Air fryers are not only versatile and easy to use, they’re also a healthy alternative to deep-frying and pan-frying. If you have an air fryer, and you’re in the mood for a crispy, satisfying meal, look no further than this collection of recipes. From fish cakes to delicious handhelds, these recipes are the perfect way to use your air fryer. From our Air-Fryer Buffalo Wings to our Pork Schnitzel with Creamy Dill Sauce, you’ll never run out of dinner inspiration again.
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.
High-Protein Air-Fryer Burgers
This simple air-fryer burger recipe is a splatter-free method to cook up juicy burgers without a lot of fuss. The toppings are classic, but you can always adjust them to suit your taste.
Air-Fryer Salmon Cakes
Christine Ma
These air-fried salmon patties are reminiscent of classic salmon croquettes; crispy on the outside and pillowy tender on the inside. Look for canned or jarred salmon that has less than 50 milligrams of sodium per serving, and don’t be afraid of varieties that have bones. They’re easy to remove.
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 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.
Pork Schnitzel with Creamy Dill Sauce
Pounding pork chops before breading and pan-frying is the signature method to getting crisp yet tender German schnitzel, but using an air fryer works well too and cuts back on calories.
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.
Cornflake Air-Fryer Chicken Nuggets
These crispy air-fried chicken nuggets are a quick, kid-friendly dinner that parents will love too.
Air-Fryer Rotisserie Chicken
Replicate the flavor, lovely burnished skin and moist texture of a classic rotisserie chicken with this easy recipe for cooking a whole chicken in your air fryer. With just a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes of active time, you get a roast chicken with lemon and herbs that’s a remarkable doppelganger for a deli chicken right after it comes out of the rotisserie.
Air-Fryer Turkey & Mushroom Gyoza
These gyoza are packed with ground turkey, mushrooms and scallions. A chile-garlic sauce adds mild heat for a flavorful dipping sauce. These gyoza can be frozen for up to three months, so keep a batch in the freezer and pull them out when you need an appetizer for a party.
Air-Fryer Popcorn Shrimp
These air-fried popcorn shrimp get crispy and crunchy with very little oil. We pair them with a smoky, spicy dipping sauce for a tasty snack you’ll want to make again and again.
Air-Fryer Veggie Taquitos
Jason Donnelly
These air-fryer taquitos are crispy on the outside with a veggie-and-bean filling that delivers the perfect amount of spice. Serve these easy taquitos at your next gathering or on game day.
Air-Fryer Turkey Breast
Jason Donnelly
Rosemary and garlic flavor this juicy air-fryer turkey breast. Putting the sliced garlic under the skin adds flavor to the meat and prevents the garlic from burning. Enjoy this simple recipe with a side of roasted veggies and mashed potatoes.
Air-Fryer Tuna Patties
These bright and savory air-fryer tuna patties won’t disappoint for a quick lunch or dinner. They hold their shape nicely while cooking, with a tender middle and a crispy crust on the outside. Peppery arugula and a lemony mayonnaise sauce round out the meal.
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 Fish Tacos
These air-fryer fish tacos get their kick from a crispy breadcrumb coating that’s spiked with chili powder. Avocado crema helps balance the flavors, while shredded cabbage slaw adds crunch. These easy air-fryer fish tacos are finished with fresh tomato, but feel free to add your own favorite toppings to the mix.