or onFacebook.
What is an Air fryer
It's a counter-top appliance that is basically a small convection oven. It replaces a deep fryer and is a much healthier option, but in our experience, it has other benefits as well!
Which air fryer do you recommend?
For basket-style air fryers, we recommend the Cosori XL air fryer. For oven-style, we love the Instant Pot Vortex air fryer. If you are wondering about basket versus air fryer models, check out which air fryer is best for you here!
Air Fryer Basics
- Which Air Fryer Is Best For You?
- 5 Air Fryer Secrets I Wish I'd Known
- The Best Frozen Food to Cook in the Air Fryer
- How to Clean your Air Fryer
- Common air fryer mistakes
Sides & Veggies
Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli
This air fryer broccoli gets golden and crispy, and is ready in under 10 minutes! Tossed in balsamic vinegar, it is slightly tangy, savory and tender.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Crispy air fryer cauliflower is tender with golden, crunchy bits! Ready in under 20 minutes, it's oil-free and so simple to prep.
Check out this recipe
ULTRA Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
Crispy air fryer chickpeas are the tastiest and crunchiest snack you will find. Using the air fryer cuts the cook time down to 15 minutes, and they are so much crispier than in the oven! Vegan and gluten-free, these crispy roasted chickpeas are an awesome healthier snack.
Check out this recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots
Crispy air fryer sweet potato tots are made with only five ingredients and just a touch of spray oil. They can be made ahead and frozen, then go directly into the air fryer from frozen for an easy, kid-approved snack or side dish. Recipe includes directions for making these sweet potato tots in the oven as well.
Honey Garlic Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings
Deliciously sticky and flavorful, these air fryer cauliflower wings are such a tasty appetizer option. Cook up the 'wings' in the air fryer, then toss in homemade honey garlic sauce. Lighter, vegan-friendly and sure to be gobbled up.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Roasted Garlic
Air fryer roasted garlic is the secret to cooking it in a fraction of the time! Use roasted garlic to add a burst of luxurious flavor to any dish, in a flash.
Check out this recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Air fryer brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. With five simple ingredients, they can be prepped and on your table in under 15 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Corn (SO GOOD)
Sweet and juicy, with golden and slightly charred bits, air fryer corn on the cob is a total crowd pleaser! This is the best mash up between grilled and boiled corn.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Carrots (tender + sweet!)
Air fryer carrots are roasted and golden, tender on the inside, and ready in under 20 minutes. Make them with any type of carrots including baby or farmer’s market!
Check out this recipe
Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries
Baked zucchini fries with a crispy parmesan panko breading are kid-friendly and the perfect way to use up summer's zucchini!
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Bacon
Air fryer bacon is ULTRA crispy and so easy to cook. No more bacon splatter all over your stove top makes it even easier to clean up after!
Check out this recipe
Seriously Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi
Air fryer gnocchi is so crispy, is ready in just 13 minutes and does not need to be boiled! This is a great side dish alternative to potatoes or pasta, and also makes a great snack.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer French Fries
These air fryer french fries are amazing---seriously! Perfectly crispy, and so much more flavorful than store bought, they are a great healthier alternative to deep fried fries.
Check out this recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Perfectly seasoned air fryer potato wedges are crispy on the edges, and soft on the inside! This post shows you how to make them with step by step photos.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Mushrooms
Flavored with sesame oil and soy sauce, these air fryer mushrooms deliver big flavors with very little effort! An easy low carb side dish.
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Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Rounds
This air fryer eggplant is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside! Coated in a crispy parmesan-panko breading, it cooks through in just 5 minutes, and is great served as a snack or a side dish.
Check out this recipe
Lemon Parmesan Air Fryer Asparagus
This lemon parmesan air fryer asparagus is cooked through to tender perfection in minutes! Low carb, gluten-free, and so simple to prepare.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Green Beans
Crisp yet tender, these air fryer green beans are ready in under ten minutes! Keep them simple with salt and olive oil, or jazz them up with extra seasonings.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
Air fryer hard boiled eggs are cooked through in 16 minutes, peel easily, and are perfectly cooked each and every time! This is such a simple way to cook them.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
Golden and perfectly seasoned, these air fryer roasted potatoes can be on your table in just 20 minutes! Faster and more energy efficient than using your oven.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Croutons (BEST texture!)
Air fryer croutons are the best of both worlds: crispy on the outside, yet slightly soft on the inside. Seasoned with a simple blend of spices, they are ready in under 10 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Main course recipes
Air Fryer Pizza
Air fryer pizza comes out so crispy and cooks through without the need to turn on your oven! Perfect for personal-sized pizzas.
Check out this recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
This air fryer chicken parmesan is nice and crispy, and is ready in under 30 minutes! An easy and crowd-pleasing meal.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
With perfectly seasoned chicken breast strips, bell peppers and onions, these air fryer chicken fajitas cook through in under 10 minutes! An easy way to get dinner on the table quickly, and works great for meal prep.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Whole Chicken (so juicy!)
This air fryer whole chicken comes out so juicy and flavorful each and every time. Cook it in under an hour and avoid heating up the kitchen!
Check out this recipe
Perfect Air Fryer Salmon
Air fryer salmon cooks quickly and has a slight crust on the outside, but is tender on the inside. With a delicious rub, this salmon recipe can be on your table in 15 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Fish (lemon parmesan breading!)
This crispy air fryer fish has a delicious lemon parmesan breading that cooks to crispy perfection in minutes. A healthier alternative to deep fried fish that is a total crowd pleaser!
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
These crispy air fryer chicken nuggets are made with simple ingredients and deliver big flavor! Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and easy to cook ahead and reheat.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air fryer chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and ready in minutes! With a simple spice rub and very little oil, you can use boneless or bone-in thighs. This recipe is gluten-free and low carb!
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Meatballs (fresh, frozen)
Air fryer meatballs are crisp and browned on the outside, and so juicy on the inside! Cook them up from fresh or frozen in minutes.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Salmon Patties (Golden + Crispy)
Golden and crispy, these air fryer salmon patties cut down on the oil and deliver big on flavor! Made with canned salmon, they are a great way to cook from your pantry.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Shrimp (Honey Lime)
Honey lime air fryer shrimp are juicy, delicious and perfectly cooked without even turning on the oven or heating up the grill! Made with a simple honey lime marinade, these are perfect for an easy dinner.
Check out this recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Crispy air fryer chicken tenders are juicy, flavorful, and so much tastier than store-bought! Simple to prepare, requires very little oil, and devoured by kids.
Check out this recipe
20 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Breast
A quick but flavorful recipe to cook chicken breast in the air fryer- ready in just 20 minutes! With a simple breading that gets crispy and adds so much flavor.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
These air fryer chicken wings are the CRISPIEST homemade wings you have ever tried! Cook a whole batch in your air fryer with four simple ingredients. These chicken wings are keto, paleo, and gluten-free!
Check out this recipe
Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli
Air fryer chicken and broccoli are tossed in a savory lemon pepper seasoning. Low carb, yet simple and flavorful, it cooks through in 10 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Burgers (Turkey or Beef)
These air fryer burgers come out so juicy and cook through with no oil necessary! A great way to cook your burgers when you want to keep your kitchen cool.
Check out this recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Easy, crispy, and perfectly seasoned, these air fryer chicken taquitos are great for a weeknight dinner. The air fryer gets them nice and crispy with very little oil, and they reheat amazingly well.
Check out this recipe
Herb Crusted Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
This air fryer pork tenderloin cooks through to juicy perfection in less time than the oven. It gets a delicious golden crust and is perfectly tender on the inside!
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese (SO crispy!)
Crisp, buttery, and oozing with cheese, this air fryer grilled cheese is a real crowd pleaser! You seriously can't beat the crunch.
Check out this recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Falafels
The crunch on these air fryer falafels is going to knock your socks off! Easy to prepare, full of flavor, and very little oil required to cook them.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Recipes
Air Fryer Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos
Air fryer cauliflower chickpea tacos are a fresh, flavorful, and healthy dinner to get on your table quickly. Vegan, clean eating and easily made gluten-free.
Check out this recipe
Crispy Seasoned Air Fryer Tofu
This ultra crispy air fryer tofu is super flavorful and cooked through in just 13 minutes! Popular with kids and adults and an easy vegan recipe.
Check out this recipe
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
43 Easy Air Fryer Recipes
5 from 7 votesPrint Rate
43 easy air fryer recipes that you need in your life! Air fryer snacks, sides, mains, and vegan recipes! Crispy and delicious with a fraction of the oil.
Author: Denise Bustard
© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Meet Denise Bustard
Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more.
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Reader Interactions
Leave a Comment
sakthi says
fantastic love you.Reply
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Sakthi, we hope you enjoy! Be sure to come back and leave a review if you try any of these recipes!
Reply
B J’Netta Gaulding says
I like all the recipes.Reply
Charissa Marie Gregg says
Do these times very for different types of air fryers?
Reply
Denise Bustard says
Hi Charissa! Yes, cook times will vary by model, but they are surprisingly pretty close. I routinely test in two different air fryer models and usually the recipes are quite close, within 1-2 minutes of each other 🙂
Reply
Charissa Marie Gregg says
Definitely trying out the hard boiled eggs in my fryer i just got it for Christmas! Total jackpot! My son loves eggs so I cant wait to try!!
Reply
Denise Bustard says
Awesome! I hope you enjoy!
Reply
Demi says
So many great ideas! Can't wait to try!Reply
Robert Bellairs says
just got my fryer, 5qt vortex, i would like to know if its possible to do baked potatoes, if so how?
Reply
Brandi says
I just found a recipe by googling it, they look crispy fluffy and amazing, and I don't even own one yet lol getting it tomorrow. I just sold hubby on it by showing him the mess our traditional fryer makes lol the baked potatoes and wings recipes sold him on it 🙂
Reply
Denise says
Hi Robert! Sorry for my late reply. I unfortunately have not had great luck making baked potatoes in the air fryer, they took forever for me (45 minutes!!!). I wonder if it would be good to start them by boiling or baking, then finishing off in the air fryer for that crispy skin? Anyway, here's a recipe I found while googling: https://www.apinchofhealthy.com/air-fryer-baked-potatoes/
Reply
Tahlee says
I think it must depend on the fryer mine does them in 20 mins and they are so delicious 💕 I even did a small roast lamb yesterday and they t was amazing
Reply
dorothy says
what's your brand of air fryer?
Reply
Liz says
I enjoy your blog but am incredibly frustrated by how hard it is to find the unsubscribe to notifications button. I do not recall subscribing and do not like notifications. I also have been unable to find a way to contact you and this is the only option I can think of at this point. I will continue to read your blog but please tell me how to unsubscribe.
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Denise says
Hi Liz, sounds like you opted in to push notifications, sorry they are bothering you, that is definitely not what I intend with them! Look for the little blue bar in the bottom right hand corner of the screen that says 'unsubscribe to notifications'. You can also unsubscribe when you receive a notification. If you still have issues, please reach out to me at sweetpeasandsaffron@gmail.com and I can send you screenshots. Unfortunately this is not something I can do on my end to unsubscribe you.
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Nicole says
I tried a few of these recipes and I'm amazed how easy and tasty it was. I can't wait to try them all. Thank you for the awesome ideas.
Reply
Denise says
So happy you found some winners!
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