I’m A Chef Who Loves Using My Air Fryer. Here Are My 18 Most Delicious Meals To Make In It
As a chef who loves using the air fryer, you already know how much flavor and texture you can achieve with less oil and faster cook times. Here are 18 of the most delicious and satisfying meals you can make in your air fryer—each one full of bold flavor, crisp edges, and minimal mess.
1. Crispy Chicken Thighs
Crispy chicken thighs are a comforting classic with a twist when made in an air fryer. Imagine juicy, tender meat encased in crackling, flavorful skin. The seasoning of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika adds a delightful smoky aroma.
Cooking them in the air fryer ensures they cook evenly, with the skin turning uniformly crispy. Enjoy them as a main dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.
They are perfect for a family dinner or a quick meal prepared in under 30 minutes. Your taste buds will thank you!
2. Air Fryer Salmon with Chili Honey Glaze
Air Fryer Salmon with Chili Honey Glaze is a flavorful dish that harmonizes sweet and spicy notes. Envision tender salmon with a delicate, caramelized crust.
The glaze, a blend of honey, sriracha, and garlic, creates a sticky, spicy coating. Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s a quick and sophisticated dinner option.
Pair it with steamed rice or a light salad to balance the richness. This dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a gourmet meal at home without the fuss.
3. Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts
Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts offer a fresh and zesty take on a classic favorite. Infused with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs, these chicken breasts are air fried to perfection.
The process locks in juiciness and achieves beautiful browning on the outside. Each bite is a burst of lemony freshness and savory herbs.
Ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner, serve these with your favorite vegetables or a grains mix. This dish combines simple ingredients into a delightful meal.
4. Crispy Cauliflower Bites
Crispy Cauliflower Bites are a fun and tasty snack or side dish. Coated in a light batter or seasoned panko, these bites turn golden and crisp in the air fryer.
The texture is incredibly satisfying, with a tender inside and crunchy coating. Enhance the flavor by finishing them with buffalo sauce or a sesame-soy glaze.
These bites are great for parties or as a healthy alternative to traditional fried snacks. Enjoy them as an appetizer or alongside your favorite main dish.
5. Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and luxurious meal packed with flavor. The shrimp are tossed in a rich mixture of melted garlic butter, parsley, and lemon zest.
Air frying them ensures a quick cook time with a perfect texture. Serve them over pasta or rice, or enjoy them straight from the basket.
This dish is perfect for a special dinner or a comforting meal after a long day. The garlicky butter sauce is simply irresistible and pairs beautifully with the shrimp’s sweetness.
6. Air Fryer Pork Chops
Air Fryer Pork Chops are a succulent choice for a hearty meal. Whether you choose bone-in or boneless, these chops are seasoned with Dijon mustard, rosemary, and freshly cracked black pepper.
The air fryer gives them a juicy interior and an irresistible golden crust. They make a comforting and satisfying dinner option.
Pair them with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. These pork chops are a delicious way to enjoy a quick and satisfying dinner.
7. Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed Peppers are a hearty and visually appealing dish. These bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef or turkey, rice, and tomato sauce.
Air frying them gives the peppers a tender yet slightly caramelized texture, enhancing the flavors within. It’s a complete meal in itself.
Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, these peppers are both nutritious and satisfying. Enjoy them on a chilly evening for a comforting meal.
8. Crispy Tofu Cubes
Crispy Tofu Cubes are a delightful addition to any meal. Marinated tofu cubes are tossed in cornstarch and air fried until they reach a satisfying crunch.
The exterior is golden and crispy, while the inside remains soft and flavorful. They work wonderfully in salads, stir-fries, or grain bowls.
These tofu cubes are a fantastic plant-based option that even non-vegans will appreciate. They’re versatile and can be seasoned to fit any culinary theme.
9. Zucchini Parmesan Rounds
Zucchini Parmesan Rounds are a cheesy, crispy snack that you’ll love. Thinly sliced zucchini is breaded with parmesan and panko before being air fried.
The result is a crispy, golden bite that’s both addictive and satisfying. They’re perfect as a snack or a side dish.
You can serve them with marinara sauce or enjoy them on their own. These rounds are a fantastic way to use up zucchini and make a delicious treat.
10. Spicy Chickpeas
Spicy Chickpeas are a high-protein snack that’s both healthy and flavorful. Canned chickpeas are tossed in olive oil and seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne.
Air fried to a perfect crunch, these chickpeas are great as a snack or salad topper. The combination of spices adds a warm, spicy kick that’s utterly delicious.
Enjoy them as a midday snack or toss them into your favorite salad for extra texture and flavor. They’re a versatile, nutritious option.
11. Breakfast Frittata Muffins
Breakfast Frittata Muffins are a delightful way to start your morning. Whisked eggs, cheese, veggies, and bacon or sausage are poured into silicone muffin cups.
Air fried until they’re fluffy and golden, these muffins are both filling and convenient. They make a quick breakfast or an on-the-go snack.
Perfect for meal prep, you can customize them with your favorite ingredients. They’re a flavorful and satisfying start to any day.
12. Falafel Patties
Falafel Patties are a popular Middle-Eastern delight that crisps up beautifully in an air fryer. These patties, made from chickpeas and spices, are air fried to golden perfection.
Their texture is satisfyingly crunchy outside, while the inside remains soft and aromatic with herbs. Serve them in a pita wrap or on a mezze platter.
These falafel patties are a fantastic vegetarian option that’s both nutritious and full of flavor. Enjoy them with a tangy tahini sauce or your favorite dips.
13. Crab Cakes
Crab Cakes are a seafood lover’s dream when made in the air fryer. With lump crab, a touch of mayo, Dijon mustard, herbs, and breadcrumbs, these cakes are air fried to a golden finish without deep frying.
The result is a flavorful, crispy exterior with a rich, tender inside. They’re perfect as an appetizer or a main course.
Serve them with a squeeze of lemon or a dollop of tartar sauce for an extra zest. These crab cakes offer a gourmet experience right at home.
14. Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Stuffed Chicken Breasts make an impressive and flavorful main dish. Butterfly the chicken breasts and fill them with a mixture of spinach, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Air frying ensures they remain juicy and cook evenly, with the stuffing adding a delightful burst of flavor. This dish is perfect for dinner parties or a special family meal.
Each bite is a harmonious blend of savory and tangy notes. Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
15. Mini Meatloaves
Mini Meatloaves are a fun twist on a classic comfort dish. Ground beef or turkey is mixed with breadcrumbs and seasoning, then shaped into mini loaves.
Air frying these loaves with a ketchup glaze gives them a juicy, flavorful finish. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Serve them with mashed potatoes or your favorite sides for a comforting meal. These mini meatloaves are a family-friendly option that’s both tasty and filling.
16. Air-Fried Empanadas
Air-Fried Empanadas are a delicious and satisfying treat. Use store-bought or homemade dough, filling them with seasoned beef, chicken, or veggies.
The air fryer crisps them up beautifully, with a savory filling that remains juicy and flavorful. They’re a fantastic option for appetizers or a main dish.
Enjoy them with a side of salsa or chimichurri for an added kick. These empanadas provide a taste of South American cuisine that’s easy to make at home.
17. Crispy Gnocchi
Crispy Gnocchi is a delightful twist on traditional pasta. Tossed in olive oil and garlic, the gnocchi is air fried to a golden, pillowy finish.
It’s a great base for marinara or pesto, offering a perfect combination of crispy and tender textures. This dish is an exciting alternative to boiled gnocchi.
Ideal for a quick dinner or an appetizer, these crispy gnocchi are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy them with fresh herbs and parmesan for added flavor.
18. Korean BBQ Chicken Wings
Korean BBQ Chicken Wings offer a spicy and sweet culinary experience. Marinated in soy, garlic, gochujang, and brown sugar, these wings are air fried until caramelized and sticky.
The result is a rich, flavorful coating with tender meat inside. They’re an excellent choice for game day or a casual dinner.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor and presentation. These wings bring a taste of Korean cuisine to your home, perfect for sharing with friends and family.