10+ The Best Air Fryer Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals
Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance for good reason. They allow you to create delicious meals that are crispy and flavorful while using less oil than traditional frying methods. This makes it easier to enjoy your favorite dishes without the added guilt.
In this article, you will discover some of the best air fryer recipes that are simple to prepare and sure to please. From appetizers to main courses, these recipes will help you make the most of your air fryer, making cooking an enjoyable experience.
1) Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a tasty meal that combines crispy breaded chicken with melted cheese and tomato sauce. It’s a quicker way to enjoy this classic dish without frying in oil.
To start, set the Air Fryer to 360°F (182°C) and preheat it for about 3 minutes. Then, coat chicken breasts in breading and place them in the Air Fryer.
Cook the chicken for about 6 minutes. After that, add your favorite marinara sauce and a sprinkle of cheese. Cook for a few more minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
This dish is not only delicious but also healthier than traditional recipes. You can serve it with pasta or a fresh salad.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Olive oil spray
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat Air Fryer to 360°F (182°C).
- Coat chicken breasts in breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning.
- Place in Air Fryer and cook for 6 minutes.
- Add marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cheese is melted.
2) Crispy Air-Fried Tofu
Crispy air-fried tofu is a quick and delicious way to enjoy this plant-based protein. It’s perfect for salads, grain bowls, or as a snack.
First, press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut it into cubes for even cooking. You’ll want to coat the tofu with your favorite seasonings and a bit of oil.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the tofu for about 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This will help ensure every piece gets evenly crispy.
Enjoy your crunchy tofu as a tasty addition to your meals!
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional seasonings (like garlic powder or chili flakes)
Cooking Instructions
- Press the tofu to remove moisture.
- Cut the tofu into cubes.
- Toss with oil, salt, and any optional seasonings.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the tofu for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
3) Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Making a grilled cheese sandwich in the air fryer is quick and easy. You get a crispy outside and melty cheese inside with minimal effort.
Start by buttering one side of two slices of bread. Place one slice, butter side down, in the air fryer basket. Add two slices of your favorite cheese on top.
Now, place the second slice of bread on top, butter side up. Set your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Flip the sandwich halfway for even browning.
Keep an eye on it to get your desired level of crispiness. Once it’s golden brown, remove it and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread
- 2 slices of cheese
- Butter
Cooking Instructions
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Place one slice butter side down in the air fryer.
- Add cheese on top.
- Place the second slice butter side up over the cheese.
- Air fry at 370°F (190°C) for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway.
4) Air-Fried Salmon Fillet
Air-fried salmon fillets are a delicious and healthy meal option. With a crispy outside and tender inside, this dish cooks quickly. You can have it ready in under 15 minutes.
Season your salmon with your favorite spices. A little salt, pepper, and lemon juice works wonders. Place the fillet in the air fryer basket.
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the salmon for about 7-10 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Ingredients
- 1 salmon fillet
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Lemon juice
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush the salmon fillet with olive oil.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Place the salmon in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 7-10 minutes.
- Check for flakiness and serve.
5) Juicy Air-Fried Pork Chops
Air-fried pork chops are easy to make and packed with flavor. The air fryer gives them a crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy. You can use either bone-in or boneless pork chops for this recipe.
To start, season your pork chops with your favorite spices. Some popular options include garlic powder, paprika, and pepper.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned pork chops in the basket without overcrowding them. Cook for about 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe eating. Let the pork chops rest a few minutes before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 bone-in or boneless pork chops
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Cooking Instructions
- Season the pork chops with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Ensure the internal temperature is 145°F (63°C).
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
6) Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy sweet potato fries are a delicious and healthy snack. They are easy to make and perfect to enjoy at any time.
You will need just a few ingredients to get started. The air fryer makes them crispy without using too much oil.
You can enjoy these fries with burgers, sandwiches, or even on their own as a tasty treat.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into thin fries.
- In a bowl, mix sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Check for crispiness and cook for an extra 2-3 minutes if needed.
7) Air Fryer Steak with Herbs
Cooking steak in an air fryer is simple and quick. The result is a delicious, juicy steak that you can enjoy any night of the week.
To make this dish, you’ll need some fresh herbs for flavor. Garlic and herb butter adds a rich taste that will make your steak stand out.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place your seasoned steak in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes for medium-rare. Flip it halfway to ensure even cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 steak (your choice of cut)
- 2 tablespoons garlic-herb butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the steak with salt and pepper.
- Place the steak in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Let it rest before serving.
8) Perfectly Roasted Air-Fried Chickpeas
Air-fried chickpeas are a tasty and healthy snack. They are easy to make and perfect for satisfying cravings.
Start with canned chickpeas. Rinse them well and dry them with a towel. This helps them crisp up nicely.
You can season them to your liking. Try garlic powder, paprika, or a bit of salt. Air fry them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
After they turn golden brown and crispy, they’ll be ready to enjoy. Perfect for topping salads or just munching on their own!
Ingredients
- 1 can of chickpeas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse and dry the chickpeas.
- Toss with olive oil and seasonings.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Air fry for 15 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Enjoy your crispy chickpeas!
9) Air-Fried Shrimp with Garlic
Air-fried shrimp with garlic is a quick and tasty dish. The shrimp cooks in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. You’ll love the rich flavor from the garlic and butter.
Start by marinating the shrimp in garlic, butter, and a pinch of salt. This adds extra flavor. Then, place the shrimp in your air fryer and cook until they are pink and tender.
In about 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), your shrimp will be ready. Serve them with a squeeze of lemon for added zest.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons garlic butter
- Salt, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix shrimp with garlic butter and salt.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
10) Flavorful Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Air-fryer Brussels sprouts are a tasty and healthy side dish. They cook up crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You can add different flavors to make them even better.
For a simple recipe, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You might like to add garlic powder or balsamic vinegar for extra taste. Cooking them in the air fryer makes them fast and easy.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the Brussels sprouts in the basket in a single layer. Cook for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Enjoy their delicious flavor with your meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) Brussels sprouts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, balsamic vinegar
Cooking Instructions
-
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts.
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Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
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Place them in the air fryer basket.
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Cook for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.