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Home » Trending

21 Air Fryer Recipes That Turn Simple Ingredients Into Showstoppers

Published: Jan 6, 2026 by Janelle This post may contain affiliate links - read my disclaimer for full details... Leave a Comment

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Who knew dinner could be this easy and this crispy? These 21 air fryer recipes bring flavor, crunch, and attitude to every meal. From juicy proteins to perfectly roasted veggies and snack worthy bites, each recipe shows how the air fryer can make weeknight cooking effortless, indulgent, and totally crave worthy.

Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

Air Fryer Twisted Bacon on a plate.
Air Fryer Twisted Bacon. Photo credit: From Ice Cream To Steak.

Bored of basic bacon? Give it a twist—literally. These air fryer bacon spirals come out crispy, golden, and just a little fancy. They take almost no effort and work for everything from lazy Sunday breakfasts to game day snacks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

Air Fryer Paleo Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Paleo Teriyaki Chicken Thighs on a plate.
Air Fryer Paleo Teriyaki Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: From Ice Cream To Steak.

This is one of those “how is this so good with so little effort?” recipes. Two ingredients, under 20 minutes, and you’ve got tender, teriyaki-glazed chicken thighs that everyone will want seconds of.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Paleo Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Steak

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Steak on a plate with a fork.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Steak. Photo credit: From Ice Cream To Steak.

Think steak night takes forever? Nope. Wrap it in bacon, toss it in the air fryer, and in less than 15 minutes, dinner’s done—and delicious. Low carb, high reward.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Steak

Air Fryer Shrimp

Close-up of seasoned, cooked shrimp garnished with fresh herbs from our collection of delectable seafood recipes.
Air Fryer Shrimp. Photo credit: From Ice Cream To Steak.

Shrimp in the air fryer is one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner?” kind of recipes. They’re done in minutes, super juicy, lightly crisp, and go with just about anything—salads, tacos, pasta, you name it.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

How To Cook Frozen Meatballs in an Air Fryer

A bowl of spaghetti topped with rich tomato sauce, air-fried frozen meatballs, freshly grated cheese, and vibrant basil leaves.
How to make frozen meatballs in an air fryer. Photo credit: From Ice Cream to Steak.

This might be the easiest win of the week: toss frozen meatballs in the air fryer and let it do its thing. You’ll get perfect texture every time—great for pasta night, sandwiches, or last-minute snacks.
Get the Recipe: How To Cook Frozen Meatballs in an Air Fryer

Air Fryer Salmon with Skin

Three Air Fryer Salmon with Skin pieces on a platter.
Air Fryer Salmon with Skin. Photo credit: From Ice Cream To Steak.

If crispy salmon skin and juicy, flaky fish sound like a win, the air fryer’s your new best friend. This is the kind of healthy dinner that feels fancy but takes almost no effort. Fast, flavorful, and totally foolproof.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon with Skin

Easy & Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops (Bone-In, No Breading!)

Close-up of two slices of grilled pork chops garnished with herbs, tempting enough for your last meal, placed beside fresh asparagus spears on a plate.
Easy & Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops (Bone-In, No Breading!). Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Forget the breading—these air fryer pork chops bring big flavor with a simple seasoning blend and zero hassle. Bone-in means extra juicy, and the air fryer handles the rest. Perfect for a no-stress, healthy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy & Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops (Bone-In, No Breading!)

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon with parsley on a white plate.
Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Two ingredients, 15 minutes, and boom—you’ve got flaky, flavor-packed salmon thanks to everything bagel seasoning and the air fryer. It's one of those “how is this so good and so easy?” recipes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Everything Bagel Salmon

Air Fryer Panko Shrimp

Air Fryer Panko Shrimp with cilantro lime dressing and parsley on a white plate.
Air Fryer Panko Shrimp. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside—these air fryer panko shrimp are a fast, healthy way to impress, whether you’re snacking or serving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Panko Shrimp

Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Air Fryer Salmon on a white plate with sugar snap peas and green onions.
Air Fryer Frozen Salmon. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Forgot to thaw the salmon? No problem. Just toss those frozen filets in the air fryer and let it do the work. They come out juicy and flavorful—especially with a quick brush of homemade teriyaki. Ready in under 15 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs in a white bowl with parsley.
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Frozen turkey meatballs in the air fryer? Easy, convenient, and delicious. These keto-friendly meatballs are ready in a flash and have only 3g carbs per serving—perfect for a quick, low-carb meal!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

Jalapeño Poppers on a platter with a bowl of dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These air fryer jalapeño poppers are game-day goals! Filled with creamy cheese and topped with bacon, they’re the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and crispy—all ready in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Two chicken leg quarters on a grey plate sprinkled with parsley with a broccoli salad in the background.
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer chicken leg quarters are a no-fuss dinner that hits all the right notes. Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside—ready in no time!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Buffalo chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These ultra-crispy air fryer buffalo chicken tenders are the healthier alternative to the deep-fried restaurant version. They’re full of flavor, crave-worthy, and perfect for an easy dinner or snack!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Pieces of chicken on a plate of spaghetti.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer chicken parmesan takes the classic Italian dish to the next level! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and smothered in melted cheese—it’s a hearty, healthier twist on a favorite dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Golden roasted air fryer baby potatoes on a serving plate with a wooden and metal spoon.
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer baby potatoes? Crispy, golden, and totally tender inside. They’re roasted to perfection, giving you a side dish that’s both crispy and creamy with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Delicious Air Fryer Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

A plate of sweet and sour chicken in red sauce, topped with chopped herbs, served over white rice.
Delicious Air Fryer Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Air fryer sweet and sour chicken is a delicious dish with a pleasant contrast in taste and texture. The sweet and sour sauce perfectly coats the chicken pieces, giving them a burst of flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Air Fryer Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Air Fryer Peanuts Recipe: Roasted To Perfection

A bowl of roasted peanuts on a wooden surface.
Air Fryer Peanuts Recipe: Roasted To Perfection. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Roasting peanuts in an air fryer is not only quick and easy but also results in deliciously golden brown, crispy peanuts with a nutty flavor that's hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peanuts Recipe: Roasted To Perfection

Air Fryer French Onion Baked Potatoes

Loaded baked potatoes topped with melted cheese, green onions, and crispy fried onions, served on a wooden surface with a small bowl of more crispy onions in the background.
Air Fryer French Onion Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Looking for a new side dish idea? These air fryer twice baked French onion baked potatoes are sweet, creamy, savory, and oh so delicious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Onion Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots

A plate full of sweet potato tater tots with dip.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These air fryer sweet potato tater tots are great as either an appetizer or a side dish. You can even make them as a snack. They're so good.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots

Air Fryer Short Ribs

Several pieces of seasoned and cooked ribs on a wooden cutting board, garnished with herbs. Small bowls with spices are placed on the board.
Air Fryer Short Ribs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Experience the most mouthwatering air fryer short ribs you ever had. Seriously, they're so juicy and they're just fall off the bone tender.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Short Ribs

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Hi, I’m Lara, a Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer with a passion for food and travel.

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