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The 55 Best Air Fryer Recipes, from Chicken Wings to Brussels Sprouts

Frying food in hot oil: The results are crunchy and delicious, but we need to be in the right mood (and have the spare time) to deal with the inevitable mess. Enter the air fryer, a miracle appliance that will take you from zero to French fries in mere minutes, using little to no oil. In other words, you can indulge in all your favorite fried foods, minus some of the fat and calories. Read on for the 55 best air fryer recipes to try for newbies and pros alike.

The 16 Best Rated Air Fryers According to Me, a French Fry Enthusiast


1. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

  • Time Commitment: 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, gluten free, high protein

Your kids’ all-time favorite dinner just got a whole lot healthier. And thanks to almond flour, the tenders are gluten free, too.

2. Air Fryer French Fries

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, vegetarian

Fries for four in 30 minutes? We had a dream about this once. Go heavy on the Parmesan, please.

3. Air Fryer Bacon

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, keto-friendly

To reduce the smoke of the bacon grease, put some water, bread or foil at the bottom of the basket.

4. Clean-Eating Roasted Brussels Sprouts

  • Time Commitment: 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegan, <30 minutes, low carb

Just toss them in oil, herbs and seasoning before air frying them until tender. Ta-da.

5. Sweet Potato Cauliflower Patties

  • Time Commitment: 35 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser

Combining flaxseeds with arrowroot starch (a vegan-friendly egg substitute) make these cuties gluten-free. Cut the patties up over greens to make a salad or serve them on buns as sandwiches.

6. Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

  • Time Commitment: 35 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, keto-friendly

If you’ve been on the fence about getting an air fryer, let this game day essential be the recipe to sway you.

7. Avocado Fries

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegan, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly

Put them on a burger, serve them with eggs or enjoy them solo, dunked in lemony Cajun mayo.

8. Air Fryer Fried Chicken and Waffles

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, high protein, special occasion-worthy

These frozen waffles and 30-minute wings are beyond easy. Now for the tough part: hot sauce or syrup?

9. Air Fryer Roasted Asian-Inspired Broccoli

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly

Complete with garlic, sriracha and salted peanuts. Substitute agave for honey to make the dish vegan.

10. Air Fryer Salmon Cakes

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why I Love It: low carb, Paleo-friendly, keto-friendly, high protein

Yellow curry powder does all the heavy lifting flavor-wise, while coconut flakes give the cakes their drool-worthy crunch.

11. Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients

Five ingredients, ten minutes and all the mozz. Using a whole wheat pita instead of pizza dough saves a ton of time; the air fryer will crisp it up like a charm.

12. Flank Steak with Homemade Chimichurri Sauce

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: keto-friendly, high protein, special occasion-worthy

Want tender steak with an impressive outer crust? Let the meat rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes and preheat the air fryer before cooking.

13. Air Fryer Parmesan-Dill Fried Pickle Chips

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, kid-friendly

Cool if we have a whole bowl of these with a side of ranch for dinner? Save a few to use on a sandwich for tomorrow's lunch.

14. Air Fryer Parmesan Shrimp

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, keto-friendly, low carb

Stick the shrimp with toothpicks for a lightning-fast party appetizer or serve them over pasta or rice for a complete meal.

15. Southern-Style Pork Chops

  • Time Commitment: 55 minutes
  • Why I Love It: high protein, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly

Letting the pork marinate for 30 minutes its technically optional, but we wouldn't skip it. The buttermilk brine is key for ridiculously crispy breading and tender meat.

16. Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, high protein, beginner-friendly

What’s saucy, cheesy and ready in half an hour? Tonight’s dinner, of course. Serve with a side of pasta or on garlic bread.

17. Bacon- and Cream Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, keto-friendly

These handhelds have Super Bowl Sunday written all over them. And since they only take 15 minutes to whip up, you’ll have plenty of time to watch the game undisturbed.

18. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: gluten free, vegan, crowd-pleaser

When it comes to vegan appetizers, Buffalo cauli is that b**** for a reason. If you have a small air fryer, be sure to cook the cauliflower in batches for even crisping.

19. Air Fryer Roast Chicken

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein, keto-friendly, crowd-pleaser

The kitchen appliance of the moment can tackle a 4½-pound bird in an hour flat. Do we feel a dinner party coming on?

20. Brown Sugar-Garlic Air Fryer Salmon

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: dairy free, high protein, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients

Sweet, spicy and oh so satisfying. Dump some asparagus in the basket with the fish to prepare your veggie and protein in one shot.

21. Air Fryer Hamburgers

  • Time Commitment: 25 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <30 minutes, high protein

When it’s too cold out to fire up the grill, lean on the air fryer for burgers with juicy centers and crispy outer crusts. (These use barbecue sauce in the meat.)

22. Air Fryer Potatoes

  • Time Commitment: 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegan, kid-friendly

Munch ’em like wedge fries or serve as a side to beef or chicken. (Warning: Your kids will ask for seconds.)

23. Sicilian Pizza

  • Time Commitment: 3 hours and 5 minutes
  • Why I Love It: specail occasion-worthy, kid-friendly

The air fryer does all the work of a pizza stone in a fraction of the time. This pie calls for pepperoni, bacon and sausage, so the meat lovers at your table will be thrilled.

24. Air Fryer Fish and Chips

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, dairy free

We’ll take ours drenched in lemon juice and malt vinegar, thanks. (Oh, and tartar sauce couldn't hurt either...)

25. Kofta Kebab

  • Time Commitment: 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: high protein, <10 ingredients, dairy free

There’s always room on our plate for this Turkish staple. Make the beef in your oven if you don’t have an air fryer, or on the grill if the weather allows.

26. Air Fryer Hardboiled Eggs

  • Time Commitment: 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian

No stinky pot of water required. Who knew you could make breakfast for the week in 20 minutes flat?

27. Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

  • Time Commitment: 25 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, dairy free

Hold the vat of oil—but don’t skimp on the shredded coconut or sweet chili dipping sauce. (Picky eaters can sub ketchup if they'd prefer.)

28. Air Fryer Meatloaf

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, dairy free

It doesn’t get more old-school than meatloaf rocking a brown sugar-ketchup glaze. (The kids won't even notice the chopped mushrooms and carrots inside.)

29. Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein, kid-friendly

In case you needed another reason to have a jar of pickle juice on deck at all times. The acidity of the brine tenderizes the chicken just right.

30. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

  • Time Commitment: 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegan, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes

The key to consistently crispy fries? Cutting the sweet potatoes uniformly so they cook as evenly as possible. Be sure not to crowd the fryer basket.

31. Air Fryer Carrots

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, gluten free, beginner-friendly

Make the carrots savory with a mix of herbs and Parmesan cheese, or sweet with butter and brown sugar.

32. Taco Calzones

  • Time Commitment: 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, high protein, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes

Face it: Your taco Tuesday menu has gotten a tad stale. Don’t worry though, because store-bought pizza dough and taco seasoning can save the day in a flash.

33. BBQ Pork Tenderloin

  • Time Commitment: 35 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein, special occasion-worthy

Your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce will turn extra sticky and caramelized in the air fryer. Serve with rice, greens or rolls.

34. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

  • Time Commitment: 25 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, vegetarian, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients

Treat yourself to a second coating of egg and breadcrumbs: It’ll keep the mozz sticks' breading from dripping through the rack as they cook.

35. Air Fryer BBQ Ribs

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy, <10 ingredients

To the age-old question of rub or sauce, this recipe says: ¿Por qué no los dos? The ribs are begging to be plated with mashed potatoes, corn on the cob and mac and cheese.

36. Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegan, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly

Forget boiling them first to speed up the baking process. Cheddar cheese, bacon bits and sour cream are totally optional (though strongly encouraged).

37. Stuffed Baby Artichokes

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, keto-friendly, low carb, vegetarian

They’re bursting with what’s basically the easiest, cheesiest spinach dip to ever grace your table. (And in case you need help prepping the fresh artichokes...)

38. Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients

The recipe calls for bacon and Mexican blend cheese, but you can switch up the fillings to your heart’s content, be it sliced apples or caramelized onions.

39. Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: high protein, make ahead, crowd-pleaser

They’re prime for dousing in marinara or pesto sauce…if you don’t eat them all straight out of the basket first, that is.

40. Herb Butter Dinner Rolls

  • Time Commitment: 10 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser, <30 minutes

We’ve never seen a quicker glow-up than these butter-brushed frozen rolls dusted with Italian seasoning. (Your guests won't catch on, promise.)

41. Steak Kebabs

  • Time Commitment: 25 minutes
  • Why I Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy, dairy free

Well, well, well, aren't you fancy? Make sure to stack the baby bella mushrooms, red onions and green peppers evenly so the skewers cook at the same speed.

42. Easy Air Fryer Turkey Legs

  • Time Commitment: 35 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein, keto-friendly, special occasion-worthy

Let's get medieval, shall we? Odds are the only ingredient you'll need to buy for this 35-minute main is the turkey legs; pantry staples have the rest covered.

43. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly

Cooking spray, breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese make these fries dangerously crispy (and snackable). You won't even miss the spuds, trust.

44. Easy Air Fryer Potato Skins

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
  • Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, gluten free

These potato boats topped with cheese, scallions, bacon and ranch dressing are just the pairing for your famous game day wings. Don't skimp on the from-scratch ranch seasoning.

45. Air Fryer Sausage, Peppers and Onions

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein, low carb

Whether you plate it atop pasta, rice or a soft hoagie roll, this half-hour recipe will quickly become part of your weekly rotation. Might we suggest topping the sausage with melted provolone cheese?

46. Air Fryer Garlic Bread

  • Time Commitment: 10 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian

A buttery, garlicky, cheesy piece of Texas toast is the ultimate side for ribs, brisket, pulled pork and all the barbecue foods you can think of. Even better, it's basically picky eater-proof.

47. Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

  • Time Commitment: 25 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, keto-friendly, gluten free, dairy free

Eating low-carb never seemed so appetizing. We'll be dunking ours in gochujang mayo and chile crisp, thank you very much.

48. Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients, gluten free

Use 'em for nachos, crumble them over taco salad or pair them with air fryer roasted tomatillo salsa for dipping.

49. Air Fryer Scallops with Lemon Cream Sauce

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly

Yup, even this elegant shellfish recipe is fair game for the air fryer. Simply sear the scallops in a preheated basket and prepare the sauce while they cook.

50. Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, vegetarian

It's already your picky kid's favorite breakfast, but just wait until they taste this extra crispy version. Pass the syrup, please.

51. Easy Air Fryer Doughnuts

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients, make ahead

Can you believe these cuties only take 15 minutes to prepare from start to finish? You can thank store-bought biscuit dough for that. Finish the doughnuts with velvety vanilla glaze or cinnamon sugar.

52. Air Fryer Brownies

  • Time Commitment: 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy

BRB, hunting down the biggest ice cream scoop we own, since these beauts are incomplete without a crown of vanilla or dulce de leche deliciousness.

53. Air Fryer Apple Pie Chimichanga

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy

It’s basically a fried dessert burrito stuffed with caramel and cinnamon-sugar apples. Need we say more?

54. Air Fryer Oreos

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly

There's no need to cry over spilled batter with this recipe. These carnival-inspired gems are wrapped in store-bought crescent roll dough instead for minimal mess.

55. Maple Pecan Bars with Sea Salt

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly

Scratch your itch for pie in less time than it takes to roll out a traditional crust. Finely chop the pecans for easier slicing once the bars are baked.

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Taryn Pire is PureWow’s associate food editor. A former bartender and barista, she’s been writing about all things delicious since 2016, developing recipes, reviewing restaurants and investigating food trends at Food52, New Jersey Family Magazine and Taste Talks. When she isn’t testing TikTok’s latest viral recipe, she’s having popcorn for dinner and posting about it on Instagram @cookingwithpire.


taryn pire

Food Editor

  • Contributes to PureWow's food vertical
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  • Studied English and writing at Ithaca College