The air fryer is famous for the ways it can crisp up just about anything! Not only is it quick and easy to use, but it’s also a healthier way to get your fried-texture fix. Whether adding a crispy snack or veggie side, or savoring the crunch of a main dish, these crispy air fryer recipes live up to the hype!
How to Make Air Fryer Foods Extra Crispy
To maximize the crisp-factor in the air fryer, follow these simple tips for the best results:
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil spray. This helps prevent sticking and keeps seasonings and breadings in place. Avocado oil spray is my preferred choice because of its high smoke point, which means it won’t burn easily in the air fryer.
Spray food lightly with oil, if desired. This step helps produce a golden-brown exterior and extra-crisp texture.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leaving some space between pieces allows heat to circulate evenly, crisping all sides.
Flip or shake the basket halfway through cooking. This tip helps ensure even cooking and browning of all sides.
Cut food into evenly sized pieces. Consistent sizing will help the food to heat and crisp within the allotted time.
Pat raw vegetables dry before cooking. Use a paper towel to absorb excess moisture from the vegetables before breading or spraying with oil.
35 Crispy Air Fryer Recipes That are Worth Making
Crispy Air Fryer Veggie Sides
It never hurts to add more veggies to the menu! These crispy varieties will entice even the pickiest eaters to add them to their plates. You’ve never tasted a veggie so irresistible!
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Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
Who knew cauliflower could transform into such a crispy and crave-worthy dish? Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites deliver bold flavor and a breaded crunch with a delicious roasted texture. You won’t be able to resist these tasty bites served with creamy sriracha-ranch for dipping!
When you hear “Brussels sprouts for dinner again?!” in a GOOD way, you know you’re winning with this recipe! Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are perfectly golden and super-flavorful with the bold maple-sriracha glaze. You only need a few ingredients to get this delicious side ready to serve!
Need a quick and healthy side dish to go with just about any meal? About about these simple Air Fryer Green Beans? You are only 4 ingredients and 10 minutes away from the perfect side!
Do you have a hankering for fresh corn on the cob – without the effort of roasting it on the grill? Air fryer corn on the cob is ready in about 10 minutes. It is toasty, tender, and tastes gourmet when topped with a mix of seasonings, cilantro, and goat cheese crumbles.
Easy Breaded Eggplant in the Air Fryer is a tasty way to enjoy your veggies! The crispy breading turns golden brown in the air fryer, and the combination of potato chips and panko breadcrumbs keeps it light and satisfying. Serve this healthy side dish with dipping sauces for a delicious added touch!
Air fryer zucchini fries are a tasty and healthy way to add more vegetables to your meal plan! The crispy exterior will win over even the kids, and they’re super easy to make. Made with a simple breading of potato chips and breadcrumbs, these crunchy fries are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce!
Want to eat more veggies? This easy sweet potato and brussels sprout recipe in the air fryer takes just 6 ingredients and cooks up in under 15 minutes for a delicious and healthy side dish!
Who doesn’t love a super-crispy tot or golden French fry? The air fryer produces the most crunch-worthy textures, and the list isn’t limited to just potatoes!
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Crispy Air Fryer Diced Potatoes
Crispy Air Fryer Diced Potatoes are golden-brown, lightly seasoned, and ready in under 25 minutes! This quick and easy side dish is a simple yet delicious option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Everyone loves a side of potatoes with their meal, and these air fryer red potatoes are the best combination of flavor and crispiness! Toss some baby red potatoes with oil and seasonings and let the air fryer cook them to perfection. Serve for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Ready to discover the most perfect hash browns that are actually crispy – minus the mess and added grease? Try air fryer hash browns the next time you have a craving for breakfast potatoes. Plus, the cleanup is so easy!
Is it possible to have beer battered fried pickles from the air fryer? Yes! I reworked and re-tested this recipe to create the most delicious crispy pickles using beer batter that can be made in the air fryer with only a tiny amount of oil!
These hot potatoes will barely have time to cool before being devoured! Crispy air fryer potato wedges are made with just 3 ingredients and make a delightful side to practically any main dish. Get perfectly golden spuds in the air fryer – and no greasy mess!
Air fryer breakfast potatoes are the solution to making your mornings more filling! This easy recipe is the best addition to eggs or sausage, and you can reheat it again in the air fryer for crispiness. Take a few minutes to cook a batch today and simplify your morning hustle.
Tater tots are a family favorite around here, and the best way to cook them is in the air fryer! Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Tater Tots are the perfect side for burgers, sandwiches, or just as a game-day snack. Add dipping sauces and enjoy golden-browned tots in under 15 minutes.
Cooking frozen fries in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy French fries without all the grease! With a package of fries straight from the freezer and just a touch of seasoned salt, you can enjoy hot, golden fries with burgers, grilled items, or just as a snack!
Toasty, buttery, and perfectly melty cheese—yes, it’s an air fryer grilled cheese sandwich! With just 4 simple ingredients, this easy recipe is a game-changer when you need to assemble a quick lunch. Make this classic sandwich for the kids or serve it as a tasty side with soups and salads.
Craving some crunchy chips with salsa or your favorite dip? With homemade air fryer tortilla chips, you’ll have a fresh, healthier option in just a few minutes. Crisp up a fresh batch to serve with your favorite Tex-Mex meals or simply for snacking!
Make crispy pot stickers in the air fryer with a simple, homemade dipping sauce – ready in minutes! Frozen pot stickers cook up perfectly golden brown and maintain a juicy, tender filling inside. Keep a package in your freezer and heat these up for a quick snack or easy addition to a takeout-style dinner!
Want those crispy waffle fries without having to make a run for fast food? Grab a bag of frozen waffle fries, dress them up and throw them in your air fryer for the perfect side to your burger, sandwich and more!
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are the appetizer you need for grilling, game day, or any occasion worth celebrating! They’re so easy to whip up and bring just the right balance of sweet, savory, and spice in every bite. Plus, they’re wrapped in bacon and ready in 20 minutes or less!
This is the list to turn to on the days you need a meal with some crunch! From crispy-breaded chicken nuggets to perfectly-browned sausage links, these easy recipes deliver air-fried perfection.
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Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Want to approve every ingredient in your chicken nuggets? These homemade chicken nuggets in the air fryer are a healthier version than what you’ll find at the grocery store! The whole family will love these customizable nuggets with a crispy potato chip coating.
When I say this meal is better than takeout, I mean it! Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken is simple enough for an average weeknight, but feels like a restaurant-worthy splurge! The air fryer produces crispy golden chicken bites, and the sweet and savory sauce is the perfect touch for an Asian-inspired favorite at home.
If you love crispy chicken but want a healthier alternative to deep frying, air fryer chicken cutlets are the best option! Mix up a quick homemade coating and get golden, breaded chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or a tasty main dish.
Need some quick bacon on a busy morning? Air fryer bacon is the key! In under 20 minutes, you’ll have perfectly crispy, thick-cut bacon with minimal mess and excellent flavor.
Here’s a quick and simple method to make chicken drumsticks in the air fryer! With just 4 ingredients, you can get crispy chicken ready for mealtime and serve with your favorite sides. Add some all-purpose seasoning for a family-friendly meal that works for everyone!
Juicy Breaded Pork Chops in the Air Fryer are an indulgent yet lean main protein that turns out golden brown and crispy! Made with thin, boneless pork chops and coated in a flavorful, seasoned breading, they cook to perfection in about 15 minutes. Add this to your easy weeknight lineup for a family-friendly meal with your favorite sides and sauces!
Want a quick way to cook chicken sausage with the best texture and flavor? Add chicken sausage to the air fryer to get a lightly browned outside and juicy inside. Keep it mess-free for those busy mornings and enjoy a delicious addition to scrambled eggs, pancakes, and more!
Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are as family-friendly as it gets! With no egg or flour, they have a crunchy, light breading that still turns out perfectly golden. Serve air fryer chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces and homestyle sides!
Think a crispy juicy chicken breast is a lot of work? Not when it only takes 3 simple ingredients and an air fryer!! This air fryer potato chip chicken is likely to become a new family favorite because it’s so tasty and so easy!
BBQ chicken in the air fryer is a fair match for the grill or oven any day – without the mess! Crispy bone-in chicken paired with your favorite BBQ sauce is a great choice for gameday, a weeknight dinner, or a meal prep option in your fridge. Enjoy this flavorful dish with minimal effort!
Make delicious and nutritious air fryer cod in just minutes! A light panko coating and flavorful avocado mayo keep it simple and satisfying. Packed with protein and omega-3s, this easy recipe is a perfect addition to your weeknight meals.
Boneless pork chops are a great choice for quality lean protein without a lot of fuss! With the air fryer, easily prepare some chops with a simple mix of seasonings and grated parmesan that gives a flavorful, crispy texture in no time.
Craving a tasty chicken sandwich but maybe one that's a little healthier, doesn't require any deep frying and one without the need to make a trip through a drive-thru? This one is quick to make at home in the air fryer and can easily be gluten and dairy-free!
I'll bet you didn't know that with just a few ingredients and a few minutes you can make your favorite restaurant appetizer right at home! Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp is quick and easy!
Enjoy air fryer brats without the fuss and grease of the grill! With roasted sweet peppers to top them off, they turn out so juicy and flavorful. Enjoy this quick bratwurst meal that’s ready to eat in minutes on a bun or with your favorite sides.