25 Best Air Fryer Recipes to Try
Your air fryer is capable of so much more than just chips and chicken nuggets. From breakfast to dessert, and everything in between, these 25 recipes will help you unlock your air fryer's full potential. Each recipe is designed to be simple, delicious, and healthier than traditional cooking methods.
Breakfast Recipes
1. Crispy Bacon
Temperature: 200°C | Time: 8-10 minutes
Lay bacon strips in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. No mess, perfectly crispy bacon every time. The fat drips away for healthier results.
2. Hash Browns
Temperature: 200°C | Time: 15-18 minutes
Grate potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture. Form into patties, spray lightly with oil, and air fry until golden and crispy. Flip halfway through for even browning.
3. Breakfast Sausages
Temperature: 180°C | Time: 10-12 minutes
Place sausages in basket without overcrowding. Turn every 3-4 minutes for even cooking. They come out perfectly browned with a crispy skin.
4. Egg Muffins
Temperature: 160°C | Time: 12-15 minutes
Whisk eggs with vegetables, cheese, and ham. Pour into silicone muffin cups and place in air fryer. Perfect for meal prep breakfast options.
Lunch and Dinner Mains
5. Classic Chicken Wings
Temperature: 200°C | Time: 25-30 minutes
Pat wings dry, season with salt and pepper. Cook for 12 minutes, flip, then cook another 12 minutes. Toss with your favourite sauce. Crispy skin, juicy interior.
6. Crumbed Chicken Schnitzel
Temperature: 180°C | Time: 12-15 minutes
Dip chicken breast in flour, egg, then breadcrumbs. Spray with oil and cook until golden. Flip halfway through. Achieves that perfect crunch without deep frying.
7. Salmon Fillets
Temperature: 180°C | Time: 10-12 minutes
Season salmon with lemon, herbs, and a drizzle of oil. Cook skin-side down. The result is flaky, moist fish with a slightly crispy top.
8. Lamb Chops
Temperature: 200°C | Time: 12-15 minutes
Season chops with rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook to your preferred doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Beautifully browned exterior.
9. Fish and Chips
Temperature: 200°C | Time: 12 minutes (fish), 20 minutes (chips)
Coat fish in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Cook chips first, then add fish to basket for final 12 minutes. A healthier take on the classic Australian favourite.
10. Pork Sausages
Temperature: 180°C | Time: 12-15 minutes
Arrange sausages in basket, turning every 4-5 minutes. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Pairs wonderfully with air-fried vegetables.
11. Meatballs
Temperature: 180°C | Time: 12-15 minutes
Form mince into balls with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Arrange in basket and cook until browned and cooked through. Great for pasta or subs.
12. Steak
Temperature: 200°C | Time: 10-15 minutes
Season steak generously and brush with oil. Cook for 10-12 minutes for medium, flipping halfway. Rest before slicing. Delivers a nice crust and juicy interior.
Vegetable Side Dishes
13. Perfect Chips
Temperature: 200°C | Time: 20-25 minutes
Cut potatoes into chips, soak in cold water for 30 minutes, pat dry. Toss with 1 tablespoon oil and salt. Shake basket every 5 minutes. Crispy outside, fluffy inside.
14. Brussels Sprouts
Temperature: 180°C | Time: 12-15 minutes
Halve sprouts, toss with oil, salt, and pepper. Cook until crispy and caramelised. Even Brussels sprouts haters will love these.
15. Sweet Potato Wedges
Temperature: 200°C | Time: 15-18 minutes
Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, toss with paprika, garlic powder, and oil. Shake halfway through. Naturally sweet and crispy.
16. Roasted Vegetables
Temperature: 180°C | Time: 15-20 minutes
Chop carrots, zucchini, capsicum, and onion. Toss with olive oil and herbs. Shake occasionally. Caramelised and delicious.
17. Cauliflower Bites
Temperature: 190°C | Time: 12-15 minutes
Coat cauliflower florets in seasoned batter. Air fry until golden and crispy. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce.
18. Roast Pumpkin
Temperature: 180°C | Time: 15-18 minutes
Cut pumpkin into cubes, toss with oil and cinnamon. Cook until tender and caramelised at the edges. Perfect autumn side dish.
Snacks and Appetisers
19. Spring Rolls
Temperature: 180°C | Time: 8-10 minutes
Brush frozen spring rolls with oil. Arrange in basket without overlapping. Turn halfway through. Crispy and golden without deep frying.
20. Chicken Nuggets
Temperature: 200°C | Time: 10-12 minutes
Coat chicken pieces in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Spray with oil. Cook until golden. Kids and adults love them.
21. Crispy Chickpeas
Temperature: 200°C | Time: 15-18 minutes
Drain and dry chickpeas thoroughly. Toss with oil and spices. Shake every 5 minutes. Crunchy, protein-rich snack.
22. Mozzarella Sticks
Temperature: 180°C | Time: 6-8 minutes
Freeze mozzarella sticks for 30 minutes first. Coat in breadcrumbs and spray with oil. Don't overcook or cheese will leak out. Perfect party food.
Desserts
23. Apple Chips
Temperature: 160°C | Time: 15-20 minutes
Slice apples thinly, sprinkle with cinnamon. Arrange in single layer. Flip halfway through. Healthy sweet snack that's naturally sweet.
24. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Temperature: 160°C | Time: 8-10 minutes
Place cookie dough portions on parchment paper in air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd. Bake until edges are golden. Soft and chewy.
25. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Temperature: 180°C | Time: 5-7 minutes
Use canned biscuit dough, cut holes in centre. Brush with butter and coat in cinnamon sugar after cooking. Easy and delicious treat.
Tips for Recipe Success
General Cooking Tips
- Don't overcrowd: Air needs to circulate freely. Cook in batches if necessary
- Preheat when needed: For best results with frozen foods and baked goods, preheat for 3-5 minutes
- Shake or flip: Most foods benefit from being shaken or flipped halfway through cooking
- Use oil sparingly: A light spray is usually enough. Too much oil can make food soggy
- Check early: Every air fryer is different. Start checking a few minutes before the suggested time
Adapting Traditional Recipes
Want to convert your favourite oven recipes for the air fryer? Follow these guidelines:
- Reduce temperature by 20°C from the oven temperature
- Reduce cooking time by about 20-25%
- Check food frequently the first time you adapt a recipe
- Consider the size of your air fryer basket when scaling recipes
Seasoning Suggestions
Elevate your air fryer recipes with these seasoning combinations:
- Mediterranean: Oregano, basil, garlic, lemon zest
- Asian-inspired: Ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil
- Mexican-style: Cumin, paprika, chilli powder, lime
- Italian: Rosemary, thyme, parmesan, garlic
- BBQ: Smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder
Making These Recipes Your Own
These recipes are starting points. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, vegetables, and proteins based on what you have available and your personal preferences. The beauty of air frying is how forgiving it is – you can adjust cooking times and temperatures slightly and still get great results.
Meal Prep Ideas
Many of these recipes work beautifully for meal prep:
- Cook chicken breasts or meatballs in bulk for the week
- Prepare vegetable sides in advance and reheat quickly
- Make egg muffins for grab-and-go breakfasts
- Batch cook chips and freeze for later use
Family-Friendly Variations
If you're cooking for picky eaters, these adaptations can help:
- Let kids choose their own seasonings for vegetables
- Cut foods into fun shapes before cooking
- Serve with favourite dipping sauces
- Start with mild flavours and gradually introduce new tastes
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Food Not Crispy Enough
- Ensure food is dry before cooking (pat with paper towels)
- Use a light spray of oil even on breaded items
- Don't overcrowd the basket
- Increase temperature by 10°C or cook for a few extra minutes
Food Cooking Unevenly
- Shake basket or flip food more frequently
- Cut all pieces to similar sizes
- Avoid stacking food in the basket
Food Too Dry
- Reduce cooking time slightly
- Use a meat thermometer for proteins to avoid overcooking
- Brush or spray with a bit more oil
- Cover delicate items with foil for part of cooking time
Expanding Your Recipe Collection
Once you've mastered these 25 recipes, the possibilities are endless. Try experimenting with:
- Different marinades for proteins
- International flavour profiles
- Seasonal vegetables
- Homemade versions of takeaway favourites
- Healthy swaps for traditionally fried foods
Conclusion
These 25 recipes showcase the incredible versatility of your air fryer. From crispy bacon for breakfast to sweet treats for dessert, your air fryer can handle it all with less oil and hassle than traditional cooking methods. Remember, the key to air fryer success is experimentation – don't be afraid to try new foods and adjust recipes to suit your taste.
Start with the recipes that appeal most to you, master those, and then branch out to more adventurous options. Before long, your air fryer will become your go-to appliance for quick, healthy, and delicious meals that the whole family will love.