15 Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Absolutely Make Forever

If your air fryer has been collecting dust, this list will change everything. These 15 foolproof recipes deliver big flavor, crispy textures, and weeknight speed with minimal cleanup. Each dish includes simple steps, precise temperatures, and pro tips so you can master them on the first try. Get ready to build a rotation of staples you’ll crave—and actually make forever.

1. Crispy Chicken Thighs (Bone-In, Skin-On)

These chicken thighs deliver shatteringly crisp skin and succulent meat with almost no effort. Pat the thighs dry, season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then air fry at 400°F for 18–22 minutes, flipping once for even rendering. Rest five minutes so juices settle and skin stays audibly crisp. Pair with a quick pan sauce or lemon wedges. The high heat concentrates flavors while keeping the interior lush. You’ll reach for this method whenever a fast, crowd-pleasing dinner is needed.

2. Garlic-Parmesan Potato Wedges

These wedges are the perfect balance of fluffy interiors and savory, crisp edges. Toss russet wedges with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then air fry at 390°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking once. As soon as they’re done, shower with finely grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley for fragrant, cheesy finish. Serve with garlicky aioli or ketchup. The starch of russets browns beautifully, while the air fryer concentrates that garlic aroma. They’re a guaranteed side everyone fights over.

3. Honey-Soy Salmon Fillets

Fast, glossy, and gently flaky, these salmon fillets are weeknight perfection. Brush with a mix of soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and a touch of oil, then air fry at 380°F for 7–10 minutes depending on thickness. Rest two minutes to set the glaze and keep the fish moist. The sweet-salty balance caramelizes at the edges while the center stays tender. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or crisp greens for a complete, satisfying meal in minutes.

4. Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts

Caramelized and crackly, these Brussels sprouts convert skeptics instantly. Halve sprouts, toss with oil, salt, and pepper, then air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking once for even browning. Immediately toss with a drizzle of hot honey and a squeeze of lemon to balance bitterness and bring bright heat. The edges lace into crisp frills while the centers soften. Finish with flaky salt or crushed red pepper. Serve alongside roasted meats or as a standout veg-forward appetizer.

5. Buttermilk “Fried” Chicken Tenders

These tenders mimic deep-fried crunch with a fraction of oil. Marinate strips in buttermilk and hot sauce, then dredge in seasoned panko. Lightly spray to encourage browning and crisp at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once. The buttermilk tenderizes, while panko creates an audibly crunchy crust. Season the crumbs with paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne for classic flavor. Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or hot sauce. Ideal for weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing game-day bites.

6. Lemon-Pepper Shrimp

Bright, peppery shrimp that cook in a flash. Toss peeled shrimp with olive oil, lemon zest, coarse black pepper, and salt, then air fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes until just opaque. Immediately finish with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley for a zingy lift. The hot air locks in juiciness while preserving that snappy bite. Serve over buttered noodles, folded into salads, or on crostini with a smear of ricotta. Don’t overcook—carryover heat does the rest.

7. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Salty, smoky, and irresistibly snackable, these bundles make a perfect side or appetizer. Gather three to four spears and wrap with half a slice of bacon, then air fry at 390°F for 8–10 minutes until the bacon crisps and spears become tender-crisp. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper and a whisper of lemon zest. The bacon bastes the asparagus as it renders, creating a luscious glaze. Serve immediately while hot and glossy. They vanish fast—double the batch.

8. Smoky Cauliflower “Wings”

These plant-forward “wings” deliver bold flavor and satisfying crunch. Toss cauliflower florets with oil, smoked paprika, garlic, and salt, then air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until deeply browned. For extra kick, toss in buffalo sauce and return to the basket for 2 minutes to set the coating. The edges char slightly, amplifying smokiness, while the centers stay tender. Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch. Perfect as a party snack or meatless main.

9. Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms

These stuffed mushrooms bubble with garlicky, herbed cream cheese and Parmesan. Fill button or cremini caps with a mixture of cream cheese, minced garlic, chopped herbs, and grated Parm. Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until the tops are golden and the filling is molten. The mushrooms turn juicy while the cheese becomes decadent. Garnish with chives or parsley. Great for entertaining—prep ahead and cook to order. Serve warm to capture that irresistible melty pull.

10. Panko-Crusted Cod

Crisp on the outside, tender and flaky within, this cod is a weeknight hero. Brush fillets with a thin coat of mayo, then press into seasoned panko for superior crunch. Air fry at 390°F for 10–12 minutes until the crumbs are golden and fish flakes. Finish with lemon juice and, optionally, briny capers for contrast. The mayo locks in moisture while anchoring the crust. Serve with a quick slaw or roasted veg for a balanced, vibrant plate.

11. Crispy Tofu Bites

These tofu bites are ultra-crisp outside with custardy centers. Press extra-firm tofu, cut into cubes, then toss with cornstarch, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of oil. Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking twice for even browning. Toss with sweet chili sauce or a spicy gochujang glaze. The cornstarch forms a thin, shattering crust that soaks up sauce without turning soggy. Excellent in grain bowls, tacos, or as a protein snack. Even tofu skeptics will approve.

12. Breakfast Potatoes

These diner-style potatoes deliver crisp edges and tender centers—no skillet guesswork. Toss diced potatoes with onion, bell pepper, oil, paprika, and salt, then air fry at 400°F for 14–18 minutes, shaking once. The onions caramelize while the peppers sweeten, creating a savory-sweet balance. Finish with black pepper and chives. Serve alongside eggs and toast, fold into breakfast burritos, or top with a runny yolk. They reheat well, making them ideal for meal prep and busy mornings.

13. Chicken Leg Quarters, BBQ Style

These leg quarters pack smoky-sweet barbecue vibes without firing up the grill. Rub generously with brown sugar, paprika, garlic, and salt, then air fry at 380°F for 24–28 minutes. Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 4–5 minutes to set a sticky glaze. The meat stays juicy while the skin browns beautifully. Let rest five minutes before serving. Add pickles, slaw, and cornbread for a cookout feel any night of the week.

14. Apple Hand Pies (Shortcut)

These hand pies deliver bakery-level comfort with supermarket shortcuts. Cut store-bought pie dough, fill with thin apple slices tossed in cinnamon-sugar, then crimp edges. Brush with egg wash and air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until golden and bubbly. The air fryer creates flaky layers and caramelized edges fast. Dust with sugar or drizzle with vanilla glaze. Perfect for lunchbox treats or an easy dessert—especially delicious warm with vanilla ice cream.

15. Garlic Bread with Mozzarella

This gooey garlic bread is your new last-minute side. Split a baguette and spread with softened butter mixed with minced garlic and parsley. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella, then air fry at 350°F for 5–6 minutes until melty and golden at the edges. The crumb stays soft while the cheese bubbles into a stretchy blanket. Finish with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve with pasta, soup, or salad. It’s dangerously simple and completely irresistible.