27 surprisingly good air fryer recipes worth trying

Cooking feels easier with smart air fryer ideas. Quick heat brings big flavor with very little effort. Surprise favorites come together through simple steps and fast cook time. Here are 27 surprisingly good air fryer recipes worth trying!

Easy Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings

Surprise favorites come together through simple steps and fast cook time. Here are 27 surprisingly good air fryer recipes worth trying!
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings

Air Fryer Ribeye

Steak people, this one’s for you. Air Fryer Ribeye delivers consistent doneness and sears well without the hassle. It doesn’t need much else to feel like a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

When you're short on time but want something a little special, these hit the mark. Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp come out golden and crisp with that signature sweet crunch. No oil splatter required.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Close-up of an air-fried barbecued rib with charred edges over a white plate. — Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ribs in the air fryer don’t sound like they should work, but they do. Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs get that dry rub crust and still stay tender. They’re a solid plan when you don’t want to grill.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Air Fryer Zucchini

If you’ve only had it mushy, this will change your mind. Air Fryer Zucchini keeps its shape and comes out surprisingly crisp. A simple side that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini

Air Fryer Filet Mignon

Steak night doesn't have to be complicated or smoky. Air Fryer Filet Mignon turns out evenly cooked with a solid outer sear. It holds up to the hype.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Filet Mignon

Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

A basket of crispy roasted pork belly chunks garnished with parsley, served in a white paper-lined wicker basket. — Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crunch without the deep fryer is reason enough. Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites bring that crispy top and tender middle in every bite. Best served hot, no dipping sauce needed.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets

These salmon fillets don’t take much effort but come off like they do. Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets get crispy on top without drying out. Works for both weeknights and guests.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets

Air Fryer Tofu

Tofu gets a whole new texture here—crisp on the outside and just firm enough. Air Fryer Tofu works for grain bowls, salads, or quick snacking. No extra effort required.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings (Easy & Crispy!)

The seasoning makes it work and the crisp seals the deal. Lemon Pepper Wings get everything right without needing extra sauce. Great for dinner or game day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings (Easy & Crispy!)

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

You’d think a grill was involved, but not here. Grilled Shrimp Skewers in the air fryer turn out juicy with that light char. No outdoor setup needed.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Crispy Air-Fried Shredded Pork

If you like your meat with crispy edges, this is worth trying. Shredded Pork in the air fryer comes out juicy with just enough crisp. It’s flexible for tacos, bowls, or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air-Fried Shredded Pork

Air Fryer Halloumi

Cheese that doesn’t melt into a mess? That’s where Air Fryer Halloumi comes in with its golden edges and chewy center. It’s honestly more versatile than expected.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Halloumi

Easy Air Fryer Tuna Steak (Fresh Ahi Tuna Steak)

Perfectly air-fried ahi tuna steaks with greens and lemon slices on a plate. — Easy Air Fryer Tuna Steak (Fresh Ahi Tuna Steak). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This one's great when you want something quick but don’t want chicken again. Tuna Steak cooks fast and stays tender with a solid sear. It’s better than expected.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Tuna Steak (Fresh Ahi Tuna Steak)

Air Fryer Short Ribs

These turn out richer than you’d expect from something cooked this fast. Air Fryer Short Ribs come out tender with a crisp edge that holds up. Definitely a weeknight win.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Short Ribs

Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

You don’t even need to thaw it, and it still turns out right. Maple Mustard Frozen Salmon goes straight from freezer to plate with no fuss. Perfect for low-energy days.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Homemade Air Fryer Pizza

When you want something fast but better than frozen, this one delivers. Homemade Air Fryer Pizza gets bubbly on top and holds that perfect crisp crust. It's the kind of shortcut that actually works.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Air Fryer Pizza

Air Fryer Turkey Legs

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

These belong far beyond Thanksgiving. Air Fryer Turkey Legs come out juicy with that perfect crispy skin. They're easy to serve and hard to share.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

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

No oven required for this one. Air Fryer Whole Chicken cooks evenly and gets that crisp outer layer all around. Clean-up's easier than you'd expect.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Air Fryer BBQ Ribs - Best Dry Rib Rub

The rub brings flavor, but the air fryer seals the texture. BBQ Ribs come out crusted, tender, and totally hands-off. You'll want to save extra for later.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Ribs - Best Dry Rib Rub

Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes

Add these to anything and the whole dish gets better. Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes concentrate their flavor and keep their bite. Great for toast, bowls, or straight from the tray.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes

Air Fryer Panko Shrimp

Panko gives just the right crunch without overpowering the shrimp. Air Fryer Panko Shrimp come out golden and firm with every batch. Dip or no dip, they hold up.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Panko Shrimp

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

A chicken drumsticks in a pan. — Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Drumsticks hold up great in the air fryer and cook fast. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks come out juicy inside and crisp on the outside. Add a quick salad and you’re good.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

No foil, no oven—just a crispy shell and fluffy middle. Air Fryer Baked Potatoes hit that perfect balance without the wait. They’re hard to mess up.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Easy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos

Taquitos that actually stay crunchy? Beef Taquitos from the air fryer hold their shape and don’t get greasy. They're a snack-meal hybrid that works every time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos

Air Fryer Eggplant

Somehow soft and structured at the same time, it’s easy to like once it’s cooked right. Air Fryer Eggplant is ideal for layering, dipping, or tossing into rice bowls. It’s one to keep on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Eggplant

Hot Honey Chicken Wings with Mustard

Three glazed chicken wing pieces garnished with parsley are arranged on a white plate. A red and white checkered cloth is visible beside the plate. — Hot Honey Chicken Wings with Mustard. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sweet heat meets crispy skin in a combo that’s hard to beat. Hot Honey Chicken Wings are sticky, bold, and way too easy to finish. They’ll go quick.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Wings with Mustard