20 Recipes for the Air Fryer That'll Make You Fall In Love With It (2024)

The Maillard reaction, named after the French chemist who discovered it in 1912, is what occurs between amino acids and/or proteins and sugars when they're heated and transformed into something more delicious, usually meaning the food has browned or become crispy.

Fries

If you're new to air-frying, this recipe gives you a good start. They taste more like oven-roasted potatoes than fast-food fries but are healthier and more economical.

Chicken Pot Pie Empanadas

Make a pot-pie-to-go by stuffing a chicken-vegetable filling into an empanada crust that turns perfectly crisp in an air fryer. Instead of using the recipe's oven instructions, cook these in your air fryer at 375 degrees for 12 to 20 minutes, or until the outsides are golden brown and crisp.

Air Fryer S'mores

You don't need a campfire for this amazing take on classic s'mores. Pop half a graham cracker and a marshmallow into the air fryer at 390 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes, and then top it with chocolate, the other graham cracker half, and any other goodies you want.

Cheesy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

We promise! These air-fried sweet potato fries sprinkled with two kinds of cheese outshine any basic French fry recipe. Instead of baking and broiling, cook these in your air fryer at 400 degrees for 18 to 25 minutes. Give them a toss and a quick check at least once midway through cooking.

Kale Chips

The air fryer is your secret weapon for turning one of the healthiest superfoods into a crispy, delicious snack. Cook at 375 degrees for just 5 minutes, easy enough to whip up for a quick late-night snack.

Rosemary Honey Prosciutto Crisps

Give your next charcuterie board an extra punch of flavor with this easy recipe. Instead of an oven, pop slices of prosciutto in your air fryer, 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes, and then slather on rosemary-infused honey to add an extra note of sweetness.

Poached Eggs

Air fryers are known for making crispy foods, but they work just as beautifully for softer items like poached eggs. This quick-and-easy hack makes creating poached eggs for dishes like Eggs Benedict so much easier.

Ricotta Meatballs

Doubling down on the cheese, the combo of creamy ricotta and salty pecorino allows these delicious homemade meatballs to walk the line between rich and intensely savory. Instead of pan-frying, keep this dish on the lighter side by air-frying at 375 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes.

Baked Eggplant Fries

The key to the coating on these crispy-yet-tender eggplant fries is a dip in frothy egg whites and then panko (Japanese breadcrumbs). Instead of baking, air-fry the eggplant at 400 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes, or until evenly browned and crisp. Shake the fryer basket halfway through cooking.

Graham-Crusted Chicken Tenders

This recipe appeals to all ages because adults are allowed to love crunchy chicken tenders, too. Instead of baking, try air-frying at 400 degrees for 16 to 18 minutes, making sure to shake halfway through.

Roasted Cod With Kale Salad

Here's one incredibly easy way to cook fish fillets: Season with salt and pepper, top with crispy panko breadcrumbs and aromatic garlic, and then, instead of roasting, air-fry at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes. This recipe pairs the fillets with sautéed kale and fresh-sliced tomatoes.

Garlic-Roasted Potatoes

Care to cut your potato cooking time in half? Instead of roasting, toss these garlicky spuds into your air fryer basket at 350 degrees for 18 to 25 minutes. Just make sure to give them a shake halfway through to ensure even browning.

Easy Pork Dumplings

Instead of pan-frying, try making these better-than-takeout pork dumplings in an air fryer. Cook at 375 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they're lightly browned and crispy, turning halfway through.

Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders

Cooking chicken strips in the oven or air fryer, instead of the deep fryer, gives this finger food staple a healthy twist. What's more, panko breadcrumbs create an extra crispy exterior that doesn't get soggy when sitting out. To air-fry, cook breaded strips at 400 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts With Pancetta and Lemon

We couldn't round up air fryer recipes without including a little browned Brussels sprouts number. This delicious side dish packs an umami-rich punch thanks to pancetta, which also helps the Brussels caramelize. Instead of roasting, air-fry at 375 degrees for 8 to 12 minutes, and be sure to shake halfway through to help them brown evenly.

Cornmeal-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks

These crispy, melty mozzarella sticks were made for air-frying. Keep the deep fryer unplugged and air-fry at 400 degrees for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the outside is nicely crisp. Shake the fryer basket halfway through.

Roasted Zucchini

With just two ingredients—zucchini and olive oil—you can have this healthy, seasonal side dish on the table in less than 15 minutes. Instead of baking, air-fry the diced zucchini at 350 degrees for 8 to 12 minutes, tossing halfway through. For extra flavor, finish with fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese, or toasted bread crumbs.

Trader Joe's Appetizers

Our Trader Joe's experts discovered a way to make an air fryer your most valuable party accessory. Just spray oil in the basket, place four to six TJ's frozen appetizers inside—leaving space in between to get nice and crispy—and set it to 400 degrees. Cook for 10 minutes, pausing halfway to give them a shake, and party on!

Deviled Eggs

Step away from the stove! You can make hard-boiled eggs in the air fryer, although they take slightly longer to cook than in boiling water. While the cooked eggs cool in an ice bath, use our guide for making filling, or your favorite recipe.

Jammy Hand Pies

If you thought you couldn't cook a fruit pie in the air fryer, this recipe proves you wrong. Air-frying gives these single-serving pastries a deliciously crispy crust. They look cumbersome to make, but the recipe eases your burden with a shortcut of ready-made piecrust.