Chicken tenders, french fries, chicken wings—air fryers are so much more than these classic dinners! It’s time to think outside the box and get creative with options because we’ve got a handful of items you can try.
1. Donuts
Air-fried donuts are as easy as you make them! You can start from scratch with a few simple ingredients or turn to pre-made biscuit dough for golden treats coated with delectable glaze. Even better, if glaze isn’t your thing, coat them in cinnamon sugar instead.
Photo by Kyle Nieber on Unsplash
2. Avocado Fries
Bring the best of both worlds together: healthy fats and an air-fried taste. All you have to do is slice some avocados, toss them in breadcrumbs, and stick ‘em in the air fryer for a snack that’s crispy and creamy.
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3. Cauliflower
Cauliflower often gets a bad rap for being “bland,” but it’s all about how you season those florets. Tossing them in olive oil with freshly cracked pepper, garlic salt, or paprika can turn this veggie into the perfect side dish.
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
4. Pizza Rolls
Homemade pizza rolls are the star of any party, and they don’t take much to make. A little dough, pepperoni, and cheese in an air fryer leaves you with a simple meal that’s crispy on the inside, but gooey on the inside.
Photo by Jasbir S Bhatia on Unsplash
5. Bell Peppers
Stuffed peppers are already one of the easiest dinners to make—in an air fryer, though, they somehow get even better. Perfect for anyone in a hurry, they take all of 20 minutes to make (if that) and only need a couple of ingredients.
Photo by Kostiantyn Vierkieiev on Unsplash
6. Bacon
As delicious as bacon is, no one wants to deal with the mess afterward. Well, now you don’t have to worry about it! Stick a couple of strips in the air fryer for a crispy breakfast side and easy cleanup.
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7. Mozzarella Sticks
Sure, you can grab boxed mozza sticks, but why would you with an air fryer at home? Don’t worry, they’re not hard to make! You’ll only need cheese strings, a bit of breadcrumbs, eggs, and flour for this beloved appetizer—you can also add a dash of Italian seasoning.
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8. Blooming Onion
Don’t let blooming onions intimidate you because they’re quite simple. Plenty of online recipes only call for a couple of ingredients so you can whip up a healthier version of this classic app. Don’t forget the dipping sauce!
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9. Potato Wedges
Stop limiting yourself to french fries; air-fried potato wedges are crispy, golden, and a side dish with far less grease. The best part about wedges is that you can coat them in whatever seasoning floats your boat.
Photo by Jay Gajjar on Unsplash
10. Chicken Parmesan
Who doesn’t love a good chicken parm dinner? Air fryers bring them to life at home; all you need is a good breast, cheese, and marinara sauce. Our favorite part about this version is that there’s a healthier spin.
Photo by Clark Douglas on Unsplash
11. Salmon
Oven-roasted or pan-fried salmon are tried and true cooking methods, but it’s time to work another into the mix. Air-fried salmon fillets are quick, easy, and loaded with flavor! You can even make some simple sides in the fryer once you’re done.
Photo by Wesual Click on Unsplash
12. Breakfast Burritos
Sometimes the morning calls for a burrito—and air fryers can help you get there. Scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon wrapped in a flour tortilla? Then air-fried for that satisfying crispiness? Yes, please.
Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels
13. Eggs
Speaking of which, you can make hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer, too. Okay, okay, so they’re not exactly “boiled,” but you can still plop them in the basket and soak them in a nice ice bath once you’re done. They’re easy to make and peel.
Photo by Katie Bernotsky on Unsplash
14. Onion Rings
It’s air fryers to the rescue for simple appetizers! Onion rings are a staple at gatherings, and you can pop ‘em into the air fryer for a one-and-done snack. It only takes about half an hour and a handful of ingredients, too.
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15. Jalapeno Poppers
Maybe you’re in the mood for a spicy app instead? Make way for jalapeno poppers! Whether you’re watching a big game or simply inviting some friends over, get mouths (and eyes) watering with this traditional starter.
Photo by Jack Harner on Unsplash
16. Potato Chips
Today’s chips are way too expensive, so it’s time to make your own. You’ll need thinly sliced potatoes, a dash of salt, and some olive oil for this homemade creation—all ready in under half an hour.
Photo by Gary Scott on Unsplash
17. Chocolate Chip Cookies
You’d never think to make cookies in an air fryer, but it’s amazing how far we’ve come. Grab all the ingredients for traditional cookies, line your air fryer with parchment paper, and scoop in a couple of dough balls. You’ll have golden, gooey cookies loaded with chocolate.
Photo by Pam Menegakis on Unsplash
18. Swedish Meatballs
Bring home a taste of IKEA with simple Swedish meatballs. You’ll need a good number of ingredients beforehand, but the actual frying doesn’t take more than 20 minutes or so—and it’ll be worth it for the result.
Photo by Dannie Sorum on Unsplash
19. Spare Ribs
You won’t get a rack of ribs in the air fryer, but you can still score a juicy cut doused in sauce. A good rub and about half an hour are all you really need to bring restaurant-quality ribs to your dinner plate.
Photo by Sean Stone on Unsplash
20. Turkey Breast
We don’t want Thanksgiving dinner done in the air fryer, but we do a healthy turkey breast! The good news is that turkey breasts go hand-in-hand with fryers, often only needing an hour or so to cook through.
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