25 Crunchy Air-Fryer Recipes (2024)

Once upon a time, eating healthier meant cutting back on hash browns, fried chicken, and doughnuts. And then came the air fryer.

This cooking method swaps the vat of oil for a mechanical fan to keep traditionally deep-fried delicacies low (or even completely free) of grease.

Looks like dreams really do come true for those of us who really (really) like fried food but hold ourselves back because, you know, trans fats/heart disease/etc.Iqbal MP, et al. (2014). Trans fatty acids – A risk factor for cardiovascular disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3955571/

These 25 air fryer recipes show you how to faux-fry your way to healthier eats, from breakfast to dessert.

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1. Ham and egg toast cups

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File this away for your next brunch at home; with eggs, cheese, and ham cooked right into each toast “cup,” you don’t need to worry about making each component separately.

Plus, they make for seriously cute Instagram posts.

2. Air fryer breakfast frittata

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No stovetop cooking necessary for this low carb omelet. From the cheddar to the eggs to the grape tomatoes, everything gets the air fryer treatment for ultimate convenience without skimping on taste.

3. Breakfast style air fryer potatoes

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Most home fries are cooked in a deep pool of oil. This recipe uses a few spritzes of oil spray to keep the potatoes much lower in fat than usual, while the air fryer makes sure you’re getting crispy, golden-brown cubes.

4. Vegan breakfast hash browns

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Love hash browns but hate all the grease that comes with them? Thanks to the air fryer, these potato-packed fritters need barely two tablespoons of oil so you can have your breakfast spuds and eat them too.

Add some of the optional garlic and onion powder seasoning to make them taste tall the more addictive.

5. Air fryer French toast sticks

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This recipe has all the usual ingredients of French toast — eggs, cinnamon, bread — and even the same prep method, but going the air fryer route has its advantages.

Not only is it especially fast, but it also yields particularly crispy results — no soggy pieces of bread here.

6. Beetroot chips

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These homemade, irresistible beet chips couldn’t be easier to put together, seasoned with nothing but salt and pepper and air-fried to crispy perfection.

Don’t say we didn’t warn ya about how addictive they are when you find yourself eating them by the bowlful.

7. Air-fried shishito peppers

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You’ll often find shishito peppers grilled or fried plain at Japanese restaurants, but air-frying them at home means you get to have a bit more fun with the add-ins.

This recipe tops the perfectly charred peppers with a generous grating of Asiago cheese for a fun fusion of Western and Eastern flavors.

8. Air fryer French fries

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If you’ve got an air fryer, there’s no way you aren’t making classic French fries. Leave the funky twists and unconventional flavorings for other recipes.

With just salt, pepper, and garlic powder, this batch is simple, savory, and perfectly crisp, just the way good old-fashioned fries should be.

9. Coconut shrimp with spicy marmalade sauce

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Coconut-crusted shrimp is a pretty classic appetizer, but make a few detours off the classic recipe by air-frying the shellfish (zero oil required).

You’ll also be adding a zingy orange-tinged mustard sauce for dipping. If added sugar is a concern, opt for unsweetened coconut and all-fruit marmalade.

10. Air fryer baked sweet potato

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When it comes to baking the ideal potato, this recipe is the winner of all cooking methods.

While the oven takes too long, and the speedy microwave produces rubbery results, this air-frying tactic is just right, giving you perfectly tender flesh in a reasonable 30 minutes.

11. Air fryer jalapeño poppers

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Who doesn’t love biting into the creamy cheese filling of a jalapeño popper? Now you can get your spicy appetizer fix whenever you want.

This recipe uses gluten-free bread crumbs, dairy-free cream cheese, and the air fryer method. You won’t even know the difference.

12. Air fryer pork taquitos

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If you’ve got pre-cooked, shredded pork, turn it into taquitos in less than 10 minutes. Just wrap in corn tortillas with a sprinkle of cheese and let the air fryer do the rest.

13. Healthy fish finger sandwich

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A few spritzes of oil spray and 15 minutes in the air fryer are all it takes to get fish fingers that have that appetizing crunch on the outside and soft flakiness on the inside.

Tuck them inside a bun slathered with a Greek yogurt based pea purée for a fish sandwich that rivals anything your corner bar or fast-food joint is serving.

14. Copycat Taco Bell crunch wraps

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There’s an indescribable satisfaction about recreating fast-food favorites at home in a healthier way, and this copycat Taco Bell crunch wrap recipe doesn’t disappoint.

With seasoned beef, cheese, sour cream, and tomatoes all enveloped inside a flour tortilla and air-fried until, well, crunchy, it tastes almost freakishly similar to the original.

15. Air fryer sriracha honey chicken wings

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Rather than the usual buffalo sauce, give your (air) fried chicken an Asian-inspired spin with a sweet and savory honey, soy, and sriracha coating. You won’t find this on a KFC menu, but it’s still finger-lickin’ good.

16. Air fryer orange tofu

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Air-frying tofu and then coating it in a thick orange sauce proves you don’t need glugs of oil to make Chinese food taste good. It’s not great news for your local takeout joint, but you and your wallet will sure be happy.

17. Air fryer panko breaded chicken Parmesan with marinara sauce

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Any dish that involves chicken, bread crumbs, and the word “Parmesan” is likely to be super tasty — and super fried and super heavy.

This recipe keeps the tasty element but does away with the fried and heavy parts by using an egg white dredging and the air fryer cooking technique.

18. Sweet and sour pork

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The sweetness of the pork in this recipe comes from fresh pineapple, while the sour component is thanks to the tangy combo of tomato, Worcestershire, and oyster sauce.

The grease-free factor comes courtesy of the air fryer, of course.

19. Air fryer Cajun salmon

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The key to tender, flaky air-fried Cajun salmon instead of a rubbery brick? Make sure you aren’t leaving it in the fryer for too long.

That’s right — the shorter cooking time doesn’t just add to the convenience factor of this dish, it’s actually essential for taste purposes.

20. Vegan air fryer blueberry apple crumble

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The fruit underneath is great, but everyone knows that the buttery crisp is really what makes or breaks a crumble.

With the air fryer doing the cooking, there’s no risk of a temperamental oven over- or under-baking anything. This gluten-free recipe gives you a syrupy fruit bottom and melt-in-your-mouth browned topping each time.

21. Air baked molten lava cakes

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You don’t need to be a veteran baker to master lava cake when it’s made in an air fryer. With this recipe, all you have to know is that you’re only five ingredients and 10 minutes away from molten chocolate bliss.

22. Fried banana s’mores

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S’mores aren’t just for eating around fire pits anymore. Although uniquely packaged inside banana peels instead of graham crackers, these retro treats will take you right back to your summer camp days.

They’re packed with chocolate, marshmallows, graham crackers, and even some peanut butter chips for good measure. Save room for seconds.

23. Air fryer apple cinnamon dessert empanadas

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Empanadas are usually made with savory stuffings, but we can’t see anyone complaining about the sweet, spiced fruit filling inside these crunchy parcels.

With the stewed cinnamon and apples plus the crisp pastry-like exteriors, they’re basically low-maintenance, individual apple pies.

24. Doughnut holes

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Cakey oven-baked doughnuts just not cutting it? These air fryer Munchkin look-alikes might have the crispy texture you’re looking for.

As a bonus, these are also vegan and low in sugar, thanks to nondairy yogurt, coconut sugar, and egg replacer.

25. Eggless chocolate chip muffins

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It may seem counterintuitive to whip out the air fryer rather than use an oven when you’re in a baking mood, but you’ll be a believer once you dig into these chocolaty muffins.

How could you not be? They’re soft, lightly sweet, and only take 8 minutes in the fryer to “bake.”

While buying yet another gadget for your kitchen might sound like a bit much, this one saves time and makes for easier cleanup. What’s not to love?

Plus, if it’s something that can make everything from breakfast potatoes to savory burgers to blueberry crumble, we’re thinking this is one hot trend to look into.

25 Crunchy Air-Fryer Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the 20 20 rule for air fryers? ›

“If you are using recipes that are for conventional ovens, you will generally want to reduce the cooking time by 20% and lower the heat by 20C (that's from the fan temperature) to account for the air fryer's efficiency.”

What is the secret to crispy air fryer? ›

However, a small amount of oil is usually necessary to achieve a crispy texture. A drizzle or a quick oil spray is all you need for restaurant-quality fries and golden brown fried chicken, while other foods don't need any oil, like pizza or leftovers you might reheat.

What is the first thing you should make in an air fryer? ›

What are the first things you should cook in your new air fryer? Steak, chicken or fish will come out amazing. So will roasted vegetables or homemade fries. Potato fries, sweet potato fries, and even carrot or apple fries are all delicious, healthy and pretty easy.

Can I put aluminum foil in an air fryer? ›

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

What is the cheat for the air fryer? ›

Due to its smaller size, an air fryer generally cooks food faster than a conventional oven. So you'll need to convert the oven recipe to suit air fryer temperatures. The general rule of thumb is to lower the cooking temperature by 25°F and shorten the time by roughly 20-25%.

Why is chicken not crispy in an air fryer? ›

Dry the outside of the food properly before you add oil. Do not use too much oil, as this will make the food less crispy and more fattening. Meat or poultry can be lightly brushed with oil or marinated to get the crispiest results.

Why won't my fries get crispy in the air fryer? ›

It's essential that you spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and that you leave a little space between each one. If they're too crowded, the potatoes will steam inside the air fryer, and they won't get crispy. In order to give them adequate space, you'll likely need to work in batches.

Why do you soak potatoes in water before air frying? ›

Soaking the potatoes does something magical with the starches—it helps achieve the coveted French fry crispiness and prevents the fries from sticking together. This is what I did for the air fryer, too. I soaked these potatoes for about an hour or so, but I've also soaked them for up to 24 hours with no ill effect.

Why are people getting rid of their air fryers? ›

While air fryers are popular, the most expensive models can start to get a little pricey which could undermine their status as a budget item. Many people came out for halogen ovens as the better option.

What is the downside of air fryers? ›

What are Disadvantages of Using an Air Fryer? Air fryers vary in the amount of foods they can hold, but usually do not have a large capacity. Air fryers may not be convenient when cooking for large groups.

What is unhealthy about an air fryer? ›

Air-frying equipment is not known to cause cancer, but the process of air frying does result in the formation of certain compounds, like acrylamide, that are linked to cancer development. Acrylamide is classified as a probable human carcinogen.

What are the most popular foods cooked in an air fryer? ›

Some of the popular things to make in the air fryer are potatoes (chips, roasted, baked), muffins, scones, and cakes. It's also great for getting dinner on the table fast – we love to use our air fryer to make fritters, rissoles, nuggets, and pork belly (yes, you can cook raw meat in an air fryer).

What is the first thing you do when you buy an air fryer? ›

Some manufacturers recommend running the air fryer empty for 10 minutes before you actually cook with it, to let it off-gas. There might be a slightly chemical smell (one manual referred to it as a “new appliance smell”), so have the vents on or windows open.

How do I convert cooking times to air fryer? ›

Conventional oven to air fryer conversion

To convert an oven-cooked recipe to an air-fryer one, Mason's general rule of thumb is to reduce the suggested temperature by 25°F and then cut the cook time by about 20%.

What is the rule of thumb when using an air fryer? ›

When taking a recipe from oven to air fryer, the general rule is to reduce the temperature by 20ºC – 30ºC, and cook for 20% less time. For example, if you were making these delicious Chilli Cheesy Nachos, you'd need to bake the potato wedges in the oven at 200ºC for 25 minutes.

Can you cook 2 foods in an air fryer? ›

Multiple cooking zones

Simply put, these air fryers have different compartments, so you can cook two delicious dishes at once - ideal for a complete meal. Some have two layers, while others have both a pot and a removable basket (ideal for chips).

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