What Can You Cook in the Air Fryer Discover 50 Easy Recipes

You can cook almost anything in an air fryer—from crispy fries and juicy chicken to baked desserts and even reheated leftovers—making it the ultimate kitchen multitasker. This collection of 50 easy recipes unlocks the appliance’s full potential, delivering quick, healthy, and delicious meals with minimal oil and maximum flavor. Discover how the air fryer simplifies cooking without sacrificing taste or texture.

Key Takeaways

• Cook crispy snacks: Make fries, wings, or nuggets with little oil.
• Reheat leftovers perfectly: Avoid sogginess with quick, even reheating.
• Bake desserts easily: Try cookies, brownies, or apple crisps hassle-free.
• Roast vegetables evenly: Achieve caramelized edges without oven heat.
• Grill meats fast: Cook juicy burgers, salmon, or chicken in minutes.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer in the Kitchen

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen, staring at a frozen bag of chicken nuggets or a sad-looking sweet potato, wondering how to turn it into something delicious without turning on the oven or deep fryer, you’re not alone. That’s where the air fryer swoops in like a superhero with a crisp cape and a mission: to make healthy, flavorful, and fast meals with minimal effort. I remember the first time I used mine—crispy fries with just a teaspoon of oil, golden on the outside, fluffy within, and ready in under 15 minutes. I was hooked.

The air fryer isn’t just a trendy gadget. It’s a versatile, time-saving appliance that uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food from all angles, mimicking the results of deep frying but with up to 80% less oil. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or someone just trying to eat a little healthier, the air fryer opens up a world of culinary possibilities. But what can you actually cook in it? The answer might surprise you. From breakfast to dessert, and everything in between, here are 50 easy recipes you can make in your air fryer—no culinary degree required.

Breakfast & Brunch: Start Your Day Right

1. Crispy Bacon in 10 Minutes

Say goodbye to greasy stovetop mess. Lay bacon strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. The result? Perfectly crisp, evenly cooked bacon with less fat and no splatter. Pro tip: Line the basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Air-Fried Eggs (Yes, Really!)

Crack eggs into silicone molds or a small oven-safe ramekin. Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 10–12 minutes for soft-boiled, or 13–15 for hard-boiled. No water, no mess. Great for meal prep or adding protein to salads.

3. French Toast Sticks

Cut bread into sticks, dip in a mixture of egg, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. Place in a single layer and air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. Serve with maple syrup or yogurt. Kids love these—and so do adults.

4. Breakfast Potatoes with Peppers & Onions

Cube potatoes, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Add diced bell peppers and onions. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. Crispy on the outside, tender inside. Add a fried egg on top for a complete meal.

5. Bagels with Cream Cheese & Lox

Slice a bagel, lightly toast in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 3–4 minutes. Top with cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, and red onion. Elegant, quick, and perfect for brunch.

6. Air-Fried Oatmeal Cups

Mix oats, egg, banana, cinnamon, and a splash of milk. Spoon into silicone muffin cups. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 12–15 minutes. Add berries or nuts on top. A warm, satisfying start to your morning.

7. Sausage Patties or Links

Place raw or frozen sausage in the basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Juicy, evenly browned, and ready to pair with eggs or toast.

8. Banana Oat Muffins

Mix mashed banana, oats, egg, baking powder, and a touch of honey. Pour into silicone muffin liners. Air fry at 330°F (165°C) for 12–14 minutes. Moist, naturally sweet, and gluten-free if using GF oats.

9. Avocado Toast (Upgraded)

Toast bread in the air fryer at 360°F (182°C) for 3 minutes. Top with mashed avocado, a poached air-fried egg, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Healthy, filling, and Instagram-worthy.

10. Mini Quiches

Whisk eggs with milk, cheese, and your favorite fillings (spinach, mushrooms, ham). Pour into silicone cups. Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 10–12 minutes. Great for meal prep or brunch parties.

Main Dishes: From Chicken to Seafood

11. Crispy Chicken Tenders

Coat chicken strips in flour, egg, and panko or breadcrumbs. Lightly spray with oil. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway. Serve with honey mustard or ranch. Healthier than fast food, just as satisfying.

12. Air-Fried Salmon

Season salmon fillets with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and olive oil. Place skin-side down. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes. Moist, flaky, and ready in under 15 minutes. Add a side of roasted asparagus for a restaurant-style dinner.

13. Chicken Thighs (Bone-In or Boneless)

Season with garlic, paprika, thyme, and a drizzle of oil. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes (bone-in) or 15–18 minutes (boneless), flipping halfway. Crispy skin, juicy meat—perfect for weeknights.

14. Meatballs (Beef, Turkey, or Plant-Based)

Roll into 1-inch balls. Place in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Serve with marinara, on a sub, or over pasta.

15. Shrimp Scampi

Toss shrimp with garlic, lemon juice, butter, and parsley. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 6–8 minutes. Toss with cooked pasta for a quick, flavorful meal. No need to boil shrimp separately.

16. Air-Fried Pork Chops

Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of brown sugar. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Juicy and tender every time.

17. Turkey Burgers

Form patties with ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway. Serve on buns with lettuce, tomato, and avocado.

18. Stuffed Peppers

Mix cooked rice, ground meat or lentils, diced tomatoes, and cheese. Stuff into halved bell peppers. Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 15–18 minutes. Hearty, colorful, and packed with flavor.

19. Air-Fried Cod

Season cod with lemon pepper and a light coating of panko. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes. Flaky, tender, and perfect with a side of tartar sauce.

20. Chicken Wings (Buffalo, BBQ, or Garlic Parmesan)

Toss wings in a little oil and seasoning. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Toss in sauce after cooking. Crispier than oven-baked, faster than deep frying.

21. Meatloaf Minis

Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, and seasonings. Form into small loaves. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 18–20 minutes. Great for portion control and freezing leftovers.

22. Air-Fried Sausage & Peppers

Slice sausage and bell peppers. Toss with olive oil, oregano, and garlic. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway. Serve over rice or in a hoagie roll.

23. Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts

Marinate chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. Juicy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.

24. Air-Fried Tofu (Crispy & Delicious)

Press tofu, cut into cubes, and toss with cornstarch and soy sauce. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway. Add to stir-fries or salads. A vegan favorite.

25. Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Butterfly chicken, stuff with spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes. Secure with toothpicks. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes. Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights.

Vegetables & Sides: Crispy, Healthy, and Flavorful

26. Crispy French Fries (Frozen or Fresh)

For frozen: air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway. For fresh: cut potatoes, soak in water, dry, toss with oil and salt, air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 20–25 minutes. Golden, crunchy, and guilt-free.

27. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Toss halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes. Crispy edges, tender centers. Even veggie-haters will love these.

28. Sweet Potato Fries

Slice sweet potatoes into sticks, toss with oil, paprika, and salt. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway. Sweet, salty, and addictive.

29. Cauliflower Bites

Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, and Parmesan. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes. A low-carb alternative to fries or nuggets.

30. Air-Fried Zucchini

Slice zucchini into rounds, coat with breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Spray with oil. Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 10–12 minutes. Crispy, cheesy, and perfect as a side.

31. Roasted Broccoli

Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and lemon zest. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan after cooking. Bright, flavorful, and nutrient-rich.

32. Carrot Fries

Cut carrots into sticks, toss with oil, cumin, and paprika. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 15–18 minutes. Sweet, smoky, and a great way to eat more veggies.

33. Air-Fried Onion Rings

Dip onion slices in egg, then breadcrumbs or panko. Lightly spray with oil. Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 10–12 minutes. Crispy, golden, and perfect with burgers.

34. Stuffed Mushrooms

Remove stems from mushrooms, fill with breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic, and herbs. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 10–12 minutes. A savory appetizer or side.

35. Corn on the Cob

Shuck corn, brush with butter and seasoning. Wrap in foil or place directly in basket. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes. Juicy, buttery, and ready in minutes.

Snacks & Appetizers: Crispy, Crunchy, and Addictive

36. Mozzarella Sticks

Use frozen or homemade (coat in flour, egg, breadcrumbs). Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes. Serve with marinara. Ooey-gooey and crispy—just like the restaurant.

37. Chicken Quesadillas

Fill tortillas with cheese, chicken, and veggies. Fold in half. Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 6–8 minutes per side. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa.

38. Air-Fried Pickles

Coat pickle slices in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Spray with oil. Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 8–10 minutes. Tangy, crunchy, and perfect with ranch.

39. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Toss cauliflower with hot sauce and butter. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes. Serve with blue cheese dressing. A spicy, plant-based crowd-pleaser.

40. Mini Pizzas

Use English muffins or tortillas. Top with sauce, cheese, and toppings. Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 6–8 minutes. Quick, customizable, and kid-approved.

41. Air-Fried Ravioli

Coat frozen or homemade ravioli in breadcrumbs. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 8–10 minutes. Serve with marinara. A fun twist on a classic.

42. Garlic Knots

Tie dough into knots, brush with garlic butter. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 6–8 minutes. Warm, garlicky, and perfect for sharing.

43. Air-Fried Jalapeño Poppers

Fill halved jalapeños with cream cheese, wrap in bacon. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes. Spicy, creamy, and irresistible.

44. Crispy Tater Tots

Frozen or homemade. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway. Serve with ketchup or aioli. A nostalgic favorite.

45. Air-Fried Spring Rolls

Use store-bought or make your own. Lightly spray with oil. Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 8–10 minutes. Serve with sweet chili sauce. Crispy and satisfying.

Desserts & Sweets: Yes, You Can Bake in an Air Fryer!

46. Apple Chips

Thinly slice apples, sprinkle with cinnamon. Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Crunchy, sweet, and a healthy snack.

47. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Use your favorite cookie dough. Scoop onto parchment-lined tray. Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes. Chewy on the inside, slightly crisp on the edges.

48. Banana Bread

Pour batter into a greased silicone loaf pan. Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 20–25 minutes. Check with a toothpick. Moist, flavorful, and ready in half the time of an oven.

49. Air-Fried Donuts

Cut biscuit dough into rounds, poke a hole. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 6–8 minutes. Roll in cinnamon sugar or glaze. A sweet treat in minutes.

50. Brownie Bites

Spoon brownie batter into silicone muffin cups. Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 10–12 minutes. Fudgy, rich, and perfect for portion control.

Tips, Tricks & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

Air fryers rely on airflow. If you pile food too high, it steams instead of crisps. Always cook in a single layer, and shake or flip halfway through.

Use the Right Temperature

Most foods cook between 350°F and 400°F (177°C–204°C). Delicate items (like fish) need lower temps; crispy items (like fries) need higher. Check your model’s manual.

Preheat When Possible

Some air fryers preheat automatically. If yours doesn’t, run it empty for 3–5 minutes before adding food. This ensures even cooking from the start.

Clean It Regularly

Grease and food residue build up quickly. Wash the basket and tray with warm, soapy water after every use. Use parchment paper or silicone liners to reduce mess.

Experiment with Spices & Sauces

Air-fried food can be bland if under-seasoned. Try rubs, marinades, or a light spray of oil before cooking. A little goes a long way.

Frozen Foods: No Thawing Needed

Most frozen items (nuggets, fries, fish sticks) cook perfectly straight from the freezer. Just add 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.

Food Type	Temp (°F)	Time (Min)	Tip
Frozen Fries	400	15–18	Shake basket halfway
Chicken Wings	400	20–25	Flip halfway
Salmon	390	10–12	Skin-side down
Vegetables	375	10–15	Toss with oil first
Desserts	320	8–12	Use silicone molds

The air fryer isn’t just for reheating leftovers or making crispy snacks. It’s a kitchen powerhouse that can handle everything from fluffy muffins to golden chicken wings. With these 50 easy recipes, you’ll never run out of ideas. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, the air fryer saves time, cuts fat, and delivers delicious results.

So dust off that air fryer, grab your favorite ingredients, and start experimenting. You might just find your new go-to cooking method. And remember: the best recipe is the one you enjoy making—and eating. Happy air frying!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you cook in the air fryer besides frozen foods?

You can cook fresh meats, vegetables, eggs, and even baked goods like muffins or cookies. The air fryer excels at roasting, reheating, and air frying with little to no oil, making it perfect for crispy salmon, roasted potatoes, or fluffy pancakes.

Can you cook raw meat in the air fryer?

Absolutely! The air fryer is ideal for cooking raw chicken, pork chops, steak, and burgers. It sears the outside while keeping the inside juicy—just adjust time and temperature based on thickness.

What can you cook in the air fryer for quick weeknight dinners?

Try 20-minute meals like garlic butter shrimp, stuffed bell peppers, or teriyaki chicken thighs. The air fryer’s speed and even heat make it a go-to for easy recipes like sheet-pan-style dishes without the oven.

Are there healthy recipes for what to cook in the air fryer?

Yes! Air frying reduces oil by up to 80% compared to deep frying. Whip up crispy kale chips, baked sweet potatoes, or lemon-herb fish for guilt-free, nutrient-rich meals.

Can you cook desserts in the air fryer?

Definitely! Bake brownies, churros, or apple crisp in small oven-safe dishes. The air fryer’s compact space ensures even baking for sweet treats in under 15 minutes.

What can you cook in the air fryer for picky eaters?

Stick to crowd-pleasers like chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, or sweet potato fries. The air fryer’s crispiness mimics deep-fried favorites, making it easy to please kids and adults alike.