Introduction
These 23 air fryer recipes show just how versatile and useful the air fryer can be — from crunchy breakfast favorites and quick sides to hearty dinner ideas and fun snacks. The air fryer saves time, uses less oil than traditional frying, and still delivers crispy, flavorful results that are perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Whether you’re new to air frying or already a pro, these simple recipes will help you make the most of your appliance.
1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
- Bread slices
- Butter or mayonnaise
- Cheese slices
Instructions
- Butter or spread mayonnaise on both sides of the bread.
- Place cheese between the slices and set in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until bread is toasted and cheese is melted.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~360
- Protein: ~14 g
- Carbohydrates: ~30 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Fat: ~22 g
- Sugar: ~3 g
2. Juicy Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.
- Coat with olive oil and seasonings.
- Air fry at 375°F for ~10–18 minutes, flipping once, until cooked through.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~240
- Protein: ~38 g
- Carbohydrates: ~1 g
- Fiber: ~0 g
- Fat: ~6 g
- Sugar: ~0 g
3. Perfect Air Fryer Onions
Ingredients
- Onions
- Olive oil
- Salt
Instructions
- Slice onions and toss with olive oil and salt.
- Spread evenly in the basket.
- Air fry at 350°F for 12–25 minutes, tossing every 5, until golden to your liking.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~90
- Protein: ~1 g
- Carbohydrates: ~10 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Fat: ~5 g
- Sugar: ~5 g
4. Crispy Bacon
Ingredients
- Bacon strips
Instructions
- Arrange bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 350°F for 7–12 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~430
- Protein: ~13 g
- Carbohydrates: ~0 g
- Fiber: ~0 g
- Fat: ~42 g
- Sugar: ~0 g
5. Crispy Hash Browns
Ingredients
- Frozen hash browns
- Olive oil spray
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Place hash browns in the air fryer and lightly coat with olive oil.
- Air fry at 370°F for 5 minutes, stir and spray again.
- Continue air frying ~15 minutes, stirring every 5, until crisp.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~180
- Protein: ~2 g
- Carbohydrates: ~30 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Fat: ~6 g
- Sugar: ~1 g
6. Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- Whole potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt
Instructions
- Wash and poke potatoes with a fork.
- Rub with olive oil and salt.
- Air fry at 400°F for ~30–50 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~160
- Protein: ~4 g
- Carbohydrates: ~37 g
- Fiber: ~4 g
- Fat: ~0 g
- Sugar: ~2 g
7. Homemade Potato Chips
Ingredients
- Potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Optional seasonings
Instructions
- Thinly slice potatoes and soak 30 minutes, then dry well.
- Toss with oil, salt, and seasoning.
- Air fry at 320°F for ~30 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes until crisp.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~150
- Protein: ~2 g
- Carbohydrates: ~30 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Fat: ~4 g
- Sugar: ~2 g
8. Frozen Meatballs
Ingredients
- Frozen meatballs
- Light oil spray
Instructions
- Place frozen meatballs in the basket, spray lightly with oil.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8–12 minutes, shaking halfway.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~220
- Protein: ~12 g
- Carbohydrates: ~8 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Fat: ~14 g
- Sugar: ~2 g
9. Andouille Sausage
Ingredients
- Andouille or other sausage links
Instructions
- Slice sausage into ¼-inch coins.
- Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, tossing halfway.
- Serve on its own or mixed with veggies.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: ~14 g
- Carbohydrates: ~1 g
- Fiber: ~0 g
- Fat: ~24 g
- Sugar: ~0 g
10. Hard Boiled Eggs
Ingredients
- Eggs
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 250°F.
- Place eggs in the basket.
- Air fry ~13 minutes for soft boil or ~17 for hard boil; plunge into ice bath.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~70
- Protein: ~6 g
- Carbohydrates: ~0 g
- Fiber: ~0 g
- Fat: ~5 g
- Sugar: ~0 g
11. Frozen French Fries
Ingredients
- Frozen French fries
Instructions
- Air fry at 400°F for 15–25 minutes, tossing often for even crisping.
- Adjust time based on amount and thickness.
- Serve hot with dipping sauce.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~220
- Protein: ~3 g
- Carbohydrates: ~30 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Fat: ~10 g
- Sugar: ~1 g
12. Frozen Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients
- Frozen jalapeño poppers
Instructions
- Air fry frozen poppers at 375–400°F for recommended time.
- Shake halfway to ensure even cooking.
- Serve warm with your favorite dip.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~200
- Protein: ~5 g
- Carbohydrates: ~14 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Fat: ~12 g
- Sugar: ~2 g
13. Frozen Chicken Nuggets & Fingers
Ingredients
- Frozen chicken nuggets or tenders
Instructions
- Air fry at 400°F, following package size times.
- Nuggets take ~10 minutes; tenders ~15 minutes.
- Shake or flip halfway.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~260
- Protein: ~12 g
- Carbohydrates: ~18 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Fat: ~14 g
- Sugar: ~0 g
14. Crunchy Chickpeas
Ingredients
- Cannellini or chickpeas (15 oz can)
- Olive oil
- Seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Drain and dry chickpeas.
- Air fry at 380°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking every 5.
- Toss with light oil and seasoning after cooking.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~180
- Protein: ~9 g
- Carbohydrates: ~28 g
- Fiber: ~8 g
- Fat: ~4 g
- Sugar: ~3 g
15. Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts
- Olive oil
- Garlic salt & pepper
Instructions
- Halve sprouts and toss with oil and seasoning.
- Air fry at 375°F for 12–18 minutes, shaking every 5.
- Serve with optional lemon or Parmesan.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~150
- Protein: ~6 g
- Carbohydrates: ~12 g
- Fiber: ~4 g
- Fat: ~8 g
- Sugar: ~3 g
16. Broccoli
Ingredients
- Broccoli florets
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until tender with crisp edges.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~120
- Protein: ~4 g
- Carbohydrates: ~10 g
- Fiber: ~4 g
- Fat: ~7 g
- Sugar: ~2 g
17. Cauliflower
Ingredients
- Cauliflower florets
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Toss cauliflower with olive oil and seasonings.
- Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~140
- Protein: ~3 g
- Carbohydrates: ~12 g
- Fiber: ~4 g
- Fat: ~9 g
- Sugar: ~3 g
18. Green Beans
Ingredients
- Fresh green beans
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Trim green beans and toss with olive oil and seasoning.
- Add to the air fryer basket in an even layer.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking once.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~110
- Protein: ~2 g
- Carbohydrates: ~8 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Fat: ~7 g
- Sugar: ~2 g
19. Zucchini
Ingredients
- Zucchini, sliced
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Slice zucchini into rounds or sticks.
- Toss lightly with olive oil and seasoning.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~100
- Protein: ~2 g
- Carbohydrates: ~6 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Fat: ~7 g
- Sugar: ~2 g
20. Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Optional seasoning
Instructions
- Cut sweet potatoes into even sticks.
- Toss with olive oil and salt.
- Air fry at 380°F for 12–18 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~190
- Protein: ~3 g
- Carbohydrates: ~32 g
- Fiber: ~5 g
- Fat: ~6 g
- Sugar: ~7 g
21. Toasted Ravioli
Ingredients
- Frozen breaded ravioli
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Place frozen ravioli in the air fryer basket.
- Lightly spray with olive oil.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking once, until crisp.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~260
- Protein: ~9 g
- Carbohydrates: ~30 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Fat: ~12 g
- Sugar: ~2 g
22. Frozen Pizza Rolls
Ingredients
- Frozen pizza rolls
Instructions
- Add pizza rolls to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 380°F for 6–10 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Let cool briefly before serving.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~220
- Protein: ~6 g
- Carbohydrates: ~28 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Fat: ~10 g
- Sugar: ~2 g
23. Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
- Frozen mozzarella sticks
Instructions
- Place mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 390°F for 6–8 minutes, turning once.
- Serve immediately while cheese is melted.
Approximate Nutrition
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: ~12 g
- Carbohydrates: ~24 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Fat: ~16 g
- Sugar: ~2 g
FAQs
Are air fryer recipes healthier than deep frying?
Yes. Air frying uses significantly less oil while still producing crispy results.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Preheating helps with even cooking but isn’t always required.
Can I cook frozen foods directly in the air fryer?
Yes, many frozen foods cook perfectly without thawing.
Why do I need to shake the basket?
Shaking ensures even airflow and prevents uneven browning.
Can I overload the air fryer?
Overcrowding reduces crispiness; cooking in batches works best.
