Cooking is more than just putting a meal on the table-it's a chance to bring everyone together and create shared moments. These 13 air fryer dishes make cooking easy, fun, and something the whole family can be part of. Whether it's a quick dinner or a weekend treat, these recipes are simple enough to get everyone involved. When a meal is made together, it always seems to taste a little better.
Mexican Tostones
These golden, crispy plantains bring any meal a fun and shareable element. Smashed and double-fried in the air fryer, they come out crunchy on the outside with a soft center. They're perfect for dipping, making them a great choice for a hands-on family dinner. A plate of these disappears fast when everyone gathers around the table.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Tostones
Crispy Plantain Chips
Thinly sliced and air-fried, these plantain chips are a crunchy snack that's easy to make and even easier to share. Lightly seasoned and naturally sweet, they make a great addition to any gathering. The air fryer keeps them crisp without the extra oil of traditional frying. A batch of these on the counter will have everyone reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Plantain Chips
Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash
This simple dish turns everyday vegetables into something special with a crisp texture and just the right amount of seasoning. The air fryer brings out the natural sweetness of the zucchini and squash while keeping them firm. It's a quick, no-fuss way to get everyone at the table eating their veggies. A warm platter of these makes a great addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash
Air Fryer Caprese Chicken
Juicy chicken topped with melted mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and basil makes this dish a family favorite. The air fryer locks in flavor while creating a perfectly crisp exterior. It's an easy way to bring a classic Italian-inspired meal to the dinner table without extra prep work. One bite of this, and it's clear why it's always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caprese Chicken
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic
These Brussels sprouts come out crispy and caramelized, with a sweet and tangy contrast from balsamic and pomegranate. The feta adds a creamy, salty balance, making this dish a must-have for any gathering. Even those who normally skip Brussels sprouts will want seconds of this version. It's proof that the air fryer can turn simple ingredients into something special.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
This salmon cooks up flaky on the inside with a slightly crisp and caramelized teriyaki glaze on the outside. The air fryer makes it effortless while locking in every bit of flavor. Served with rice or vegetables, it's a quick meal that feels like something you'd get at a restaurant. The rich, glossy glaze makes every bite worth savoring.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
Crispy Ottolenghi's Air Fryer Asparagus
Inspired by Ottolenghi's famous vegetable dishes, this asparagus gets a light crisp from the air fryer while staying tender inside. A sprinkle of seasoning and a drizzle of lemon keep it fresh and vibrant. It's a simple side that feels elegant yet easy enough for any meal. Once you try it this way, you'll never go back to steaming asparagus.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Ottolenghi's Air Fryer Asparagus
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Coated in a sticky sesame sauce and crisped to perfection, this dish brings takeout-style flavor right to your kitchen. The air fryer creates crispy chicken bites without the mess of deep frying. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and scallions on top makes it even better. This is one of those dishes that gets everyone excited for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Fried Marinated Tofu
Marinated for extra flavor and crisped up in the air fryer, this tofu is anything but boring. The crispy outer layer gives way to a tender inside, making it a great addition to rice bowls, salads, or wraps. Even tofu skeptics will appreciate the texture and bold flavor. It's an easy way to turn a simple ingredient into something everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Fried Marinated Tofu
Best Easy Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds
Lightly battered and air-fried, these cheese curds come out with a crispy coating and a melty, gooey center. They're an easy, shareable snack that brings everyone together, whether for a casual dinner or game night. The air fryer keeps them crisp without the grease of traditional frying. Once you start eating them, it's hard to stop.
Get the Recipe: Best Easy Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs
These chicken legs come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them a family favorite. A simple seasoning mix adds just the right amount of flavor, and the air fryer takes care of the rest. They're great for a weeknight dinner when you need something fast but satisfying. Serve them up with your favorite sides, and they'll be gone in no time.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Crispy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Legs
Coated in a glossy teriyaki sauce, these air-fried chicken legs are crispy and flavorful. The air fryer locks in the juices while giving the skin the perfect texture. This dish is a great hands-on meal for the whole family. With just the right balance of sweet and savory, it's always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Legs
Easy Gluten-Free Samosas
These crispy, golden samosas have a spiced filling wrapped in a light and flaky dough that's air-fried to perfection. They're just the thing for sharing, whether served as an appetizer or a fun family snack. The air fryer gives them the crunch you'd expect without the heaviness of deep frying. Pair them with chutney or dipping sauce, and they'll be gone before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gluten-Free Samosas
