Crunch time: 23 recipes to satisfy crispy, crunchy cravings

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Everyone loves a good crunch. Whether it’s the snap of a crispy appetizer, the satisfying bite of a perfectly-cooked dinner, or that delightful noise when diving into a late-night snack. Crispy, crunchy textures elevate meals from the mundane to the memorable.

But why settle for the usual when there are so many delectable options out there? We’re unveiling 23 recipes, spanning snacks, small bites, side dishes and dinner, all with that irresistible crisp factor. Prepare to take your crunching journey to a whole new level.

Potato strips on parchment paper.
Crispy Potato Strips. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crispy Salmon Bites

Crispy salmon bites made with canned salmon on a cutting board with dipping sauce.
Crispy Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bite into crispy delight with these pan-fried salmon bites. Perfectly crunchy on top of salads or as a standalone treat.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Salmon Bites

Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks

Air fryer fish sticks with remoulade dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air frying ensures an impeccable crunch. These fish sticks boast a golden crispy layer and come with a tangy dijon remoulade for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks

Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Chopped crispy chicken citrus salad on a white plate with purple kitchen towel.
Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crunch into winter with this salad, packed with crispy rotisserie chicken, zesty citrus, and toasted pine nuts on a bed of Tuscan kale.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Peach and Radish Salad with Crispy Prosciutto

Peach radish salad with crispy prosciutto on a white plate with a fork.
Peach and Radish Salad with Crispy Prosciutto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Experience a crunch fest with fresh radishes and crispy prosciutto, complemented by sweet peaches and toasted hazelnuts.
Get the Recipe: Peach and Radish Salad with Crispy Prosciutto

Air Fryer Crispy Asparagus Fries

Crispy Baked Asparagus Fries on a rack.
Air Fryer Crispy Asparagus Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Taste spring’s crunch with these baked asparagus fries. The air fryer gives them that desired crispy touch, served with a tangy lemon dijon dip.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Asparagus Fries

Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage

Purple cabbage steaks roasted until crispy in the air fryer on a plate.
Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The air fryer works magic on cabbage, turning it into tender steaks with irresistibly crispy edges. Simple seasonings enhance the crunch.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage

Air Fryer Crispy Parsnip Fries

Parsnip fries on a plate with dipping sauce on a blue kitchen towel.
Air Fryer Crispy Parsnip Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Parsnip fries: the crispy, lower-carb potato alternative. Every bite promises a delightful crunch, enhanced with a dip that mirrors classic fry sauce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Parsnip Fries

Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant

Crispy cubed eggplant roasted in the air fryer on a plate with a serving spoon.
Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crunch into simplicity with this crispy air fryer eggplant. It offers a satisfying outer crunch that pairs well with any main course.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant

Crispy Potato Strips

Potato strips on parchment paper.
Crispy Potato Strips. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Move over fries, these potato strips promise the ultimate crispy experience, further elevated with fragrant rosemary and grated parmesan.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Potato Strips

Crispy Purple Sweet Potato Fries

Purple sweet potato fries on a plate with dipping sauce.
Crispy Purple Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Dive into a world of crispy goodness with these baked sweet potato fries. Golden and crunchy, they’re the perfect companion for any dip.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Purple Sweet Potato Fries

Perfectly Crispy Rosemary Baked Fries

Crispy baked rosemary fries on a plate with ketchup in a small bowl.
Perfectly Crispy Rosemary Baked Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Get your crunch on with these rosemary baked fries. A mere 10-minute soak guarantees the crispiest baked fries you’ll ever relish.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Crispy Rosemary Baked Fries

Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

Baked bang bang shrimp on a serving plate garnished with green onions and served with dipping sauce.
Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A healthier version of a classic, still promising that crispy crunch, paired with an unforgettable sauce.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

Thai Kohlrabi Noodle Salad

Thai kohlrabi noodle salad in a wooden bowl with limes.
Thai Kohlrabi Noodle Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crunch your way through vibrant kohlrabi noodles and crispy veggies. This salad bursts with freshness and a Thai-inspired zest.
Get the Recipe: Thai Kohlrabi Noodle Salad

Air Fryer Okra Fries

Spiced air fryer okra fries served with a yogurt dip on a plate with fresh parsley.
Air Fryer Okra Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Rediscover okra as it transforms into irresistibly crispy fries in the air fryer. This might just become your new favorite crunchy snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Okra Fries

Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Frozen broccoli florets roasted on an air fryer tray.
Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

No more mushy greens. Air frying ensures your frozen broccoli emerges with a golden, crispy exterior that everyone will rave about.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Jicama Fries

Jicama fries on a plate with ketchup.
Jicama Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Introducing the ultimate crispy veggie fry. Jicama, baked to perfection, offers a crunch that rivals traditional potato fries.
Get the Recipe: Jicama Fries

Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Two crispy air fryer hasselback potatoes with chives, garlic and butter on a white plate.
Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Savor the crunch of these golden brown hasselback potatoes. Crispy, buttery edges and simple seasonings make them a must-try side dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Zucchini chips without breading made in the air fryer in a bowl on a wooden plate.
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These aren’t your ordinary chips. Delight in the crispiness of these garlic-flavored zucchini chips, a healthier alternative with a satisfying bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

BBQ Roasted Chickpeas

BBQ roasted chickpeas on a white plate.
BBQ Roasted Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Swap out your chips for these crispy, roasted BBQ chickpeas. Every morsel is a crunchy invitation to snack healthily.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Roasted Chickpeas

Eggplant Chips

Mediterranean Eggplant Chips.
Eggplant Chips. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Immerse in the Mediterranean crunch with these eggplant chips. Dehydrated to perfection, they’re your new crispy snacking go-to.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Chips

Plantain Chips

Plantain chips on a platter with salsa.
Plantain Chips. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A crispy revolution, these baked plantain chips offer a unique crunch, perfectly paired with any salsa or dip.
Get the Recipe: Plantain Chips

Roasted Squash Seeds

Roasted squash seeds in a white bowl with a spoon.
Roasted Squash Seeds. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Experience the seasonal crunch with these roasted winter squash seeds. Perfectly crispy, they’re an autumnal snack like no other.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Squash Seeds

Bok Choy Salad

Bok choy salad with sesame dressing in a bowl with wooden serving utensils.
Bok Choy Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Dive into a mix of crispy bok choy and crunchy almonds, all tossed in a delectable sesame dressing. Perfect as a side or a satisfying main.
Get the Recipe: Bok Choy Salad

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