22 Recipes That Prove the Air Fryer Is More Versatile Than You Think (2024)

01 of 22

Chicken Tenders

Crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, these air fryer chicken tenders will totally hit the spot. Marinating them in dill pickle juice give them lots of flavor and keeps them tender. We didn't use breadcrumbs, but you can add some if you want even more crunch.

02 of 22

Onion Rings

Satisfy your midway cravings with these onion rings that taste just as great as the deep-fried kind, but won't leave your kitchen smelling like grease. Serve them with ranch, aioli, or classic ketchup for a tasty snack, appetizer, or side.

03 of 22

Coconut Shrimp

Sweet and succulent, air fryer coconut shrimp will get the party started right. Most air fryers will only have room for half the batch at a time, so keep the first one warm in a 300-degree oven while the second one fries up, then serve them all as soon as the second batch gets done.

04 of 22

Ranch Kale Chips

Satisfying kale chips get shatteringly crispy in the air fryer in what feels like seconds, so keep a close eye on them so they don't burn. We like them with zesty ranch seasoning, but included several different variations so you can choose a favorite.

05 of 22

Falafel

Falafel only taste good when they come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, but it can be tough to get the right texture in the oven or without a pro deep fryer. Enter this air fried version, which has just the right consistency for tasty pita meal.

06 of 22

Chicken Thighs

Give chicken thighs a crisp skin and juicy interior in no time using the air fryer. Just apply a Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning topping and stick them in, then serve with a pilaf, rice, or another starch and a salad for a simple and speedy weeknight supper.

07 of 22

Roasted Potatoes

Toss new, red-skinned, or baby potatoes in the air fryer for crispy spuds that make the perfect side for virtually any protein. The machine uses less oil than traditional methods, but with just as much flavor.

08 of 22

Hash Browns

Enjoy a diner favorite at home by making hash browns in the air fryer. Soaking shredded russet potatoes in water for 10 to 20 minutes before using draws out the extra starch, for the perfect texture. Just rinse them in clear water before forming and frying, for best results.

09 of 22

Yeast Doughnuts

The air fryer isn't just a tool for savory dishes. It also makes tender, golden brown doughnuts that will start your day off with a bang. This recipe includes a vanilla glaze, but they would taste great with a chocolate, eggnog, or spiced glaze or even plain for a slightly less sweet version.

10 of 22

Homemade Tater Tots

Freezer tater tots make a quick and easy side, but sometimes they don't come out as crispy as the kind served at your favorite burger joint. Make your own with the air fryer for that just-one-more crunch. We've also included a sriracha mayo for maximum dippage.

11 of 22

Crispy Chicken Breasts

Enjoy "fried" chicken breasts with almost no oil by dredging it in egg, seasoned flour, and then using your air fryer to crisp 'em up. Olive or avocado oil spray will help coat them evenly, but you can just drizzle a small amount of liquid oil if you don't have the aerosol kind.

12 of 22

Hot Dogs

No grill? No problem—as long as you have an air fryer. Use it to make hot dogs that require no boiling water, no charcoal, and no mess. They come out with that snappy skin that franks really need. Serve them on toasted buns with all of your classic weenie toppings.

13 of 22

Brussels Sprouts

If you don't think you like Brussels sprouts, you've never tried these crispy seasoned air fryer sprouts. Garlic chili paste and honey give them a sweet and spicy flavor and sesame seeds add another level of crunch. They taste great as a side for steak, pork chops, or even as part of a more interesting holiday spread.

14 of 22

Breaded Pork Chops

Make fried pork chops with less fat and no splatter with this air fried version. Just cover boneless chops in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and let the air fryer do the rest. Serve them with mashed potatoes and a green veggie for a blue plate special at home.

15 of 22

French Fries

Perhaps the most classic crispy, starchy side, nothing hits the spot like French fries. Your air fryer was made for creating the perfect fried spuds, so grab a pound of Russet potatoes, some cornstarch, and flaky salt for the best fries you can make at home.

16 of 22

Crispy Bacon

If you love bacon as a breakfast side, but hate cleaning up the grease-speckled stove afterwards, look no further than the air fryer. Your bacon will come out perfectly crispy without all that mess. The air fryer does make a relatively small batch, so it works great for a solo or two-person dinner.

17 of 22

Bloomin' Onion

For a special party, an exciting starter, or just a treat-yourself day, make a Bloomin' Onion at home. It comes out with the same crispy petals and tender interior as the one at the fair and can get equally messy, so have some napkins on hand.

18 of 22

Turkey Breast

If you want to fry a turkey for the holidays or any time of year, but don't want to risk the kinds of mishaps deep fryers can have, pull out the air fryer. This recipe makes a large enough turkey breast to serve four, so it's great for a small holiday crowd or just a regular supper that tastes like an occasion.

19 of 22

Baked Potato

Give your baked potato that crispy skin that contrasts beautifully with the fluffy interior by air frying it. They also cook up quicker in the fryer than the oven and will also free up precious oven real estate. Serve with butter, sour cream, and chopped chives for a pretty garnish.

20 of 22

Chicken Wings

No need to order delivery with these classic Buffalo-style chicken wings that you can make at home. They taste just like the traditional deep-fried kind, but these are gluten-free and keto-friendly, for those with dietary restrictions. Whether you prefer ranch or blue cheese for a dipper, you'll love these.

21 of 22

Latkes

Get out the applesauce, the sour cream, and the chopped chives because you will want to devour these latkes as soon as they come out of the air fryer. They come out with crispy edges, tender insides, and don't require the oil the traditional ones do.

22 of 22

Sufganiyot

The traditional jam-filled donuts usually appear at Hanukah celebrations, but with your air fryer, you can enjoy them anytime. Fill them with strawberry jam or any fruit jam you like best. Because they do get brushed with oil before frying, they still honor the Hanukah tradition.