18 Delicious Air Fryer Recipes for Quick Meals

Posted on March 18, 2025

Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for convenience when it comes to cooking quick meals? Look no further! The air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook, allowing us to create crispy, delicious dishes with minimal effort. And the best part? These 18 mouth-watering air fryer recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen.

From classic favorites like chicken wings and fries, to innovative twists on traditional dishes, this list has something for everyone. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick lunch or a family seeking a healthier dinner option, these air fryer recipes are the perfect solution. So go ahead, get cooking, and experience the joy of having a delicious meal ready in no time!

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Get ready to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken wings with minimal effort! This recipe uses an air fryer to cook the perfect snack.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: your favorite sauce (BBQ, buffalo, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the chicken wings and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss until fully coated with the marinade.
5. Load the air fryer basket with the chicken wings in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
6. Cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway through. The wings should be crispy and cooked through.

Cooking Time:

– 20-25 minutes total
– 10-12 minutes per batch (depending on the size of your air fryer)

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries
Satisfy your cravings with this mouthwatering recipe that combines crispy fries with the savory flavors of garlic and parmesan. This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries recipe is a game-changer for any snack or meal.

Ingredients:

– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the potatoes into fry shapes and place them in a bowl.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the fries, sprinkling with minced garlic and salt to taste.
4. Load the fries into the Air Fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of the fries and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until melted.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (plus extra 1-2 minutes for cheese)

Juicy Air Fryer Salmon

Juicy Air Fryer Salmon
Elevate your seafood game with this easy and flavorful air fryer salmon recipe! With a crispy exterior and tender interior, you’ll be hooked on the result.

Ingredients:

– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each filet.
4. Brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through to your desired level of doneness.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes

Tips:

– Make sure to pat dry the salmon fillets before cooking to ensure crispiness.
– If you prefer a crisper crust, increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes and check frequently.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Transform your sweet potatoes into crispy, flavorful wedges with minimal effort using your Air Fryer. This recipe yields a delicious side dish or snack that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

– 2-3 large sweet potatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Optional: paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the sweet potatoes into wedges and place them in a bowl.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and any additional seasonings you like.
4. Load the sweet potato wedges into the Air Fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Check for crispiness and cook an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Crunchy Air Fryer Onion Rings

Crunchy Air Fryer Onion Rings
Crunchy Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Get ready to satisfy your crispy onion ring cravings with this easy and delicious air fryer recipe!

Ingredients:

– 1 large onion, sliced into rings
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon buttermilk
– Cooking spray or oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each onion ring into the beaten egg, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Place coated onion rings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each ring.
5. Spray the top of the onion rings with cooking spray or oil.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Air Fryer Honey Glazed Carrots

Air Fryer Honey Glazed Carrots
Elevate your snack game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with a hint of honey and a crispy texture from the air fryer.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized sticks
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey and olive oil.
3. Add the carrot sticks to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the glaze.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Load the carrots into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, or until the carrots reach your desired level of crispiness.
7. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Spicy Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos

Spicy Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos
Elevate your taco game with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe that combines the freshness of lime, the spiciness of chili flakes, and the succulence of air-fried shrimp.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon chili flakes
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Sliced radishes, lime wedges, cilantro leaves, and crumbled queso fresco for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, chili flakes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
4. Air-fry the shrimp for 5-6 minutes or until pink and cooked through.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in foil and heating in the air fryer for 30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos with air-fried shrimp, radishes, lime wedges, cilantro leaves, and crumbled queso fresco (if using).
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers

Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers
A flavorful and healthy twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe uses the air fryer to cook the bell peppers to perfection while keeping them tender and juicy.

Ingredients:

– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 pound ground turkey or beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, ground turkey or beef, chopped onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture, filling to the top.
5. Place the stuffed bell peppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
7. Check for doneness by inserting a fork; it should be tender but still crisp.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Golden Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Golden Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Elevate your snack game with this simple recipe that yields crispy, golden mozzarella sticks without the need for deep-frying.

Ingredients:

– 12-16 mozzarella cheese sticks
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each mozzarella stick into the beaten egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
6. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown, shaking halfway through.

Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes

Enjoy your crispy, golden mozzarella sticks!

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Quickly cook tender and flavorful chicken skewers with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, all thanks to the air fryer. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: green onions, sesame seeds, and sliced almonds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, and vegetable oil.
3. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
4. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Cook the skewers in batches if necessary, air frying for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and sliced almonds if desired.

Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes

Fluffy Air Fryer Donuts

Fluffy Air Fryer Donuts
Say goodbye to deep-frying and hello to healthier, delicious donuts with this easy air fryer recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create fluffy and tasty donuts that are perfect for snacking or as a special treat.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until smooth batter forms.
5. Pipe or spoon the batter into donut shapes in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until donuts are golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (optional) and serve warm.

Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch

Air Fryer BBQ Pork Chops

Air Fryer BBQ Pork Chops
Get ready to savor the flavors of a classic BBQ without the hassle of slow-cooking! This Air Fryer recipe yields tender, juicy pork chops with a sweet and tangy glaze.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 pork chops (1/2 inch thick)
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Season pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Place pork chops in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Brush the BBQ glaze all over the pork chops during the last minute of cooking.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes

Crispy Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Crispy Air Fryer Fish Tacos
A flavorful and crispy twist on traditional fish tacos, this recipe uses the air fryer to achieve a perfect balance of crunch and flaky fish.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cod or tilapia fillets
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6 corn tortillas
– Sliced avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and salsa (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, lime juice, garlic, and oregano.
3. Dip fish fillets into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Cook fish in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos by placing cooked fish onto tortillas and topping with desired toppings.

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Air Fryer Herb-Roasted Potatoes

Air Fryer Herb-Roasted Potatoes
Air Fryer Herb-Roasted Potatoes Recipe

Elevate your potato game with this simple and flavorful recipe that yields perfectly roasted potatoes with a crispy outside and fluffy inside, all achieved without sacrificing texture or taste.

Ingredients:

– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine potato wedges, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder.
3. Toss potatoes until they are evenly coated with the herb mixture.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Load the air fryer basket with the potatoes in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
6. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Transform cauliflower into addictive Buffalo bites with the power of your Air Fryer! This recipe is a game-changer for veggie lovers and party-goers alike.

Ingredients:

– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tbsp Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1 tsp butter
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped green onions or crumbled blue cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together Frank’s RedHot sauce and butter until smooth.
3. Add cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the Buffalo mixture.
4. Place breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in separate bowls.
5. Remove cauliflower from the Buffalo mixture and roll each piece in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Load Air Fryer basket with coated cauliflower bites in a single layer.
7. Cook for 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C), shaking halfway through.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
This recipe combines the tender juiciness of chicken thighs with the bright, citrusy flavor of lemon and the subtle kick of pepper. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Place chicken thighs in the Air Fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
4. Brush the lemon mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
5. Cook for 15-18 minutes, or until cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apple Chips

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apple Chips
Transform ordinary apples into crispy, sweet, and addictive chips with this easy recipe. Perfect as a healthy snack or as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or salads.

Ingredients:

– 2-3 apples (any variety), sliced into thin rounds
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add sliced apples to the bowl and toss until they’re evenly coated with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
4. Load the apple chips into the Air Fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your Air Fryer.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The chips are done when they’re crispy and golden brown.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Tips:

– For an extra crunchy chip, pat dry the apple slices with a paper towel before cooking.
– Experiment with different spices or flavor combinations to create unique variations.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe

Summary: Elevate your seafood game with this crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F.
2. Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
4. Dip each tilapia fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
5. Place the coated tilapia fillets in the Air Fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the fish, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes

Summary

Looking for quick and delicious meal ideas? Look no further! This article features 18 mouth-watering air fryer recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. From crispy chicken wings to sweet potato wedges, juicy salmon to crunchy onion rings, there’s something for everyone. Get creative with flavor combinations like honey glazed carrots and spicy shrimp tacos, or keep it simple with classic favorites like mozzarella sticks and teriyaki chicken skewers. Whether you’re a health-conscious foodie or a busy parent looking for a quick meal solution, these air fryer recipes are sure to please.

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