The ultimate air fryer recipe guide is your go-to resource for preparing healthy and delicious meals using an air fryer.

With a huge list of air fryer recipes, this guide offers quick and easy meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks that are low in fat and calories, yet still packed with flavor.

Getting Started

What is an Air Fryer?

To explain it simply, an air fryer is a kitchen appliance that allows you to cook food using hot air circulation.

It’s similar to a convection oven in that it uses a fan to circulate hot air around the food, but it’s typically smaller and faster than an oven.

The goal is to give food a crispy, fried texture without using as much oil as traditional frying methods.

Most air fryers have a heating element that generates heat, and a fan that circulates the hot air around the food.

The air fryer has a basket or tray where you place your food, and the heated air blows over and around the food, cooking it from all sides.

The basket or tray is typically non-stick and has holes in it to allow the air to flow through.

The air fryer also has a temperature control and a timer, so you can set the desired temperature and cooking time for your food.

Some air fryers also come with additional features such as presets for certain types of food, or a rotating basket to help ensure even cooking.

When you cook food in an air fryer, the hot air circulates around the food and removes moisture from the surface, which helps to create a crispy texture.

The Maillard reaction occurs when the surface of the food reaches a high enough temperature, which creates a browned, flavorful crust.

Because the air fryer is using hot air instead of oil to cook the food, it can be a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

Why use an Air Fryer?

Health Benefits

Air fryers are often seen as a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods with high amounts of cooking oil.

Air fryers use hot air instead of oil to cook food, and as a result, they can significantly reduce the amount of fat and calories in your meals. This can make it easier to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Cooking Time

Air fryers can cook food much faster than traditional ovens or stovetops. Because they circulate hot air around the food, they can cook it more evenly and quickly than other methods.

This can be especially helpful when you’re short on time or want to cook a quick meal without waiting for a traditional oven to preheat.

Convenience

Air fryers are also very convenient to use. Many models come with pre-programmed settings for different types of food, so you can easily select the right temperature and cooking time with the push of a button.

They also require very little oil or other additives, so you don’t need to worry about messy cleanup or health concerns related to excessive oil consumption.

Ease of Use

Air fryers are generally very easy to use, even for people who aren’t experienced cooks. Most models come with simple controls and clear instructions, and you don’t need any special skills or knowledge to get started.

They’re also relatively compact and don’t take up much space on your countertop, making them a great option for small kitchens or apartments.

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers use a fraction of the oil that traditional deep fryers require, which can lead to significant energy savings over time.

In fact, some estimates suggest that air fryers use up to 70% less oil than deep fryers, which can translate to lower electricity bills and a more eco-friendly cooking experience.

Crispy Texture

One of the key benefits of using an air fryer is that it can help you achieve a crispy, crunchy texture on your food without the need for excess oil.

The hot air that circulates around the food in the air fryer creates a crispy exterior, similar to what you’d get from deep-frying, but without the added fat and calories.

Minimal Effort

Air fryers are also known for being easy to use and requiring minimal effort. You simply place your food in the fryer basket, set the temperature and time, and let the air fryer do the rest.

Unlike deep frying, which can be messy and require constant attention, air frying is a relatively hands-off process that can save you time and energy in the kitchen.

Choosing the right Air Fryer

Consider your family size

If you have a large family, you may want to look for an air fryer with a larger capacity, such as a 5-6 quart model, to ensure that you can cook enough food for everyone in one go.

On the other hand, if you’re a single person or cooking for two, a smaller air fryer with a 2-3 quart capacity may be more appropriate.

Look for convenience features

If you’re a busy worker or have a hectic schedule, you may want to look for an air fryer with features like programmable cooking times and automatic shut-off, which can make cooking with an air fryer more convenient and less time-consuming.

Consider your health goals

If you’re looking to cook healthier meals with your air fryer, you may want to look for models that have features like adjustable temperature controls and multiple cooking modes (e.g. baking, roasting, grilling) to help you cook a variety of healthy meals.

Look for easy-to-clean models

Air fryers can be messy, so look for models that have dishwasher-safe parts and non-stick surfaces to make clean-up as easy as possible.

Consider your budget

Air fryers come in a range of prices, from budget-friendly models to high-end models with all the bells and whistles.

Determine your budget and look for models that fit within your price range while still meeting your needs.

Read reviews

It’s important to read reviews from other buyers to get an idea of how different air fryers perform in terms of cooking performance, ease of use, and durability.

This can help you make an informed decision and avoid any potential issues with your chosen model.

How to use an Air Fryer?

Preparing food

Cut your food into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. If necessary, season your food with your desired spices or marinade.

Preheat mode

Most air fryers require preheating, so make sure to set your air fryer to the desired temperature and let it preheat for a few minutes.

Placing food in the air fryer

Open the air fryer basket and place your food in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this can prevent proper airflow and result in uneven cooking. You may have to cook in batches if it’s a large portion.

Cooking time and temperature

Use the air fryer’s control panel to set the cooking time and temperature. Follow the recipe or air fryer instructions for suggested cooking times and temperatures.

It’s important to remember that recipes are usually faster to cook in the air fryer compared to the traditional oven, so bare that in mind.

Monitoring the food

During cooking, periodically check on the food and use tongs or a spatula to flip or shake the food to ensure it cooks evenly.

Remove and serve

Once the cooking time is up, remove the basket from the air fryer and carefully remove the food using tongs or a spatula. Serve immediately.

Cleaning and Maintenance

1. Unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool down completely before cleaning.
2. Remove the frying basket and pan from the air fryer.
3. Wash the frying basket and pan in warm, soapy water or place them in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe.
4. Wipe down the inside and outside of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge.
5. For tough-to-remove food residue, use a non-abrasive cleaner or vinegar and water solution to clean the air fryer.
6. Dry all parts thoroughly before reassembling the air fryer.

Safety

1. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using the air fryer.
2. Do not overfill the frying basket, as this can cause uneven cooking and potential safety hazards.
3. Do not use metal utensils or abrasive cleaners on the air fryer, as this can damage the non-stick surface.
4. Keep the air fryer away from flammable materials and liquids, and never place it near a heat source.
5. Always use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling the air fryer, as it can become very hot during use.
6. Do not touch the heating element or other hot surfaces on the air fryer while it is in use.
7. Do not immerse the air fryer in water, and never use it near water.
8. Regularly clean and maintain the air fryer to prevent the buildup of food residue and potential safety hazards.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Common Mistakes to Avoid	Explanation
Overcrowding the basket	Overcrowding the basket can prevent the hot air from circulating properly, leading to uneven cooking and soggy food.
Using too much oil	Using too much oil can lead to excess smoke and can create a mess inside the air fryer. It can also lead to greasy, unhealthy food.
Not preheating the air fryer	Preheating the air fryer is important to ensure that the food cooks evenly and gets crispy. Skipping this step can lead to undercooked or soggy food.
Not shaking or flipping the food	Shaking or flipping the food halfway through cooking helps to ensure that it cooks evenly on all sides. Skipping this step can result in unevenly cooked food.
Not cleaning the air fryer regularly	Failing to clean the air fryer regularly can lead to a buildup of food residue, which can affect the performance of the air fryer and create a fire hazard.

Air Fryer Accessories Explained

Accessories	Description
Baking Pan	A pan that fits inside the air fryer basket for baking purposes.
Grill Rack	A rack that can be used to cook meat, poultry, or vegetables.
Skewer Rack	A rack with skewers that can be used to cook kebabs or other items.
Silicone Mat	A mat can be placed in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
Pizza Pan	A pan that can be used to cook pizzas in the air fryer.
Cake Barrel	A barrel-shaped pan that can be used to bake cakes in the air fryer.
Egg Rack	A rack that can be used to cook multiple eggs at once.
Fry Basket Divider	A divider can be placed inside the fry basket to cook multiple items at once.
Oil Sprayer	A sprayer that can be used to evenly apply oil to food before cooking.

Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes

Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

This classic breakfast dish is made by dipping slices of bread into an egg mixture and then air frying them until crispy and golden.

The air fryer helps to create a crispy texture on the outside of the French toast sticks without the need for excess oil.

Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Bacon can be messy to cook on the stovetop, but cooking it in the air fryer is a convenient and easy alternative.

The air fryer helps to cook the bacon evenly and allows the excess fat to drip away, resulting in a crispy and flavorful bacon.

Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes

These crispy breakfast potatoes are made by cutting potatoes into small pieces, tossing them with oil and seasoning, and then air frying them until crispy and golden brown. The air fryer helps to cook the potatoes evenly and creates a crispy texture on the outside.

Air Fryer Breakfast Sandwich

This breakfast sandwich is made by layering eggs, cheese, and other ingredients between slices of bread and then air frying until heated through and crispy. The air fryer helps to create a crispy texture on the bread and melt the cheese evenly.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

These classic breakfast treats are made by placing pre-made cinnamon rolls in the air fryer and cooking them until golden brown and fluffy.

The air fryer helps to cook the cinnamon rolls evenly and creates a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

Air Fryer Breakfast Burritos

These breakfast burritos are made by filling tortillas with scrambled eggs, sausage, cheese, and other ingredients, then air frying until heated through and crispy.

The air fryer helps to create a crispy texture on the outside of the burrito while keeping the inside filling hot and flavorful.

Air Fryer Breakfast Egg Rolls

These egg rolls are made by filling egg roll wrappers with scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, and other ingredients, then air frying until crispy and golden brown.

The air fryer helps to create a crispy texture on the outside of the egg roll while keeping the inside filling hot and flavorful.

Air Fryer Breakfast Hash

This breakfast hash is made by tossing diced potatoes, vegetables, and meat with oil and seasonings, then air frying until crispy and golden brown.

The air fryer helps to cook the hash evenly and creates a crispy texture on the outside of the potatoes and meat.

Air Fryer Banana Bread

This classic breakfast bread is made by mixing together a batter with mashed bananas, flour, sugar, and other ingredients, then pouring it into a loaf pan and air frying until golden brown and cooked through.

The air fryer helps to create a crispy crust on the outside of the bread while keeping the inside moist and fluffy.

Air Fryer Omelette

This easy breakfast dish is made by whisking together eggs and other ingredients, pouring them into the air fryer cake pan basket, then air frying until cooked through and fluffy.

The air fryer helps to cook the omelette evenly and creates a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside filling moist and flavorful.

Air Fryer Shakshuka

This popular Middle Eastern breakfast dish is made by cooking a flavorful tomato-based sauce with eggs and spices in the air fryer until the eggs are set. The air fryer helps to evenly cook the eggs and infuse them with the delicious sauce.

Air Fryer Frittata Bites

These bite-sized frittatas are made by whisking together eggs, vegetables, cheese, and other ingredients, pouring the mixture into a mini muffin tin, and air frying until cooked through and fluffy.

The air fryer helps to create a crispy texture on the outside of the frittatas while keeping the inside filling moist and flavorful.

Air Fryer Breakfast Taquitos

These taquitos are made by filling tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, and other ingredients, rolling them up, and air frying until crispy and golden brown.

The air fryer helps to create a crispy texture on the outside of the taquitos while keeping the inside filling hot and flavorful.

Air Fryer Breakfast Pizza

This pizza is made by spreading pizza sauce, cheese, and other toppings onto a pre-made pizza crust, then air frying until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. The air fryer helps to cook the pizza evenly and create a crispy texture on the crust.

Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage Balls

These bite-sized sausage balls are made by combining sausage, cheese, and other ingredients, rolling them into balls, and air frying them until golden brown and cooked through.

The air fryer helps to create a crispy texture on the outside of the sausage balls while keeping the inside filling moist and flavorful.

Air Fryer Appetizer and Snack Recipes

Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

Jalapeno peppers are stuffed with cream cheese and shredded cheese, then air fried until crispy and the cheese is melted. The air fryer helps to cook the jalapeno peppers evenly and gives them a nice crispy texture.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Zucchini is sliced into sticks, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, and air fried until crispy. The air fryer helps to cook the zucchini evenly and gives it a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying.

Air Fryer Potato Skins

Potato skins are air fried until crispy, then stuffed with cheese, bacon, and other toppings. The air fryer helps to cook the potato skins evenly and gives them a nice crispy texture.

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Large shrimp are coated in a coconut and breadcrumb mixture and air fried until golden brown and crispy.

The air fryer helps to cook the shrimp evenly and gives them a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Cauliflower florets are coated in a spicy buffalo sauce and air fried until crispy. The air fryer helps to cook the cauliflower evenly and gives it a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying.

Air Fryer Tater Tot Nachos

Tater tots are air fried until crispy, then topped with cheese, ground beef, tomatoes, and other toppings to make a fun and delicious nacho-style appetizer.

Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Pickle slices are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and air fried until crispy and golden brown. The air fryer helps to cook the pickles evenly and gives them a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying.

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Shredded chicken is mixed with cheese and spices, then rolled in tortillas and air fried until crispy. The air fryer helps to cook the taquitos evenly and gives them a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying.

Air Fryer Onion Bhaji

Thinly sliced onions are coated in a chickpea flour batter and air fried until crispy and golden brown.

The air fryer helps to cook the onion bhaji evenly and gives them a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying.

Air Fryer Mini Empanadas

Small empanadas are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, cheese, and vegetables, then air fried until crispy and golden brown.

The air fryer helps to cook the empanadas evenly and gives them a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

Sweet potato slices are air fried until crispy, then seasoned with salt and other spices. The air fryer helps to cook the sweet potato chips evenly and gives them a nice crispy texture.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella cheese sticks are coated in breadcrumbs and air fried until golden brown and crispy.

The air fryer helps to cook the mozzarella sticks evenly and gives them a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and air fried until crispy and golden brown.

The air fryer helps to cook the chicken tenders evenly and gives them a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying.

Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

Wonton wrappers are filled with a cream cheese and crab mixture, then air fried until crispy and golden brown.

The air fryer helps to cook the crab rangoon evenly and gives them a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying.

Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Brussel sprouts are halved and seasoned, then air fried until crispy and tender. The air fryer helps to cook the Brussels sprouts evenly and gives them a crispy texture while preserving their natural flavors.

Main Course Recipes with Air Fryer

Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken

This dish features boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices

The chicken is then placed in the air fryer and cooked until crispy and golden brown. Cooking the chicken in the air fryer allows for a crispy exterior without the need for excess oil.

Air Fryer Salmon with Honey Mustard Glaze

This recipe involves marinating salmon fillets in a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze, then cooking them in the air fryer until flaky and tender. The hot air in the air fryer circulates around the fish, cooking it evenly and quickly.

Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli

This Chinese-inspired dish involves stir-frying beef and broccoli with a flavorful sauce, then cooking it in the air fryer until the beef is tender and the broccoli is crispy.

The air fryer provides a quick and easy way to cook this classic dish without the need for a wok or stove.

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

This recipe involves filling bell peppers with a mixture of ground beef, rice, cheese, and seasonings, then cooking them in the air fryer until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.

The hot air in the air fryer cooks the peppers evenly and quickly, while also giving them a crispy exterior.

Air Fryer Vegetarian Stuffed Squash

This unique recipe involves stuffing acorn squash with a mixture of quinoa, vegetables, and cheese, then cooking them in the air fryer until the squash is tender and the filling is cooked through.

The hot air in the air fryer provides a quick and easy way to cook the squash, while also giving it a crispy exterior.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

This recipe involves seasoning a turkey breast with herbs and spices, then cooking it in the air fryer until it’s cooked through and juicy. The hot air in the air fryer helps to cook the turkey evenly, while also giving it a crispy skin.

Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi

This dish features juicy shrimp tossed in a buttery garlic sauce and cooked in the air fryer until tender and flavorful.

The air fryer provides a quick and easy way to cook shrimp without the need for a stovetop or oven.

Air Fryer Tofu and Vegetable Skewers

This vegetarian recipe involves skewering tofu and vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, then cooking them in the air fryer until the tofu is crispy and the vegetables are tender.

The hot air in the air fryer cooks the skewers evenly and quickly, while also giving them a delicious char.

Air Fryer Pork Chops

This recipe involves seasoning pork chops with a mixture of spices and herbs, then cooking them in the air fryer until they’re juicy and tender.

The air fryer provides a quick and easy way to cook pork chops without the need for a stovetop or oven.

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma

This Middle Eastern-inspired dish features marinated chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer until juicy and flavorful then served with pita bread and toppings like cucumbers and tomatoes.

The hot air in the air fryer helps to cook the chicken evenly and quickly, while also giving it a crispy exterior.

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

This recipe involves seasoning fish fillets with spices like cumin and chili powder, then cooking them in the air fryer until crispy and golden brown. The fish is then served in soft tortillas with toppings like salsa and guacamole.

Air Fryer Cajun Chicken and Vegetables

This recipe involves seasoning chicken and vegetables like bell peppers and onions with Cajun spices, then cooking them in the air fryer until tender and flavorful.

The hot air in the air fryer helps to cook the chicken and vegetables evenly, while also giving them a crispy exterior.

Air Fryer BBQ Ribs

This classic recipe involves seasoning ribs with a dry rub, then cooking them in the air fryer until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender.

The air fryer provides a quick and easy way to cook ribs without the need for a smoker or grill.

Air Fryer Tuna Patties

This recipe involves mixing canned tuna with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, then forming the mixture into patties and cooking them in the air fryer until crispy and golden brown.

The hot air in the air fryer helps to cook the patties evenly, while also giving them a crispy exterior.

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

This Tex-Mex-inspired dish involves marinating chicken strips in a mixture of lime juice and spices, then cooking them in the air fryer with vegetables like bell peppers and onions.

The hot air in the air fryer helps to cook the chicken and vegetables evenly, while also giving them a delicious char.

Air Fryer Dessert Recipes

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

These donuts are made with a simple dough that is shaped into circles, then air fried until golden brown and crispy. After cooking, the donuts are rolled in cinnamon sugar for a delicious finish.

Air Fryer Baked Apples

This recipe calls for apples that are stuffed with a mixture of oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then air-fried until tender and caramelized.

This is a healthier alternative to traditional baked apples which are often loaded with butter and sugar.

Air Fryer Churros

Churros are a classic Spanish dessert that is typically deep-fried, but you can make them in the air fryer for a healthier option.

The dough is piped into long strips and air fried until golden brown and crispy, then rolled in cinnamon sugar for a sweet finish.

Air Fryer Brownies

Yes, you can even make brownies in the air fryer! This recipe uses a simple mix of cocoa powder, sugar, and flour that is air fried until fudgy and delicious.

Air Fryer Peach Cobbler

This dessert is made with fresh peaches that are tossed with brown sugar and spices, then topped with a crumbly biscuit topping.

The cobbler is air fried until the topping is golden brown and the peaches are tender and juicy.

Air Fryer Banana Bread

This recipe uses ripe bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder to create a classic banana bread. The bread is then cooked in the air fryer until golden brown and moist on the inside.

Air Fryer Lemon Blueberry Scones

Scones are a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. This recipe uses fresh blueberries and lemon zest to create a light and flavorful scone that is cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe uses a simple mix of flour, sugar, butter, and chocolate chips to create classic chocolate chip cookies that are air fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while still being soft and chewy on the inside.

Air Fryer Baked Pears

This recipe calls for pears that are stuffed with a mixture of nuts, cinnamon, and honey, then air fried until tender and caramelized. The end result is a warm and comforting dessert that’s perfect for fall.

Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake

This recipe uses fresh strawberries and a simple biscuit recipe to create a classic shortcake that is cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

The biscuit is crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, making it the perfect base for sweetened strawberries and whipped cream.

Air Fryer Recipes to Reduce Food Wastage

Leftover Pizza

Instead of tossing out leftover pizza, you can reheat it in the air fryer for a crispy and delicious snack or meal.

The hot air circulating around the pizza slices in the air fryer creates a crispy texture on the crust while heating the toppings evenly.

Roasted Vegetables

If you have leftover vegetables that are starting to wilt, you can roast them in the air fryer for a quick and easy side dish.

The hot air in the air fryer helps to crisp up the vegetables while maintaining their natural flavor and texture.

Croutons

Don’t throw out stale bread! Instead, use it to make homemade croutons in the air fryer. Simply cut the bread into cubes, toss them in a little oil and seasoning, and air fry them until crispy.

Vegetable Chips

If you have veggies that are starting to go bad, you can turn them into healthy and delicious chips in the air fryer.

Simply slice the veggies thinly, toss them in a little oil and seasoning, and air fry them until crispy.

Banana Chips

If you have overripe bananas that you’re not sure what to do with, you can make banana chips in the air fryer.

Simply slice the bananas thinly, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and air fry them until they’re crispy and golden.

Crispy Tofu

If you have leftover tofu that you’re not sure what to do with, you can make crispy tofu in the air fryer.

The hot air in the air fryer creates a crispy exterior on the tofu while keeping it moist and tender on the inside.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

If you have leftover cooked rice, meat, or veggies, you can use them to make stuffed bell peppers in the air fryer.

The hot air in the air fryer cooks the peppers evenly and creates a crispy texture on the outside.

Sweet Potato Wedges

If you have leftover sweet potatoes, you can turn them into crispy sweet potato wedges in the air fryer.

Simply slice the sweet potatoes into wedges, toss them in a little oil and seasoning, and air fry them until crispy and golden.

Crispy Chicken Nuggets

If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can turn it into crispy chicken nuggets in the air fryer.

Simply cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, dip them in egg and breadcrumbs, and air fry them until crispy and golden.

Omelette

If you have leftover vegetables, cheese, and meat, you can use them to make an omelet in the air fryer.

The hot air in the air fryer cooks the omelet evenly and creates a fluffy texture on the inside while crisping up the edges.