If you’ve got an air fryer (or one still sitting in the box—no shame!), this is the post for you. These are the go-to air fryer basics I make again and again—easy, fast, no-fuss meals that get crispy, delicious results with barely any cleanup.
Whether you just unpacked your new air fryer or you're finally ready to use the one collecting dust on the counter, these simple recipes will help you feel like a pro in no time.
Why I Love Air Fryer Recipes
As a busy mom, I live for anything that makes dinner faster without sacrificing flavor. The air fryer checks all the boxes:
- Cooks faster than the oven
- Crisps up food with way less oil
- Doesn’t heat up the whole kitchen
- Easy enough for anyone to use (seriously)
We use ours constantly for crispy chicken, roasted veggies, and kid-friendly staples like hot dogs and potatoes. Once you know the basics, it becomes second nature.
Helpful Air Fryer Tips (Especially if You're New)
- Don’t overcrowd the basket – You want crispy edges, not soggy steam.
- Shake or flip halfway – Helps everything brown evenly.
- Use a little spray oil – It makes a big difference for texture.
- Preheat first – Even just 3 minutes helps with crispiness.
- Check early – Every air fryer cooks a little differently!
17 Easy Air Fryer Recipes to Try Tonight
These easy air fryer dinner ideas include staple proteins like chicken breasts, drumsticks, and tofu, plus crispy veggie sides like broccoli, green beans, and Brussels sprouts. Whether you're cooking for picky kids or prepping healthy lunches, there's a recipe here you'll make on repeat.
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Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Say goodbye to dry, boring chicken. These juicy air fryer chicken breasts come out tender every time—perfect for sandwiches, salads, wraps, or meal prep bowls. All you need is a quick seasoning, 15–18 minutes in the air fryer, and dinner’s ready.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy edges, tender centers, and way easier than deep frying. These air fryer sweet potato fries are tossed in a little oil, garlic powder, and paprika for flavor that goes with literally everything—burgers, wraps, or just dipped in your favorite sauce.
Air Fryer Steak
Juicy, flavorful, and no grill required. This air fryer steak gets a gorgeous sear on the outside and stays tender in the middle. Season it simply, toss it in, and dinner’s done in under 15 minutes. Serve with veggies, potatoes, or slice it thin for steak salads.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—just how chicken tenders should be. These air fryer chicken tenders are coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and cooked to golden perfection. Serve with ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard for a kid-friendly favorite that adults love too.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs
These air fryer chicken legs are everything you want in a weeknight dinner—crispy skin, juicy meat, and big flavor. Just season, toss them in, and let the air fryer do its thing. Great with roasted veggies, salad, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Want even more crispy, juicy chicken ideas? Don’t miss my Air Fryer Chicken Recipes roundup—packed with easy dinners the whole family will love.
Air Fryer Carrots
These air fryer carrots are sweet, savory, and roasted to caramelized perfection. A little oil, a sprinkle of garlic powder, and 15 minutes in the air fryer turn everyday carrots into a side dish everyone actually wants to eat.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—these air fryer chicken thighs are packed with flavor. Just season, toss in the basket, and cook. They come out golden and perfect every time, with minimal mess and max flavor.
Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
Golden and crispy with tender insides, these air fryer potatoes are the ultimate side dish. They’re tossed with garlic powder, paprika, and a little oil—perfect next to eggs, chicken, or eaten straight from the bowl.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
So crispy they crackle when you bite in. These wings are tossed in just a few pantry staples—salt, pepper, garlic powder—and cooked to golden, juicy perfection without deep frying
Air Fryer Broccoli
Tender florets with crispy, golden edges—this is the way to get everyone at the table to eat their greens. Just toss with a little oil, salt, and pepper, then let the air fryer work its magic.
Need some easy veggies to go with your air fryer mains? Check out my Air Fryer Side Dishes roundup for quick, flavorful ideas that go with everything.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Fluffy inside, crispy outside—just like your favorite steakhouse version, but easier. These baked potatoes are the perfect side for anything from salmon to sloppy joes.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Golden, crispy, and just a little nutty—these sprouts turn skeptics into fans. Add balsamic glaze or toss with bacon for extra flavor.
Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Slightly crisped outside, juicy inside—these air fryer hot dogs blow boiling and microwaving out of the water. A total kid-favorite.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside—this whole chicken cooks to perfection right in the air fryer. Easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for Sunday dinner.
Air Fryer Green Beans
Lightly crispy, perfectly tender, and ready in 10 minutes. These air fryer green beans are the kind of veggie side that disappears fast—even with picky eaters.
Air Fryer Tofu
Golden and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—this air fryer tofu is the perfect plant-based protein for stir-fries, bowls, or salads. No pressing required!
Air Fryer Parmesan Drumsticks
Crispy, garlicky, and coated in parmesan—these drumsticks are like the comfort food version of garlic bread meets fried chicken. Always a hit with the kids (and grown-ups too).
Common Air Fryer Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the basket – Too much food at once means steaming instead of crisping. Give everything a little space, or cook in batches.
- Skipping the preheat – Preheating for even just 2–3 minutes helps your food cook evenly and crisp up better.
- Not flipping or shaking halfway – Flip meat or shake the basket for fries and veggies to get that golden, even crisp on all sides.
- Using too much (or too little) oil – A light spray is all you need. Too much oil makes things soggy. Skip it entirely for fatty foods like wings.
- Forgetting to dry food first – Extra moisture = soggy food. Pat ingredients dry with a paper towel before seasoning and air frying.
- Ignoring your air fryer’s manual – Every air fryer is different! Double-check cook times and temps if something seems off.
- Going only by the timer – Use your eyes too! Check for color, texture, and internal temp (especially for meats).
Frequently Asked Questions
Most models recommend it—just a few minutes is enough.
Yes! Frozen fries, nuggets, and more work great. Just adjust time and temp.
Definitely. Just make sure they’re cut to cook in the same amount of time or add them in stages.
Have a favorite sheet pan combo you love? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what your family enjoys!
Want more simple meals like these? Browse all my Air Fryer Recipes, Easy Weeknight Dinners, or Easy Sheet Pan Meals.
