What are the best things to air fry

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  1. Food & Recipes
  2. Easy Weeknight Meals
  3. 46 Easy Air Fryer Recipes That Are Fast and Super Delicious

46 Easy Air Fryer Recipes That Are Fast and Super Delicious

From chicken to pork to veggies and dessert, you can make everything in this versatile kitchen appliance.

What are the best things to air fry

Mike Garten

After confirming what an air fryer is and, equally as important, which is the best air fryer to buy, the number one question most people have is typically "What can I make with one?" The answer, in short: So. Much. Air fryers achieved cult-status after turning out thousands of chicken wings and frozen fries "fried" to crisp perfection. But, this kitchen appliance cooks up perfectly-seared proteins and caramelized roast veggies in no time at all — as well as crunchy snacks and decadent desserts. Smaller air fryers are great gadgets if you're cooking for one or two people, while larger air fryers can handle feeding a big group for easy, family dinners (or, alternatively, air frying in batches). Because air fryers don't require a ton of oil (especially compared to deep fryers), clean-up is a cinch and it's a healthier options in many scenarios as well.

In the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, we use our air fryers for everything from quick breakfasts to easy weeknight dinners. We have tried air frying all sorts of proteins, like juicy chicken, steak, pork, and eggs for simple recipes, as well as all the snacks and sides. Find a few of our favorite air fryer recipes — including Mediterranean chicken bowls, steak fajitas and homemade granola — that are great for beginners, experts and everyone in between.

If you're looking for different air fryer ideas, check out our special issue, Easy Air Fryer: 75 Delicious Healthy Recipes, or the Good Housekeeping Air Fryer Cookbook. And if you are completely new to the air fryer, here are some great air fryer cookbooks for beginners to add to your collection. All are filled with air fried goodness.

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Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Once you've had air-fryer wings, we guarantee you'll never want them any other way. With our tips, you'll "fry" up wings that are perfectly juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside and tossed in an awesome sauce.

Get the Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipe.

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Air Fryer Salmon Flatbreads

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Chicken Taquitos

While you can make this cheesy chicken tortilla dish in the oven, everything gets extra crispy and melty in the air fryer.

Get the Chicken Taquitos recipe.

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Air Fryer Steak Fajitas

You probably have a favorite fajita recipe on hand, but this seasoned, air-fried steak will undoubtedly become your new go-to.

Get the Air Fryer Steak Fajitas recipe.

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Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken

Sometimes you'll find recipes for just sides or only proteins made in the air fryer, but here is a complete dinner featuring prosciutto-wrapped chicken, charred green beans and a fresh tomato salad. No other dishes to clean? Count us in!

Get the Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken recipe.

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Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

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Air Fryer "Fried" Avocado Tacos

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Tandoori-Style Chicken

While tandoori chicken is traditionally cooked in a cylindrical clay oven called a tandoor, we figured out a way to achieve similar smoky delicious results using an air fryer instead.

Get the Tandoori-Style Chicken recipe.

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Spaghetti and Air Fryer Meatballs

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Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas

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Garlicky Wings and Shishito Peppers

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Air Fryer Bacon-Roasted Potatoes

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Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

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Air Fryer Hand Pies

Air fryers aren't just for lunch or dinner — you can make a pretty stellar dessert with one, too. Exhibit A: these sweet apple and raspberry mini pies.

Get the Air Fryer Hand Pies recipe.

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Air Fryer Gingery Pork Meatballs

Season ground pork with scallions, lime, fish sauce, honey and tons of fresh ginger, then shape into meatballs and "fry" until gorgeously golden brown. Pair them with rice noodles and crunchy veggies for a fresh and easy dinner.

Get the Air Fryer Gingery Pork Meatballs recipe.

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Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts

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Air Fryer Totchos

Liven up store-bought tots with dried spices and a generous sprinkling of cheese for the easiest (tastiest!) appetizer ever.

Get the Air Fryer Totchos recipe.

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Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos

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Air Fryer Asparagus Salad with Feta Vinaigrette

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Air Fryer Coriander-Maple Glazed Carrots

Air frying can achieve similar results (read: caramelized and crisp vegetables) as roasting, but in a fraction of the time. Toss carrots with maple syrup and lime juice right before bringing to the table.

Get the Air Fryer Coriander-Maple Glazed Carrots recipe.

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Spinach and Cheese Breakfast Pockets

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Air-Fried Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

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Air Fryer Bacon Avocado Fries

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Tender, Crunchy Air Fryer Fried Chicken

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Air Fryer Cheesy Beef Empanadas

Trish Clasen Marsanico Deputy Food Editor Trish (she/her) is the deputy food editor at Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things food, from cooking trends and delicious recipes to top-tested kitchen products and grocery finds.

Samantha MacAvoy Editorial Assistant Samantha (she/her) is an editorial assistant in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, where she writes about tasty recipes, must-try food products and top-tested secrets for home cooking success.

French fries are arguably the most popular thing to cook in an air fryer. Air fryers use a fraction of the oil as deep-frying, and making French fries in them result in an appreciably crisp exterior and fluffy inside without the greasiness.

What should you not put in an air fryer?

8 Things You Probably Shouldn't Cook in an Air Fryer.
Battered foods. Avoid placing wet batter in the air fryer. ... .
Fresh greens. Leafy greens like spinach will cook unevenly because the machine uses high-speed air. ... .
Whole roasts. ... .
Cheese. ... .
Raw grains. ... .
Hamburgers. ... .
Toast. ... .
Popcorn..

What should I make first in my air fryer?

Air Fryer French Fries Whenever we test out a new air fryer, French fries are the very first recipe we make. Homemade French fries won't feel like so much of a chore with this machine and might actually become a regular occurance once you get the hang of it.

What should I buy for air fry?

Frozen French Fries. “You would be doing your air fryer a disservice if you don't use it to fry french fries. ... .
Frozen Sweet Potato Fries. ... .
Frozen Brazilian Cheese Bread. ... .
Fresh Ravioli. ... .
Blackened Seasoning Blend. ... .
MCT Oil. ... .
Frozen Salmon. ... .
Frozen Plant-Based Shrimp..