The 12 Best Air Fryer Recipes You Need to Try

There’s a reason air fryers got “famous” on social media — they make it easy to get crispy “fried” flavor, without using large amounts of oil. That makes them ideal for creating better-for-you versions of some of your fried favorites. But they can also do so much more. 

So, whether you’re an air fryer newbie or you want to find new ways to use your favorite gadget, we’re here to help. We think these are 12 of the best air fryer recipes, covering all the bases from healthy mains to creative sides. 

AIR FRYER SALMON

Air fryer salmon delivers all the omega-3-rich benefits of this heart-healthy fish with minimal added fat—just one tablespoon of oil lets the salmon's natural richness shine through. The real flavor magic of this air fryer recipe comes from a trio of spices sweetened with brown sugar to meld into a beautifully caramelized crust in minutes. Serve with a heaping plate of roasted veggies and some brown rice for a dinner that feels indulgent and still keeps your wellness goals on track.

AIR FRYER SALMON BOWLS

Here’s another take on an easy air fryer recipe for salmon, with a similar spicy rub. But, the genius move here is dividing the seasoning blend: Half goes directly on the salmon for a crackly exterior, while the other half transforms into a creamy maple-Dijon sauce that ties the entire bowl together.

AIF FRYER GARLIC-PARMESAN CHICKEN

Three-ingredient chicken? Yes please!  This foolproof air fryer chicken relies on a package of McCormick® Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Seasoning Mix for big flavor with zero guesswork. With just three ingredients and a light coating of oil, this air fryer chicken recipe yields a delectably juicy main that rivals anything you'd get from a traditional oven—and in half the time.

AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST AND POTATOES

This (nearly!) one-pot wonder combines seasoned chicken breasts and golden-brown baby potatoes in a single basket, making cleanup almost as easy as the cooking itself. Just add a simple veggie or side salad to complete this wholesome air fryer meal.

AIR FRYER PORK CHOPS

Pork chops have a reputation for being tricky. One minute they’re undercooked and the next, they’re dry. Recipes for air fryer to the rescue, thanks to the appliance’s precise, circulating heat. A sweet and savory rub featuring brown sugar, McCormick Garlic Powder, McCormick Paprika, McCormick Crushed Red Pepper, McCormick Onion Powder and salt achieves a crust that seals in the juices for perfectly tender chops every time.

AIR FRYER BUFFALO WINGS

If you’ve never tried air fryer wings, prepare to meet your new “Fry-day” favorite. The secret lies in a package of McCormick Air Fryer Buffalo Seasoning Mix so whether you’re feeding a crowd of sports fans or hungry kids fresh off the field, you’ll deliver the goods without breaking a sweat.

AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS

Zhuzh up frozen tenderloins with a brief buttermilk soak followed by a roll in a seasoned flour coating that crisps up beautifully without any deep frying required. The real game-changer is the honey mustard dipping sauce made with mayo and French's® Classic Yellow Mustard, augmented with a generous sprinkle of McCormick Garlic Powder.

AIR FRYER CHICKEN NUGGETS WITH DIPPING SAUCE RECIPE

It's time to move on from boring frozen nuggets, and while these homemade ones take a bit more effort, the payoff is absolutely worth it. The surprise ingredient is pickle juice in a marinade that tenderizes the chicken while adding a subtle tang, followed by a breading mixture that offers another curveball in the form of powdered sugar (trust us!). Paired with a tangy-sweet dipping sauce that combines barbecue, honey, mustard, mayo and a splash of cider vinegar, these nuggets will have you wondering why you ever settled for the freezer aisle variety.

AIR FRYER CHICKEN EGG ROLLS RECIPE

Who needs takeout? These air fryer chicken egg rolls are its much-better-priced twin, packed with flavor from a garlic- and ginger-infused chicken and cabbage filling. Serve them with a sweet and sour Carrot Dipping Sauce for a satisfying snack or starter.

AIR FRYER GENERAL TSO'S CAULIFLOWER RECIPE

Complete your takeout-inspired meal with air fryer cauliflower. A generous panko coating helps cauliflower get satisfyingly crunchy, while homemade General Tso's Sauce adds sweet and savory flavor. Best of all, it requires just 10 minutes each of prep and cooking, so it can bake while you’re enjoying your egg rolls. 

AIR FRYER BAKED POTATOES

As an easy air fryer recipe, baked spuds deliver the ideal combination of crispy, salty skin and a fluffy interior. A light coating of oil and sea salt is all it takes to achieve that steakhouse-quality exterior, but the real star here is the garlic parm butter, a blend of butter, parmesan and classic spices, with a sprinkle of McCormick Crushed Red Pepper for just a little bite.

AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI FRIES

Air fryer “fries” are a go-to family favorite, so why not try this unexpected twist that will sneak in extra veggies without any complaints? Zucchini spears get the full breading treatment in a flour, egg and a crunchy panko-parmesan coating spiked with McCormick Perfect Pinch® Italian Seasoning and McCormick Garlic Powder. They're addictively good on their own or dunked in marinara, and are likely to convince even the pickiest eaters that vegetables can be just as delicious as the potato version.