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    Home » Air Fryer Recipes

    20 Unexpected Recipes You Can Make in Your Air Fryer

    Published: Apr 16, 2026 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Air fryers are incredibly versatile kitchen appliances that can do much more than just crisp up fries. From savory main dishes to perfect appetizers, there are countless recipes that can be made in an air fryer, often with less oil and in less time than traditional cooking methods. Here are 20 surprising recipes that showcase the full potential of your air fryer, making it easier than ever to whip up delicious meals and snacks.

    Air Fryer Lobster Tails

    A serving of air fryer lobster trails.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    Lobster tails are cooked with a flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce and air fried until they're nice and tender. Serve them with lemon wedges for a delicious meal.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Drumsticks

    Cooked chicken drumstick.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken drumsticks cook quickly in the air fryer, taking only 20 minutes. A mix of olive oil, lime juice, and spices gives them a tender and crispy finish that you'll love.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Patties

    Air Fryer Salmon Patties.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Salmon Patties are simple to prepare and only take 6-8 minutes with fresh salmon. They are full of flavor and use powdered seasonings, so there's no need for chopping.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Cornish Hens

    A cornish hen on a plate.
    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    Air fryer cornish hens are a quick and tasty option for dinner. They may look fancy, but they're easy to prepare and great for busy evenings.

    Get the recipe

    Roast Beef

    Sliced roast beef.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    Roast Beef is easy to prepare in your Air Fryer and takes under an hour. With a crispy, flavorful outside and a juicy, tender inside, it's a fantastic meal for the whole family.

    Get the recipe

    T-Bone Steaks

    T-bone steak with garlic butter.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    T-bone steaks cook up quickly in the air fryer, giving you a tasty meal in no time. Pair them with garlic butter or your favorite sauce for a satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Cheeseburger Dumplings

    Cheeseburger Dumplings.
    Photo credit: Little Nomad's Recipes.

    Cheeseburger dumplings are a fun and easy meal that kids will love. They combine two favorites into one tasty dish that you can whip up in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi

    Air fried halloumi on a blue plate with lemon wedges and chili flakes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi cooks perfectly in the air fryer, resulting in a crispy outside and a soft, flavorful inside. This dish is easy to prepare and goes well with salads or any sides you prefer.

    Get the recipe

    Homemade Egg Rolls

    Air fryer egg rolls.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Homemade egg rolls are simple to make in your air fryer and are sure to impress your guests. They'll never believe how easy it was to put together these tasty snacks.

    Get the recipe

    Frozen Steak

    A sliced rib eye steak.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    An air fryer can transform a frozen steak into a delicious meal in just 10-15 minutes. This is an easy and tasty way to enjoy steak without much work.

    Get the recipe

    Steak Bites

    Air Fryer Steak Bites.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Steak bites cook quickly in the air fryer, taking less than 10 minutes to prepare. Marinated in a blend of lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, and herbs, the steak is tender and packed with flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Nachos

    Air fryer nachos.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    These nachos are quick and easy to whip up in your air fryer, taking just 10 minutes. Loaded with cheese and a sprinkle of Tajin seasoning, they're perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a simple dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Teriyaki Tempura Cauliflower

    Tempura teriyaki cauliflower.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Crispy Teriyaki Tempura Cauliflower bites are simple to prepare in your air fryer. This baked tempura method lets you enjoy them without the mess of frying.

    Get the recipe

    Fish Tacos

    Fish tacos.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Crispy fish tacos are simple to prepare in your air fryer, served with a tangy lime coleslaw and fresh mango salsa. This dish adds a lively touch to dinner with its bright flavors and textures.

    Get the recipe

    Crispy Tofu

    Air fried crispy tofu.
    Photo credit: Sarah Cook.

    Crispy air fryer tofu is a quick and tasty dinner option. It's a flavorful dish that's great for anyone wanting a delicious vegan or vegetarian meal ready in under 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Broccoli Grilled Cheese

    Air fryer grilled cheese.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    A grilled cheese sandwich is simple to whip up in the air fryer using sharp cheddar, chopped broccoli, and a hint of chili flakes for some spice. This vegetarian option is crispy, cheesy, and buttery, perfect for a quick meal.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Quesadillas

    A plate full of quesadillas.
    Image credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Cheesy quesadillas are easy to make in your air fryer. This way, you get a crispy outside and melty cheese inside with minimal effort.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Tacos

    Shrimp tacos.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Air fryer shrimp tacos are easy to prepare and full of flavor. The shrimp turns out tender and seasoned just right, pairing perfectly with a zesty lime coleslaw.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Bites

    Air Fryer Salmon Bites.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A quick and flavorful dinner is simple to prepare. These tasty salmon bites are perfect for sharing with family.

    Get the recipe

    Arancini

    Air fryer arancini.
    Image credit: Katie Trant

    Fried risotto balls are a delicious and comforting dish that feels a bit fancy. They're perfect for when you want something special without too much effort.

    Get the recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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