19 Air Fryer Ideas That Aren’t Just Fries

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Air Fryer Monkey Bread

Sweet, glazed monkey bread pieces served in a white bowl, drizzled with icing.
Air Fryer Monkey Bread. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This classic pull-apart treat, once exclusively made in the oven, gets a quick and delicious upgrade thanks to the air fryer. With this method, you’ll still enjoy the same irresistible combination of a golden, slightly crisp exterior and a warm, fluffy center—only now it’s ready in much less time. Each bite is coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture and drizzled with a rich, buttery brown sugar sauce that makes it hard to stop at just one piece. It’s the perfect indulgence for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Monkey Bread

Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets

Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These Parmesan pesto crusted salmon fillets are sure to become a new favorite. With just a few ingredients and the magic of the air fryer, you can create a dish that feels fancy but comes together with very little effort. The salmon turns out perfectly tender and flaky, with a flavorful crust that’s cheesy, herby, and just the right amount of crispy. It’s a quick and easy recipe, but it tastes like something you’d order at a nice restaurant. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is bound to impress.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Feast and West.

These air fryer chicken wings are the ultimate solution for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests—no thawing needed! Just pop them in straight from the freezer and let the air fryer work its magic, delivering crispy, juicy wings in no time. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces and a side of crunchy veggies for a spread that's perfect for parties, game nights, or casual snacking. It’s an easy, fuss-free way to serve up a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air Fryer New York Strip Steaks

Air Fryer New York Strip Steaks on a white plate with butter, thyme, pepper, salt, brussels sprouts, and a fork.
Air Fryer New York Strip Steaks. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

You can make incredibly juicy and flavorful New York Strip Steaks right in your air fryer—no grill required. This method is not only quick and convenient, but it also delivers consistently tender, perfectly cooked steaks every time. Whether it’s raining, snowing, or just too hot to fire up the grill, you can still enjoy restaurant-quality strip steaks from the comfort of your kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you'll have a delicious medium-rare steak ready in minutes, full of bold flavor and mouthwatering juices.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer New York Strip Steaks

Air Fryer Turkey Wings

Air Fryer Turkey Wings on plate with a side.
Air Fryer Turkey Wings. Photo credit: The Fresh Cooky.

These air fryer turkey wings offer a quick, wholesome way to enjoy bold, satisfying flavor without the heaviness of deep frying. Dry-brined with a perfectly balanced blend of savory spices and a hint of sweetness, they come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Whether you're serving them as a hearty main course for a cozy family dinner or setting them out as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day or the holidays, these wings never disappoint. They’re a flavorful, protein-packed alternative to traditional chicken wings—and a lighter option that still delivers on taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Wings

Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

Fried chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans on a plate with a fork.
Air Fryer Caprese Chicken. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

This air fryer Caprese chicken recipe makes it easy to enjoy a flavorful, juicy chicken breast with minimal effort. It combines the freshness of classic Caprese ingredients—like tomato, mozzarella, and basil—with the convenience of quick air fryer cooking. The result is a satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth dinner that feels both wholesome and indulgent. It’s the perfect go-to meal when you’re short on time but still want something that tastes homemade and delicious. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s a fuss-free way to upgrade your usual chicken routine.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

Air Fryer Pull Apart Pizza Bread

Air Fryer Pull Apart Pizza Bread. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

These pepperoni-stuffed biscuit bites are the ultimate snack when you're craving something cheesy, savory, and totally addictive. Made effortlessly with refrigerated biscuit dough, they're stuffed with melty cheese and zesty pepperoni for a flavor-packed bite every time. A few minutes in the air fryer gives them that perfect golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside warm and gooey. They're a huge hit at parties, game day gatherings, or even as a quick afternoon treat. Best of all, they come together in no time with minimal prep and maximum payoff.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pull Apart Pizza Bread

Air Fryer Cherry Pie

Air Fryer Cherry Pie. Photo credit: Summer Yule.

This easy air fryer cherry pie recipe makes it possible to enjoy golden brown, flaky mini pies in just about 15 minutes—no need to turn on the oven. With a nearly-from-scratch approach, these individual hand pies are the perfect solution when you're craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours baking. Each pie is filled with a warm, gooey cherry center and wrapped in a buttery crust that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. Plus, the recipe is super flexible—swap in your favorite fruit filling for a custom dessert that’s all your own. You'll also find helpful tips to ensure your air fryer hand pies turn out perfectly every time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cherry Pie

Air Fryer Sourdough Blueberry Bread

Air Fryer Sourdough Blueberry Bread. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget.

This Sourdough Blueberry Bread is the perfect blend of texture and flavor, featuring a delightfully crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior. Bursting with juicy blueberries in every bite, it offers just the right touch of sweetness to brighten up your morning or satisfy an afternoon craving. The natural tang from the sourdough adds depth and balance, making each slice irresistibly delicious. Whether enjoyed warm with a pat of butter or on its own, this bread makes a comforting breakfast or a wholesome snack any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sourdough Blueberry Bread

Air Fryer Fryer Peanut Butter Banana Spring Rolls

Peanut butter banana spring rolls in an air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Fryer Peanut Butter Banana Spring Rolls. Photo credit: Recipes From A Pantry.

These Banana Spring Rolls are an easy yet indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Ripe bananas are paired with creamy peanut butter, then wrapped in a delicate shell and air-fried until golden and perfectly crisp. The contrast of warm, gooey filling and crunchy exterior makes every bite irresistible. They come together quickly with just a few ingredients, making them a fun dessert or snack option whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself, these little rolls are always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fryer Peanut Butter Banana Spring Rolls

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

A plate with grilled chicken breast, asparagus, and zucchini slices, garnished with basil, on a wooden table.
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air fryer chicken cutlets are a delicious and healthier twist on the classic deep-fried favorite, offering all the crispiness and golden-brown goodness without the extra oil. This easy recipe makes it possible to enjoy that satisfying crunch at home, using just a fraction of the fat you'd find in traditional versions. With a few simple ingredients and the magic of the air fryer, you can create tender, juicy cutlets that taste like they came from your favorite restaurant. It's a fuss-free way to enjoy comfort food with a lighter touch, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Air Fryer Cheeseburgers

Air Fryer Cheeseburgers. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This easy air fryer cheeseburger recipe delivers all the juicy, flavorful goodness of a classic burger—no grill required. By using the air fryer, you get perfectly cooked patties with a slightly crisp exterior and a tender, juicy center every time. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for a slightly healthier alternative to traditional pan-fried or grilled burgers without giving up any of that bold, satisfying flavor. Whether you're cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or craving a comforting bite, these cheeseburgers are sure to hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheeseburgers

Air Fryer French Toast

Ranch baked chicken next to a rocket salad.
Air Fryer French Toast. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Making French toast in the air fryer is a game-changer for busy mornings. It takes all the classic flavor and comfort of traditional French toast and makes it quicker, easier, and less messy. With just a few simple ingredients and no need to stand over a hot stove, you can have a warm, golden-brown breakfast ready in minutes. The air fryer gives each slice a perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. It’s a foolproof way to enjoy a cozy breakfast with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Toast

Air Fryer Lumpia

Filipino spring rolls in a basket with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Craving the irresistible crunch of authentic Filipino Lumpiang Shanghai but looking for a lighter option? This air fryer lumpia recipe delivers all the delicious flavor and satisfying crispiness you expect, without the excess grease. By using the air fryer, you can enjoy a healthier take on this classic Filipino favorite, making it perfect for guilt-free snacking or entertaining. The result is golden, crunchy lumpia that’s just as tasty as the traditional version—only easier and cleaner to make. It’s the perfect way to bring a beloved dish to your table with a modern twist.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Air Fryer Bone in Pork Chops

Side shot of three pork chops on a black plate garnished with fresh parsley with a black fork on the side.
Air Fryer Bone in Pork Chops. Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

These Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops come out incredibly juicy on the inside with a beautifully crisp, golden exterior. Seasoned with a simple yet flavorful blend of paprika, garlic salt, and black pepper, each bite is packed with savory goodness. Thanks to the air fryer, they cook up quickly—ready to serve in under 15 minutes—making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. The result is a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing meal that feels hearty and home-cooked without the extra effort. It’s a dish the whole family will ask for again and again.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bone in Pork Chops

Air Fryer Ciabatta Garlic Bread

Toasted garlic bread arranged on parchment paper.
Air Fryer Ciabatta Garlic Bread. Photo credit: The Sassy Foodie.

Garlic bread is one of those timeless side dishes that always hits the spot, and this air fryer ciabatta version takes it to the next level. With rich, buttery flavor, a punch of zesty seasoning, and the sweetness of slow-roasted garlic, every bite is deeply satisfying. Using the air fryer not only cuts down on time but also gives the bread an irresistibly crispy, golden crust that’s hard to beat. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you wonder why you ever made garlic bread any other way. Simple yet packed with flavor, this twist on a classic adds something extra special to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ciabatta Garlic Bread

Lamb Chops in the Air Fryer

Hand spooning fresh garlic herb sauce eon top of cooked lamb chops.
Lamb Chops in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: An Edible Mosaic.

If you've ever been intimidated by cooking lamb chops, this air fryer method takes out all the guesswork and delivers consistently delicious results. It's a no-fuss, reliable way to get tender, juicy lamb that's perfectly cooked every single time. The air fryer locks in flavor and moisture while giving the chops a beautiful golden exterior. To take things up a notch, pair them with a homemade garlic and herb sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s an easy, elegant dish that feels like something you’d order at a high-end restaurant—right from the comfort of your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Chops in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This air fryer bacon-wrapped asparagus makes for a deliciously simple side dish or crowd-pleasing appetizer. With just a few ingredients, it comes together quickly and delivers big on flavor. The bacon turns out perfectly crispy on the outside while the asparagus stays tender and well-seasoned on the inside. Cooking it in the air fryer saves time and effort, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. It's a savory, satisfying bite that feels a little fancy without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies

Golden brown Hand Pies on a white plate.
Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies. Photo credit: This Silly Girl's Kitchen.

Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies are a charming and delicious treat that’s sure to impress, whether you’re hosting a backyard picnic or just craving something sweet at home. These little pies are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for a big payoff. Each bite is filled with juicy, sweet blueberry filling wrapped in a golden, flaky crust with just the right amount of crisp from the air fryer. They’re perfect for serving as a handheld dessert, an afternoon snack, or even as a fun addition to a brunch spread. No matter the occasion, these hand pies bring a burst of homemade goodness that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blueberry Hand Pies

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