These Are The 25 Simplest Air Fryer Recipes I’ve Ever Made

If you crave big flavor with little effort, the air fryer is about to be your best friend. These are the simplest, most reliable recipes that deliver crispy edges, juicy centers, and weeknight sanity.

You will get straight to the good part with quick seasonings, minimal prep, and consistent results. Keep this list handy for those nights when you want dinner fast without sacrificing that wow factor.

1. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Pat thighs dry, sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a little paprika. Rub a thin coat of oil so the skin renders and turns deeply golden.

Air fry skin side down, then flip until the juices run clear and the edges shatter with a bite.

Let them rest a few minutes so the meat stays ridiculously juicy. You will taste that perfect contrast of crackly skin and tender, flavorful chicken.

Serve with lemon, toss in a quick hot honey drizzle, or slice over a salad for the easiest win.

2. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Season tenders with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika. Cook as is for a fast, juicy bite or coat in seasoned breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

A quick spritz of oil helps them brown beautifully without deep frying.

They cook in minutes and are wildly kid friendly. You can dip in honey mustard, ranch, or buffalo sauce for variety.

Toss leftovers on top of a salad or stuff into wraps with lettuce and pickles, and you will not miss takeout.

3. Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Dry the wings really well and toss with baking powder, salt, and pepper. Air fry until the skin blisters and crisps, then toss in your favorite sauce.

Buffalo, lemon pepper, or honey garlic all shine here without a deep fryer.

You get shatter crisp skin and juicy meat in less time than oven baking. Keep a second batch cycling while the first gets sauced.

Perfect for game night, last minute guests, or when a wing craving hits hard.

4. Air Fryer Salmon Fillets

Brush salmon with a little oil, sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic. Add lemon zest or a swipe of Dijon for extra zing.

Air fry until the top lightly browns and the center flakes with a gentle nudge of a fork.

It is elegant, fast, and completely weeknight friendly. Serve with steamed rice, a quick salad, or roasted veggies from the same basket.

You will feel fancy with barely any dishes and zero guesswork.

5. Air Fryer Shrimp

Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, and salt. Air fry for just a few minutes until pink and slightly curled.

Do not overcook or they turn rubbery, so keep an eye on them.

Serve over rice, tuck into tacos with slaw, or pile on a Caesar salad. A squeeze of lemon wakes everything up.

This is the definition of fast fancy and makes any weeknight feel special.

6. Air Fryer Pork Chops

Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and a brown sugar paprika mix. Air fry until caramelized outside and slightly rosy inside.

Thicker chops stay juicier, so consider bone in for extra insurance.

Let them rest a few minutes to keep the juices where they belong. Add a quick pan sauce with mustard and honey, or slice over mashed potatoes.

You will not believe how tender and flavorful these turn out with almost zero effort.

7. Air Fryer Steak Bites

Toss steak cubes with oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Air fry hot and fast so the edges sear and the centers stay tender.

Finish with a quick garlic butter and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

They are awesome over rice bowls, salads, or roasted veggies. Add chimichurri if you want big herby flavor.

You get maximum crust in minimal time, which is the dream on busy nights.

8. Air Fryer Meatballs

Mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, and parsley. Roll into balls and air fry until browned outside and juicy inside.

They hold their shape beautifully and avoid the stovetop splatter.

Toss with marinara for pasta night, stuff into sub rolls, or serve as a party snack. They freeze well, so make a double batch.

You will love how reliable and hands off this method feels.

9. Air Fryer Frozen Fries

Pour frozen fries straight into the basket and give them space to crisp. Shake halfway and add a tiny spritz of oil if you want extra crunch.

Finish with salt while hot so it sticks.

The texture beats oven fries with almost no effort or time. Toss with garlic powder, paprika, or Parmesan for a quick upgrade.

This is the ultimate low lift side when burgers or sandwiches are on the menu.

10. Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Cut potatoes into chunky wedges and soak briefly to remove excess starch. Pat dry, toss with oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Air fry until the outsides turn crunchy and the insides stay fluffy.

They taste like you actually tried without real effort. Dip in spicy mayo or ketchup and watch them disappear.

Add grated Parmesan and parsley for a pub style finish that pairs with anything.

11. Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Air fry until the skins blister and the centers go tender.

Smash lightly with a spoon, then return to the fryer for extra crispy edges.

They are tiny flavor bombs with almost no babysitting. Finish with garlic butter or a dusting of Parmesan.

Serve alongside chicken, fish, or steak, and you will have an instant crowd pleaser.

12. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Cube sweet potatoes and toss with oil, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Air fry until the edges caramelize and the centers turn creamy.

Shake once or twice so everything browns evenly.

They are perfect for meal prep and easy to reheat. Add to tacos, grain bowls, or breakfast plates with eggs.

A squeeze of lime or drizzle of tahini makes the sweetness pop in the best way.

13. Air Fryer Hash Browns

Brush frozen hash brown patties with a little oil and pop them in the basket. Air fry until deeply golden and crisp on both sides.

No flipping skillet or dealing with grease splatter.

Great for breakfast sandwiches, a quick side, or late night cravings. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper while hot.

You get diner style crunch at home in minutes, which feels like cheating in the best way.

14. Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli

Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Air fry until the edges char and the stems turn tender.

The crispy browned tips make broccoli taste like a snack instead of a chore.

Squeeze lemon over the top and shower with Parmesan. Add red pepper flakes if you want heat.

You will start craving this on weeknights, and it pairs with anything you are cooking.

15. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Halve sprouts and toss with oil, salt, and pepper. Air fry until the cut sides caramelize and the leaves crisp into little chips.

They transform from bitter to sweet and nutty.

Finish with balsamic and honey or a squeeze of lemon. Toss in crispy bacon if that is your vibe.

Suddenly everyone who claims to hate sprouts asks for seconds, which feels like a tiny miracle.

16. Air Fryer Green Beans

Toss green beans with oil, salt, and minced garlic. Air fry until lightly blistered yet still snappy.

They come out bright and satisfying without any sogginess.

Finish with flaky salt, lemon, or sesame seeds. Serve alongside grilled meats or pile into bowls with rice and a fried egg.

This is the kind of side you will make on repeat because it is fast and consistently good.

17. Air Fryer Asparagus

Toss asparagus with oil, salt, and pepper. Air fry until tender with a little char on the tips.

The spears stay bright and elegant, perfect for a fast side.

Shower with Parmesan and squeeze lemon over while hot. It tastes restaurant ready without any fuss.

Pair with salmon, steak, or eggs on toast for an easy win.

18. Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites

Toss florets with oil, garlic, paprika, and salt. Air fry until the edges brown and the insides turn tender.

The pieces become savory, snackable bites with serious flavor.

Serve with ranch, tahini sauce, or buffalo sauce for dipping. You can also toss them in a sticky glaze and call it dinner with rice.

They feel like a real appetizer but are secretly low effort.

19. Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Slice zucchini thin and pat dry. Toss with oil, salt, pepper, and a little Parmesan.

Air fry in a single layer so they crisp instead of steaming.

They make a crunchy snack or side without feeling heavy. Dip in marinara or spicy yogurt for extra punch.

You will be surprised how fast they disappear, so make more than you think you need.

20. Air Fryer Corn On The Cob

Brush shucked corn with butter or oil and sprinkle with salt. Air fry until kernels are juicy with a few browned spots.

Rotate once for even color.

Finish with more butter, lime, and chili powder if you like it street style. It is shockingly good and frees the stovetop.

Serve with barbecue or as a quick snack when corn is in season.

21. Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Butter the outside of your bread and load up with your favorite melty cheese. Air fry until the exterior turns golden and the cheese liquefies.

No pan babysitting or uneven browning.

Add tomato slices or a swipe of pesto if you want to fancy it up. The crunch is unreal and the inside stays gooey.

It is pure comfort with almost no cleanup.

22. Air Fryer Quesadillas

Fill tortillas with cheese and whatever leftovers you have. Air fry until the tortilla crisps and the cheese melts into every corner.

It takes minutes and always hits.

Slice into wedges and serve with salsa and sour cream. Add chicken, beans, or veggies to make it a meal.

Perfect for lunch or a low effort dinner when you need something satisfying fast.

23. Air Fryer Toasted Bagel Pizzas

Spread bagel halves with sauce, top with mozzarella, and add your favorite toppings. Air fry until the cheese bubbles and the bagel edges turn toasty and crisp.

It is pizza night in ten minutes.

Customize each one so everyone gets exactly what they want. Great for after school snacks or casual hangouts.

The edges get extra crunchy, which is the best part.