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19 Air Fryer Recipes That Bring the Crunch Without the Grease—Because Who Needs the Mess When You Can Have Crispy Perfection in Half the Time?

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If you love crispy food without the mess, these 19 air fryer recipes are exactly what you need. The air fryer gives you that perfect crunch, all while cutting out the grease and saving time. From snacks to main dishes, everything comes out golden and crispy, with minimal effort. It’s the easiest way to enjoy your favorite crispy foods without dealing with all the oil. These recipes prove you don’t need a deep fryer to make food that hits all the right textures.

Air Fryer Enchiladas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.

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Air Fryer Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Enchiladas make a quick, crispy twist on the classic, with just the right amount of crunch and gooey cheese inside. The tortillas are lightly crisped in the air fryer, while the filling stays tender and flavorful. It’s a speedy version of the beloved dish, and the best part is that you get all the flavor without the oil-heavy mess. The air fryer makes these enchiladas perfectly crispy, with minimal effort and maximum flavor. You’ll never want to make them the traditional way again.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Low angle shot of korean fried chicken with a hand holding a piece of the chicken.
Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken gives you that crunchy, golden exterior and juicy interior, all with a fraction of the oil. The chicken is coated in a flavorful batter and crisped to perfection in the air fryer, leaving you with a perfect balance of savory and sweet. The Korean-style glaze adds a spicy-sweet kick, making this a dish that hits all the right notes. It’s a lighter take on the classic fried chicken, but the crunch and flavor are undeniable. This recipe makes you feel like a pro, with no frying mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream

Fried ice cream scoop topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.
Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream takes dessert to a whole new level of easy and delicious. The outside is crispy and golden, while the ice cream inside stays perfectly cold, creating the ultimate contrast. The air fryer gives it that crispy texture without the oil, and you get the crunch without any of the mess. This dish has all the excitement of deep-fried ice cream, but in a way that’s quicker and healthier. It’s the kind of dessert that looks complex but is surprisingly simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Stacked spring rolls on a white plate.
Air Fryer Spring Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Spring Rolls are the crispy, golden bites you’ve been craving, but without all the grease. The wrappers crisp up perfectly in the air fryer, while the vegetables inside stay fresh and flavorful. It’s a quick, light version of the fried favorite that’s just as satisfying. You get the crunch and flavor of spring rolls, but without the deep-frying hassle. These are the perfect snack or appetizer, made effortlessly in the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Low angle shot of a plate of fried chicken with sesame sauce and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is the perfect balance of crispy and savory, with a sweet, sticky glaze. The chicken cooks to perfection in the air fryer, retaining its crunch while absorbing the sesame sauce. The sauce is just the right amount of sweet and savory, and the chicken stays tender inside. It’s a quicker, healthier version of the usual sesame chicken, but it still delivers on all the flavor. This is the dish you’ll make over and over again, with minimal effort and no frying mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Low angle shot of an air fried whole chicken.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Whole Chicken is the hands-off dinner that gives you crispy skin and juicy meat without the long cook time. The chicken cooks evenly, with the skin crisping up beautifully, all while the inside stays tender and flavorful. It’s a simple way to roast a chicken without needing to preheat the oven or deal with the mess. The air fryer cuts the cooking time in half, leaving you with a roast chicken that looks like it came from a five-star restaurant. It’s a no-fuss recipe that will impress with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Air Fryer Croutons

Low angle shot of croutons on a small metal baking sheet.
Air Fryer Croutons. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Croutons give you that perfect crunch for your soups and salads, all without the oil-heavy frying. The bread cubes are tossed with a bit of seasoning, then crisped up in the air fryer to golden perfection. You can customize the seasoning to your liking, making them as simple or as bold as you want. These croutons are a quick, healthier alternative to store-bought options and add that satisfying crunch to your dishes. They’re done in minutes, and you’ll wonder why you ever used the oven.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Croutons

Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies

Stack of hot cocoa cookies on a plate.
Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies combine the warmth of hot cocoa with the ease of air frying. The cookies bake quickly in the air fryer, giving you a soft, chewy center with slightly crispy edges. The rich chocolate flavor is enhanced with a dusting of powdered sugar, making them feel like the perfect winter treat. It’s a quick, fuss-free dessert that gives you all the chocolatey warmth you need without the oven. You’ll be eating them all season long, with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies

Air Fryer Churros

Churros on a white plate with a bowl of caramel dipping sauce on the side.
Air Fryer Churros. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Churros are the crispy, cinnamon-sugar-covered treat you love, made lighter and quicker with the air fryer. The dough comes together in minutes, and the air fryer gives them that perfect golden crunch without the oil. They’re just as crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, but with none of the mess. These churros are quick to make, and they’ll disappear just as fast. It’s a dessert that feels special, but doesn’t require all the work of traditional frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Churros

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Fish tacos on a small baking sheet with limes.
Air Fryer Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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Air Fryer Fish Tacos are a crispy, flavorful twist on a classic. The fish gets a crunchy coating in the air fryer, while the inside stays flaky and tender. It’s a lighter version of fried fish tacos, without sacrificing any of the flavor or texture. The air fryer does all the hard work, giving you the perfect crunch in no time. These tacos are quick to assemble and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, but they’ll impress with how crispy and flavorful they are.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Air Fryer Wontons

Air fryer wontons on a plate with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Wontons. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Wontons give you all the crispy, savory goodness of traditional fried wontons without the oil. The wontons crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, while the filling stays tender and flavorful. It’s a simple recipe that’s perfect for a snack or appetizer, and the air fryer makes the whole process so much easier. You get all the flavor of fried wontons, with none of the mess or excess oil. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for serving with a dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Wontons

Air Fryer BBQ Wings

A pile of air fryer BBQ wings on a white platter.
Air Fryer BBQ Wings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer BBQ Wings deliver the perfect balance of crispy skin and tender meat, all without deep frying. The wings cook quickly in the air fryer, and the BBQ sauce caramelizes beautifully. They’re just as juicy and flavorful as the traditional version, but with less oil and hassle. The air fryer makes these wings easier to prepare, cutting down on cooking time without sacrificing taste. It’s the ultimate game-day or weeknight recipe, and everyone will be reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Wings

Air Fryer S’mores

Stacked s'mores on a white plate.
Air Fryer S’mores. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer S’mores are a campfire treat made even easier. The graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallow are perfectly toasted in the air fryer, giving you that crispy, melty magic in just minutes. It’s the same classic s’mores flavor, but without the need for a fire or mess. You’ll have a batch ready in no time, making them the perfect quick dessert for any occasion. You’ll never want to make them the old way again after trying this easier, faster method.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S’mores

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Bacon wrapped jalapenos on a white plate.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are the crispy, spicy snack you’ll crave when you need a little heat. The poppers are stuffed with a creamy cheese filling and coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust before being air-fried to perfection. They come out crispy on the outside with a smooth, cheesy filling inside, all without the oil. These poppers are quick to make, and the air fryer ensures they’re perfectly crispy every time. They’re a great appetizer or snack for any time you want something flavorful and spicy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Air Fryer Pork Belly

Stack of air fryer pork belly strips in hoisin glaze.
Air Fryer Pork Belly. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Pork Belly gives you that crispy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness without the mess of traditional roasting. The pork belly is cooked to perfection, with crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. The air fryer cuts down on the cooking time while still giving you all the delicious results. It’s a simple way to get restaurant-quality pork belly at home, and it’s done in a fraction of the time. This recipe is perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to a rich, savory meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly

Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Bowl of jalapeno popper bites.
Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites are a bite-sized snack with all the heat and flavor of the classic appetizer. The creamy cheese filling pairs perfectly with the crispy air-fried coating, making each bite a perfect mix of spicy and savory. The air fryer makes them crispy without the excess oil, giving you the same texture with far less mess. These popper bites are simple to make and perfect for parties or snacking. They’ll disappear fast, but they’re so easy to make, you won’t mind making more.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Air Fryer Empanadas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Empanadas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Empanadas are the crispy, flaky pastries filled with savory goodness, all without the mess of deep frying. The dough crisps up perfectly in the air fryer, while the filling stays warm and flavorful. Whether you’re making them with beef, chicken, or veggies, they’re a simple, satisfying snack or meal. The air fryer makes them light and crispy, so you get all the flavor without the extra grease. They’re a quick and easy way to enjoy empanadas, and the results are always impressive.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Hand dipping a fried pickle into dipping sauce with a platter of fried pickle slices.
Air Fryer Fried Pickles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Fried Pickles give you the perfect crunch without the excess oil. The pickles are coated in a light batter and air-fried to a golden crisp, giving you that crispy exterior and tangy interior. It’s a simple snack or appetizer that’s ready in minutes, and the air fryer makes it so easy to get just the right texture. You’ll have the same great crunch and flavor as deep-fried pickles but without all the mess. These fried pickles will quickly become your go-to snack when you want something salty and crispy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Fried chicken in a basket lined with parchment paper.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken delivers that crispy, golden exterior and juicy interior without the deep-frying mess. The chicken is coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and air-fried to perfection, giving you that crispy crunch with less oil. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time while still giving you that classic fried chicken flavor. It’s a healthier take on fried chicken, but no one will know the difference. You’ll get the crunch and flavor you love, with far less mess and fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

By on March 26th, 2025
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About Robin Donovan

Robin Donovan is the creative force behind Eggs All Ways. She's a writer, recipe developer, photographer, and cookbook author with more than 40 books to her name, including the bestselling Ramen for Beginners, Ramen Obsession, and Campfire Cuisine. Her work has been featured in major publications, both print and digital, including MSN, Cooking Light, Fitness, Buzzfeed, and Eating Well.

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