Crispy creations: 31 best air fryer recipes to break in your new gadget!

Got a shiny new air fryer? This mouthwatering list of 31 crispy creations will help you break in your countertop wonder with style and ease, even if you’ve never air fried before.

Air fryer cod fillets without breading topped with lemon and herbs. — Air Fryer Cod. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Hot diggity dog, the air fryer turns out perfect hot dogs every time, whether they’re straight from the freezer or wrapped in a cozy breadstick blanket. Get ready for a simple yet satisfying bite that’s a home run for beginners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Air Fryer Nachos

Pile on the goodness with air fryer nachos that come out as crispy as your expectations. Layer tortilla chips with pulled pork, black beans, and cheese for a dish that’s more loaded than your last vacation suitcase.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Nachos

Air Fryer Tilapia

Lemon and garlic come to the party in this tilapia recipe that’s so easy, you’ll have a healthy dinner swimming onto your table in about 15 minutes. This flaky fish is proof that your air fryer isn’t just for guilty pleasures—it’s for guilt-free ones too.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tilapia

Air Fryer Burgers

Burger on a bun topped with cheese, tomato, onion and bacon. — Air Fryer Burgers. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Juicy, delicious burgers straight out of your air fryer are here to make your dinner decisions a piece of cake—or, well, a piece of burger. Learn the ropes of crafting the perfect patty and let the air fryer do the heavy lifting. It’s the classic family dinner, upgraded for simplicity and taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Burgers

Air Fryer Brats

Two brats on a plate in buns topped with sauerkraut. — Air Fryer Brats. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Get that grilled flavor without the grill thanks to the air fryer, turning out brats that are crispy on the outside and oh-so-juicy inside. Whether they’re fresh, pre-cooked, or frozen, you’re just 15 minutes away from sausage bliss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brats

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Four chicken drumsticks with parsley on a plate. — Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

For a meal that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and beloved all around, air fryer chicken legs are your go-to. With minimal effort you’ll be serving up drumsticks that’ll make you the kitchen hero. It’s the finger-licking favorite that’s practically effortless.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air Fryer Italian Sausage

Sausage with peppers and onions in the air fryer. — Air Fryer Italian Sausage. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Toss Italian sausage and veggies into the air fryer, and you’ve got a colorful dinner that’s practically making itself. Stuff them into rolls for a meal with minimal prep and cleanup, because who has time for that?
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Italian Sausage

Air Fryer Naan Pizza

Naan pizza with chicken and bacon in the basket of an air fryer. — Air Fryer Naan Pizza. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Transform naan bread into a personal pizza masterpiece with toppings galore—all in the comfort of your air fryer. It’s a 10-minute miracle that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Say goodbye to delivery and hello to your new favorite pizza night.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Naan Pizza

Air Fryer Cod

When you want a healthy dish that doesn’t skimp on taste, this air fryer cod is your golden ticket. No breading, no problem—just tender, flaky fish ready in 15 minutes. This recipe is a beginner’s dream for a fancy-feeling dinner without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cod

Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken

Hot honey chicken on a bed of rice. — Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Spice up your dinner routine with air fryer hot honey chicken that’s as sticky as it is quick. Glaze your chicken breast in this sweet and spicy sauce, and in less than 30 minutes, you’ve got a meal that’s finger-licking good.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken

Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops

Two breaded pork chops on a gray plate with parsley. — Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Kiss goodbye to the days of dry pork chops—air frying delivers juicy, tender meat with a crispy breading that’s all flavor, no dryness. This easy meal proves that great taste doesn’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Two chicken leg quarters on a grey plate sprinkled with parsley with a broccoli salad in the background. — Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These chicken leg quarters come out so crispy on the outside, so juicy on the inside, you’ll be patting yourself on the back. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s big on flavor and low on effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Frozen Meatballs

From the freezer to your table, these air fryer meatballs are the ultimate in easy eats. Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re perfect for sandwiches, pasta, or as a quick appetizer. It’s the budget-friendly, time-saving meal that’s versatile and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Meatballs

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Plate of chicken fajitas with chicken, red bell peppers and onion. — Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Whip up some air fryer chicken fajitas and have a versatile, vibrant meal ready in just 15 minutes. Tender chicken and veggies come together in a dish that’s as simple as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast

Cut chicken breasts pieces baked. — Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This foolproof recipe for air fryer chicken breast is the beginner’s best friend, yielding juicy results with minimal ingredients. In just 30 minutes, you’ve got a no-fuss meal that’s sure to become a weeknight staple. It’s the simple solution for when you want dinner done right, and done fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast

Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken

Eating sweet and sour chicken with chopsticks. — Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring the taste of takeout home with Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken that’s crispy, juicy, and packed with pineapple flavor. It’s a sweet and tangy treat that’s simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken

Air Fryer Shrimp Fajitas

Plate with shrimp, onions, red bell peppers and yellow bell peppers for fajitas. — Air Fryer Shrimp Fajitas. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These air fryer shrimp fajitas are a quick and easy ticket to a seafood feast, with juicy shrimp and loads of veggies. Enjoy a dinner that’s perfect for those nights when you want something a little special without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp Fajitas

Air Fryer Steak Bites

Air fried steak bites on a white plate. — Air Fryer Steak Bites. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bite into steak bites that come out of your air fryer with the perfect char on the outside and a tender, juicy middle. These little morsels of joy are ready in a mere 15 minutes, making them a steak-tacular choice for a quick gourmet dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Bites

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Chicken drumsticks and thighs coated with BBQ sauce on a wooden cutting board with herbs. — Air Fryer BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Turn your kitchen into a summertime BBQ joint any time of the year with air fryer BBQ chicken that’s ready in 30 minutes flat. It’s a beginner’s dream for a hassle-free, sauce-smothered dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Air Fryer Frozen Pot Pies

Air fryer frozen chicken pot pie. — Air Fryer Frozen Pot Pies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Got a frozen pot pie and an air fryer? Combine them into the ultimate comfort food experience with a crispy crust and a piping hot, creamy filling. This is the “set it and forget it” of comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Pot Pies

Air Fryer Shrimp

Platter of shrimp after air frying with drawn butter in the background. — Air Fryer Shrimp. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Shrimp in the air fryer? Absolutely! They come out so perfectly juicy and crisp, you’ll swear off boiling and sautéing forever. This recipe is a quick and easy sea-change that’ll have you sailing through dinner prep.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

If you thought pork tenderloin was just for Sundays, think again. The air fryer turns it into a weeknight wonder with a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy inside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Asian chicken with sesame seeds on a plate. — Honey Garlic Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These glazed chicken thighs come out of the air fryer boasting the perfect combo of crispy and juicy. The Asian-inspired marinade brings a sweet and spicy kick for a simple dish with complex flavors.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Frozen Chicken Tenders

Air fryer frozen chicken finger on a plate. — Frozen Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

From freezer to table, air fryer chicken tenders are the golden, crispy heroes of a last-minute meal plan. Ready in less than 15 minutes, they’re the perfect for your favorite dipping sauces. It’s the no-thought, all-taste dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Drizzling sauce over crispy salmon bites on a cutting board. — Air Fryer Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These salmon bites delivering a crispy exterior with a tender, flaky interior. They’re so easy to make, you’ll find yourself wondering why you ever bothered with other cooking methods. Get ready for a flavor-packed bite that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Turkery burger on a bun with lettuce, cheese and red onion. — Air Fryer Turkey Burgers. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Turkey burgers in the air fryer are the lean, mean dinner option that’s simple and healthy. Mix up some ground turkey with your favorite seasonings, pop them in the air fryer, and a juicy burger without the guilt or the grill.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Fried chicken with lemon wedges on a plate. — Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Season, air fry, and serve up some chicken thighs that are the crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. These bad boys are ready in 30 minutes, making them a weeknight warrior’s secret weapon. It’s the kind of dish that keeps things simple but delivers big on taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso's Chicken on a plate with broccoli and rice. — Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Get your takeout fix at home with air fryer General Tso’s Chicken that’s crispy, coated in a tangy sauce, and ready in 20 minutes. This recipe is a beginner’s dream without the delivery wait.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken

Air Fryer Pork Loin Roast

Sliced pork loin on white plate with herbs. — Air Fryer Pork Loin Roast. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Feast on a pork loin roast that comes out of the air fryer with a brown, crispy exterior and a perfectly cooked juicy interior. It’s a fast-track to a roast dinner that’s sure to please without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Loin Roast

Air Fryer Salmon

Salmon fillet with paprika and parsley after air frying. — Air Fryer Salmon. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Achieve salmon perfection with an air fryer recipe that’s foolproof, fast, and gives you that slightly crispy edge. It’s a straightforward path to a sophisticated dinner that’ll have you feeling like a chef. This dish is all about maximum flavor with minimal effort—just how we like it.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon

Air Fryer Meatballs

Homemade meatballs in the air fryer are a revelation—quick to make, tasty to eat, and ready to be devoured in about 20 minutes. Whether you’re going for a meatball sub, adding them to pasta, or eating them as is, it’s a versatile dish that’s easy as pie.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Meatballs