22 Foods That Taste Amazing When Cooked In An Air Fryer

If you think the air fryer is just for frozen fries, get ready to be happily surprised. This little countertop hero delivers crispy, juicy, and downright irresistible food with less oil and way less fuss. You get speedy cook times, easy cleanup, and consistent results that taste like your favorite takeout. Let’s dive into the most delicious ideas you can make tonight.

1. Crispy Chicken Wings

Crispy chicken wings in the air fryer are a weeknight miracle. Toss them with baking powder and your favorite seasoning, then let hot circulating air render the fat and create shatteringly crisp skin. You get juicy meat inside without the grease bath, and the cleanup is blissfully simple.

Finish with buffalo sauce, garlic parmesan, or a sticky honey chili glaze for game day vibes. You will love how fast batches rotate through, keeping everyone happy. Serve with celery, carrots, and ranch or blue cheese. It is pub quality at home, minus the mess.

2. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries turn outrageously crisp in an air fryer, with caramelized edges and tender centers. Toss spears with cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, and a drizzle of oil to boost crunch. Shake the basket midway so everything cooks evenly and does not clump.

Serve with a smoky chipotle mayo or maple mustard dip that highlights their natural sweetness. You can go savory with Cajun spice or sweet with cinnamon sugar. Either way, they beat soggy oven versions by miles. Expect quick cook times and reliable results every single batch.

3. Salmon Fillets

Air fryer salmon stays buttery and tender while getting lightly crisp edges. Brush fillets with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and dill, then cook skin side down for easy release. The high heat locks in moisture, so the fish flakes beautifully without sticking.

Pair with asparagus or a citrus slaw for a fresh weeknight dinner. You will appreciate how fast it goes from fridge to plate, especially on busy nights. Try a miso glaze or maple soy for variety. It feels restaurant worthy, yet cleanup is as simple as a quick wipe.

4. Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts become irresistibly crispy in the air fryer, transforming skeptics into fans. Halve them, toss with oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of honey or balsamic. The outer leaves char and crisp while the centers stay tender, giving you that perfect contrast.

Finish with grated parmesan, crushed red pepper, or crumbled bacon for extra oomph. You will love how quickly they cook and how evenly they brown. Serve alongside roasted chicken or stack into a grain bowl. They taste gourmet with almost zero effort and minimal cleanup.

5. Mozzarella Sticks

Frozen or homemade, mozzarella sticks in the air fryer turn gorgeously melty inside with a crunchy shell. Freeze assembled sticks before cooking to prevent blowouts. A breadcrumb and panko mix with Italian seasoning guarantees a golden crust without deep frying.

Serve with warm marinara or spicy arrabbiata for dipping. You get snack bar perfection in minutes, ideal for parties or late night cravings. Shake the basket once to keep them from sticking. The cheese pull is real, the mess is not, and everyone will want seconds

6. Pork Chops

Thick cut pork chops stay juicy in the air fryer, thanks to rapid heat that seals in moisture. Pat dry, season generously with salt, pepper, garlic, and smoked paprika, then cook until blush pink inside. Rest briefly to keep the juices where they belong.

Add a maple mustard glaze or herb butter to finish. You will appreciate the even sear without standing over a pan. Pair with roasted potatoes or a crisp slaw for weeknight comfort. It is a foolproof path to tender meat and a gorgeous crust every time.

7. Cauliflower Bites

Cauliflower bites turn into addictive nuggets with the air fryer. Toss florets in a light batter or seasoned breadcrumbs, then fry with hot circulating air until crisp. They are fantastic plain, but buffalo sauce or garlic parmesan seasoning takes them over the top.

Serve with ranch or tahini lemon dip for balance. You get a snackable veggie that even picky eaters devour. Shake the basket for even browning and no soggy spots. Perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or meal prep that still tastes fun and satisfying.

8. Steak Bites

Steak bites in the air fryer deliver juicy, caramelized cubes fast. Toss with oil, salt, pepper, and garlic, then cook hot for a sizzling crust. The interior stays tender, and you can finish with butter and herbs for steakhouse flavor without babysitting a skillet.

Serve over mashed potatoes, in tacos, or with chimichurri for brightness. You will enjoy how evenly the pieces cook and how little splatter happens. It is bold flavor with minimal fuss on busy nights. Let the bites rest briefly so juices settle and every piece eats perfectly.

9. Tofu Cubes

Air fryer tofu turns remarkably crisp outside and custardy inside. Press extra firm tofu, toss with cornstarch, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, then fry until golden. The surface crisps beautifully without deep frying, making it perfect for bowls, wraps, or snacking.

Toss with a sticky gochujang glaze, teriyaki, or lemon pepper. You will love the consistency and how well it holds sauces. It is a plant based protein that finally delivers crunch. Add scallions and sesame seeds, and you have a fast, flavorful main with minimal cleanup.

10. Bacon

Air fryer bacon cooks quicker and cleaner than stovetop, with evenly rendered fat and crisp edges. Lay strips in a single layer, and let the drippings fall away for less greasy results. You get breakfast perfection without babysitting a splattering pan.

Use it for BLTs, salads, or crumbling over baked potatoes. Cleanup is simple, and the texture is consistently excellent. Adjust time based on thickness and desired crispness. Once you try it, going back to the skillet feels unnecessary and messy by comparison.

11. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

Skin on chicken thighs become unbelievably crisp in the air fryer while staying succulent inside. Coat with olive oil, garlic, parmesan, and Italian herbs, then cook until the skin crackles. The cheese forms a savory crust that beats most oven roasts.

Serve with lemon wedges and a simple green salad. You will appreciate how forgiving thighs are, refusing to dry out. It is a weeknight staple that tastes like a special occasion. Leftovers reheat well, keeping that satisfying crunch with minimal effort and zero stress.

12. Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers cook beautifully in the air fryer, with tender shells and bubbly tops. Fill with seasoned rice, ground turkey or beef, onions, and tomato sauce, then top with cheese. The circulating heat melts everything together faster than the oven.

Use colorful peppers for sweetness and presentation. You will love how neatly they cook without getting soggy. Serve with sour cream and fresh herbs for brightness. It is comfort food that feels surprisingly light, perfect for a balanced dinner that still satisfies in every bite.

13. Chickpeas

Air fryer chickpeas are snack gold, crisping into crunchy little protein bombs. Toss drained chickpeas with oil, salt, and spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic. They crisp quickly, making them perfect for salads, soups, or munching straight from a bowl.

Try a sweet cinnamon sugar version for a fun twist. Shake the basket a few times to prevent scorching and ensure even results. You will get that addictive crunch without turning on the oven. Store leftovers in a jar to keep them crisp and ready anytime.

14. Apple Chips

Thin sliced apple chips become delicately crisp in the air fryer with barely any sugar. Dust with cinnamon and a pinch of salt to amplify flavor. The natural sweetness intensifies as moisture evaporates, resulting in a light, crunchy snack.

Keep slices even and do not overcrowd for the best texture. You will love how quickly they cook compared to the oven. Dip in yogurt or enjoy straight from the basket. They satisfy sweet cravings while keeping things simple, wholesome, and surprisingly fragrant in your kitchen.

15. Falafel

Falafel in the air fryer turns crunchy outside and fluffy inside without deep oil. Start with soaked chickpeas, herbs, garlic, and spices, then shape and chill before cooking. A little oil spray helps the crust brown beautifully.

Serve with warm pitas, tahini sauce, and pickled veggies. You will appreciate the clean flavor and lighter feel compared to deep fried versions. Batch cooking works great for meal prep too. The texture is spot on, and the kitchen stays cool, clean, and wonderfully aromatic.

16. Shrimp

Air fryer shrimp cook in minutes, staying juicy with a gentle snap. Toss with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and paprika, then cook until just pink. Overcooking is easy to avoid because you can peek quickly without losing heat.

Serve over pasta, in tacos, or with cocktail sauce. You will love the speed for weeknight dinners or quick appetizers. Try a coconut breading for a crunchy twist. It is reliable, fast, and makes seafood night feel effortless while tasting like a coastal restaurant treat.

17. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Grilled cheese gets ultra crisp in the air fryer, with evenly melted centers and golden bread. Butter or mayo the outside, assemble with your favorite cheese, and cook until bubbling. The texture hits that perfect crunch without a greasy skillet.

Add tomato, bacon, or a swipe of pesto for variety. You will love hands off cooking that still delivers diner level comfort. Flip once for balanced browning. It is pure nostalgia made easier, great for lunch, quick dinners, or cozy late night snacks when cravings strike.

18. Potato Wedges

Air fryer potato wedges are thick, fluffy inside, and crisp outside. Parboil briefly or soak to remove excess starch, then toss with oil, garlic, paprika, and salt. The air fryer creates a crust that rivals pub fries with far less oil.

Serve with ketchup, aioli, or a smoky barbecue dip. You will appreciate the consistent results, even when cooking big batches. Shake once for even color and crunch. It is the easiest way to satisfy a french fry craving without dragging out a deep fryer.

19. Donut Holes

Air fryer donut holes give you bakery vibes with minimal effort. Use biscuit dough or yeasted dough, then air fry until puffed and golden. Toss warm in cinnamon sugar or glaze with vanilla icing for that classic finish.

They cook fast, making them perfect for weekend brunch or dessert cravings. You will love the tender interior and light crust. No messy vats of oil or lingering smells. Just quick sweetness that disappears almost as fast as you can make it.

20. Halloumi Fries

Halloumi fries in the air fryer turn beautifully golden with a squeaky, tender bite. Dust sticks with cornstarch and paprika, then spritz with oil for extra crisping. The salty cheese becomes wildly snackable without melting away.

Serve with lemon, harissa yogurt, or honey for a sweet savory contrast. You will appreciate how sturdy halloumi is for dipping and sharing. It is a crowd pleasing appetizer that feels unique. Expect empty plates and requests for the recipe after the first crunchy bite.

21. Egg Rolls

Egg rolls turn shatter crisp in the air fryer with a fraction of the oil. Fill with cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and ground pork or shrimp, then roll tightly. A light oil spray helps blister the wrappers perfectly.

Serve with sweet chili sauce or soy vinegar dip. You will love how clean and quick the process feels. They freeze well, so keep a stash for instant snacks. The crunch is loud, the filling steamy, and the results beat most takeout without leaving the house.

22. Broccoli Florets

Air fryer broccoli chars at the edges while staying tender and bright. Toss with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, then cook until frizzled and aromatic. A squeeze of lemon or parmesan shower at the end wakes everything up.

It is a simple side that pairs with anything from salmon to steak. You will love the speed and the roasty flavor without heating the whole oven. Add chili flakes for kick or miso butter for depth. Even veggie skeptics tend to go back for seconds.