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Home » Recipe Collections

The 39 Crispy Air Fryer Meals That Could Replace Your Oven

Published: Apr 21, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Air fryer meals are the perfect way to get that crispy, golden texture without the hassle of heating up your oven. These recipes are quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making them great options for any night of the week. Whether you're craving something crunchy, juicy, or both, air fryers can handle it all—so you can enjoy great meals without all the extra time and effort.

A plate with air fryer salmon bites, rice, broccoli and sauce on it.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites. Photo Credit: Running to the Kitchen

Samosas

An image of air fryer samosas on a plate that's ready to be served.
Samosas. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These samosas turn golden and crisp in the air fryer, making them a lighter snack without the need for deep frying. They're simple to prep and work well as appetizers for gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Samosas

Spaghetti Squash

An overhead image of air fried spaghetti squash.
Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spaghetti squash cooks evenly in the air fryer in about 30 minutes, with a texture that pairs well with many meals. It's a quick way to add a simple side dish to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash

Nachos

A close-up imag of loaded nachos topped with melted cheese, avocado chunks, black beans, diced tomatoes, green onions, and dollops of sour cream.
Nachos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Air fryer nachos are ready in minutes with minimal prep, making them a quick solution when you need something fast. The chips stay crisp and hold up well under melted cheese and toppings.
Get the Recipe: Nachos

Buffalo Cauliflower

Air fryer vegan buffalo cauliflower bites in a bowl with dip nearby, placed under a wooden board.
Buffalo Cauliflower. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Buffalo cauliflower wings crisp up well in the air fryer and carry a bold kick of heat. They’re a popular pick for game nights and work great as a shareable starter.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower

Hasselback Potatoes

An overhead image of air fried hassel back potatoes on a plate with parsley on top and a fork and knife on the right side.
Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Hasselback potatoes come out crisp on the edges and soft inside when made in the air fryer. They’re an easy option for group meals and require very little hands-on time.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Scallops

Scallops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Scallops cook quickly in the air fryer with a lightly seared finish. A lemon garlic butter drizzle adds flavor without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Scallops

Honey Mustard Pork Chops

Honey Mustard Pork Chops. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Pork chops with honey mustard come out juicy in the air fryer in just 30 minutes. It’s a solid dinner choice when time is limited.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Pork Chops

Cod

Cod. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cod with lemon and basic seasoning cooks through in under 20 minutes in the air fryer. It’s a fast and easy way to make a light seafood meal.
Get the Recipe: Cod

Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken

Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Hasselback chicken filled with cheese and bacon cooks evenly in the air fryer, turning out juicy every time. It’s a hearty dinner that doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Chicken

Marinated Salmon Bites

Marinated Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Salmon bites with a garlic soy marinade cook fast in the air fryer and stay tender inside. The marinade also works as a dipping sauce, adding extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Salmon Bites

Fiesta Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Fiesta Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Poblano peppers filled with fiesta chicken cook to a tender finish in the air fryer. This is a quick dinner with bold flavors and minimal steps.
Get the Recipe: Fiesta Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Chicken Casserole

Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken casserole with sauce and cheese cooks into a hearty meal in the air fryer. It’s a dependable dinner that comes together with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Casserole

Skirt Steak

Skirt Steak. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Skirt steak cooks quickly in the air fryer, coming out juicy and well-seasoned. It’s a simple way to prepare steak without using the grill.
Get the Recipe: Skirt Steak

Fried Avocado Tacos

An overhead view of three fried avocado tacos on parchment paper surrounded by garnishes.
Fried Avocado Tacos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Air-fried avocado fries bring a crispy texture that works well in tacos. Combined with beans and a creamy sauce, they’re a hearty option for taco night.
Get the Recipe: Fried Avocado Tacos

Brats with Peppers and Onions

Brats with Peppers and Onions. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Brats with peppers and onions cook in 15 minutes in the air fryer. This meal is quick to prepare and perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Brats with Peppers and Onions

Brussels Sprouts

A close up image of air fryer brussels sprouts.
Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Brussels sprouts turn out crisp around the edges in the air fryer in under half an hour. With just a bit of seasoning, they make a quick and easy vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts

Parsnips

Parsnips. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Parsnips turn sweet and crispy in just 15 minutes in the air fryer. They’re a quick side for dinner or a simple snack.
Get the Recipe: Parsnips

Maple Mustard Frozen Salmon

Maple Mustard Frozen Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Frozen salmon goes straight into the air fryer without defrosting and turns out flaky and cooked through. A quick maple mustard glaze adds flavor in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Frozen Salmon

Short Ribs

Short Ribs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Short ribs turn tender and seared in the air fryer without needing long cooking times. It's a simple way to enjoy a comforting dish at home.
Get the Recipe: Short Ribs

Cornish Hens

Cornish Hens. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cornish hens roast with crispy skin and tender meat when cooked in the air fryer. It’s a simple approach that delivers solid results for a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Cornish Hens

Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Sweet potato casserole stacks cook through evenly in the air fryer and develop a crisp outer layer. They're simple to make and work well as a side for both everyday meals and special dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

Lamb Chops

Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb chops turn tender and juicy in under 10 minutes using the air fryer. With a basic marinade, they’re an easy option for a flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Chops

BBQ Ribs

BBQ Ribs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

BBQ ribs come out juicy with a caramelized finish when cooked in the air fryer. This is a quick method that skips grilling without losing texture.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Ribs

Ribeye

Ribeye. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ribeye steak stays juicy in the air fryer and cooks through with a crisp edge. It's a quick way to make a classic dinner with little mess.
Get the Recipe: Ribeye

Ham and Cheese Double Crust Quiche

Ham and Cheese Double Crust Quiche. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Quiche made with ham, cheese, and store-bought crust bakes up golden in the air fryer. This dish is easy to prep and fits well into a brunch or dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Double Crust Quiche

Butternut Squash

Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Butternut squash roasts well in the air fryer, turning tender with caramelized edges. It’s a low-effort side dish that works for fall meals or anytime.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash

Chipotle Chicken Wings

Chipotle Chicken Wings. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken wings coated in chipotle seasoning crisp up perfectly in the air fryer. Served with ranch, they make a bold appetizer with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Chicken Wings

Artichoke

A white plate with two grilled artichoke halves and a small stone bowl of dipping sauce.
Artichoke. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These air-fried artichokes are inspired by Roman-Jewish recipes and come out crisp without deep frying. They cook in about 45 minutes and make a lighter side dish.
Get the Recipe: Artichoke

Filet Mignon

Filet Mignon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Filet mignon cooks evenly in the air fryer with a tender center and minimal effort. It’s a simple way to prepare a steak dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Filet Mignon

Sweet Potato Tater Tots

Sweet Potato Tater Tots. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Sweet potato tater tots come out crisp and golden in the air fryer with very little effort. They’re easy to make and suit a range of meals, from snacks to sides.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Tater Tots

Rice Paper Dumplings

Rice Paper Dumplings. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Rice paper dumplings turn crisp and crunchy in the air fryer, using less oil than pan frying. They’re a handy choice for a snack or light bite.
Get the Recipe: Rice Paper Dumplings

Fish Sticks

Fish Sticks. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Fish sticks come out crisp and golden in the air fryer using just six ingredients. They’re easy to make and pair well with a simple dip.
Get the Recipe: Fish Sticks

Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken breasts filled with bruschetta ingredients cook up moist and flavorful in the air fryer. This simple dinner comes together easily and uses familiar ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Lasagna

Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Air fryer lasagna has the texture of a baked dish but cooks faster and cleans up easier. The layers stay intact, with a crisp top that finishes the meal.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna

Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Buffalo chicken tenders become crisp and full of flavor in the air fryer. They work well for dinner or as an appetizer and skip the need for deep frying.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Mushrooms

Mushrooms. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mushrooms cook quickly in the air fryer with a garlic soy coating that enhances their flavor. This side dish is ready fast and pairs well with a range of mains.
Get the Recipe: Mushrooms

Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad

Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Caesar salad with air-fried blackened chicken and crisp croutons comes together easily. It’s a fresh, balanced meal you can assemble quickly.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad

Crispy Garlic Cabbage

Crispy Garlic Cabbage. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cabbage steaks cook through evenly in the air fryer, developing crispy edges. They’re easy to season and serve as a fast vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Cabbage

Tempeh

Tempeh. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Tempeh gets a crisp outer layer and bold flavor in the air fryer with minimal prep. It works well for bowls, wraps, or meal prep throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Tempeh

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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