13 Air Fryer Recipes to Make Crispy Meals Without the Oil

With 13 air fryer recipes lined up here, crispy food without a pool of oil finally feels doable on a regular night. These ideas work when you’re cooking for yourself, feeding a hungry crowd, or just craving something hot and crisp straight from the basket. If your air fryer has been sitting on the counter waiting for a reason, this might be it.

A plate with a pile of golden-brown, breaded chicken nuggets, garnished with small green herbs, on a gray cloth. Some nuggets are broken open, revealing the interior.
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Plates of breaded and fried chicken nuggets with skewers, garnished with herbs.
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

There’s a nice simplicity to foods that feel like they’re made for snacking, and this Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken fits the bill completely. With its crispy texture and convenient bite-sized pieces, it’s exactly what you need when you want something quick. It’s perfect for a casual night at home or as a quick party bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Air Fryer Steak Bites

Grilled steak bites garnished with herbs on a white cutting board, served with lemon wedges and surrounded by small bowls of seasoning and chopped herbs.
Air Fryer Steak Bites. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Some nights call for something hearty and full of bold flavor, and these Air Fryer Steak Bites deliver every time. They’re quick to cook and come out perfectly charred, making them great for an easy dinner or a satisfying snack. The air fryer really brings out the juiciness while giving you that steakhouse-like texture.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Bites

Orange Chicken Air Fryer

A bowl of fried chicken pieces coated in sauce and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, accompanied by a small jug of sauce.
Orange Chicken Air Fryer. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

I love foods that bring a little sweetness and a lot of crispy goodness, and this Orange Chicken Air Fryer does exactly that. There’s a balance between the crunch and the glaze that feels so indulgent without being heavy. It’s the kind of dish that pairs effortlessly with some steamed rice or works well as a meal all on its own.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken Air Fryer

How to Cook Shrimp in Air Fryer

Golden shrimp served with creamy dipping sauce.
How to Cook Shrimp in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Lets Cook Today.

Seafood can sometimes feel intimidating, but How to Cook Shrimp in Air Fryer makes it simple and stress-free. These shrimp come out tender with just the right amount of crispness, making them perfect for tossing in salads or enjoying as a main dish. It’s a recipe that’s great for switching things up when you’re tired of the usual fare.
Get the Recipe: How to Cook Shrimp in Air Fryer

Air Fried Chicken

Two pieces of seasoned, breaded fried chicken garnished with chopped green onions on brown parchment paper.
Air Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

There’s something comforting about fried chicken, but this Air Fried Chicken manages to pack in all the crunch you love without leaving you feeling weighed down. Perfect for weekday dinners or weekend indulgences, it’s crispy, flavorful, and so much easier than frying on the stove.
Get the Recipe: Air Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Cheese Puffs

Cheese Puffs with fresh parsley.
Air Fryer Cheese Puffs. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

When I think of great snacks, these Air Fryer Cheese Puffs always come to mind. They’re light, cheesy, and just the kind of thing you want to grab during downtime or while catching up on your favorite shows. Whether you’re in the mood for a snack or serving appetizers, they fit the vibe perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Puffs

Air Fryer Onion Rings

A serving of crispy fried onion rings on a dark plate, garnished with chopped herbs, with dipping sauce and chopped green onions in small glass bowls.
Air Fryer Onion Rings. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Few things compare to the crunch and flavor of onion rings, and these Air Fryer Onion Rings deliver everything you love about them without feeling heavy. The air fryer works its magic here, giving that perfect crisp texture while keeping the prep simple. Great for pairing with burgers or serving up on game nights, they’re endlessly versatile and hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Onion Rings

Chicken Fries Air Fryer

Breaded and fried chicken strips garnished with chopped green onions, served on a wooden board with a side of red dipping sauce.
Chicken Fries Air Fryer. Photo credit: Cooking Blast.

Fried foods don’t always have to come with grease, and these Chicken Fries Air Fryer show how easy it is to have crispy, flavorful options. Perfect for dipping or snackable moments, they take chicken strips to a whole new level. It’s great as a quick bite when hunger hits or even as a fun addition to mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fries Air Fryer

Crispy Pork Chops in an Air Fryer

Cooked crispy pork chop garnished with herbs, served alongside steamed asparagus on a white plate.
Crispy Pork Chops in an Air Fryer. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

I’ve always been impressed by how crispy and juicy pork chops can be in the air fryer, and these Crispy Pork Chops in an Air Fryer are no exception. With that golden crust and tender inside, they’re a fantastic go-to for dinner. They feel fancy enough for a special meal but simple enough for everyday cooking.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Pork Chops in an Air Fryer

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Chicken wings cooking in an air fryer.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Everybody loves wings, but these Air Fryer Chicken Wings make the whole experience lighter yet just as delicious. You get that crispy exterior without loads of oil, and they’re a great choice for everything from game day to casual dinners. If you’re searching for wings that feel indulgent but are surprisingly easy to make, this is a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air Fried Dill Pickles

A bowl of breaded and fried pickle pieces garnished with parsley, with dipping sauces and herbs in the background.
Air Fried Dill Pickles. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Crispy pickles are a snack legend, and these Air Fried Dill Pickles live up to the hype. The crunch, the tangy kick, and the simplicity of using the air fryer, it all come together effortlessly. They’re fantastic when you’re in the mood for something salty and crispy but not overly indulgent. It’s proof that the air fryer can make even the simplest snacks shine.
Get the Recipe: Air Fried Dill Pickles

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

A plate with a pile of golden-brown, breaded chicken nuggets, garnished with small green herbs, on a gray cloth. Some nuggets are broken open, revealing the interior.
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Foods that feel familiar usually have the most appeal, and these Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets hit that nostalgic note perfectly. They’re crispy, bite-sized, and ideal for quick bites no matter the occasion. With the air fryer, you get all the crunch without all the grease, and that’s a win for any meal. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or just a snack, these nuggets fit right in.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Cabbage Recipe

Grilled cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs and spices.
Air Fryer Cabbage Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

I didn’t expect cabbage to be so good from an air fryer until I tried this Air Fryer Cabbage Recipe. The result is tender yet slightly crispy, making it a unique side dish that’s way more exciting than steamed veggies. It’s simple, flavorful, and great for when you want to switch up your everyday vegetable routine.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cabbage Recipe