Unwrapped an Air Fryer? Here’s What to Cook First

Got a new air fryer and wondering where to begin? This slideshow is packed with 39 must-try recipes, perfect for exploring the versatility of your latest kitchen gadget. From savory snacks to sweet treats, discover how to make the most of your air fryer with these easy and delicious ideas.

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap. — Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This dish brings the flavors of the Middle East to your kitchen, using the air fryer to create juicy, spiced chicken wrapped in a warm, toasty pita.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Fried salt and pepper chicken in a black bowl lined with parchment paper. — Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

Perfect for those who love simplicity, this recipe uses basic seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of chicken, crisped to perfection in the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Stacked taquitos on a plate. — Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These taquitos offer a crunchy exterior filled with flavorful chicken, making a convenient and tasty snack or meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Air Fryer Onion Rings

Pile of onion rings on a white plate. — Air Fryer Onion Rings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This recipe transforms onions into a crunchy, golden snack, offering a healthier alternative to the deep-fried classic.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Onion Rings

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A hand holding a crispy fried chicken drumstick. — Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Marinated in buttermilk for tenderness, this fried chicken achieves a crispy, golden exterior with less oil, thanks to the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Roasted turkey legs on a cutting board with a knife. — Air Fryer Turkey Legs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Bringing the fairground home, these turkey legs are seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection, offering a hands-on eating experience.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas

Caramelized bananas with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. — Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This dessert showcases the versatility of the air fryer, creating sweet, caramelized bananas that can be enjoyed alone or as a topping.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas

Air Fryer Broccolini

Air fried broccolini on a plate with lemons in the background. — Air Fryer Broccolini. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A simple yet elegant side dish, broccolini becomes tender and lightly crisped, highlighting its natural flavors.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccolini

Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins

Pile of cornbread muffins on a white plate. — Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These muffins come out perfectly moist inside with a slightly crispy exterior, ideal for pairing with soups or chili.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins

Air Fryer Brownies

Brownies with nuts and caramel stacked on a plate. — Air Fryer Brownies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a quick and easy dessert, these brownies offer a moist center with a slightly crispy top, all made in the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brownies

Chicken 65

This Indian-inspired dish features deep flavors and a spicy kick, with chicken pieces that are juicy on the inside and crisp outside.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 65

Air Fryer Carnitas

Low angle shot of 3 carnitas tacos on a white plate with lime wedges. — Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Recreate this Mexican favorite with less oil; the pork comes out tender inside, with a delightful crispness outside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Zucchini fries on a plate with spicy ketchup for dipping. — Air Fryer Zucchini Fries. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A healthy alternative to regular fries, these zucchini fries are crispy and flavorful, perfect as a snack or side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

Air fried tofu on a white plate. — Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A vegan delight, this tofu is seasoned simply and cooked to achieve a crispy texture, proving the air fryer’s versatility.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Overhead shot of a striped bowl with kung pao chicken. — Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This dish brings a Chinese restaurant favorite to your kitchen, with a spicy, savory sauce coating crispy chicken pieces.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Air Fryer Enchiladas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling. — Air Fryer Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A great way to enjoy a Mexican classic, these enchiladas come out perfectly cooked, with a bubbly, cheesy top.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Low angle shot of an air fried whole chicken. — Air Fryer Whole Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer results in a crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, ideal for a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Low angle shot of korean fried chicken with a hand holding a piece of the chicken. — Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This recipe offers a Korean twist, featuring a crispy, spicy coating on tender chicken pieces.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Croutons

Low angle shot of croutons on a small metal baking sheet. — Air Fryer Croutons. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Make your salads more exciting with these homemade croutons, which achieve a perfect crunch in the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Croutons

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Fish tacos on a small baking sheet with limes. — Air Fryer Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A lighter take on tacos, featuring flaky fish with a crispy coating, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Bowl of jalapeno popper bites. — Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These bites offer a spicy, cheesy snack, with a crispy coating that’s less greasy thanks to the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Air Fryer Churros

Churros on a white plate with a bowl of caramel dipping sauce on the side. — Air Fryer Churros. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Enjoy a classic Spanish dessert at home, with churros that are crispy on the outside and soft inside, minus the deep-frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Churros

Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Hand dipping a fried pickle into dipping sauce with a platter of fried pickle slices. — Air Fryer Fried Pickles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A southern favorite, these pickles become a crispy, tangy snack, ideal for dipping and sharing.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Air Fryer BBQ Wings

These wings are smothered in BBQ sauce and cooked to a crispy finish, perfect for game day or as a hearty snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Wings

Air Fryer Empanadas

This Latin American staple is made easier and healthier in the air fryer, resulting in a crispy pastry filled with savory goodness.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Air Fryer Wontons

A perfect appetizer or snack, these wontons are crispy outside with a delicious filling, demonstrating the air fryer’s ability to handle delicate items.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Wontons

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Low angle shot of a plate of fried chicken with sesame sauce and sesame seeds. — Air Fryer Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A popular Asian dish, sesame chicken becomes a less oily yet equally tasty version when cooked in the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Fried chicken in a basket lined with parchment paper. — Air Fryer Fried Chicken. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

This classic comfort food gets a healthier twist, offering a crispy, juicy chicken without the heavy oil of traditional frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Stacked spring rolls on a white plate. — Air Fryer Spring Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Enjoy a crunchy, vegetable-packed snack or appetizer, with spring rolls that are less greasy but just as satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream

Fried ice cream scoop topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. — Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A novel dessert idea, where the air fryer creates a crispy outer shell while keeping the ice cream cold and creamy inside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream

Air Fryer Pork Belly

Achieve a crispy, crackling skin and tender meat with this recipe, showcasing the air fryer’s ability to cook rich, flavorful pork.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Bacon wrapped jalapenos on a white plate. — Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These poppers are a spicy, cheesy treat, with a crispy coating that makes them a perfect party snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Air Fryer S’mores

Stacked s'mores on a white plate. — Air Fryer S’mores. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Bring the campfire treat indoors, with s’mores that get perfectly toasted in the air fryer, minus the mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S’mores

Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies

Stack of hot cocoa cookies on a plate. — Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A cozy winter treat, these cookies blend the flavors of hot cocoa into a soft, warm bite, easily made in the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies

Air Fryer Falafel

Low angle shot of a platter of air fried falafel patties. — Air Fryer Falafel. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A Middle Eastern favorite, these falafels are crispy on the outside, soft inside, and less oily than their deep-fried counterparts.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Falafel

Air Fryer Artichokes

Air fried artichokes ready to eat. — Air Fryer Artichokes. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These artichokes become tender and slightly crispy, an easy and elegant side dish or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Artichokes

Air Fryer Salmon

Perfect for a healthy, quick meal, the salmon comes out flaky and moist, with a lightly crispy exterior.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon

Air Fryer Corn Elote

Low angle shot of 3 ears of corn elote on corn husks. — Air Fryer Corn Elote. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A Mexican street food favorite, corn elote becomes smoky and flavorful, with charred kernels that enhance its taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn Elote

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Fried chicken pieces in orange sauce garnished with sesame seeds in a black bowl with chopsticks and a green and white napkin. — Air Fryer Orange Chicken. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

A Chinese takeout classic, this orange chicken is crispy, tangy, and sweet, with less grease and more flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Orange Chicken

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