Air Fryer Revolution: 7 Crispy Recipes Beyond Fries
By Rossi Voss | February 10, 2025 | Prep: 10–15 mins | Cook: 8–18 mins | Servings: 4 | Cost: $2.50–$4.00/serving
Your air fryer is capable of so much more than just fries and frozen snacks! Discover these 7 revolutionary recipes that will transform how you use your favorite kitchen appliance.
If your air fryer has become a dedicated French fry machine, you're missing out on its incredible potential. This versatile appliance can create crispy, delicious meals with up to 80% less oil than traditional frying methods. From appetizers to desserts, the air fryer is the secret weapon for busy home cooks who want healthier versions of their favorite crispy foods.
As someone who's tested hundreds of air fryer recipes (and written 100 Beginner's Air Fryer Rotisserie Recipes!), I've curated these 7 standout recipes that will make you fall in love with your air fryer all over again. Let's get cooking!
1. Crispy Air Fryer Falafel
Why It's Revolutionary: Perfectly crispy outside, tender inside without deep frying
- 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Avocado oil spray
- Add all ingredients except flour and baking powder to food processor. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed.
- Transfer to bowl and stir in flour and baking powder.
- Form into 1-inch balls and place in air fryer basket.
- Spray lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve with tahini sauce or in pita pockets with vegetables.
Nutrition per serving (4 falafel): 180 calories | 8g protein | 28g carbs | 4g fat
2. Air Fryer Salmon with Crispy Skin
Why It's Revolutionary: Perfectly cooked salmon with incredibly crispy skin in minutes
- 2 salmon fillets with skin (6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp lemon pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh dill for garnish
- Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
- Rub with olive oil and seasonings, making sure to coat the skin well.
- Place skin-side up in air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until skin is crispy and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Serve with lemon wedges and fresh dill.
Nutrition per serving: 280 calories | 34g protein | 1g carbs | 15g fat
🌟 Pro Tip: The Preheating Debate
For extra crispy results, preheat your air fryer for 3 minutes before adding food. This creates an instant sear that locks in moisture while creating that desirable crispy exterior!
3. Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Why It's Revolutionary: Vegan-friendly game day snack that rivals chicken wings
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup plant-based milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tbsp melted butter or plant-based alternative
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a batter.
- Toss cauliflower florets in the batter until evenly coated.
- Place in air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 375°F for 15–18 minutes until crispy.
- In a separate bowl, mix buffalo sauce and melted butter.
- Toss cooked cauliflower in sauce mixture and return to air fryer for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve with dressing and celery sticks.
Nutrition per serving: 120 calories | 4g protein | 18g carbs | 4g fat
Air Fryer vs. Traditional Cooking: Fat Savings
| Recipe | Air Fryer Time | Traditional Method | Fat Saved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falafel | 15 mins | 25 mins (baked) or 15 mins (fried) | 12g per serving |
| Salmon | 10 mins | 15–20 mins (oven) | 8g per serving |
| Cauliflower Bites | 20 mins | 30–35 mins (oven) | 14g per serving |
| Churros | 8 mins | 15–20 mins (frying) | 20g per serving |
4. Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
Why It's Revolutionary: Elegant appetizer in minutes with perfect texture
- 16–20 cremini mushrooms, stems removed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, and pepper.
- Spoon mixture into mushroom caps and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
- Lightly spray with olive oil.
- Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until mushrooms are tender and topping is golden.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition per serving (3 mushrooms): 150 calories | 6g protein | 7g carbs | 11g fat
5. Air Fryer Churros
Why It's Revolutionary: All the crispy sweetness without the vat of oil
- 1 cup water
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon for coating
- In a saucepan, bring water, butter, sugar, and salt to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in flour until a ball forms.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla.
- Transfer dough to piping bag with star tip.
- Pipe 4-inch strips into air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Toss in cinnamon sugar while still warm.
Nutrition per serving (2 churros): 180 calories | 3g protein | 22g carbs | 9g fat
🌟 Pro Tip: Don't Crowd the Basket!
The most common air fryer mistake is overcrowding. For optimal crispiness, arrange food in a single layer with space between pieces. Cook in batches if necessary—it's worth the extra time for perfectly crispy results!
6. Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Why It's Revolutionary: Tropical vacation flavor without the grease
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- Sweet chili sauce for dipping
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with eggs, and one with coconut, panko, paprika, and salt.
- Dredge shrimp in flour, then egg, then coconut mixture.
- Place in air fryer basket in single layer.
- Lightly spray with oil and air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve with sweet chili sauce.
Nutrition per serving (5 shrimp): 220 calories | 19g protein | 15g carbs | 10g fat
7. Air Fryer Apple Chips
Why It's Revolutionary: Healthy snack that satisfies crunchy cravings
- 2 apples, thinly sliced (use mandoline for even slices)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
- Pat apple slices completely dry with paper towels.
- Toss with cinnamon and sugar if using.
- Arrange in single layer in air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flip, and cook another 5–7 minutes until crispy.
- Let cool completely—they'll get crispier as they cool.
Nutrition per serving (½ apple): 45 calories | 0g protein | 12g carbs | 0g fat
Final Thoughts
Your air fryer is so much more than a one-trick appliance! With these 7 recipes, you can create everything from appetizers to desserts with that satisfying crispy texture we all love—but with significantly less oil and cleanup.
Want more air fryer inspiration? Check out my 100 Beginner's Air Fryer Rotisserie Recipes for 100 creative ways to use your air fryer, from whole chickens to vegetables and desserts!
Which recipe are you most excited to try? Have a favorite air fryer hack? Share in the comments below!
Happy Air Frying!
Rossi Voss
About Rossi Voss: A cookbook author and culinary educator with over 20 years of professional experience, Rossi specializes in demystifying complex restaurant techniques for the home cook. After training in French and Italian kitchens, Rossi now focuses on teaching through bestselling cookbooks and cooking classes that emphasize both the science and soul of cooking.