The holidays are wrapping up, but January will give us plenty of opportunities to use all of our new holiday gifts and gadgets to keep the spirit of the season alive. Kitchen tools and small appliances are often a popular gifting option during the holidays, and this year was no different. Of all the incredible gifts to buy for the home cook, one continues to rise to the top season after season: the air fryer.
In 2023, over 45 million air fryers were sold, and that number has grown in 2024 and 2025, according to Market Growth Reports. The air fryer is a popular gift, but it’s still a new appliance not everyone is well-acquainted with. So if you’re one of the thousands of people around the world who were gifted this popular appliance, you’re in the right place.
We’re sharing 20 easy recipes—ranging from copycat appetizers to show-stopping mains—all made in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels
Peyton Beckwith
Two great appetizers—the pinwheel and the jalapeño popper—come together in this easy appetizer or quick snack. Simply combine three ingredients, spread on a tortilla, roll, slice, and pop in the air fryer. Six to eight minutes later, you have a tasty treat that is sure to disappear quickly.
“Served with taco sauce and salsa and both were good but it was also good on its own,” said one Allrecipes reviewer. “Thinking I might add rotisserie chicken next time to make it a meal!”
Air Fryer Po’ Boy
Get a taste of New Orleans with this air fryer shrimp Po’ Boy. The shrimp is tossed in a heavily spiced buttermilk marinade and fried to perfection in an air fryer for abut eight minutes. Serve it in a toasted roll with a zesty slaw (also in recipe) and you have a delicious meal in no time.
Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Maura Rawlette
“This recipe is so delicious the feta really makes it,” shared one reviewer. “I made the recipe x4 so I cooked the chicken in the air fryer 1st and then cooked the zucchini 2nd in the air fryer. I will definitely be cooking this one again.”
Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon Bites
Allrecipes / Julia Hartbeck
These air fryer honey mustard salmon bites are quick and easy to make in the air fryer. Honey mustard and salmon are so delicious together—these bites will be a hit at your next party. Alternatively, prep them ahead of time to top salads, grain bowls, or to stuff into tacos.
“Great idea for air fryer,” said one reviewer. “Use a sweet hot mustard or add cayenne or chili sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor. I used paper liners to prevent sticking, and easy clean up.”
Air Fryer Peanut Chicken
In this air fryer peanut chicken recipe, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are marinated in a spicy-sweet peanut marinade. Rice or noodles work with this dish, or cut it into bite-sized pieces and serve over a salad.
“Love having this with the cucumbers and carrots and works really good for a fresh tasting meal,” shared an Allrecipes member.
Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Skip a visit to that fast-casual restaurant, and make this show-stopping appetizer at home. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce—may we suggest this Bloomin’ Onion Dipping Sauce—and you have a delicious treat in no time.
Air Fryer Turtle Cheesecake
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Who knew you could make a centerpiece dessert right in the air fryer? Well now you can! The flavors of chocolate, caramel, toasted pecans, and creamy cheesecake combine into the absolutely perfect bite.
“I’ve made it more than once as my grands keep asking for it,” raved one reviewer. “I made it simpler by using a ready made graham crust & made the pie in that crust. It’s still delish!”
Air Fryer Tempura Vegetables
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
The air fryer makes it easy to cook tempura vegetables. With this formula you can create your own customized tempura-battered veggies by using different vegetables, seasonings, and dipping sauces. Peanut Sauce, Sweet Chili Sauce, or an herby aioli are some great options to get you started.
Air-Fried Korean Chicken Wings
These Korean-style air-fried wings are crispy, sticky, and spicy. Cooked in an air fryer, they are ready in less than 30 minutes. They are perfect as an appetizer or add some rice and veggies on the side and you have a balanced meal.
Air Fryer Pasta Tacos
Peyton Beckwith
Make a cheesy taco beef mixture to fill the shells, or simply use your leftover taco meat. Give the whole thing a classic breading treatment and pop in your air fryer for 10-12 minutes for a one-of-a-kind dinner that’s sure to please.
Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Looking for the perfect game day snack? Give these stuffed mushrooms a go. Filled with delicious add-ins like cream cheese, scallions, and sharp Cheddar, these stuffed mushrooms will disappear quickly. Reviewers have added bacon bits, fresh garlic, and a variety of cheeses to make it their own.
“Easy to make, hard to ruin,” shared reviewer Beer Can Dan.
Air Fryer Croissant Breakfast Boats
Peyton Beckwith
Looking for a special breakfast you can prep in a flash? Try these Air Fryer Croissant Breakfast Boats! They are a delicious mix of eggs, bacon, and vegetables stuffed into a croissant, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
3-Ingredient Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Strips
Allrecipes/Qi Ai
“This recipe was amazing,” raved one reviewer. “I doubled it because I had an inkling that my family was going to like it. I vastly underestimated how much they would absolutely adore it, and they begged me for more after all was gone. Super simple, completely delicious.”
Air Fryer Spanakopita
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
The classic Greek appetizer spanakopita can easily be made in the air fryer. Prep as normal. Once all your triangles are made, pop them in a preheated air fryer for 8-15 minutes or until perfectly golden brown.
“Delicious,” said one reviewer.
Air Fryer Chicken Kiev Balls
Delicious Chicken Kiev gets the air fryer treatment with these crispy, buttery balls.
“Made this last night and even my picky husband loved them,” shared Allrecipes member Terri Heimbach. “I liked that you could make the butter ahead of time and was easy enough for a work night. I missed the instructions about double egging and crumbs but was fine. Definitely a keeper!”
Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
These tasty and cheesy homemade mac and cheese balls are just as impressive as something you’d order at a restaurant. Feel free to use leftover mac and cheese (if there is such a thing) to make this even easier!
“I already had leftover mac and cheese and this was perfect for using it all up,” shared one user. “Followed directions exactly and they turned out great.”
Air Fryer Breakfast Frittata
Buckwheat Queen
This air fryer breakfast frittata is easy to make using a cake pan that fits in the air fryer basket. Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste. If you are worried about the frittata sticking to the cake pan, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Use your air fryer to make this quick and easy chicken Parmesan recipe resulting in crispy golden brown chicken with lots of cheesiness and sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to fuss with deep-frying.
Air Fryer Pizza
Sara Haas
This pizza is based on a double flour tortilla crust (sandwiched with some cheese), and then it’s just a matter of toppings. Six minutes in an air fryer, and dinner (or lunch, or a snack) is served.
“This was perfect for a quick snack or light meal with a salad,” said Allrecipes member Gloria. “It only took 5 minutes in my air fryer. The crust was crispy and golden brown.”
Air Fryer Ranch Pork Chops
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“I can’t believe how juicy these chops were,” said one reviewer. “My baked pork chops tend to get dried out, so I was skeptical when I made this recipe. But just as others have expressed, the chops were beautifully juicy. This is a low cal, quick weeknight dinner recipe. I made add additional seasoning next time because we like strong flavors.”
