Creative Air Fryer Recipes: Endless Dish Possibilities

how many dishes can i make with air fryer

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a wide range of dishes, from appetizers to desserts. You can make classic dishes such as chicken wings, potato chips, and even chocolate chip cookies with a fraction of the oil and mess of traditional frying methods. With an air fryer, you can also cook meat, fish, and vegetables to perfection, achieving a crispy texture and locking in juices. The possibilities are endless, and you can easily convert your favorite oven recipes for the air fryer with a few simple adjustments. So, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the air fryer is a great tool to have in your kitchen arsenal.

Characteristics Values
Number of dishes 100+
Types of dishes Breakfast, appetisers, snacks, side dishes, main dishes, desserts
Examples of dishes French fries, chicken wings, chicken tenders, chocolate chip cookies, salmon, steak, zucchini fries, onion rings, tater tots, mozzarella sticks, blooming onion, jalapeño poppers, sweet potato fries, avocado toast, omelets, muffins, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, breakfast tacos, chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, taquitos, fish and chips, crab cakes, drumsticks, pork chops, beef joints, chicken parmesan, chicken drumsticks, tofu nuggets, Cornish hens, cinnamon rolls, donuts, apple cider donuts, Oreo donuts, apple chips, beignets, chicken strips, sweet potato chips, egg rolls, zucchini chips, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, carrots, green beans, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, asparagus, potato wedges, zucchini chips, mushrooms, beets, eggplant fries, latkes, meatloaf, fried chicken, steak, chicken breast, tilapia, Cornish hens, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, peanut butter cookies, coconut shrimp, fish tacos, breaded shrimp, Nashville hot chicken, grilled cheese sandwiches, bourbon bacon cinnamon rolls, empanadas, avocado fries, cinnamon breakfast bites, bacon egg cups, plantains, pork tenderloin, eggplant fries

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Air fryer chicken recipes

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, with the added benefit of being healthier than deep-frying. Here are some air fryer chicken recipes to try:

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air fryer chicken tenders are a great place to start for beginners. They are easy to make and can be served with a variety of dips and sauces. You can also experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your favourite flavour.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer result in succulent meat with a delicious crispy skin. A spicy coating or marinade can add an extra kick.

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

This is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. The chicken breasts can be thinly sliced and coated in a variety of spices, herbs, and seasonings before being air-fried to golden, juicy perfection.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are a classic option for air frying. They can be made in a variety of flavours, such as spicy Korean or honey mustard.

Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich

An air fryer chicken sandwich is a tasty and convenient option. You can add your favourite toppings and sauces, such as Sriracha mayo, to elevate the flavours.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

For a fancier option, you can try making chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer. This dish consists of breaded chicken stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, served with sides such as steamed broccoli and mashed potatoes.

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Air fryer vegetarian recipes

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetarian dishes with less oil and in less time than traditional methods. Here are some delicious and easy vegetarian recipes you can make with your air fryer:

Air Fryer Vegetables

Air fryer vegetables are a quick, easy, and healthy option for a side dish. You can use a variety of colourful veggies such as zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, mushrooms, onion, carrot, broccoli, and cauliflower. Season them with extra-virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender and browned.

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

A vegetarian take on traditional chicken wings, these cauliflower wings are full of flavour and can be enjoyed as a main course or a spicy side dish. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, coat them in your favourite buffalo sauce, and air fry until crispy.

Halloumi Cheese

Halloumi is a great vegetarian option, as it has a flaky texture and a salty, minty flavour. Cut the halloumi into slices and place them in the air fryer at 400°F for around 15 minutes, turning halfway through. It comes out crunchy on the outside and flaky on the inside, making it a perfect substitute for fish in veggie fish and chips.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular fries and can be made in your air fryer with very little oil. Cut sweet potatoes into thin fries, toss in your choice of seasoning such as smoked paprika, Cajun, or BBQ spice, and air fry until crispy.

Crispy Sesame Tofu

For this recipe, cut tofu into batons and coat them in sesame seeds. Cook them in your air fryer until crispy, and serve with quinoa and an edamame, white cabbage, and apple salad.

Air Fryer Spinach & Feta Filo Parcels

This classic combination of spinach and feta makes a great filling for filo pastry parcels. These parcels are perfect for a light dinner served with a mixed salad, or as a snack on their own.

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Air fryer breakfast recipes

Air fryers are a great way to make a variety of dishes, including breakfast recipes. Here are some ideas for breakfast using an air fryer:

Air Fryer Breakfast Frittata

This is an easy dish to make using a cake pan that fits into your air fryer basket. You can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. If you're worried about the frittata sticking to the pan, line the bottom with parchment paper.

To make this, you'll need:

  • 1/4 pound of breakfast sausage, fully cooked and crumbled
  • 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend
  • 2 tablespoons of red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • Cayenne pepper (optional)

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Spray a nonstick 6x2-inch cake pan with cooking spray. Combine the sausage, eggs, cheese, bell pepper, green onion, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a large bowl. Mix well. Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan and cook in the preheated air fryer for 18-20 minutes or until the frittata is set.

Air Fryer Scotch Eggs

A protein-rich breakfast option, Scotch eggs are a UK dish consisting of hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage and deep-fried. This air fryer version is a lighter take on the classic, creating a crisp exterior with crushed cornflakes. You can also substitute bulk turkey sausage for the pork sausage if you prefer.

Air Fryer Breakfast Tacos

This creative recipe uses silicone ice cube stick molds to make the components for breakfast tacos. One mold holds corn tortillas in a U-shape so they become hard taco shells while cooking, and another mold holds beaten eggs, which cook simultaneously. Once done, simply pop the eggs out of the mold, stuff them into the cheese-filled taco shells, and add your favorite toppings and fillings.

Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Give French toast a fun twist by making them into sticks! This recipe uses Texas toast pieces soaked in a simple vanilla-infused egg custard and then rolled in crushed cornflakes for a crispy texture. You can make a big batch and freeze them for busy mornings or serve them at buffets.

Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Enjoy the taste of cinnamony fritters without the frying! The hot circulated air of the air fryer makes these treats extra crispy, and the easy-peasy browned butter glaze takes them to the next level.

There you have it! A few delicious breakfast ideas you can make using your air fryer. Get creative and experiment with different ingredients to find your favorite combinations.

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Air fryer dessert recipes

Air fryers are a great way to make desserts without having to preheat your oven. You can make a variety of sweet treats in an air fryer, from cookies and cakes to fruit-based desserts and churros. Here are some delicious air fryer dessert recipes to try:

Air Fryer Churros

These homemade churros are made with just four ingredients and are coated in cinnamon sugar. They are also egg-free and dairy-free. The dough is shaped by hand and then air-fried until golden brown. The churros are then brushed with melted plant-based butter or avocado oil and tossed in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. You can serve them with a dipping sauce such as vegan ganache or chocolate sauce, or date caramel or caramel sauce.

Air Fryer Apple Chips

Thinly sliced apples are air-fried to make these apple chips. You can also sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar or another sweet topping of your choice.

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

You can make classic chocolate chip cookies in your air fryer. They will come out with a crispy exterior and a soft, gooey centre.

Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This fun dessert combines classic cheesecake with caramelised pineapple upside-down cake. Instead of a traditional graham cracker crust, you sprinkle toasted graham crackers over the top before serving.

Air Fryer Apple Danish

These mini pastries taste just like cinnamon apple Danishes from the bakery. Canned crescent rolls are used in place of puff pastry, making them quick and easy to prepare.

Air Fryer Banana Bread

The air fryer's intense heat and air circulation make this banana bread moist and delicious. You can add your own twist to the recipe by including ingredients such as pumpkin pie spice, chocolate chips or different nuts.

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Air fryer snacks

Air fryers are a great way to make a variety of tasty snacks with minimal oil. Here are some delicious air fryer snack ideas:

Savoury Snacks

  • Chicken Wings – A classic snack, air-fried chicken wings are crunchy and delicious. You can also make BBQ chicken drumsticks with a sticky, sweetish glaze.
  • Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy and caramelized, these are a healthier alternative to regular fries.
  • Mozzarella Sticks – The secret ingredient is string cheese! Don't skip the freezing step, or they'll fall apart.
  • Chilli-Spiced Chickpeas – A crunchy, protein-packed snack that's great on its own or tossed with popcorn.
  • Broccoli Ranch Tots – A healthier take on tater tots, with a crispy exterior and a fibre-rich broccoli interior.
  • Tater Tots – The air fryer makes these extra crispy, and they're gluten- and added-fat-free!
  • Zucchini Skins – Loaded zucchini skins are a fresh twist on potato skins, stuffed with cheddar, tomato, and avocado.
  • Egg Rolls – Make restaurant-quality egg rolls at home! Try filling them with ground chicken, spinach, coleslaw mix, and green onions.
  • Avocado Fries – Avocados are tasty, filling, and loaded with healthy fats. Serve with salsa, pico de gallo, or spicy ranch dressing.
  • Ravioli – Fried ravioli is usually full of oil and saturated fat, but the air fryer version is a lighter snack with the same great flavour.
  • Calamari – Cooked quickly at high heat, air-fried calamari is tender and delicious.
  • Samosas – This takeout favourite is easy to make at home with an air fryer. Add spices like fennel seeds and crushed coriander seeds for depth of flavour.
  • Crab Rangoon – Impress your guests by making crab rangoon from scratch with fresh crabmeat and wonton wrappers.
  • Mini Chimichangas – A crowd-pleaser that can be frozen and reheated. Fill corn tortillas with seasoned ground beef and serve with salsa.
  • Chicken Tenders – Crispy and juicy, air-fried chicken tenders are perfect for game day or as a late-night snack.
  • Buffalo Cauliflower – A healthier alternative to Buffalo wings, with all the same flavour. Dip them in creamy blue cheese dressing or ranch.
  • Chilli Beef – Whip up this crowd-pleasing dinner in just 30 minutes.
  • Cheese and Ham Toastie – A classic toasted sandwich with a twist – try using gruyère and sourdough for an upgraded flavour profile.
  • Veggie Sausage Casserole – A budget-friendly, vegetarian-friendly dish that's perfect for a midweek meal.
  • Harissa Sausage and Veg Traybake – Another budget-friendly option that only takes 15 minutes to prep.
  • Salt and Pepper Chicken – A quick and easy midweek meal that the whole family will enjoy. Serve with rice, spring onions, and soy sauce.
  • Chicken Thighs – Air frying is a speedy way to cook chicken thighs, resulting in succulent meat with a crispy skin.
  • Sesame Tofu – Coat tofu batons in sesame seeds and serve with quinoa and an edamame, white cabbage, and apple salad.
  • Chilli Cheese – Frozen pizza rolls are a great store-bought option, or you can make your own garlic toast by buttering sliced bread and air frying.
  • Breaded Zucchini – Slice zucchini, dip in milk or egg, coat in breadcrumbs, spray with oil, and cook until brown.
  • Tortilla Pizza – Butter a small tortilla, add shredded mozzarella, top with another tortilla, and air fry. Cut into quarters for a cheesy snack.
  • Asparagus – Spritz lightly with oil and season with Montreal steak seasoning for a healthy, crispy snack.
  • Breaded Mushrooms – Coat mushrooms in salt, oil, and hot sauce, then air fry for seven minutes at 200 degrees Celsius.
  • Onion Rings – Most frozen instant products are perfect for the air fryer, including onion rings.
  • Sausage Bacon Bites – An irresistible three-ingredient appetizer that's perfect for breakfast or as a party snack.
  • Cinnamon Almonds – A crunchy treat that's perfect for parties or gatherings.
  • Coconut Shrimp – The combination of shredded coconut and panko bread crumbs makes this a flavourful, crunchy appetizer.
  • Pickles – Drain off any excess liquid and pat the pickles dry before cooking for extra crispy fried pickles.
  • Potstickers – If you love dumplings but don't want to make them from scratch, potstickers are a great option for the air fryer.
  • Empanadas – A mini meal that's perfect as a snack or side dish.
  • Green Beans – Try the tempura-inspired version for a crunchy, satisfying snack.
  • Chips – Slice potatoes thinly, air fry, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for an extra-fancy touch.
  • Chilli Cheese Nuggets – These might even be better than potato tater tots! The air fryer version is golden and crispy.
  • Corn on the Cob – Try a Greek-inspired version with Greek yoghurt, feta, oregano, red onion, and basil.
  • Beef Wellington Wontons – A package of store-bought wonton wrappers makes these appetizers quick and easy.
  • Arancini – This healthier version uses quinoa instead of rice and is fried in the air fryer for a fraction

Frequently asked questions

There are several chicken dishes you can make with an air fryer, including chicken tenders, chicken wings, chicken sandwiches, chicken parmesan, chicken drumsticks, and chicken breasts.

Yes, you can make fish dishes such as fish tacos, salmon, and crab cakes. You can also make seafood dishes like shrimp, crab cakes, and tofu nuggets.

Yes, there are many vegetarian options you can make with an air fryer. Some examples include roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and cauliflower. You can also make dishes like spinach artichoke roll-ups, avocado toast, and mozzarella sticks.

Absolutely! You can make breakfast staples such as crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, French toast, omelets, muffins, pancakes, and avocado toast.

Yes, you can make desserts such as chocolate chip cookies, berry crisp, apple pie "baked" apples, peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls, and donuts.

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