50 Best Air Fryer Recipes - [dinner, sides and dessert!] The Recipe Rebel (2024)

What is the best air fryer?

This is always a hard question to answer because it depends on what you like! We have tried three or four different air fryers over the years, we found that we prefer the basket style over the oven style with the racks. We now own two Chefman air fryers, a 3.7 quart TurboFry and an XL 8 quart TurboFry. We love them both!

What are the best types of things to cook in the air fryer?

I find the best air fryer recipes are those where you want a little more browning and maybe even a crispy crust, without drying out the inside! Anything from chicken, meat, seafood, potatoes and vegetables always turn out great.

What can I not cook in my air fryer?

Well, everything can be cooked in the air fryer but that doesn’t mean it should be. Very large cuts of meat can be difficult to cook in the air fryer because they may burn on top (the heating element is very close in an air fryer) and not be cooked through.
Recipes that include a lot of different components or require a lot of moisture, like a soup or pasta dish, are not great recipes for the air fryer.
A lot of baked goods don’t turn out well in the air fryer (not that they can’t be cooked in it), because the close quarters and forced air heat tend to dry things out.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

This answer will likely depend on the recipe, but as a rule, yes, the air fryer needs to be preheated just like your oven.
To preheat your air fryer, set it to the temperature you will be cooking at and turn on for 5-10 minutes.

Can I fill my air fryer to the top?

Again, you can, but you probably don’t want to. Filling the air fryer too full will prevent even cooking and browning, which is the best thing about air fryer cooking. Try to cook in a single layer as much as possible.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

This Air Fryer Chicken Breast is perfectly seasoned and incredibly juicy! It is golden and crispy on the outside and SO flavorful!

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Meatballs

These Air Fryer Meatballs are incredibly juicy on the inside, and golden brown on the outside! They're loaded with flavor and made with just a few ingredients!

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe

This Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe is incredibly crispy on the outside, fluffy and creamy on the inside, and couldn't be easier! Simply seasoned and perfect for your favorite toppings.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

This Air Fryer Fried Chicken is a 20-minute recipe for the best "fried" chicken! It's tender and juicy on the inside with a perfectly golden-brown, crispy, and flavorful exterior. It's a healthier, easier, less-mess alternative to classic fried chicken!

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

These Air Fryer Chicken Wings are perfectly seasoned and simple to make – serve with your favorite sauce! Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal clean up!

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

These Air Fryer Chicken Legs are tender, juicy and flavorful with a crispy exterior! The easiest way to cook those drumsticks!

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

These Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside! With a simple seasoning, they are prepped and cook quickly!

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor – these Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are a great prep ahead snack for game day!

Check out this recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is ready in only 30 minutes and makes the perfect main for family dinner or party appetizer! Pair with a variety of sauces for the perfect finish.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Super easy and flavorful chicken fajitas made quickly in the Air Fryer! The chicken is succulent, and bursting with flavor.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Boneless skinless chicken breasts are easily transformed into the most delicious Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with a honey mustard sauce!

Check out this recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Easy, crispy, and perfectly seasoned, these air fryer chicken taquitos are great for a weeknight dinner that are crispy with little oil.

Check out this recipe

How to Make Perfect Chicken Parmesan in the Air Fryer!

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a quick and easy Italian entree featuring white meat chicken cutlets, a crispy Panko breading and plenty of fresh parmesan cheese!

Check out this recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer Recipe

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are so yummy and easy to make. They are full of flavor and take minutes to come together.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Meatloaf

This Air Fryer Meatloaf is classic comfort food made quicker and easier in the air fryer! It's moist, tender, and juicy in the middle, with a slightly crispy exterior.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Burgers

Air Fryer Burgers are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside! Perfectly seasoned, make ahead and freezer friendly.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Meatballs

These Air Fryer Meatballs are incredibly juicy on the inside, and golden brown on the outside! They're loaded with flavor and made with just a few ingredients!

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Roast Beef {Fall Apart Tender!}

Air fryer roast beef is coated in montreal steak spice before being seared, and roasted to juicy perfection.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Taco Calzones

These Air Fryer Taco Calzones are a simple 3 ingredient recipe, ready in 20 minutes, for an easy family friendly dinner idea!

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Beef Taquitos (Freezer Instructions)

Seasoned beef and cheese rolled into tortillas and cooked to crispy perfection! Air Fryer Beef Taquitos freeze well and reheat in minutes.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Pork Chops

These air fryer pork chops make a fast and flavorful week night meal. Simple seasoning, easy prep and so juicy!

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Bacon

This air fryer bacon will be your new favorite way to cook bacon! Crispy, perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth bacon in just minutes and clean-up is so simple.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Salmon

This Air Fryer Salmon has the perfect crispy exterior and is flaky and tender inside! Simply seasoned and perfect with so many things!

Check out this recipe

Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp (Ready in 10 Minutes!)

These Air Fryer Shrimp could not be any easier! In just 10 minutes you have perfectly tender and juicy air fried shrimp.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Fish Nuggets

Air Fryer Fish Nuggets are crispy on the outside and cooked perfectly on the inside! Made with cod, panko and herbs.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Shrimp and Peppers

Air Fryer Shrimp And Peppers cooked quickly in the air fryer, then covered in a silky coconut curry sauce. Easily your new weeknight go-to!

Check out this recipe

Quick & Easy Air Fryer Cod

If you love fried fish but want to keep calories down, make your cod in an air fryer! This air fryer cod is crisp on the outside like fried.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Scallops – Simple & Quick Way to Cook Scallops!

Scallops cooked in the air fryer come out perfectly in just minutes. This quick and simple recipe is the only one you’ll need!

Check out this recipe

Make Ahead Thai Salmon Patties (Air Fryer or Pan Fried)

These Thai Salmon Patties can be prepped ahead and frozen for an easy meal prep dinner recipe. Thaw and cook in the frying pan or in an air fryer for crispy salmon patties with a punch of spicy Thai curry flavor!

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

These ultra crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges are made with just a few simple ingredients and turn out perfectly every time! Golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

Air Fryer Frozen French Fries are hot and crispy and just as good as your favorite takeout spot! With a simple seasoning and lots of ways to customize!

Check out this recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts – sweetpeasandsaffron.com

Air fryer brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. With five simple ingredients and ready in under 15 minutes!

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Potatoes

These crispy Air Fryer Potatoes are made with a few simple ingredients and little prep time! They are golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Air fryer zucchini fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Coated with a crispy parmesan panko breading, they are the perfect way to use up extra zucchini!

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe

This Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe is incredibly crispy on the outside, fluffy and creamy on the inside, and couldn't be easier! Simply seasoned and perfect for your favorite toppings.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Tater Tots

These Air Fryer Tater Tots are perfectly crispy and cook quickly! The best way to cook tater tots!

Check out this recipe

Easy Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash is a delicious side dish and easy low carb recipe. It’s a good low carb alternative to pasta and great for those following a keto or paleo diet!

Check out this recipe

ULTRA Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

Crispy air fryer chickpeas are the tastiest and crunchiest snack you will find. Using the air fryer cuts the cook time down to 15 minutes, and they are so much crispier than in the oven!

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is perfectly crisp and tender! This is the easiest way to cook corn on the cob and it’s ready in about 8 minutes!

Check out this recipe

Lemon Parmesan Air Fryer Broccoli

Even the kids will want seconds of crispy roasted Lemon Parmesan Air Fryer Broccoli! With a sprinkle of cheese, it’s the perfect side dish!

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Recipe

Just in time for holiday menu planning, thisAir Fryer Sweet Potato Recipe is a great way to prepare your baked sweet potatoes.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer French Fries

Air Fryer French Fries are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside! A family favorite made with hardly any oil!

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

These Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies have a sweet, brown sugar apple cinnamon filling, inside a perfectly flaky pie crust. They are the delicious way to enjoy a personal sized apple pie.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer S’mores

These air fryer s’mores make the summertime favorite even easier. Now you can make perfect s’mores in the comfort of your kitchen in just minutes. It’s officially s’more season, but in case you don’t want

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Beignets

Easy 2 ingredient Air Fryer Beignets! Made with buttery puff pastry and coated with powdered sugar with no oil! Ready in 9 minutes!

Check out this recipe

Easy Air Fryer Donuts (Ready in 10 Minutes!)

Air Fryer Donuts are so light & fluffy! Pre-made biscuits are air-fried until golden brown, brushed with butter & tossed in cinnamon sugar.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

These air fryer chocolate chip cookies have an amazing texture – perfectly chewy with crisp outsides that will certainly rival your favorite recipe, and no…

Check out this recipe

Air Fried Oreos

These Air Fried Oreos are only three ingredients, and so easy to make. They’re wrapped in crescent roll dough, and air fried to golden perfection. They’re so sweet, with a soft inside, crispy outside –

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer French Toast (perfect texture!)

This air fryer French toast is the best of both worlds: crispy on the outside, yet soft and tender on the inside!

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Churro Apple Pie Bombs {+ Video} – Miss in the Kitchen

Air Fryer Churro Apple Pie Bombs are a sweet treat that can be made in about 20 minutes with only 5 ingredients. Quick, easy & delicious!

Check out this recipe