Cooking didn’t always come with a digital display, but these air fryer recipes prove Grandma would’ve loved one. They’re fast, flavorful, and get the job done without heating up the kitchen or piling up dishes. Each one delivers crisp textures and bold tastes without needing deep oil. Once you’ve tried these 17, the stovetop might start collecting dust.
Fried Marinated Tofu
Fried marinated tofu takes about 25 minutes with tofu, soy sauce, vinegar, and spices. The texture is crisp outside with a chewy, savory center that holds up to dipping or rice. It’s meatless but still filling. The air fryer handles every side perfectly without extra pans.
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Easy Gluten-Free Samosas
Easy gluten-free samosas cook in under 30 minutes using gluten-free pastry, mashed potatoes, peas, and Indian spices. The outside is crisp and golden, while the inside stays soft and well-seasoned. You get the full flavor of a fried samosa without the mess. It’s a weeknight version that still delivers.
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Crispy Plantain Chips
Crispy plantain chips take 15 minutes with just ripe plantains and oil. The flavor is slightly sweet and salty, and the texture lands between a kettle chip and a fry. They’re great as a snack or a crunchy side. The air fryer gets them evenly crisp without needing to babysit.
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Crispy Ottolenghi's Air Fryer Asparagus
Crispy Ottolenghi’s air fryer asparagus takes about 10 minutes with asparagus, olive oil, and seasoning. The spears come out crisp on the tips and tender in the middle with a hint of char. It works as a snack or simple side. You’ll never want to steam asparagus again.
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Mexican Tostones
Mexican tostones cook in 20 minutes with green plantains, oil, and salt. They’re thick, crisp rounds with a hearty bite and just enough salt to carry any dip. The air fryer makes them golden without being greasy. They taste like they came from a street cart, not your kitchen.
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Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic
Crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts with feta, pomegranate, and balsamic come together in 25 minutes with minimal prep. The sprouts are browned and crisp, balanced by sweet fruit, salty cheese, and tangy vinegar. It’s a side that feels like more. You could eat a bowl of this and call it dinner.
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Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash
Air fryer zucchini and squash is done in 15 minutes with sliced vegetables, oil, and basic seasonings. The texture is lightly crisped on the outside and soft in the middle. It works well as a side or even cold in a wrap. It’s the kind of recipe that keeps vegetables in rotation.
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Easy Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Thighs
Easy air fryer breaded chicken thighs cook in 25 minutes using thighs, breadcrumbs, and seasoning. The outside is golden and crunchy, while the inside stays juicy and flavorful. It feels like fast food without the wait. It’s one of those dinners that just works.
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Air Fryer Caprese Chicken
Air fryer Caprese chicken takes 20 minutes with chicken breasts, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. The cheese melts into the chicken while the tomatoes soften just enough. It’s simple but doesn’t taste like a shortcut. The air fryer keeps everything moist with minimal cleanup.
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Best Easy Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds
Easy air fryer fried cheese curds cook in 10 minutes with cheese curds, breadcrumbs, and seasoning. The curds melt slightly and stay stretchy inside a crispy shell. It’s salty, snackable, and hard to stop eating. They’re better than what you’d find at most fairs.
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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Crispy air fryer chicken legs cook in 30 minutes with basic seasoning and no breading required. The skin gets golden and crackly while the meat stays tender. It’s a hands-off way to get crispy chicken without turning on the oven. Leftovers reheat well without losing that crunch.
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Crispy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Legs
Crispy air fryer teriyaki chicken legs take about 30 minutes using drumsticks, teriyaki sauce, and light seasoning. The glaze caramelizes while the chicken crisps, giving you a mix of sweet, savory, and sticky. It’s great over rice or on its own. It feels like takeout but with zero wait.
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Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
Air fryer teriyaki salmon cooks in 15 minutes using salmon fillets and teriyaki sauce. The fish stays tender with a sticky, savory-sweet coating that forms a light crust. It’s bold, fast, and doesn’t need much on the side. The air fryer takes care of it without drying it out.
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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chuck Tender Filets
Air fryer bacon wrapped chuck tender filets are ready in 20 minutes with steak filets and bacon strips. The bacon crisps around the steak while keeping it moist and flavorful. It’s simple but rich, and feels like something special. The air fryer handles both textures in one go.
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Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Air fryer sesame chicken takes 25 minutes with chicken pieces, soy sauce, honey, and sesame seeds. The pieces get crisp with a sticky coating that’s both sweet and salty. It’s easy to pair with rice or vegetables. You get the crunch and glaze without deep frying.
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Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips
Crispy air fryer kale chips take 10 minutes with kale, oil, and salt. The leaves crisp up fast and stay light with a hint of bitterness and crunch. They’re best fresh but easy to keep on repeat. It’s one of the fastest snacks you’ll actually finish.
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Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia
Air fryer spiced tilapia cooks in 12 minutes with fillets and a mix of paprika, garlic, and cumin. The fish stays moist inside with a bold, savory crust on the outside. It’s simple, fast, and easy to serve with just rice or greens. Cleanup is fast, and the result is always solid.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia
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