Some comfort foods never go out of style, but making them the old-fashioned way can take too much time. These 19 nostalgic classics get a crispy, golden upgrade in the air fryer, bringing the same flavors with less effort. No deep-frying, no waiting forever for the oven—just quicker, easier versions of the foods you grew up loving. Once you see how simple these are to make, you’ll never go back to the traditional way.
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic
Brussels sprouts have been a dinner table staple for generations, but the air fryer gives them a crispier, more flavorful upgrade. No long roasting times or extra oil—just perfectly cooked sprouts in minutes. Tossed with feta, balsamic, and pomegranate, they bring back a classic side dish with a fresh twist. Once you try this, you won’t look at old-school roasting the same way again.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic
Best Easy Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds
Fried cheese curds used to be reserved for fairs and diners, but now the air fryer makes them easy to enjoy at home. The outside crisps up perfectly while the inside stays soft and melty—without the deep-fried mess. A childhood favorite gets a modern-day upgrade with this faster, hassle-free method. Once you realize how simple this is, waiting in line for fair food will feel unnecessary.
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Air Fryer Turkey Thighs
Sunday dinners and holiday feasts wouldn’t be the same without juicy turkey, and now the air fryer makes it easier than ever. The skin crisps up beautifully while the meat stays tender, all without the hassle of long roasting times. No basting, no checking the oven—just perfectly cooked turkey in less time. Once you see how effortless this is, roasting the old way might seem like a thing of the past.
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Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Italian Seasoning
Crispy chicken wings have always been a game-day must, but the air fryer makes them easier and faster without deep frying. The skin crisps up beautifully while the seasoning brings out bold flavors with minimal effort. No greasy mess, no waiting—just perfectly cooked wings in under 20 minutes. After this, oven-baked wings might start to feel outdated.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Italian Seasoning
Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters with Feta
Zucchini fritters have been a classic way to use up garden vegetables for years, and the air fryer makes them crispier and easier. No standing over the stove flipping each one—just a golden, crispy bite in minutes. The feta adds a savory touch that keeps this old-school dish packed with flavor. Once you make them this way, the stovetop version won’t feel as effortless.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters with Feta
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño poppers have been a party staple for decades, and now the air fryer makes them quicker and crispier. The bacon crisps perfectly around the melty cheese filling, all without deep-frying. No waiting for the oven, no greasy mess—just a classic snack made even easier. After trying these, making them any other way won’t feel as convenient.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Barbecue chicken drumsticks have been a backyard cookout staple for decades, but the air fryer brings that same flavor indoors in half the time. The skin gets crispy while the sauce caramelizes perfectly—no need for constant flipping or messy grilling. This method keeps cleanup simple while delivering the juicy, crispy chicken everyone loves. Once you try these, waiting for the grill to heat up will feel like extra work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets have been a go-to comfort food for decades, and now they’re even better without the deep fryer. The air fryer creates a crispy coating with a juicy center, all in just minutes. No need for frozen store-bought options or messy frying—just simple, homemade nuggets with a classic crunch. After one batch, oven-baked nuggets won’t be your first choice anymore.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings
Onion rings have always been a diner favorite, but wrapping them in crispy bacon takes them to a whole new level. The air fryer cooks them evenly without the need for greasy deep frying, making them an easy way to enjoy an old-school favorite. The bacon crisps up just right while the onions soften inside for the perfect bite. Once you taste these, the deep-fried version won’t feel worth the effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings
Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza
Pizza has been a comfort food favorite for generations, and now the air fryer makes it faster and crispier than ever. No long oven preheating—just a perfectly crisp crust and gooey toppings in minutes. This method turns pizza night into a quick and easy meal without sacrificing flavor. After this, waiting for delivery might feel like a waste of time.
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Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a blanket have been a classic party food for generations, and the air fryer makes them even easier to prepare. The dough crisps up perfectly while the sausage stays juicy inside—no need for long baking times. They come together in minutes, making them the ultimate snack for any occasion. Once you make them this way, waiting for the oven won’t feel worth it.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Soufflé
Sweet potato soufflé has been a staple at holiday tables for years, and now the air fryer makes it effortless. The outside caramelizes while the inside stays soft and creamy, all with minimal prep. No oven preheating, no long baking times—just the classic flavors everyone loves in less time. After this, traditional baking might start to feel like extra work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Soufflé
Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots
Tater tots have been a childhood favorite for generations, but loading them up with Philly cheesesteak flavors takes them to a whole new level. The air fryer crisps them up perfectly while melting the cheese and toppings just right. No soggy, baked tots—just crispy, flavorful bites that bring back diner-style comfort food. Once you make these, plain tots might start feeling incomplete.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
These loaded tots bring back classic diner-style comfort food, made quicker and crispier in the air fryer. The cheese melts perfectly while the bacon crisps up, creating the ultimate bite. No need to wait for an oven or deal with deep frying—just a quick, satisfying snack in minutes. After this, frozen tater tots might feel like a letdown.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Air Fryer Cheeseburger
Cheeseburgers have always been a go-to comfort food, and now the air fryer delivers a juicy patty with a crisp, seared finish. No standing over the stove or waiting for the grill—just a perfectly cooked burger in minutes. The air fryer locks in the flavors while keeping things simple. Once you make one this way, the old-fashioned pan-fry might not feel as convenient.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheeseburger
Jalapeño Popper Meatballs
Meatballs have been a comfort food favorite for generations, but adding jalapeño popper flavors gives them a bold new twist. The air fryer keeps them crispy outside and juicy inside without extra oil. Cheese, bacon, and spice come together in a bite-sized snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Once you try these, plain meatballs might start feeling a little less exciting.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Meatballs
Crab Rangoon Dip
Crab Rangoon has been a takeout favorite for decades, and now the air fryer makes its flavors even easier to enjoy. This dip delivers the same creamy, savory filling without the need for deep-fried wontons. Paired with crispy crackers or air-fried wonton chips, it’s a hassle-free way to bring back a nostalgic appetizer. Once you taste how effortless this is, making traditional Rangoon might start to feel unnecessary.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip
Cheese Puffs Air Fryer
Cheese puffs have been a crunchy snack-time classic, and now they come together in minutes with the air fryer. The cheese crisps up perfectly, creating a light and airy bite without the need for store-bought versions. No frying, no preservatives—just pure cheesy crunch made simple. After trying these, bagged cheese puffs might not be your go-to anymore.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Puffs Air Fryer
Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites
Apple pie has been a comforting dessert for generations, and these bite-sized versions bring all the flavor in a fraction of the time. The air fryer crisps up the flaky crust while keeping the cinnamon apple filling soft and warm. With just a few ingredients, they deliver the nostalgia of homemade pie without the long bake time. Once you try these, waiting for a full pie to cool might feel like a thing of the past.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites
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