12 Air Fryer Recipes Your Family Won’t Get Enough Of

Who doesn’t love an air fryer? They speed up the cooking process, are cheap to run, and produce healthier food. It’s a busy parent’s dream piece of kitchen equipment.

No longer an expensive item to buy, many people are investing in them to make life easier during the week. The big question is, what can you cook in them? How complicated are they to use?

These 12 recipes are mouthwateringly good and straightforward to make into the bargain. Each one has a dollar award, so you know the cost involved. The whole family will love them, and you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen preparing.

Chicken Parmesan $$

Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is an Italian-American dish. It’s believed to have been inspired by traditional Italian dishes like Eggplant Parmesan but adapted with breaded chicken in the U.S. This recipe generally requires 8 to 10 ingredients, including chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, marinara sauce, and mozzarella.

I first came across it in Melbourne, Australia, which is no surprise as plenty of Italians live there. It’s relatively easy to make and yummy when served with a side of spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh basil on top for extra flavor.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmesan

Buffalo Cauliflower $

Buffalo cauliflower is a modern twist on the classic Buffalo wings, offering a vegetarian alternative that packs the same spicy punch. This dish became popular in the U.S. during the rise of plant-based eating, often served in trendy restaurants or made at home as a healthier snack option.

The air fryer lets you get that crispy, spicy exterior without deep frying, so it’s the healthier option. It’s pretty easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or game-day snacks. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing and some crisp celery sticks.

Get the Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower

Fish and Chips $$

As a born-and-bred Brit, fish and chips are my favorite dishes. In the UK, Friday night is fish and chip night. Unfortunately, the traditional way of cooking them isn’t exactly healthy. Lots of batter mixed with the deep-fat frying method can lead to clogged arteries.

Traditionally, the fish is coated in beer batter and fried in oil. Using an air fryer reduces the oil content while achieving the same golden, crispy texture you get in the English chippies. If you want an authentic British experience, serve with a side of tartar sauce and a wedge of lemon, and don’t forget the traditional mushy peas.

Get the Recipe: Fish and Chips

Meatballs $$

Nearly every culture has its version of meatballs. The Italian-American variety, often served with marinara sauce, became popular in the U.S. thanks to early Italian immigrants.

The ingredients list is simple, with about ten items needed: ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and a splash of milk.

Pair meatballs with a side of spaghetti for a classic Italian-American dinner. For a lighter meal, serve them with crusty bread and a simple salad. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Meatballs

Pizza Rolls $$

Pizza rolls are a fun, budget-friendly, and easy snack for the whole family; my daughter loved them when she was young. They are like mini calzones, filled with your favorite pizza toppings and wrapped in dough. The air fryer makes them crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

They’re perfect for a quick lunch, an after-school snack, or a party appetizer. They’re easy to prepare in advance, and you can cook them in batches.

Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Sweet Potato Fries $

I love sweet potato fries as a healthier, guilt-free alternative to regular fries. Unlike traditional deep-frying methods, using an air fryer significantly reduces the oil needed, resulting in a lower calorie and fat content without sacrificing the crispy texture that makes fries irresistible.

Toss the fries in a light coating of olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite spices, such as paprika or garlic powder, to add flavor. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce like garlic aioli or a simple yogurt dip.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

BBQ Chicken Wrapped in Bacon $$

The smell of smokey BBQ and bacon makes my mouth water. Cooking BBQ chicken wrapped in bacon in an air fryer is simple and reduces fat compared to traditional frying or oven-baking methods.

The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation ensures the bacon crisps up nicely while allowing excess fat to drip away. Serve with a side of coleslaw or roasted vegetables.

Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Wrapped in Bacon

Coconut Shrimp $$

This Caribbean-inspired recipe brings a taste of the tropics to your kitchen. Sweet and savory dishes, like coconut shrimp, often combine these ingredients as they’re readily available on the islands. The best part? You get all this deliciousness in just 8-10 minutes of cooking.

Serve with a tangy dipping sauce, like sweet chili or pineapple salsa, to bring out the tropical flavors.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Stuffed Mushrooms $

When I was younger, I hated the texture of mushrooms but loved the smell of them cooking in butter. As an adult, I can’t get enough of them. Living in France, mushrooms called cepe are foraged in the local forest and are delicious.

The best recipe I’ve ever had for these is with blue cheese. By incorporating blue cheese, like Stilton, the mushrooms take on an intense, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the earthy taste of the mushrooms. They make the perfect appetizer, especially served with crisp, dry white wine.

Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms

Shishito Peppers $

Shishito peppers are a Japanese variety known for their mild heat. They are a cheap, quick-to-cook, sweet, and smokey snack. They're typically pan-fried over high heat to give them the charred effect.

The best part of air-frying them is that there is no mess compared to when you fry them. Unfortunately, they don’t look very appetizing, but the taste makes up for it. You can also freeze them so you have some for a later date.

Get the Recipe: Shishito Peppers

Crab Cakes $$$

As far as I’m concerned, any seafood is good, but crab tops my list. It’s popular in the coastal regions of the U.S., particularly Maryland. Crab isn’t cheap, so it’s the most expensive recipe on the list, but it’s worth it.

Whenever I’ve made them, I add Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and a squeeze of lemon juice to give it a zing. Serve with a side of tartar sauce and pair them with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.

Get the Recipe: Crab Cakes

Crispy Spring Rolls $$

Crispy spring rolls are always on our order whenever we get a Chinese takeaway. I love them all: pork, shrimp or vegetarian. Traditionally, spring rolls are deep-fried to achieve that signature crunch, but the air fryer can accomplish the same effect.

The air fryer locks in the flavors while keeping the rolls light and less greasy. Serve them with a side of sweet chili sauce or soy dipping sauce.

Get the Recipe: Crispy Spring Rolls