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Air fryers work by circulating super-hot air, which quickly and evenly reaches all the surfaces of the food. In other words, it gives food that crispy-fried texture and golden-brown color without having to actually deep-fry anything.
If you’ve joined the air fryer club recently and need some ideas for new dinner essentials, we’ve got you covered. You can make practically anything that you would fry in an air fryer. It’s great at heating frozen foods, but it’s also fantastic for from-scratch foods, like chicken wings, potato chips, donuts, and extra-crisp cookies! Here, we’ve rounded up more than 65 air fryer recipes to show just how versatile the appliance can be.
Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners
From baked potatoes to ultra-crispy bacon, these are staple recipes you’ll come back to again and again. And they’re a perfect starting point if you’re just getting started with air frying.
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Perfect Air Fryer SalmonThese salmon fillets cook up perfectly on all sides in minutes, and the resulting salmon is crisp on the outside and juicy and flaky on the inside.
Go to Recipe Air Fryer Chicken
Not only can the air fryer treat to you to impossibly crisp chicken that rivals deep fried, it also makes the juiciest chicken breast.
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Air Fryer Fried ChickenThis fried chicken is basically the number-one reason that you should own an air fryer. It delivers on all the crispy, juicy flavors you’re craving.
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Air Fryer Chicken WingsThese are some of the juiciest wings you’ll have outside of a restaurant. They’re also some of the crispiest — thanks to being cooked twice. Don’t forget the dipping sauce!
Go to Recipe Vegetarian Air Fryer Recipes
It you need a quick vegetable side or ultra-crispy tofu, the air fryer has you covered.
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Air Fryer Falafel Falafel, even eaten on its own with a simple dipping sauce, is a treat that hits the spot regardless if you're a vegetarian or not.
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Air Fryer Tofu Air fryer tofu has those amazing crisp edges that make fried tofu so delicious, but there’s no actual frying with this method.
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Crispy Air Fryer Brussels SproutsAll veggies in the air fryer are so good — thanks to the super-hot circulating air, they’re sweeter, crunchier, and more flavorful than roasted vegetables — and Brussels sprouts are no exception.
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Air Fryer Onion Rings Onion rings are a classic example of how breading just about anything can transform a few humble ingredients into a fun and impressive side dish or snack.
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Air Fryer LatkesThis super-simple air fryer latkes — made with grated potatoes, onion, matzo meal, and eggs — are just as crispy and delicious as traditional fried latkes.
Go to Recipe Air Fryer Desserts and Snacks
Don’t forget dessert! The air fryer does that too. And it’s also the best way to make crispy potato chips at home.
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Easy Air Fryer DonutsWhen it comes to desserts, it doesn’t get much easier than these donuts. They have a super smart-shortcut: Take canned biscuit dough, slice it into rounds, and cut the center out. Top them with a cinnamon-sugar mix or your favorite icing, and voilà!
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Air Fryer Apple Cider DonutsThese super-delicious cakey donuts are an autumn New England treat — but you can enjoy them any time of year, and anywhere you are. All you need is a little apple cider, and some baking ingredients. One bite and you’re strolling through an orchard, picking apples!
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Air Fryer Apple ChipsThe air fryer is the secret to the crispiest apple chips. Tossing the apple slices in cinnamon and nutmeg before frying them gives them warmly spiced flavor (and makes the kitchen smell delicious).
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Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips These golden savory chips are a favorite snack from the air fryer. Sweet potato slices get super crisp without much added oil and definitely without frying or roasting.
Go to Recipe Air Fryer Dinners
There’s nothing the air fryer can’t turn out for an easy dinner.
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Air Fryer Meatloaf This classic savory mix of onion, garlic, Worcestershire, and beef is air fried until juicy in the middle with delightfully crispy crust.
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Air Fryer SteakAir frying combines the ease of baking with all the deliciousness of pan-searing. The hot, circulating air quickly browns the outside of the steak, resulting in golden-brown edges that mimic a hard sear.
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Air Fryer MeatballsThese quick and easy air fryer meatballs are as moist and flavorful as they come, thanks to a combination of ground meat and the addition of ricotta.
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Air Fryer Mini CalzonesThese mini calzones use prepared pizza dough to make delicious pockets filled with cheese and pepperoni that are perfect for parties or after school snacks
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