11 Air Fryer Recipes So Crispy You Will Never Miss the Deep Fryer

If your air fryer is sitting in the corner gathering dust, it is time to pull it back out. This little machine makes food crispy and golden with just a spoon of oil, and it does it faster than your oven. We tested the air fryer recipes our readers ask about most, from wings to salmon to crispy potatoes. Some of these might surprise you..

Air Fryer Recipes Start With Crispy Coconut Shrimp

This is one of those air fryer recipes that feels like a restaurant treat. Shrimp get a quick coat of flour, egg and crunchy panko, then cook in under 10 minutes. They come out golden and crackly with no pot of oil to clean up. Serve with sweet chili sauce and watch them disappear. How often do you use your air fryer: A) every day, B) once a week, or C) almost never?

You will need: 1 lb large shrimp peeled, 1/2 cup flour, 2 eggs, 1 cup panko, 1/2 cup shredded coconut, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt, cooking spray, sweet chili sauce

How to make it: Pat the shrimp dry. Set out bowls of flour, beaten egg, and panko mixed with coconut, garlic powder and salt. Coat each shrimp in flour, then egg, then the crumbs. Spray the basket and the shrimp. Air fry at 400F for 8 to 9 minutes, flipping halfway.

Crispy Wings, the Most Loved of All Air Fryer Recipes

Wings are the reason many people buy an air fryer in the first place. The hot air renders the fat and leaves the skin shatteringly crisp, no deep frying needed. A little baking powder in the dry rub is the secret. Toss them in buffalo, BBQ or garlic parmesan sauce after cooking. Quick poll: A) buffalo, B) BBQ, C) honey garlic, or D) plain with ranch?

You will need: 2 lb chicken wings, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 cup sauce of choice

How to make it: Pat the wings very dry. Toss with baking powder, garlic, paprika and salt. Lay in a single layer in the basket. Air fry at 380F for 20 minutes, then flip and cook at 400F for 5 to 8 minutes more. Toss in sauce and serve.

Homemade French Fries Made With Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Real potato fries, crispy outside and fluffy inside, with only one tablespoon of oil. Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water first pulls out the starch and makes them extra crisp. They taste just like the fries from your favorite burger spot. Once you try these, the frozen bag stays in the store.

You will need: 3 russet potatoes, 1 tbsp oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, optional paprika

How to make it: Cut the potatoes into sticks. Soak in cold water 30 minutes, then dry well. Toss with oil and seasonings. Air fry at 380F for 15 minutes, shaking the basket twice. Raise to 400F for 3 to 5 minutes for extra crunch.

Crunchy Chicken Tenders

Kids and grown ups both cheer for these. Strips of chicken get a crunchy breadcrumb coat and come out golden in about 10 minutes. They stay juicy inside because the air fryer cooks so fast. Dip them in honey mustard, ranch or ketchup. They also make great wraps the next day.

You will need: 1 1/2 lb chicken tenders, 1/2 cup flour, 2 eggs, 1 1/2 cups panko, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp paprika, salt and pepper, cooking spray

How to make it: Season the chicken. Dip in flour, then egg, then panko mixed with Parmesan and paprika. Spray the basket and tenders. Air fry at 400F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

10 Minute Salmon, One of the Healthiest Air Fryer Recipes

This might be the easiest healthy dinner you will ever make. Salmon fillets get a quick brush of honey, garlic and soy, then cook in 8 to 10 minutes. The outside caramelizes while the inside stays tender and flaky. Serve with greens or rice and dinner is done before the table is set. Have you ever cooked fish in an air fryer?

You will need: 2 salmon fillets, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp olive oil, 1 garlic clove minced, salt and pepper, lemon wedges

How to make it: Pat the salmon dry. Mix honey, soy, oil and garlic. Brush over the salmon and season. Place skin side down in the basket. Air fry at 390F for 8 to 10 minutes. Serve with lemon.

Garlic Herb Crispy Potatoes

Baby potatoes turn into crunchy little bites of heaven in the air fryer. Halve them, toss with garlic and herbs, and let the machine do the work. They taste like roast potatoes from a holiday dinner but cook in half the time. They go with chicken, steak, eggs or just a bowl of dipping sauce.

You will need: 1 1/2 lb baby potatoes, 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil, 2 garlic cloves minced, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1/2 tsp salt, fresh parsley

How to make it: Halve the potatoes. Toss with oil, garlic, rosemary and salt. Air fry at 400F for 18 to 20 minutes, shaking twice, until golden and tender inside. Toss with fresh parsley before serving.

Crispy Onion Rings

Onion rings are usually a deep fried treat, but this version is light and still crunchy. Thick slices of sweet onion get a crunchy breadcrumb coat and cook in batches. They are perfect next to burgers or on their own as a snack. Quick poll: A) onion rings or B) french fries?

You will need: 1 large sweet onion, 1 cup flour, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1 1/2 cups panko, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, cooking spray

How to make it: Slice the onion into thick rings and separate them. Dip in flour, then egg beaten with milk, then panko mixed with paprika and salt. Spray well. Air fry in one layer at 380F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once.

Air Fryer Falafel

Falafel made in the air fryer is crispy on the outside and soft and green on the inside, with no oil splatter. Use dried chickpeas soaked overnight for the best texture. Stuff them into warm pita with salad and tahini, or serve with pickles and dips. They make a great meatless dinner.

You will need: 1 cup dried chickpeas soaked overnight, 1/2 onion, 3 garlic cloves, 1 cup parsley and cilantro, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, cooking spray

How to make it: Drain the chickpeas well. Pulse with onion, garlic, herbs and spices until finely chopped. Stir in flour and baking powder. Shape into small patties. Spray well. Air fry at 375F for 14 minutes, flipping halfway.

Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops

Pork chops can dry out fast in a pan, but the air fryer keeps them juicy. A simple brown sugar and paprika rub creates a tasty crust in about 12 minutes. Let them rest a few minutes before cutting. Serve with applesauce or roasted apples for a classic combo.

You will need: 4 boneless pork chops about 1 inch thick, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, salt and pepper

How to make it: Rub the chops with oil. Mix the sugar and spices and coat both sides. Air fry at 400F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until 145F inside. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Crispy Tofu Bites

Even tofu skeptics love these. Cornstarch gives the cubes a crisp shell while the inside stays soft. Toss them in a sticky sauce, or dip them in sweet chili. They are great in rice bowls, salads or as a snack. Have you tried tofu this way yet?

You will need: 1 block extra firm tofu, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oil, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, sweet chili sauce

How to make it: Press the tofu 20 minutes and cut into cubes. Toss with soy sauce and oil, then cornstarch and garlic powder. Air fry at 400F for 15 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes. Serve with sweet chili sauce.

Maple Roasted Butternut Squash

Butternut squash takes a long time in the oven, but the air fryer cuts that time nearly in half. The edges get sweet and caramelized, especially with a drizzle of maple syrup and a little cinnamon. It is a cozy fall side for any dinner and a big hit with kids.

You will need: 1 small butternut squash, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp salt

How to make it: Peel and cube the squash. Toss with oil, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt. Air fry at 390F for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking twice, until tender and browned at the edges.