15+ Genius Air Fryer Recipes That Belong in Your Weeknight Rotation

The air fryer has gone from a kitchen gadget to a weeknight necessity. It’s the fastest, easiest way to achieve that perfect crispy texture without the mess or excess oil of deep-frying. If your air fryer is still sitting on the counter gathering dust, it’s time to put it to work!

Below are the best, simplest, and healthiest air fryer recipes that are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners: The Crispy Classics

If you’re just starting out, the best way to master your air fryer is by cooking the things it does better than any other appliance. These simple recipes require minimal ingredients and time, making them the perfect air fryer recipes for beginners.

Crispy Air Fryer French Fries (or Sweet Potato Fries)

Forget the oven, which leaves fries soggy, or deep-frying, which leaves your kitchen oily. The air fryer is the secret to super-crispy French fries.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
Method: Cut potatoes into even strips, toss them with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper (or paprika for sweet potato fries). Air fry at 400∘F (200∘C) for 18–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning.

Foolproof Air Fryer Chicken Wings

If you’re skeptical about getting golden, crispy chicken skin without oil splattering everywhere, trust the air fryer.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Method: Pat chicken wings completely dry. Toss with your favorite dry rub (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika). Cook at 400∘F (200∘C), flipping halfway until the skin is golden and crispy.

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes (The Real Deal)

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, cooking in less time than if you’d baked them in a conventional oven.

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 30–40 minutes (depending on size)
Method: Rub a medium-sized potato with oil and season generously with salt. Cook at 400∘F (200∘C) until the skin is shatteringly crisp and the inside is tender.

Healthy Air Fryer Recipes: 5 Ingredients or Less

The air fryer helps you create healthy, macro-friendly meals by eliminating the need for excessive oil. These next few recipes prioritize speed and minimal ingredients, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

Air Fryer Salmon with Maple Soy Glaze

This dinner is incredibly simple, takes less than 10 minutes, and requires no flipping.

Ingredients: Salmon fillets, maple syrup, reduced-sodium soy sauce, sriracha hot sauce, and garlic.
Method: Mix the glaze ingredients. Coat the salmon fillets. Air fry for under 10 minutes. The result is a flaky fillet with a perfectly caramelized exterior.

Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp

This is arguably a one-ingredient recipe if you don’t count pantry staples like salt and pepper.

Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Method: Toss the shrimp with the olive oil and spices. Cook in the air fryer for under 10 minutes until done. Use it as a main dish with rice, as a taco filling, or as a light salad topping.

Air Fryer Garlic-Rosemary Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are transformed into pure magic in the air fryer, achieving a slightly caramelized, crispy outer shell.

Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, olive oil, rosemary, garlic, and salt/pepper.
Method: Toss the sprouts with oil and seasonings. Cook at 400∘F (200∘C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and tender.

Air Fryer Hacks and Tips for Success

To get the most out of your air fryer recipes, remember these essential tips:

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fryers rely on circulating hot air. For maximum crispiness, cook in batches.
Dry is Key: When cooking chicken, fish, or breaded items, always pat them completely dry before seasoning or coating. This is the secret to a genuinely crispy finish.
Use the Right Accessories: Silicone molds or small cake pans (like a cake barrel) can be used to make recipes like breakfast frittatas or blueberry oatmeal directly in the air fryer.
Use the Shake Method: Always shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crisping.