8 Air Fryer Recipes I Swear By

Nothing beats that crispy-outside you get from a good air fryer recipe, and after testing countless dishes, I keep coming back to these eight winners. These air fryer recipes deliver tasty results without the oil or mess, turning everyday ingredients into something special.

From quick appetizers to satisfying mains, this collection covers all the bases for busy weeknights and entertaining. Which air fryer dish are you going to make? Comment and let me know.

1. Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Slices of Air Fryer Garlic Bread on a wooden board, golden and crispy with herbs — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook

French baguette slices get the ultimate upgrade with homemade garlic butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley before hitting the air fryer. The result is golden, crispy edges with a perfectly soft center that beats any restaurant version.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread

2. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Crispy Air-fried Chicken Tenders served with dressing dip. — Photo Credit: From Valerie’s Kitchen

These crispy chicken tenders prove that homemade beats store-bought every time with a seasoned panko coating that gets incredibly crunchy in the air fryer. This has been my favorite air fryer chicken tender recipe (and I’ve tried some duds). It’s super tasty.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

3. Air Fryer Croissants

Air Fryer Croissants with powdered sugar and chocolate drizzle on a wooden board. — Photo Credit: Princess Pinky Girl

These warm, flaky pastries have that bakery-quality taste without the hefty price tag. They’re the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell amazing and disappears as fast as you can make them. My family really loved this recipe!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Croissants

4. Air Fryer Steak

Juicy Air Fryer Steak plated on white dish. — Photo Credit: Amanda’s Cookin’

This method delivers a beautiful brown crust on the outside while keeping the inside perfectly tender and juicy. The air fryer takes all the guesswork out of cooking steak and frees up your stovetop for delicious sides.

My husband usually grills up steak, but if he gets home too late for work, I love throwing steak in the air fryer; it’s so easy.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak

5. Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

Air-fried Mac and Cheese Balls served on a tray with dipping sauce. — Photo Credit: xoxoBella

These addictive bites turn leftover mac and cheese into something completely irresistible. The contrast between the crunchy corn flake coating and that cheesy center makes them disappear faster than you can make them.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

6. Air Fryer Salmon

Air-fried salmon on a black plate with lemon, vegetables, and a fork on the side. — Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud

This salmon turns out perfectly flaky and crispy without any oil, making it the ideal healthy weeknight dinner. The simple spice blend creates a flavorful crust while keeping the fish incredibly tender inside.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon

7. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Air-fried Mozzarella Sticks on a wooden board lined with parchment paper. — Photo Credit: Blackberry Babe

String cheese gets a seasoned panko coating that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. I’ve tried multiple recipes to make mozzarella sticks in the air fryer, but this one is by far my favorite. You’re going to want to try this one!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

8. Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Crispy shrimp on a sheet pan — Photo Credit: Simply Stacie

These shrimp get incredibly crispy with a golden coconut coating that is so delicious! The air fryer makes them foolproof and mess-free. My favorite way to serve these is with sweet chili sauce, yum!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp