Bity
These air fryer recipes are the ones I actually cook week in, week out: crispy wings, juicy chicken thighs, ribeye steak bites, flaky salmon, proper chips and a crunchy tray of veg. All 24 come from my own kitchen, so every link below goes to a recipe I have tested, photographed and happily eaten more times than I can count.
In short, this list collects 24 easy dishes for the air fryer: 7 chicken dinners, 7 quick meat and seafood recipes, 7 sides and 3 breakfast recipes. Total times run from 8 minutes for frozen meatballs to 1 hour 5 minutes for a baked potato, and most cook at 375 to 400°F.
I have grouped them the way I plan my week: chicken first, then quick meat and seafood, then sides, then breakfast. After that you will find my time and temperature chart, the tips that fixed my soggy batches, how I keep the basket clean and the questions readers ask me most.
Quick Breakdown
Why These Easy Air Fryer Recipes Work
An air fryer is really a small, powerful convection oven. A fan blasts hot air around the food, so the outside dries and browns quickly while the inside stays juicy. That is why the easy air fryer recipes below lean on a few simple habits rather than fancy ingredients.
- Fast: most of these cook in under 25 minutes, and several take less than ten.
- Little oil: a tablespoon or two, or a light spray, is all you need for real crunch.
- Cool kitchen: no big oven heating the house, which I love in summer.
- Short ingredient lists: almost every recipe uses a handful of pantry spices.
Air Fryer Chicken Dinners
Chicken is where the air fryer really earns its counter space, so these chicken air fryer recipes make up my biggest section. Every cut is here, from wings and thighs to lean breast and crumbed cutlets.
1. Air Fryer Chicken Wings
If I could only keep one recipe from this list, it would be these wings. A smoky paprika and garlic dry rub, two tablespoons of oil and a hot basket give you skin that crackles when you bite it. Honestly, my lot prefer them to takeaway wings, and they are on the table before the oven would even be hot.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipe →
2. Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Bone-in thighs are the most forgiving cut you can put in the basket, and this is the recipe I give to friends who swear they always dry chicken out. They start skin side down so the fat renders first, then flip for a finish that looks like glass. The meat underneath stays juicy every single time.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe →
3. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
These are sticky, smoky and very much a lick your fingers job. The drumsticks cook in a paprika rub first, and only then do I brush on the barbecue sauce for a final blast, so the sugar caramelises instead of burning. Kids love them, and so does every grown up who pretends not to.
Get the Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe →
4. Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
This is the plain, everyday version of the drumsticks above, and it is the one I make most often on a weeknight. Ten drumsticks, one simple spice rub and skin that actually crisps rather than going flabby. They are cheap, cheerful and lovely cold in a lunchbox the next day.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks recipe →
5. Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Chicken breast has a reputation for being dull and dry, and I think that is entirely down to overcooking. Here a quick smoked paprika marinade and a probe thermometer do the heavy lifting. I slice it for salads, wraps and rice bowls all week, which makes Sunday prep feel properly worthwhile.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe →
6. Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
These thin breaded cutlets have a shattering panko crust from a spray of oil rather than a pan full of it. I slice each breast horizontally so they cook evenly and fast. Serve them with a squeeze of lemon and a green salad, or tuck them into a soft roll with mayonnaise for a brilliant sandwich.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets recipe →
7. Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Fajita night without a smoking frying pan? Yes, please. The chicken strips, three colours of pepper and red onion are tossed together in one bowl and charred in one basket. Pile everything into warm tortillas with soured cream and salsa, and the washing up is almost nothing.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas recipe →
Steak, Pork, Sausage and Seafood
Next come the quick proteins. Most of these cook in ten minutes or less, which makes them perfect for nights when dinner has to happen right now.
8. Air Fryer Steak Bites
These air fryer steak bites are my Friday night treat, ready in 18 minutes. Cubes of ribeye seasoned with garlic and Worcestershire sear on the outside and stay rosy in the middle, then get tossed in melted butter and parsley the second they come out. Serve them with chips or a crisp salad, and nobody misses going out for steak.
Get the Air Fryer Steak Bites recipe →
9. Air Fryer Pork Chops
Pork chops can go from juicy to leathery in a couple of minutes, so I love how controllable they are in the basket. A rub of brown sugar, sage and garlic gives them a gorgeous colour, and the sugar is there for browning rather than sweetness. They are ready faster than the potatoes.
Get the Air Fryer Pork Chops recipe →
10. Air Fryer Smoked Sausage
Sometimes dinner just needs to be easy, and air fryer smoked sausage is about as easy as it gets. Whole smoked sausages blister and snap in the basket with no turning at all, and then they go into soft buns with mustard and onion. It is my go to for a busy match day or a late Saturday lunch.
Get the Air Fryer Smoked Sausage recipe →
11. Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs
A bag of frozen meatballs is my emergency dinner, and this method turns them into something you would happily serve to guests. Straight from the freezer, no thawing, and the edges brown properly instead of going soft in a sauce. Then I toss them in marinara, sweet chilli or grape jelly glaze.
Get the Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs recipe →
12. Air Fryer Salmon
Salmon and I had a complicated relationship until I tried it this way. A brush of oil, salt, pepper and plenty of lemon zest, then a few minutes in a hot basket, and the fillets come out tender and flaky with lightly crisp edges. It is my healthy weeknight dinner that never feels like a compromise.
Get the Air Fryer Salmon recipe →
13. Air Fryer Cod
Cod is delicate, so this recipe is all about leaving it alone. The fillets are brushed with lemon, oil and herbs and cooked without flipping, which means they stay whole and flake beautifully at the table. Add oven chips and mushy peas for a lighter take on a chippy tea.
Get the Air Fryer Cod recipe →
14. Air Fryer Shrimp
These paprika and garlic prawns are on the table in less time than it takes to boil pasta. I toss them through spaghetti, pile them onto rice or just serve them with lemon and a cold drink. The trick is to stop as soon as they curl into a loose C, because a tight O means rubbery.
Get the Air Fryer Shrimp recipe →
Crispy Potatoes, Fries and Vegetable Sides
The side dishes are where the basket saves me the most oven time. While the main cooks in the oven or on the hob, these go into the air fryer and come out crisp.
15. Air Fryer French Fries
Homemade chips were the reason I bought my air fryer in the first place, and these still make me grin. A soak in cold water pulls out excess starch, a thorough pat dry and a little oil do the rest. The result is crisp, golden and fluffy inside, with a fraction of the oil of a deep fat fryer.
Get the Air Fryer French Fries recipe →
16. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are notoriously tricky to crisp, and I have tested more batches than I would like to admit. Even ¼ inch sticks, a little avocado oil and plenty of space in the basket are what finally cracked it. They come out caramelised at the edges and soft in the middle.
Get the Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries recipe →
17. Air Fryer Baked Potato
This air fryer baked potato is a proper jacket potato with salty, crackling skin and a light, floury middle, without heating the whole oven for an hour. That alone makes it worth it in my house. Load it with beans and cheese, tuna mayo or a spoonful of chilli, and you have a cosy supper sorted.
Get the Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe →
18. Air Fryer Broccoli
Roasted broccoli converted my children to green vegetables, and this quicker version is even better. The little florets char and crisp at the tips while the stalks stay tender. Avocado oil, salt and pepper are all it needs, though a pinch of chilli flakes is lovely too.
Get the Air Fryer Broccoli recipe →
19. Air Fryer Asparagus
When asparagus is in season I eat it almost daily, and this is the fastest way I know to cook it well. The spears turn tender but still have a little bite, with lightly charred tips. A squeeze of lemon at the end is all it needs next to salmon, steak or a poached egg.
Get the Air Fryer Asparagus recipe →
20. Air Fryer Mushrooms
Garlicky mushrooms on toast is one of my favourite lazy breakfasts, and it works just as well as a side for steak. Sliced button mushrooms are tossed with garlic, oil and parsley, then cooked in a single layer so they brown rather than stew in their own juices.
Get the Air Fryer Mushrooms recipe →
21. Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Sweetcorn wrapped in foil with butter and salt steams in its own juices, then the parcels come off for a final few minutes so the kernels pick up a little char. It tastes like summer barbecue food without lighting the barbecue, and it frees up the hob for everything else.
Get the Air Fryer Corn on the Cob recipe →
Breakfast and Snacks
Finally, the three recipes that get my air fryer switched on before 8am. They are small, simple and make weekend brunch feel effortless.
22. Air Fryer Bacon
Air fryer bacon, 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F, is how I cook bacon now, full stop. No spitting pan, no greasy hob to scrub, just evenly crisp rashers while I get on with the eggs and toast. Thin streaky takes the least time, and thick cut needs a few extra minutes, so keep an eye on it the first time.
Get the Air Fryer Bacon recipe →
23. Twisted Bacon
Twisted bacon looks fancy on a brunch board but takes five minutes. Each rasher is wound into a tight spiral, and the shape gives you crisp edges and a chewy middle in every bite. They are great for dipping into soft boiled eggs, and they vanish faster than I can make them.
Get the Twisted Bacon recipe →
24. Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
Air fryer hard boiled eggs need no pan of water and no watching the pot, and the shells actually slip off. I cook a batch on Sunday for lunchboxes, salads and quick protein snacks all week. Low and slow is the secret, followed by a dunk in iced water, and the timings let you choose between jammy and fully set.
Get the Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs recipe →
All 24 Air Fryer Recipes at a Glance
Here are all twenty four recipes in one table, so you can pick by what you are cooking and how long you have. Times and servings come from the recipe cards.
| Recipe | Type | Total time | Serves or makes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Fryer Chicken Wings | Chicken | 27 min | 4 |
| Air Fryer Chicken Thighs | Chicken | 32 min | 4 |
| Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks | Chicken | 38 min | 5 |
| Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks | Chicken | 40 min | 5 |
| Air Fryer Chicken Breast | Chicken | 27 min | 3 |
| Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets | Chicken | 28 min | 2 |
| Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas | Chicken | 32 min | 3 |
| Air Fryer Steak Bites | Meat or seafood | 18 min | 2 |
| Air Fryer Pork Chops | Meat or seafood | 15 min | 2 |
| Air Fryer Smoked Sausage | Meat or seafood | 14 min | 4 sausages |
| Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs | Meat or seafood | 8 min | 4 |
| Air Fryer Salmon | Meat or seafood | 15 min | 4 |
| Air Fryer Cod | Meat or seafood | 13 min | 2 |
| Air Fryer Shrimp | Meat or seafood | 16 min | 4 |
| Air Fryer French Fries | Side | About 35 min | 4 |
| Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries | Side | 30 min | 4 |
| Air Fryer Baked Potato | Side | 1 hr 5 min | 3 potatoes |
| Air Fryer Broccoli | Side | 15 min | 4 |
| Air Fryer Asparagus | Side | 13 min | 4 |
| Air Fryer Mushrooms | Side | 13 min | 3 |
| Air Fryer Corn on the Cob | Side | 18 min | 4 ears |
| Air Fryer Bacon | Breakfast or snack | 15 min | 4 |
| Twisted Bacon | Breakfast or snack | 10 min | 3 |
| Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs | Breakfast or snack | 21 min | 9 eggs |
Air Fryer Recipes Time and Temperature Chart
I keep a copy of this taped inside a cupboard door, and it covers every one of the air fryer recipes above. Treat the times as a starting point, because baskets and wattages vary, and always check meat with a thermometer rather than the clock.
| Food | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken wings | 400°F | 15 to 17 min |
| Bone-in chicken thighs | 380°F | 22 min |
| Chicken drumsticks | 375°F | 25 to 30 min |
| Chicken breast | 380°F | 22 min |
| Breaded chicken cutlets | 380°F | 23 min |
| Ribeye steak bites | 400°F | 6 to 8 min |
| Bone-in pork chops | 380°F | 10 min |
| Smoked sausage | 400°F | 12 min |
| Frozen cooked meatballs | 390°F | 5 to 6 min |
| Salmon fillets | 400°F | 7 to 10 min |
| Cod fillets | 400°F | 8 min |
| Large shrimp | 400°F | 5 to 6 min |
| Homemade fries | 360°F then 400°F | 10 to 15 min |
| Sweet potato fries | 380°F | 18 to 20 min |
| Whole baked potato | 385°F | about 60 min |
| Broccoli florets | 350°F | 8 to 10 min |
| Asparagus | 400°F | 6 to 8 min |
| Sliced mushrooms | 390°F | 7 to 9 min |
| Corn on the cob | 390°F | 13 min |
| Bacon | 400°F | 8 to 10 min |
| Hard boiled eggs | 245°F | 12 to 16 min |
Tips for Better Air Fryer Recipes
Almost every disappointing batch I have made came down to one of these, whatever the recipe, so they are worth a quick read before you start.
- One layer with gaps: crowding is the number one cause of soggy food. The hot air has to reach every side, so cook in two batches if you need to.
- Dry everything: pat chicken skin, fish and chips completely dry. Surface water steams instead of browning.
- Preheat for a few minutes: a hot basket gives you a better sear from the first second.
- Shake or flip halfway: fries, vegetables and wings all crisp more evenly with a good shake.
- Use a thermometer: poultry is safe at 165°F, steaks and chops at 145°F and minced meat at 160°F. The Nebraska Extension guide to air fryer food safety has a clear list.
- Sauce at the end: sugary glazes burn quickly, so brush them on for the final few minutes only.
When there is more food than one layer allows, a double layer air fryer rack holds a second batch above the first, so the hot air still reaches both.
Looking After Your Air Fryer
A clean basket cooks better and smokes less, so I give mine a quick wash after every use. Warm soapy water and a soft sponge are enough most days; skip anything abrasive, because it scratches the non-stick coating. Every so often I tackle stubborn grease and lingering smells with a paste of baking soda and water.
I also avoid aerosol cooking sprays, which can leave a sticky film on the coating over time. A pump spray bottle of avocado or olive oil does the same job. The Mississippi State University Extension guide to air fryers covers cleaning and choosing a basket size in more detail.
Finally, a few things simply do not suit the basket: wet batters drip straight through, loose leafy greens blow around near the fan, and big batches of grains cook far better on the hob. Stick to the air fryer recipes above and you will not go far wrong.
On saucy nights, such as the barbecue drumsticks, an air fryer silicone liner catches the drips so the basket only needs a quick rinse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started With Air Fryer Recipes
What are the easiest air fryer recipes for beginners?
Start with bacon, frozen meatballs, chicken wings and broccoli. Pre-cooked frozen meatballs take 5 to 6 minutes, bacon and broccoli 8 to 10 and wings 15 to 17. They need almost no prep, cook in minutes and show you quickly how your own machine behaves, so you can adjust the timings for everything else.
Do you need to preheat an air fryer?
Usually, yes. I preheat for three to five minutes for almost everything. It gives meat a better sear and helps chips crisp from the start. Some models do not need it, so check your manual.
Can you convert oven recipes for an air fryer?
Usually, yes. As a rough guide I drop the temperature by about 25°F and the time by around a fifth, then check early. Smaller pieces work best, and anything that fits in one layer is ideal.
What is the quickest recipe in this air fryer list?
Frozen meatballs, at 8 minutes in total, because pre-cooked meatballs need only 5 to 6 minutes at 390°F. Twisted bacon takes 10 minutes, and cod, asparagus and mushrooms are each ready in 13.
Food Safety and Cleaning
How do you know when chicken is cooked in an air fryer?
It is cooked when the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant read thermometer, away from the bone. That is the safe temperature for all chicken, although I like thighs and drumsticks closer to 175°F so the meat is tender.
Can you put foil or parchment paper in an air fryer basket?
Yes, as long as it is weighed down by food and never covers the whole base. Loose paper can be lifted into the element by the fan, and blocking every hole stops the air circulating.
Why does my air fryer smoke?
Usually it is fat from bacon or sausages hitting the hot drawer, or old grease that has not been cleaned off. Pour off the fat between batches and wash the basket after every use.
How do you clean an air fryer basket?
Wash it after every use with warm soapy water and a soft sponge, and skip anything abrasive, because it scratches the non-stick coating. For stubborn grease and lingering smells, use a paste of baking soda and water, and choose a pump oil spray over aerosol cooking sprays.
