13 Delicious Recipes You Didn’t Know You Could Cook in an Air Fryer : Thermocookery

Air fryers do more than just make crispy fries and chicken wings. These 13 recipes show how versatile this kitchen tool can be, turning everyday ingredients into easy, flavorful meals. Whether you’re cooking meat, vegetables, or even desserts, the air fryer cuts down on time and cleanup. Try these recipes and see how simple great cooking can be.

Twisted pastry sticks sprinkled with sugar are placed on a wooden serving board lined with parchment paper. A few chocolate chips are scattered on one side. In the background, there's a small wooden bowl with a dark spread. — Air Fryer Churros. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

A plate of crispy tofu cubes garnished with cilantro is placed next to a small bowl of creamy dipping sauce in a blue dish. — Crispy Air Fryer Tofu. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crispy air fryer tofu is a simple, protein-packed dish with a golden, crunchy exterior and a soft center. Ready in about 20 minutes, it uses firm tofu, seasoning, and a light coating for the perfect texture. The flavor is mild and slightly nutty, absorbing any sauce or seasoning added. Serve it as a snack or a meat-free protein for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

A plate of roasted asparagus topped with almond slices, capers, and parsley. Two lemon wedges are placed on either side of the asparagus. The dish is presented on an oval white plate. — Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Roast air fryer asparagus is a quick, tender vegetable dish with a slight crisp on the edges. Taking just 10 minutes to cook, it combines fresh asparagus, olive oil, and simple seasoning. The flavor is earthy, slightly sweet, and pairs well with any main course. Serve it hot for an easy, nutritious side.
Get the Recipe: Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

A plate of glazed barbecue chicken drumsticks garnished with small parsley leaves. The chicken is coated in a shiny, dark sauce, suggesting a rich, flavorful marinade. The dish is arranged to highlight the crispy, caramelized skin. — Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a smoky, tangy glaze. Ready in about 30 minutes, they combine chicken, barbecue sauce, and a blend of spices for a bold taste. The outside gets crispy while the inside stays tender and moist. Serve them fresh with extra sauce for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning

Close-up of a plate of seasoned and grilled chicken wings garnished with herbs. Lemon wedges are visible in the background, adding a hint of color. The wings appear crispy and well-cooked, resting on a dark plate. — Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air fryer chicken wings with Italian seasoning are crispy, well-seasoned, and packed with flavor. Taking about 25 minutes to cook, they use chicken wings, garlic, Italian herbs, and a touch of olive oil. The taste is savory, slightly garlicky, and perfectly balanced. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning

Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

Two roasted chicken thighs on a white plate garnished with sprigs of thyme. A ceramic jar is partially visible in the background on the left. — Air Fryer Turkey Thighs. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air fryer turkey thighs are juicy, well-seasoned, and cook to a perfect golden brown. Taking about 35 minutes, they are made with turkey thighs, olive oil, and simple spices. The meat is tender with a crispy skin and a slightly herby, smoky flavor. Serve them hot for a flavorful and easy main dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

Crispy Plantain Chips

A plate of plantain chips, made crisp using an air fryer, surrounds a serving of tomato sauce. The chips are arranged in a circular pattern on a speckled ceramic plate, with the red sauce filling the center. Enjoy this fry without guilt against a light-colored background. — Crispy Plantain Chips. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Crispy plantain chips are a crunchy, lightly salted snack with a naturally sweet and starchy taste. Ready in just 15 minutes, they use ripe plantains, a bit of oil, and a pinch of salt. The texture is crisp on the outside while staying slightly soft inside. Serve them as a snack or a side for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Plantain Chips

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Air Fryer Cheese Bites

A plate of breaded chicken nuggets garnished with parsley. The nuggets are golden brown, and the dish is placed on a white surface with a striped cloth partially visible. — Air Fryer Cheese Bites. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air fryer cheese bites are crispy on the outside with a gooey, melty center. Taking just 10 minutes, they feature bite-sized cheese cubes coated in a light, seasoned crust. The flavor is rich, cheesy, and slightly salty with a satisfying crunch. Serve them hot with a dipping sauce for a quick, delicious snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Bites

Easy Gluten Free Samosas

A white plate filled with golden brown, triangular samosas sits on a marble surface, crafted to perfection using Air Fryer techniques. The samosas are sprinkled with black pepper, while a sprig of fresh cilantro peeks from the background. Indulge in these delights and fry without guilt! — Easy Gluten Free Samosas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Gluten-free samosas are crispy, golden pockets filled with a spiced potato and pea mixture. Ready in about 30 minutes, they use gluten-free dough, potatoes, peas, and a blend of warm spices. The outside is flaky, while the inside is flavorful and slightly savory. Serve them with chutney for a classic appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gluten Free Samosas

Lemon Air Fryer Salmon

Four grilled salmon fillets garnished with fresh dill and lemon slices are arranged on a white oval platter. The fillets are seasoned with herbs and pepper. The edge of a striped cloth and a serving of broccoli are partially visible. — Lemon Air Fryer Salmon. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Lemon air fryer salmon is a tender, flaky dish with a bright citrusy flavor. Taking about 15 minutes to cook, it features salmon fillets, lemon juice, garlic, and simple seasoning. The texture is juicy with a light crisp on the edges. Serve it with a side of vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Air Fryer Salmon

Air Fryer Breakfast Pockets

Two rectangular puff pastry turnovers rest on a white square plate atop a green textured cloth, their golden layers a testament to delicious recipes crafted with care. In the blurred background, a fork and a small glass of orange juice complete the inviting scene. — Air Fryer Breakfast Pockets. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Air fryer breakfast pockets are flaky, stuffed pastries filled with eggs, cheese, and meat. Ready in about 20 minutes, they use a light pastry wrap and a savory filling for a satisfying meal. The flavor is rich, slightly buttery, and packed with breakfast favorites. Serve them warm for an easy morning option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Breakfast Pockets

Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich

A sandwich with grilled chicken, pesto sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula piled on a hoagie roll offers a fresh twist. Crafted for those who love delicious recipes, it pairs perfectly with a side of cheese and a small bowl of carrot slices in the blurred background. Enjoy the culinary adventure. — Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Air fryer pesto chicken sandwich is a crispy, flavorful meal with a fresh basil kick. Taking about 20 minutes, it includes breaded chicken, pesto sauce, and a toasted bun. The taste is savory, slightly herby, and well-balanced. Serve it hot with a side of fries or a simple salad.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich

Mini Meatloaf in the Air Fryer

Four meatloaves are lined up on a white oval plate, each topped with a layer of red ketchup. The background shows a glimpse of another plate with assorted vegetables. — Mini Meatloaf in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Mini meatloaf in the air fryer is a quick, hearty meal with a perfectly caramelized glaze. Ready in about 25 minutes, it combines ground beef, breadcrumbs, and classic seasonings for a rich, savory flavor. The texture is moist inside with a slight crisp on the edges. Serve it warm with mashed potatoes or vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Churros

Air fryer churros are golden, crispy pastries coated in cinnamon sugar with a soft, airy center. Taking about 20 minutes, they are made with a simple dough and a quick cook in the air fryer. The flavor is slightly sweet with a warm, spiced finish. Serve them with chocolate sauce for a classic dessert.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Churros