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Quick (and crispy) recipes, comin’ right up.
Wondering what to cook in your air fryer? Our Test Kitchen’s all-time favorite air fryer recipes will help you figure that out.
In case it isn’t obvious, we think an air fryer is a worthy addition to any kitchen. Air fryers feature a compact chamber equipped with a strong heat source and airflow to help you churn out meals faster than an oven and achieve crispy edges on your food with little (or no!) oil. Smaller air fryers are great if you’re cooking for one or two people, while larger air fryers can handle feeding a big group for easy, family dinners. And there’s no shortage of recipes to make in this countertop appliance: Cook up appetizers for a party, easy weeknight dinners, veggie side dishes and even dessert. While we have nothing against slow cookers or Instant Pots (in fact, we think those are worth investing in too!), it’s hard to beat the versatility of an air fryer.
Make melty-on-the-inside chocolate chip cookies, molten chocolate cakes or go for our healthy air fryer meals like salmon with extra-crispy skin or the juiciest chicken breast ever. Cook your favorite fried foods with less oil — crunchy chicken strips, potato chip-crusted “fried” fish, wings and more — and say goodbye to an oil-splattered stove forever.
Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
Hasselback potatoes are our new go-to side dish for easy entertaining: The accordion-like slits are perfect for topping with our savory scallion butter, or breadcrumbs, cheese, bacon, herbs … anything you want to make its way down into the crevices.
Roasted Asparagus with Creamy Feta
Puree feta cheese with plain whole-milk yogurt for an ultra-creamy spread to pair with sweet air-fried asparagus stalks.
Healthy Air Fryer Turkey Burger
Made with ground turkey and whole-grain sandwich thins, these air-fried burgers are a better-for-you alternative for what you’d find at a fast food joint.
Poblano and Black Bean Loaded Baked Potato
With melted cheese, smoky beans and starchy spuds, this budget-friendly vegetarian dinner is pure comfort.
Air Fryer Teriyaki-Glazed Salmon
Many air fryers can fit a whole fillet of salmon, which makes for a pretty presentation on a platter with quick-pickled cucumbers. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, cut into fillets so the salmon fits in your basket and work in batches.
Roasted Broccolini and Mushrooms with Salsa Macha
Vegetables “roast” up beautifully in the air fryer. Exhibit A: Broccolini, which gets a great char before being drizzled with a smoky, spicy condiment and served on a bed of creamy, cooling ricotta.
Get the Roasted Broccolini and Mushrooms with Salsa Macha recipe.
Air Fryer Salmon Flatbreads
Salmon cooks up fast in the air fryer. In just six minutes, you’ll have beautiful, flaky, tender fish. Layer pieces on warmed naan with labneh, greens, tomatoes and feta for a filling, foolproof meal.
Get the Air Fryer Salmon Flatbreads recipe.
Air Fryer Meatball Sub
Featuring tender meatballs on a toasted hero roll with creamy ricotta and fresh tomato sauce, this dish makes a tasty family dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Air Fryer Meatball Sub recipe.
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
While you can make this cheesy chicken tortilla dish in the oven, everything gets extra crispy and melty in the air fryer.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos recipe.
Air Fryer Squash Soup
Roast up butternut squash, carrots and aromatics until caramelized and golden brown — without turning on your oven and heating up your whole kitchen. Then, enlist the help of your best blender to turn it all into a silky-smooth soup.
Get the Air Fryer Squash Soup recipe.
Air Fryer Steak Fajitas
You probably have a favorite fajita recipe on hand, but this seasoned, air-fried steak will undoubtedly become your new go-to.
Get the Air Fryer Steak Fajitas recipe.
Air Fryer “Fried” Avocado Tacos
Take your avocado obsession to the next level by rolling them in breadcrumbs, air frying them to crispy perfection and stuffing them in a tortilla.
Get the “Fried” Avocado Tacos recipe.
Speedy Eggplant Parmesan
Air fry breaded eggplant slices to top off store-bought ravioli. Easy!
Get the Speedy Eggplant Parmesan recipe.
Air Fryer Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Shrimp cooks up in minutes… giving you just enough time to slice up the cucumbers and radishes.
Air Fryer Zucchini Tots
Instead of using the oven, blast these veggie tots in the air fryer for an extra-crispy crust.
Get the Air Fryer Zucchini Tots recipe.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos
Cook cauliflower in the air fryer then pile into tacos for a vegetarian feast.
Get the Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos recipe.
Air Fryer Bacon Avocado Fries
Meet your new favorite fry. An irresistible app!
Get the Bacon Avocado Fries recipe from Delish.
Tender, Crunchy Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Coat chicken in cornflakes for even more crunch.
Get the Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe from Country Living.
Air Fryer Steak
A sweet and spicy rub + compound butter = steak magic.
Get the Air Fryer Steak recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
There’s no doubt that you’ll win Game Day with this gooey, crispy app.
Get the Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Whether you’re craving a healthy midnight snack or you don’t have the energy to prep and cook a full meal after work, an air fryer can be your saving grace. If you’re in need of something quick (but tasty!) to cook, one of these best air fryers can make crispy fries in minutes or delicious chicken wings with minimal effort. It’s not all salty snacks with air fryers, you can cook nutritious, healthy dinners too — even vegetarian recipes.
We’ve rounded up air fryers of different styles, sizes and prices to help you find the perfect fit for you. This list includes basket-style and oven-style air fryers, a toaster oven air fryer and a pressure cooker with air frying capability.
RELATED: 7 Best Air Fryers in 2024, Tested and Reviewed by Kitchen Experts