18 Air Fryer Recipes That Are So Quick and Easy, They Seem Too Good to Be True

Can you fry food with almost no oil and still avoid the post-meal nap? If you're familiar with the trendiest healthy-cooking appliance, you already know the answer is yes. To demonstrate, we've compiled our favorite air fryer recipes to prove the point, and we're confident you'll want to try a few. But before we dive in, let's review the basics of air frying.

Air Fryer Basics

Air fryers are essentially compact convection ovens that use fans to circulate hot air, creating a crispy, fried-like texture with almost no oil. While air-fried foods like fries, chicken wings, and Brussels sprouts may not taste *exactly* like deep-fried versions, they achieve a crispy exterior due to the Maillard reaction. We're big fans.

There’s a lot to love about air fryers, including the ability to easily pull out the basket at any point to check on your food. To ensure even browning, shake the food gently at least once during cooking. If you're concerned about stuck food, we have tips on how to clean an air fryer, so happy air-frying!

Converting a Recipe for the Air Fryer

No air fryer recipe? No worries. To adjust a roasting or baking recipe for the air fryer, try cooking it 25°F lower than the original temperature. Also, an air fryer requires just a tablespoon or two of oil, so reduce the recipe's oil amount accordingly.

Air fryer models come in different sizes, shapes, and technologies, so cooking times and temperatures will vary as well. Make it a habit to check the basket for doneness halfway through the cooking process. Often, your food will be ready much earlier than expected.

Recipes for Your Air Fryer

Air fryers are incredibly versatile! Use them for meal prep, appetizers, sides, main dishes, and even desserts. If you're hesitant about adapting a conventional oven recipe, check out these tried-and-true air fryer recipes: we've modified some for you, while others are specifically designed for the air fryer.

1. Chicken Pot Pie Empanadas

Create a portable pot-pie by filling an empanada crust with a savory chicken and vegetable mix that crisps up beautifully in an air fryer. Skip the oven directions and instead cook them in your air fryer at 375°F for 12 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.

2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cheese

We promise! These air-fried sweet potato fries, topped with two types of cheese, are far superior to any regular French fry recipe. Skip the baking and broiling steps—just air fry them at 400°F for 18 to 25 minutes. Be sure to give them a toss and check them halfway through the cooking process.

3. Prosciutto Crisps with Rosemary and Honey

Add an exciting burst of flavor to your next charcuterie board with this simple recipe. Instead of using the oven, place prosciutto slices in your air fryer at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes, then coat them with rosemary-infused honey for a sweet touch.

4. Poached Eggs

Air fryers are famous for making crispy dishes, but they also excel at cooking softer foods like poached eggs. This quick and simple method makes preparing poached eggs for recipes like Eggs Benedict a breeze.

5. Ricotta Meatballs

By combining the creamy richness of ricotta with the sharp saltiness of pecorino, these homemade meatballs strike a perfect balance between indulgence and savory intensity. Skip the pan-frying and opt for a lighter approach by air-frying them at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes.

6. Baked Eggplant Fries

The secret to the crispy yet tender texture of these eggplant fries lies in a dip into frothy egg whites followed by a coating of panko (Japanese breadcrumbs). Rather than baking, air-fry them at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Shake the basket midway through cooking for even crispness.

7. Graham-Crusted Chicken Tenders

This recipe is a hit with all ages because even adults can indulge in crispy chicken tenders. Instead of baking, air-fry them at 400°F for 16 to 18 minutes, making sure to give the basket a shake halfway through for even cooking.

8. Roasted Cod With Kale Salad

Here’s an incredibly simple method for cooking fish fillets: Season with salt and pepper, then top with crispy panko breadcrumbs and fragrant garlic. Rather than roasting, air-fry at 400°F for about 10 minutes. Serve the fillets alongside sautéed kale and freshly sliced tomatoes.

9. Garlic-Roasted Potatoes

Want to cut your potato cooking time in half? Skip the roasting and instead toss these garlicky potatoes into the air fryer at 350°F for 18 to 25 minutes. Don’t forget to shake them halfway through to get a golden-brown finish on all sides.

10. Easy Pork Dumplings

Ditch the pan-frying and make these deliciously crispy pork dumplings in your air fryer instead. Set the temperature to 375°F and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown, turning halfway through for even crispiness.

11. Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders

Skip the deep fryer and cook chicken strips in the oven or air fryer for a healthier take on this beloved snack. The panko breadcrumbs deliver a crunchy crust that stays crispy, even if they sit out. Air-fry breaded strips at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crisping.

12. Crispy Brussels Sprouts With Pancetta and Lemon

These crispy Brussels sprouts are a must-try in the air fryer! The pancetta adds a savory umami depth while helping the sprouts caramelize beautifully. Air-fry at 375°F for 8 to 12 minutes, remembering to shake halfway through to ensure even browning.

13. Cornmeal-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks

These mozzarella sticks are ideal for air-frying. Skip the deep fryer and cook them at 400°F for 8 to 12 minutes until golden and crispy. Be sure to shake the fryer basket halfway through for even crispiness.

14. Roasted Zucchini

In less than 15 minutes, you can prepare a healthy and delicious side dish with just zucchini and olive oil. Skip the oven and air-fry diced zucchini at 350°F for 8 to 12 minutes, giving them a toss halfway through. For added flavor, top with fresh herbs, Parmesan, or toasted breadcrumbs.

15. Trader Joe's Appetizers

We've found the perfect way to turn your air fryer into the ultimate party tool. Just spray some oil into the basket, add four to six frozen Trader Joe's appetizers with some space between them for crisping, and set the temperature to 400°F. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through, and you're ready to party!

16. Deviled Eggs

Put down the pot! You can easily make hard-boiled eggs in your air fryer, though they may take a bit longer than when cooked in boiling water. While the eggs are cooling in an ice bath, check out our guide for preparing fillings, or use your favorite recipe.

17. Jammy Hand Pies

If you ever thought making a fruit pie in the air fryer was impossible, think again. This recipe shows that air frying can deliver a crispy, golden crust on these individual pastries. While the process might seem intimidating, the recipe simplifies it by using pre-made pie crusts as a shortcut.

18. Air-Fried Gochujang-Maple Cauliflower Bites

For a spicy air frying adventure, try this vegetarian recipe. Most of the time is spent preparing the sauces, but each batch cooks in the air fryer at 400 degrees for just 8 to 10 minutes.