35 Best Air Fryer Recipes

The foods an air fryer cooks better than an oven, not just the ones it can cook.

Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated 8 October 2026

Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.

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Best Air Fryer Recipes cooked in an air fryer

Illustration generated to show a typical finished result. It is not a photograph of a specific batch we cooked.

The best air fryer recipes are the ones where the appliance beats the alternative: chicken wings, chicken thighs, salmon, chips, bacon and Brussels sprouts all come out crisper or faster than they do in an oven. This list is 35 recipes chosen on that test from the full set on the site. It leaves out anything an air fryer can cook but an oven or a pan does better.

The 35 best air fryer recipes, in the order we would cook them

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Wings

200°C · 22-25 min

These are the crispiest air fryer wings you will make at home - no deep-frying, no fuss. The secret is drying the wings well and a pinch of baking powder for shatteringly crisp skin. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 22-25 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

200°C · 22-26 min

Cook bone-in chicken thighs in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 22-26 minutes, flipping halfway, until the thickest part reaches 74°C / 165°F. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Salmon (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Salmon in the Air Fryer

190°C · 8-12 min

Cook salmon in an air fryer at 190°C / 375°F for 8-12 minutes, skin-side down, until the thickest part reaches 63°C / 145°F. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer French Fries (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

French Fries in the Air Fryer (Chips)

200°C · 15-20 min

Cook homemade french fries, or chips, in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes, until they are deep golden. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Bacon (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Bacon in the Air Fryer

190°C · 8-12 min

Cook bacon in an air fryer at 190°C / 375°F for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the rashers are as crisp as you want. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer

190°C · 12-15 min

Cook halved Brussels sprouts in an air fryer at 190°C / 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway, until the cut sides are caramelised. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer

200°C · 10-12 min

Cook chicken tenders in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the thickest part reaches 74°C / 165°F. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Crispy Roast Potatoes (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Roast Potatoes in the Air Fryer

200°C · 20-25 min

Cook roast potatoes in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 20-25 minutes after a short parboil, shaking every 8 minutes, until the edges are crisp. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Pork Chops (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

200°C · 10-14 min

Cook pork chops in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway, until the centre reaches 63°C / 145°F. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Steak (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Steak in the Air Fryer

200°C · 8-14 min

Cook a 2.5 cm steak in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 8-14 minutes, flipping halfway, and pull it at 54°C / 130°F for medium-rare. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer

190°C · 18-22 min

Cook chicken breast in an air fryer at 190°C / 375°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until the thickest part reaches 74°C / 165°F. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Baked Potato (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Baked Potato in the Air Fryer (Jacket Potato)

200°C · 35-45 min

Cook a baked potato, or jacket potato, in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 35-45 minutes, turning halfway, until a knife slides into the centre. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Shrimp (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Shrimp in the Air Fryer (Prawns)

200°C · 6-8 min

Cook shrimp, or prawns, in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway, until they turn pink and curl into a loose C. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Broccoli (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Broccoli in the Air Fryer

190°C · 8-10 min

Cook broccoli in an air fryer at 190°C / 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway, until the edges are crisp and a fork slides into the stalk. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer

190°C · 15-18 min

Cook sweet potato fries in an air fryer at 190°C / 375°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes, until the edges are crisp. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Air Fryer Pork Belly

200°C · 25-35 min

Crispy crackling, rich juicy meat and far less waiting than an oven roast. Air fryer pork belly is perfect when you want a big-flavour dinner without heating the whole kitchen. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 25-35 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Whole Chicken (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer

180°C · 50-60 min

Cook a whole chicken in an air fryer at 180°C / 360°F for 50-60 minutes, flipping halfway, until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 74°C / 165°F. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Air Fryer Meatballs

190°C · 10-12 min

Tender, well-browned meatballs without frying or turning on the oven. Great for pasta, subs or serving with a dip. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 10-12 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Burgers (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Hamburgers in the Air Fryer

190°C · 10-12 min

Cook hamburger patties in an air fryer at 190°C / 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the centre reaches 71°C / 160°F. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Sausages (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Sausages in the Air Fryer

190°C · 12-16 min

Cook sausages in an air fryer at 190°C / 375°F for 12-16 minutes, turning halfway, until the centre reaches 71°C / 160°F. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Asparagus (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Asparagus in the Air Fryer

200°C · 7-9 min

Cook asparagus in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 7-9 minutes, shaking halfway, until the spears are tender-crisp and the tips are lightly charred. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Potato Wedges (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Potato Wedges in the Air Fryer

200°C · 18-22 min

Cook potato wedges in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 18-22 minutes, shaking halfway, until the edges are crisp and the centre is fluffy. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Air Fryer Halloumi Fries

200°C · 8-10 min

Golden halloumi fries with crisp edges and that irresistible squeaky middle. Perfect for dipping and sharing. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 8-10 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.

Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas

200°C · 12-16 min

Chickpeas roasted until crunchy and popcorn-like, seasoned with smoky spice. The air fryer's rapid circulation dries them out beautifully so they turn addictively crisp, perfect as a snack, salad topper or protein-rich crouton swap. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 12-16 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Tofu (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Tofu in the Air Fryer

200°C · 12-15 min

Cook pressed tofu cubes in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway, until the edges are crisp. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings

200°C · 12-16 min

Crispy cauliflower florets with a wing-style coating and tender middle. Great tossed in buffalo sauce or served with dip. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 12-16 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.

Air Fryer Onion Rings

200°C · 8-10 min

Crunchy onion rings with a crisp golden crumb and sweet tender onion inside. They taste properly indulgent without the deep fryer. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 8-10 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

190°C · 6-8 min

Gooey, stretchy mozzarella in a crunchy golden crust. Freezing before cooking stops them leaking, so you get perfect sticks every time. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 6-8 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Grilled Cheese (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Grilled Cheese in the Air Fryer

180°C · 6-8 min

Cook a grilled cheese in an air fryer at 180°C / 350°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Air Fryer Quesadillas

180°C · 6-8 min

Crisp tortillas with gooey melted cheese and endless filling options. An ultra-fast lunch, snack or lazy dinner. Cooks at 180°C / 350°F for 6-8 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Garlic Bread (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer

180°C · 5-7 min

Cook garlic bread in an air fryer at 180°C / 350°F for 5-7 minutes, in a single layer, until the edges are golden and the butter has melted through. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Illustration of Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs (not a photograph of a cooked batch)

Hard Boiled Eggs in the Air Fryer

130°C · 12-15 min

Cook hard-boiled eggs in an air fryer at 130°C / 270°F for 12-15 minutes, then chill them in ice water so they peel cleanly. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.

Air Fryer Donuts

175°C · 5-6 min

Light, fluffy donuts made from tinned biscuit dough or homemade dough, coated in cinnamon sugar. Ready in minutes, no deep fryer. Cooks at 175°C / 350°F for 5-6 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.

Air Fryer Cookies

160°C · 6-8 min

Soft-centred cookies with lightly crisp edges, baked in tiny batches whenever the craving hits. The air fryer is perfect for quick cookies without heating the oven. Cooks at 160°C / 320°F for 6-8 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.

Air Fryer Baked Apples

180°C · 12-16 min

Soft baked apples with a warm cinnamon centre and tender skin. A simple old-fashioned dessert made even easier. Cooks at 180°C / 350°F for 12-16 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.

How we chose these recipes

A recipe is on this list if it passes at least one of three tests. It browns or crisps better in moving hot air than in a still oven (wings, skin-on thighs, Brussels sprouts, potatoes). It finishes in under half the oven time including preheat (salmon, pork chops, bacon). Or it replaces deep frying with a spoonful of oil (chips, onion rings, doughnuts).

The list is an editorial selection, not a popularity ranking. We do not have reader ratings to rank by, so the order runs from the recipes that show the biggest gain over an oven to the ones where the gain is mostly convenience. The cards show the temperature and time for each, taken from the recipe page.

What an air fryer is best at

Small pieces with a lot of surface. An air fryer is a compact fan oven with the element a few centimetres from the food, so anything that fits in one layer and benefits from a dry, browned outside does well: skin-on chicken, cut potatoes, sprouts, florets, breaded pieces.

Fatty cuts are the other strong case. Chicken thighs, pork belly, sausages and bacon render their own fat, which drips through the basket instead of pooling around the meat, so the outside crisps without any added oil.

What we left off, and why

Wet batters, large roasts that fill the basket edge to edge, and anything cooked in sauce. Tempura-style batter drips through the basket before it sets. A joint that touches the sides blocks the airflow the method depends on. Saucy dishes need a dish inside the basket, at which point you are using a small oven.

Those recipes exist on the site and they work, but they are not where an air fryer earns its place. If you are deciding what to cook first, start at the top of this list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best air fryer recipes?

Chicken wings, chicken thighs, salmon, chips, bacon and Brussels sprouts. Each one comes out crisper or faster in an air fryer than in an oven. Wings and thighs cook at 200°C / 400°F in 22-26 minutes, and salmon takes 8-12 minutes at 190°C / 375°F.

What are the best air fryer recipes for beginners?

Bacon, sausages, chicken thighs and potato wedges. They need one temperature, one flip or shake, and no coating. Thighs are the most forgiving because the fat under the skin keeps them juicy if you overshoot by a few minutes.

What are the best air fryer chicken recipes?

Wings and bone-in thighs, both at 200°C / 400°F, because high moving heat crisps the skin. Chicken breast works at a gentler 190°C / 375°F for 18-22 minutes. Every cut is done at 74°C / 165°F in the thickest part.

What are the best vegan air fryer recipes?

Crispy chickpeas, tofu, cauliflower wings, Brussels sprouts and potato wedges. Tofu and chickpeas gain the most, because the dry heat gives them a crust that a pan only manages with much more oil.

What should you not cook in an air fryer?

Wet batters, loose leafy greens, and large joints that touch the basket walls. Batter drips before it sets, leaves blow into the element, and a joint that fills the basket blocks the airflow, so it cooks unevenly.

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