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19 Air Fryer Recipes That Bring Big Crunch Without The Grease

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Crispy, golden, and full of flavor—without all the oil. These air fryer recipes deliver the crunch you love while keeping things a little lighter. No messy deep frying, no grease splatters, just easy recipes that get the job done. From snacks to full meals, the air fryer proves it can handle just about anything. If you’re craving that perfect crisp, these dishes have you covered.

Bacon wrapped jalapenos on a white plate.

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Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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 gives you crispy, golden bites without a drop of deep-frying. The sauce is a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and just a little sticky, coating every piece evenly. It’s fast, easy, and skips the heavy oil without losing any crunch. If you’re craving takeout but want something lighter, this dish gets it right.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

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 bring the flaky, golden crust you want without the mess of deep frying. The filling stays juicy and flavorful, whether you go with beef, chicken, or a vegetarian option. A quick cooking time makes them a great choice for a snack, appetizer, or easy meal. If you like crispy pastry without the extra grease, this one does the trick.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps turn marinated, spiced chicken into something crispy and full of flavor. The air fryer locks in the seasoning while keeping the outside golden and slightly charred. It’s an easy way to bring Middle Eastern flavors to your table. If you need a quick, satisfying wrap with bold seasoning, this one delivers.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Air Fryer Brownies

Brownies with nuts and caramel stacked on a plate.
Air Fryer Brownies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Brownies bake up with a crackly top and fudgy center in less time than the oven. The edges get perfectly chewy, while the inside stays rich and chocolatey. No need to heat up the whole kitchen when you want a small batch. If you’re after deep chocolate flavor with less hassle, this is the way to go.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brownies

Air Fryer Onion Rings

Pile of onion rings on a white plate.
Air Fryer Onion Rings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Onion Rings are crisp, golden, and packed with flavor without the usual greasy coating. The batter sticks just right, creating a crunchy shell that doesn’t turn soggy. They cook up quickly, making them a great side or snack when you need something with a little crunch. If you like onion rings that stay crispy to the last bite, these won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Onion Rings

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Stacked taquitos on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos crisp up perfectly without needing a pan full of oil. The tortillas turn golden and crunchy while sealing in the spiced chicken filling. They’re fast, easy, and ideal for dipping into salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. If you want a snack or light meal with plenty of crunch, this is a solid pick.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Air Fryer Wontons

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

Air Fryer Wontons keep the crispy, golden shell without the deep-frying. The filling stays hot and flavorful, with just the right balance of crunch and softness. They cook up in minutes, making them perfect for a quick appetizer or snack. If you want crispy wontons without the oil splatter, this method works every time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Wontons

Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Roasted turkey legs on a cutting board with a knife.
Air Fryer Turkey Legs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Turkey Legs come out juicy on the inside with a crisp, seasoned skin. The air fryer locks in the flavors without drying out the meat, making it an easy way to get that roasted texture. A simple spice rub gives them just the right amount of kick. If you like big flavors without the oven hassle, this is a game changer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Legs

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 bake up soft in the middle with slightly crisp edges. The chocolate flavor is deep and rich, with melty chocolate chips in every bite. They cook fast, making them a great choice when a craving hits. If you like warm cookies without waiting in the oven, this is the way to go.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies

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Air Fryer Carnitas

Low angle shot of 3 carnitas tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Carnitas gives you crispy, caramelized pork without a pot full of oil. The outside gets golden and crunchy, while the inside stays juicy and full of flavor. A quick blast of heat at the end makes sure every bite has that perfect crisp texture. If you’re looking for an easy way to get restaurant-style carnitas, this does the job.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers deliver all the crunch without the greasy mess. The peppers stay crisp while the cheese filling turns melty and smooth. A golden breadcrumb coating gives them just the right bite. They’re spicy, creamy, and crispy in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

Air fried tofu on a white plate.
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu turns simple tofu into something bold and crispy. The outside gets golden and crackly, while the inside stays soft. A toss of garlic, salt, and crushed peppercorns adds plenty of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes tofu anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

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

Air Fryer Fish Tacos keep things light while still delivering that crispy, golden texture. The fish stays flaky inside, wrapped in a seasoned coating that doesn’t get greasy. A fresh slaw and a drizzle of sauce bring everything together. Wrapped in warm tortillas, they’re a fresh take on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Fried salt and pepper chicken in a black bowl lined with parchment paper.
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken comes out crispy on the outside and juicy in the middle. The simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic lets the crunchy texture shine. A quick toss in scallions and chilies adds a little extra kick. It’s a no-fuss dish that still packs plenty of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Air Fryer Falafel

Low angle shot of a platter of air fried falafel patties.
Air Fryer Falafel. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Falafel delivers the same crispy, golden shell as deep-fried but without the excess oil. The inside stays fluffy, packed with chickpeas, garlic, and fresh herbs. A touch of cumin and coriander keeps the flavor deep and warm. Serve them in a pita or on their own with a creamy dip.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Falafel

Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins

Pile of cornbread muffins on a white plate.
Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins bake up with a crisp edge and a soft, buttery center. The air fryer gives them just enough golden color without drying them out. A little honey or butter on top makes them even better. They’re an easy side for any meal that needs a little extra comfort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins

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 roasts up with crispy skin and juicy meat in a fraction of the time. The air circulation locks in moisture while giving the outside a golden, even crunch. A simple seasoning blend lets the natural flavors shine. It’s the easiest way to get a perfectly cooked bird without turning on the oven.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Zucchini fries on a plate with spicy ketchup for dipping.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries give you the crispiness of traditional fries without all the oil. A light coating of breadcrumbs helps them brown up perfectly. The zucchini stays tender inside, making them a great alternative to heavier sides. A quick dip in your favorite sauce keeps them from disappearing too fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

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 bring the same crispy, golden crunch without the deep-fried mess. The dough puffs up light and airy, with a cinnamon-sugar coating that sticks just right. A quick air fry gives them their signature texture without all the oil. Serve them warm with chocolate sauce or on their own.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Churros

By on February 5th, 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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