20 Air Fryer Recipes So Good, You’ll Forget About Your Sheet Pan
Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook at home. These compact kitchen wizards use hot air circulation to create crispy, delicious food with a fraction of the oil needed for traditional frying.
I’ve been experimenting with my air fryer for months now, and honestly, my sheet pans are gathering dust in the cabinet.
Ready to join the air fryer revolution? These 20 mouthwatering recipes will make you a convert, too!
1. Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Forget buffalo wild wings – these homemade beauties deliver restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen. The air fryer creates that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Season with your favorite spice blend before cooking. For extra crispiness, pat wings dry with paper towels first.
Toss in buffalo sauce, BBQ, or lemon pepper seasoning after cooking for finger-licking goodness without deep-frying guilt.
2. Breakfast Stuffed Peppers
Morning meals get a colorful upgrade with these egg-filled bell pepper cups. Simply cut peppers in half, remove seeds, and fill with beaten eggs, cheese, and your favorite mix-ins.
I started making these when trying to cut back on carbs, and now my kids request them weekly! The air fryer cooks them in just 8 minutes – perfect for busy mornings.
Try adding diced ham, spinach, or salsa for endless variations.
3. Homemade Tortilla Chips
Store-bought tortilla chips can’t compare to these freshly made crunchy triangles. Cut corn tortillas into wedges, spray lightly with oil, and season with salt or tajin before air frying.
They cook in just 3-5 minutes, turning golden and irresistibly crisp. Perfect for last-minute guests or sudden salsa cravings!
Experiment with lime zest, cumin, or chili powder for custom flavors that’ll make you swear off bagged chips forever.
4. Falafel Bites Without The Oil
Traditional falafel requires deep frying, but your air fryer delivers the same crispy exterior and soft interior with minimal oil. The chickpea mixture comes together quickly in a food processor with herbs and spices.
I’ve been making these since a trip to Israel sparked my obsession with Middle Eastern food. Form small balls, spray lightly with oil, and air fry until golden.
Serve with tahini sauce and fresh veggies for a protein-packed meal that’ll transport your taste buds abroad.
5. Perfect Salmon Fillets
Salmon in the air fryer? Absolutely! The high heat seals in moisture while creating a perfectly caramelized exterior. A simple marinade of lemon, garlic, and herbs is all you need.
Cook time is just 7-10 minutes depending on thickness. The results rival any restaurant dish, without filling your house with fishy smells.
Even salmon skeptics have been converted by this foolproof method that delivers flaky, never-dry fish every time.
6. Crispy Tofu Cubes
Achieving crispy tofu usually requires extensive pressing and pan-frying. The air fryer changes everything! Cut extra-firm tofu into cubes, toss with cornstarch and seasonings, and air fry until golden and crunchy.
My vegetarian daughter converted me to these protein-packed bites. They’re perfect for salads, grain bowls, or dipping in peanut sauce.
The outside gets wonderfully crisp while the inside stays tender – a texture combination that’s nearly impossible to achieve in a conventional oven.
7. Stuffed Mushrooms
Party appetizers don’t get easier than these cream cheese and herb stuffed mushrooms. The air fryer cooks them perfectly in just 8 minutes – no preheating required!
Clean mushroom caps, mix softened cream cheese with garlic, herbs, and parmesan, then fill each cap generously. The air circulation creates a beautiful golden top while keeping the mushrooms juicy.
These disappear within minutes at gatherings, so consider making a double batch.
8. Jalapeño Poppers Without The Mess
Skip the deep-fryer mess with these crispy, cheese-filled jalapeño poppers. Halve jalapeños, remove seeds (unless you love heat!), and fill with a mixture of cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon bits.
A quick dip in beaten egg and breadcrumbs before air frying creates that irresistible crunchy coating. Last Super Bowl, I made these instead of ordering takeout, and my friends couldn’t believe they weren’t deep-fried!
They’re spicy, creamy, crunchy perfection in just 8 minutes.
9. Garlic Bread In Minutes
Forget heating up the whole oven for garlic bread! Split a baguette, spread with garlic butter, and air fry for 3-4 minutes for perfectly toasted, aromatic garlic bread with minimal effort.
The air fryer creates a beautiful contrast between the crispy edges and soft center. For an upgrade, sprinkle with parmesan or fresh herbs before cooking.
This quick side dish has saved countless meals when I’ve realized at the last minute that we needed something to round out dinner.
10. Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
String cheese transforms into gooey, stretchy mozzarella sticks with help from your air fryer. Cut cheese sticks in half, freeze briefly, then coat in flour, egg wash, and seasoned breadcrumbs.
The freezing step is crucial to prevent cheese from oozing out too quickly. Air fry at 390°F for just 6 minutes for the perfect balance of crunchy exterior and melty interior.
My kids think these are better than restaurant versions – plus we can make them in pajamas!
11. Crispy Chickpeas For Snacking
Ditch the potato chips for these crunchy, protein-packed chickpea snacks. Drain and dry canned chickpeas thoroughly, toss with olive oil and seasonings, then air fry until golden and crisp.
Customize with your favorite spice blends – try ranch, taco seasoning, or cinnamon sugar for sweet cravings. I keep a container of these on my desk for healthy snacking.
The air fryer gets them crunchier than the oven ever could, with perfect texture that lasts for days in an airtight container.
12. Personal Pizza In Minutes
Satisfy pizza cravings in under 10 minutes with this brilliant shortcut. Use naan bread, pita, or even flour tortillas as your base, top with sauce, cheese, and favorite toppings.
The air fryer creates a perfectly crisp crust while melting the cheese to bubbly perfection. My family loves our Friday night “pizza bar” where everyone customizes their own personal pie.
It’s faster than delivery and far tastier than frozen – plus the kids love getting creative with toppings!
13. Coconut Shrimp With Sweet Chili Sauce
Restaurant-quality coconut shrimp without deep frying? Yes, please! Dip peeled shrimp in flour, egg wash, then a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut before air frying.
The coconut toasts beautifully in the air fryer, creating that signature tropical crunch without excess oil. I first tried making these after paying $18 for just six pieces at a restaurant.
Now I can make a whole pound at home for less! Serve with sweet chili sauce for dipping perfection.
14. Blooming Onion Hack
The infamous calorie-bomb restaurant appetizer gets a healthier makeover in your air fryer. Cut a large onion into a bloom shape, dip in seasoned flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs, then air fry until golden and tender.
The trick is spraying thoroughly with oil to help it crisp properly. While not identical to the deep-fried version, this 80% healthier alternative satisfies the craving with a fraction of the guilt.
Pair with a spicy dipping sauce for the full experience without the restaurant price tag.
15. Juicy Turkey Burgers
Turkey burgers have a reputation for dryness, but the air fryer changes that completely. Mix ground turkey with grated onion, garlic, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for moisture and flavor.
Form into patties, make a slight indentation in the center, and air fry for about 10 minutes. The circulating heat seals in juices while the fat drips away.
After years of disappointing turkey burgers, I’ve finally found a method that produces juicy results every time – no grill required!
16. Perfectly Baked Potatoes
Forget waiting an hour for oven-baked potatoes! The air fryer cuts cooking time in half while creating the perfect crispy skin and fluffy interior. Rub potatoes with olive oil and salt before cooking.
For extra crispiness, poke holes with a fork and microwave for 4 minutes first. Then air fry at 400°F for about 20 minutes. Last winter, I discovered this method during a snowstorm when we wanted comfort food fast.
Now it’s our go-to method, even when we have plenty of time!
17. Homemade Beef Jerky
Store-bought jerky is expensive and often loaded with preservatives. Make your own by thinly slicing lean beef, marinating overnight, then air frying at a low temperature until dry and chewy.
The air fryer’s circulation removes moisture evenly without the need for a special dehydrator. My hiking buddies couldn’t believe I made this myself! Customize with your favorite marinade flavors – teriyaki, spicy, or classic pepper.
The results beat anything from a package for a fraction of the cost.
18. Crunchy Air Fryer Pickles
Fried pickles without the grease? The air fryer makes it possible! Drain dill pickle chips thoroughly, dredge in flour, dip in egg wash, then coat in seasoned breadcrumbs before air frying.
They come out perfectly crunchy with that addictive tang. Ranch dressing is the classic dipping sauce, but try spicy mayo for an upgrade!
After paying $12 for a tiny basket of these at a local pub, I perfected this homemade version that my friends now request for every gathering.
19. Banana Bread Donuts
Transform overripe bananas into adorable mini donuts with your air fryer. Mix a simple banana bread batter, pipe into greased donut molds, and air fry for just 8 minutes until puffed and golden.
While still warm, dip in cinnamon sugar or drizzle with cream cheese glaze. I created this recipe while looking for creative ways to use my donut molds.
The air fryer gives them a slightly crisp exterior with a tender, banana-scented interior that’s impossible to resist!
20. Perfectly Roasted Garlic
Roasted garlic typically takes 45 minutes in the oven, but your air fryer cuts that time in half! Cut the top off a whole garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap loosely in foil, and air fry until soft and caramelized.
The result is sweet, spreadable garlic perfect for bread, mashed potatoes, or homemade dressings. I always make extra to store in the fridge – it elevates practically any savory dish!
The air fryer method has revolutionized my meal prep since discovering it last year.