21 Air Fryer Recipes That Make the Kitchen Feel Under Control

When meals pile up and time runs thin, the air fryer steps in to keep things moving without turning the kitchen upside down. These 21 air fryer recipes focus on familiar ingredients, fast cook times, and flavors that feel steady instead of stressful. Each one keeps prep simple and cleanup lighter so dinner does not spiral into chaos. This list brings calm back to busy kitchens one basket at a time.

Two grilled wraps are cut in half, showing fillings of grilled chicken, lettuce, cucumber, and other vegetables. The wraps have visible grill marks and are stacked on a plate with a blurred background. — Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese with pieces of chicken, topped with a drizzle of brown sauce, sits on a white surface beside a fork and sprigs of parsley. — Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese blends tender chicken, pasta, cheddar, and smoky barbecue sauce into a comforting meal that is ready in about 25 minutes. The main ingredients are elbow macaroni, shredded chicken, cheese, and bottled BBQ sauce. It tastes creamy with a gentle sweet and tangy finish. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese keeps the stove quiet and the kitchen under control on hectic nights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Plate of bacon-wrapped peppers filled with cheese, garnished with parsley, next to a grated cheese block and grater on a wooden board. — Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers bring cream cheese, fresh peppers, and a simple breadcrumb coating together in roughly 15 minutes. The main ingredients are jalapeños, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and pantry crumbs. They taste mildly spicy with a smooth, rich center. Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers make snack time feel organized instead of messy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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.

Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning turn chicken wings, dried herbs, and olive oil into a bold snack in about 22 minutes. The main ingredients are split wings, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. They taste savory with a lightly crisp skin. Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning keep game-day food from taking over the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning

2-Ingredient Air Fryer Plantain Chips

A speckled bowl filled with tomato sauce in the center, surrounded by a ring of crispy, thinly sliced plantain chips on a light surface. — 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Plantain Chips. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

2-Ingredient Air Fryer Plantain Chips use ripe plantains and oil to create crunchy bites in just 12 minutes. The main ingredients are sliced plantains and cooking spray or oil. They taste lightly sweet with a clean, toasted finish. 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Plantain Chips make a fast snack that never feels out of control.
Get the Recipe: 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Plantain Chips

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 turn bone-in turkey, simple spices, and a touch of oil into a hearty meal in about 35 minutes. The main ingredients are turkey thighs, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. They taste juicy with a lightly seasoned exterior. Air Fryer Turkey Thighs keep big protein nights calm and contained.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli

A hand dips a crispy, breaded zucchini chip into a bowl of marinara sauce. — Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli coats frozen ravioli in crumbs and cheese for a crisp bite that is ready in 15 minutes. The main ingredients are cheese ravioli, breadcrumbs, parmesan, and Italian seasoning. They taste crunchy on the outside with a soft, cheesy center. Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli brings order to appetizer night without clutter.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli

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 Recipe cooks fresh spears, olive oil, and salt into a quick side in about 10 minutes. The main ingredients are asparagus, oil, and simple seasoning. It tastes clean with a mild roasted edge. Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe keeps vegetable prep from slowing everything down.
Get the Recipe: Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Air Fryer Blueberry Donut Holes

Iced blueberry cookies cooling on a wire rack, with some fresh blueberries in the background. — Air Fryer Blueberry Donut Holes. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Blueberry Donut Holes mix biscuit dough, blueberries, and sugar into soft bites ready in 12 minutes. The main ingredients are canned dough, fresh berries, and cinnamon sugar. They taste gently sweet with bursts of fruit. Air Fryer Blueberry Donut Holes handle dessert without turning baking into a project.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blueberry Donut Holes

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 pairs fresh salmon, lemon juice, and light seasoning for a dinner done in 15 minutes. The main ingredients are salmon fillets, lemon, garlic powder, and olive oil. It tastes bright with a tender, flaky texture. Lemon Air Fryer Salmon keeps seafood nights smooth and predictable.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Air Fryer Salmon

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 transforms cubed tofu, soy sauce, and cornstarch into golden bites in about 18 minutes. The main ingredients are extra-firm tofu, soy sauce, and pantry starch. It tastes savory with a firm, crisp edge. Crispy Air Fryer Tofu keeps plant-based meals neat and reliable.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

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Air Fryer Funnel Cakes

A pile of powdered sugar-covered cookies with colorful sprinkles on a wooden tray. — Air Fryer Funnel Cakes. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Funnel Cakes use pancake batter, sugar, and a hint of vanilla to make fair-style treats in 10 minutes. The main ingredients are pancake mix, milk, and powdered sugar. They taste lightly sweet with a soft interior. Air Fryer Funnel Cakes bring dessert fun without kitchen chaos.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Funnel Cakes

Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips

A white speckled bowl filled with crispy, dark green kale chips sits on a light surface. The kale chips appear roasted with some edges curled and slightly browned. — Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips turn fresh kale, oil, and salt into crunchy chips in about 8 minutes. The main ingredients are kale leaves, olive oil, and sea salt. They taste clean with a crisp snap. Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips make healthy snacking feel organized.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips

Crispy Air Fryer Beet Chips

A black bowl filled with dark red beet chips sits on a white surface. In the background, there is a small white bowl containing a creamy dip with green herbs. — Crispy Air Fryer Beet Chips. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crispy Air Fryer Beet Chips slice beets with a little oil and salt into earthy chips in 15 minutes. The main ingredients are fresh beets and olive oil. They taste lightly sweet with a firm crunch. Crispy Air Fryer Beet Chips keep veggie snacks from cluttering counters.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Beet Chips

Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia

Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia blends white fish, paprika, cumin, and garlic for a fast 14-minute meal. The main ingredients are tilapia fillets and simple spices. It tastes mildly smoky with a tender bite. Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia keeps seafood nights calm and focused.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia

Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

A black plate holding several pieces of golden-brown, crispy fried chicken tenders garnished with chopped parsley, set on a rust-colored cloth with sauce and herbs visible in the background. — Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders coat chicken strips, breadcrumbs, and chili-infused honey for a sweet-heat finish in about 20 minutes. The main ingredients are chicken tenders, honey, and pantry spices. They taste crisp with a warm kick. Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders manage bold flavor without clutter.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze

A stack of crepes topped with crumbled feta cheese and drizzled with balsamic glaze, served on a white plate. — Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze combine sliced cabbage, creamy cheese, and tangy glaze in 18 minutes. The main ingredients are cabbage rounds, goat cheese, and balsamic reduction. They taste savory with a mild sweetness. Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze keep side dishes controlled.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze

Easy Air Fryer Biscoff Cake

A partially sliced cake with light brown frosting and crumbled Lotus Biscoff cookies on top, displayed on a white cake stand. A blue cup sits in the background. — Easy Air Fryer Biscoff Cake. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy Air Fryer Biscoff Cake blends cookie spread, flour, and eggs into a quick dessert in 25 minutes. The main ingredients are Biscoff spread, sugar, and pantry baking staples. It tastes rich with warm spice notes. Easy Air Fryer Biscoff Cake keeps baking simple and tidy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Biscoff Cake

Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters With Feta

A hand dips a fried zucchini fritter into a small bowl of white cream sauce on a gray plate. Other fritters and lemon wedges are arranged around the bowl on a marble surface. — Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters With Feta. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters With Feta mix grated zucchini, feta, and eggs into savory bites ready in 16 minutes. The main ingredients are zucchini, cheese, and breadcrumbs. They taste lightly salty with a soft middle. Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters With Feta make veggie meals feel under control.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters With Feta

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

A bowl of white rice topped with stir-fried chicken pieces and chopped green onions, with chopsticks beside it. — Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken combines bite-size chicken, black pepper, garlic, and oil into a 20-minute dinner. The main ingredients are chicken breast pieces and simple seasonings. It tastes savory with a gentle pepper bite. Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken keeps weeknight cooking steady.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Air Fryer Churro Donut Holes with Caramel Sauce

Cinnamon sugar donut holes with a caramel dipping sauce in a bowl on a dark plate. — Air Fryer Churro Donut Holes with Caramel Sauce. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Churro Donut Holes with Caramel Sauce turn biscuit dough, cinnamon sugar, and caramel into sweet bites in 12 minutes. The main ingredients are dough, cinnamon, and bottled caramel. They taste warm and sugary with a soft center. Air Fryer Churro Donut Holes with Caramel Sauce manage dessert without stress.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Churro Donut Holes with Caramel Sauce

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma blends spiced chicken, yogurt, and garlic into a bold meal in about 25 minutes. The main ingredients are chicken thighs, cumin, paprika, and lemon. It tastes warm with a balanced savory profile. Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma keeps flavorful dinners from overwhelming the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma