Air Fryer Recipes: Crispy Favorites With Less Oil

Overview

From crispy chicken tenders to 10-minute salmon to Brussels sprouts that finally get everyone at the table to eat vegetables, this collection is built for real kitchens with real air fryers (both basket and oven-style). Cook times work for most 4–6 quart machines, with notes for adjusting when needed.

Cooking Tips

• •Preheat the air fryer 3–5 minutes at cooking temperature for the crispiest results.
• •Do not overcrowd the basket — food needs airflow around every side to crisp evenly.
• •Shake the basket or flip food halfway through for uniform browning.
• •Lightly spray or brush food with oil (not the basket) — a thin coat gives the crispiest crust.
• •Use parchment liners with holes for messy foods to speed cleanup without blocking airflow.

Ingredient Recommendations

Air fryer staples: boneless chicken breasts and thighs, chicken wings, salmon fillets, shrimp, frozen fries, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, panko breadcrumbs, olive oil spray, and your favorite spice blends. Panko crumbs and cornstarch are the secret to the crispiest air-fried coating.

Meal Planning Advice

The air fryer is fastest when you plan a two-item dinner: one protein and one vegetable that cook at similar temperatures. Batch-cook proteins in two rounds during Sunday prep (chicken breasts + turkey meatballs) for the week, and use the air fryer at dinnertime just for fresh vegetables and quick reheats.

Storage Tips

Store cooked air-fried food in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat directly in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to bring back the original crispness — this is the number one advantage of the air fryer over the microwave. Freeze cooked chicken and meatballs up to 3 months.

Nutrition Highlights

Air frying uses 70–80% less oil than deep frying, cutting hundreds of calories from favorites like fries, wings, and breaded proteins without changing the flavor or crunch. You still get the satisfaction of crispy food while making room for vegetables and lean protein.