Cooking with an air fryer is a healthier way to enjoy the crispy texture and flavor of traditionally fried foods. Whether you’re looking to make a quick and easy side or a crispy and delicious main, these four- and five-star dishes are highly rated for a reason. Recipes like our Air-Fryer Zucchini and Air-Fryer Turkey Stuffed Peppers are so yummy, you’ll want to make them again and again.
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Air-Fryer Zucchini
Zucchini crisps up nicely in this simple recipe. The interior is creamy and soft without feeling mushy, with the outside remaining crispy. A squeeze of lemon after cooking adds brightness and tang.
Air-Fryer Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a classic family meal—and they’re fun to eat, too. Instead of roasting the sweet peppers in the oven, use an air fryer to get them crisp-tender but not soggy.
Air-Fryer Fish Cakes
Typically deep-fried, these tasty air-fryer fish cakes get a little zip from sweet chili sauce and fresh cilantro. The squeeze of lime at the end brings everything together perfectly, so don’t skip it.
Air-Fryer Salmon
In this simple air-fryer salmon recipe, the garlic gets crispy on the top while the Aleppo pepper and coriander bring earthy flavor to the fish, which remains delicately cooked in the middle.
Air-Fryer Buffalo Wings
A sports bar favorite comes home with these deliciously crispy chicken wings in the air fryer, which require just 10 minutes of active prep time.
Air-Fryer “Fried” Chicken Thighs
Photographer: Christine Ma
Air fryers need a lot less oil to create a deep-fried crispy crust. Here, chicken thighs are marinated in buttermilk and dredged in a simple breadcrumb coating. With the help of a little cooking spray, they cook up nice and crispy with a lot less fat. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or slice them up to top a salad.
Air-Fryer Beets with Feta
This air-fryer beets with feta recipe is a great way to enjoy beets. It’s super easy to throw together, and it’s just as good eaten cold as part of a salad as it is warm on its own.
Air-Fryer Zucchini Fritters
These air-fryer zucchini fritters have a crispy outer surface and tender-savory middle just as if they’ve been fried in a skillet. A simple dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of refreshing mint is all you need to complete the dish.
Air-Fryer Spinach & Feta Turkey Burgers
Sharp raw garlic, fresh herbs and tangy feta cheese superbly flavor these turkey burgers. Since the patties are air-fried with very little oil, there’s room to add a bit of olive oil to the meat to keep the patties from drying out. Serve with air-fried zucchini fries (see associated recipe).
Air-Fryer Butternut Squash
Butternut squash gets tender with slightly crispy edges when it’s cooked in the air fryer. The simple seasonings here complement the subtle sweetness from the squash. Serve this quick and easy side dish with just about anything, from roast chicken to pork.
Air-Fryer Mini Cheesecakes
These mini cheesecakes are healthy and easy to make in the air fryer—no water bath necessary! Serve with your favorite toppings, like fresh fruit or cookie crumbles, or keep them plain for a simple sweet treat. If you prefer, you can substitute the graham cracker crumb crust with finely crushed shortbread cookies, gingersnaps or chocolate sandwich cookies.
Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders
These air-fryer chicken tenders will have you ditching the store-bought version in no time. Lightly flavored with Italian seasoning, these chicken tenders cook up extra crispy in the air fryer. We love them paired with honey mustard, but ketchup or ranch dressing will work well too.
Air-Fryer Pork Tenderloin
This air-fryer pork tenderloin is tender and full of flavor from the sweet and tangy rub. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the tenderloin in half before cooking.
Cornflake Air-Fryer Chicken Nuggets
These crispy air-fried chicken nuggets are a quick, kid-friendly dinner that parents will love too.
Air-Fryer Orange Chicken
Photography: Rachel Marek, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Orange chicken is typically made with fried chicken coated in a sweet, sticky sauce. In this lightened-up version, we skip the oil in favor of an air fryer and make an equally delicious sauce that goes easy on the sugar. Serve with brown rice and steamed green beans.
Crispy Air-Fryer Pickle Chips
Use your air fryer to make these crispy, salty pickle chips for game day! The air fryer gives you a crispy crust, using much less oil than a traditional fryer. Enjoy these little gems on their own or with our Southern smoky, creamy dipping sauce.
