17 Crispy and Crunchy Dishes That Prove You Never Need to Deep Fry Anything Again

These crispy and crunchy dishes prove you never need to deep fry anything again because a pile of oil isn’t the only way to get that golden crunch. With 17 easy recipes, you can skip the mess, keep the crisp and still hear that satisfying bite. Your kitchen stays cleaner, your food stays crispier and your fryer stays in the back of the cabinet where it belongs.

A white plate stacked with crinkle-cut accordion potatoes, perfectly roasted in the air fryer and garnished with chopped parsley. — Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

A plate of seasoned and cooked chicken drumsticks garnished with fresh herbs and accompanied by lemon slices and pickled onions. — Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

You can enjoy the taste of fried chicken without the oil or mess when you make Chicken Drumsticks in the air fryer. With just 30 minutes for prep and cooking, this recipe is quick and easy. You’ll get crispy skin and juicy meat that will satisfy your cravings without the hassle of traditional frying. It’s a win-win for any chicken lover!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Homemade French Fries in the Air Fryer

Close-up of seasoned French fries served with bowls of red ketchup and white dipping sauce. — Homemade French Fries in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

When you’re making Homemade French Fries in the Air Fryer, picking the right potato is key for the best results. I recommend using starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold. These varieties give you that perfect texture and crispiness you want. Get ready to enjoy fries that are just as good as any you’d find at a restaurant!
Get the Recipe: Homemade French Fries in the Air Fryer

Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie

Close-up of a whole chicken roasted in an air fryer with crispy, golden-brown skin, seasoned with herbs and spices on a wooden board. — Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This recipe for how to cook a Whole Chicken in an air fryer will completely change your perspective on supermarket Rotisserie Chicken. It’s not only cheaper but also way more tasty. You’ll love the crispy skin and juicy meat that comes from making it at home. Say goodbye to store-bought and hello to a homemade version that’s sure to impress!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Close-up of a seasoned air fryer chicken wing garnished with herbs, held by a fork. — Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

The process for making Air Fryer Chicken Wings is incredibly simple. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can whip up a batch of crispy chicken wings that are sure to please. You’ll enjoy a tasty snack or meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a great way to enjoy wings anytime you want!
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Bacon in the Air Fryer

Several strips of cooked bacon are arranged in an air fryer basket. Surrounding items include eggs, waffles, a striped towel, and a pepper shaker. — Bacon in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Once you discover how easy it is to cook bacon in the air fryer, you’ll never want to microwave or fry it in a pan again. This method is cleaner, quicker and gives you the perfect crispy bacon every time. Enjoy the deliciousness without the mess. It’s a game changer for breakfast or any meal where bacon is a must!
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Easy Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer Recipe

Close-up of a pile of seasoned sweet potato fries garnished with small green herbs, served on a white plate—perfect for celebrating National French Fry Day. — Easy Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer Recipe. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This recipe for Sweet Potato Fries in the air fryer shines with just four ingredients. You can easily grab what you need without a long shopping list. Making these fries is a breeze and the result tastes just like the best sweet potato fries from your favorite restaurant. Enjoy a tasty snack that feels like a treat!
Get the Recipe: Easy Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer Recipe

Air Fryer Broccoli

You probably know that you can cook traditional sides in the air fryer, like French fries. But have you tried cooking vegetables this way? Read on for how to make broccoli in the air fryer and discover why you’ll never want to steam broccoli on the stovetop or in the microwave again. This method brings out great flavor and crispness that you’ll absolutely love!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Close-up of sliced, golden-brown breaded chicken pieces on a wooden board, garnished with herbs, with lemon slices in the background. — Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets provide a healthier option compared to traditional deep-fried versions while still giving you that crispy golden perfection. With this simple recipe, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home with minimal oil and effort. Enjoy a tasty dish that feels indulgent but is much lighter on the waistline. It’s a great way to enjoy chicken cutlets anytime!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Diced and whole carrots in an air fryer basket on a wooden surface. — Air Fryer Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Pink When.

Are you craving a side dish that’s both tasty and sweet? These Air Fryer Carrots have just the right balance of brown sugar, butter and honey to transform this simple vegetable into a gourmet dish. Whether it’s for a sophisticated dinner party, a holiday gathering or a simple weeknight meal at home, these carrots will impress everyone at the table!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Air Fryer Asparagus

Asparagus spears arranged in an air fryer basket with a striped cloth, sliced lemons, and salt and pepper shakers nearby on a white surface. — Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Asparagus can be a tricky vegetable, in my opinion. Overcook it and you end up with limp, tasteless spears. Undercook it and it turns bitter. But when you toss it in the air fryer and season it just right? Chef’s kiss perfect. This method might just change your mind about eating asparagus like it did for me. You’ll enjoy tender, flavorful spears that are hard to resist!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

Air Fryer Mushrooms with Garlic

Air fried mushrooms on a plate. — Air Fryer Mushrooms with Garlic. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Holiday tables often showcase sautéed mushrooms alongside roasted meat dishes. While you might love them cooked that way, this recipe for Air Fryer Mushrooms might just persuade you to switch things up. The air fryer brings out amazing flavor and texture, making these mushrooms a must-try. You’ll enjoy a tasty side that adds a new twist to your holiday meals!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mushrooms with Garlic

Crinkle Cut Accordion Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Crispy potato slices with ridges, sprinkled with chopped herbs, on a white plate. — Crinkle Cut Accordion Potatoes in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Funny thing about this recipe for Crinkle Cut Accordion Potatoes: I knew what I wanted to make by sight but didn’t know the name. It turns out accordion potatoes are also called Hasselback potatoes. Some folks refer to them as crinkle cut waffle fries. No matter what you call them, cooking them in the air fryer makes for a quick dish. You’ll end up with a salty, savory snack or side that’s the epitome of comfort food!
Get the Recipe: Crinkle Cut Accordion Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Avocado Fries in the Air Fryer

A plate of breaded avocado wedges next to halved avocados and a bowl of ketchup. — Avocado Fries in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Making Avocado Fries in the air fryer gives you crispy bites packed with healthy fats. These fries offer a fresh twist on the classic snack while skipping the oil. You’ll enjoy a tasty treat that’s both satisfying and good for you. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself reaching for these avocado fries again and again!
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With Parmesan and Shredded Coconut

Close-up of golden-brown fried chicken tenders on a speckled gray surface. — Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With Parmesan and Shredded Coconut. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Once you make Chicken Tenders in the air fryer, you’ll never want to bake them in the oven again. If you have picky eaters at home—whether young or old—they’ll love how the combination of grated parmesan cheese and shredded coconut acts as the “breading” for these low carb chicken pieces. Each tender has just 3 grams of net carbs, making them a tasty option everyone can enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With Parmesan and Shredded Coconut

Lemon-Rosemary Bone-In Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

Grilled chicken thighs with various roasted potatoes and rosemary sprigs. — Lemon-Rosemary Bone-In Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Lemon-Rosemary Bone-In Chicken Thighs cooked in an air fryer is the perfect recipe for those looking for a delicious and sophisticated meal to serve for a weeknight dinner. You’re working with simple ingredients and a cooking appliance that can get dinner on the table in no time. Best of all: each serving has only one gram of carbs.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Rosemary Bone-In Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Steak Bites

I love making Air Fryer Steak Bites. It is an easy way to get a low-carb meal on the table and ensure that every piece of meat is cooked perfectly. Discover how these little pieces of steak can change your dinner options for the better.
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Low Carb Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Baked salmon pieces topped with lemon slices, seasoned and served on parchment paper. — Low Carb Air Fryer Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Pink When.

Air fryer salmon bites take only 15 minutes to prepare, offering a quick and delicious meal option. The blend of simple ingredients with fresh fish ensures a consistently fantastic result, ideal for a no-fuss weeknight dinner or a speedy, refreshing, healthy lunch.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Air Fryer Salmon Bites