19 Easiest Ever Air Fryer Recipes!
When I need a midweek dinner on the table super fast, these ridiculously easy air fryer recipes are my go-to choices! From freezer staples like fish sticks and corn dogs, to snacking favorites like nachos and loaded fries, these meals are the kind of crowd pleasers that everyone will eat, and they all require very minimal hands-on time and effort. Of course, because we’re air frying, they’re also healthier and lighter than more traditional alternatives, so they’re perfect for those nights when you want to feed your family something satisfying and reasonably nutritious, but you just don’t have the time to cook from scratch.
I’ll be honest, these recipes are unlikely to win you any kind of culinary awards. But what they will do is give you some stress-free dinner choices for evenings when you’ve been working late or haven’t managed to visit the grocery store!
The parenting hill that I’ll die on is that sometimes, you just need to feed your kids what you know they’re going to eat and what you actually have the time to prepare. Of course, I’m always trying to sneak some extra veggies in there too, but these ideas here are all realistic time savers that deserve a spot in your repertoire.
Before we get going, I want to share a few quick but important notes on cooking with an air fryer. First of all, I highly recommend that you refer to the manual for your appliance for guidance on whether you need to pre-heat in advance. In the notes for these recipes, I’ve mentioned pre-heating so you can use these guidelines where relevant, but it’s not necessary for all air fryers. I personally use the Ninja Foodi Max Dual and I skip this stage, but it’s required for some models for the best results.
Next up, it’s really important that you don’t overcrowd your air fryer drawers. This will often lead to uneven cooking, and the food may end up steamed – and soggy – instead of baked and satisfyingly crispy. This all means that depending on the size of your machine, you may have to work in batches.
With the important details covered, let’s get down to it!
1. Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks
Frozen fish sticks (or fish fingers, depending where in the world you are) are one of the quickest and easiest things you can make in the air fryer, and they’re a great choice for a fast dinner that kids will love. You can cook them from frozen, so there’s no fuss and no waiting around!
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 12 frozen fish sticks (adjust quantity based on servings)
- Optional: Lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or ketchup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes, if necessary.
- Arrange the Fish Sticks: Place the frozen fish sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking.
- Cook: Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fish sticks should be golden and crispy.
- Check Doneness: Ensure the internal temperature of the fish sticks reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
2. Air Fryer Frozen Corn Dogs
Air fryer frozen corn dogs are the perfect quick snack or easy meal when you’re craving something fun and nostalgic. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they cook up beautifully in the air fryer with zero hassle!
Serves: 4 (1 corn dog per person; adjust for desired servings)
Ingredients
- 4 frozen corn dogs (or as many as fit in your air fryer without overlapping)
- Optional: ketchup, mustard, or honey for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes, if necessary (see notes at the beginning of this post).
- Arrange the Corn Dogs: Place the frozen corn dogs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch for even airflow.
- Cook: Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Check Doneness: Ensure the corn dogs are heated all the way through and crispy on the outside. Add an extra minute or two if needed.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or even honey.
3. Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Air fryer baked potatoes are everything a good spud should be—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and oh-so-easy to make. Perfect for a quick dinner or as a side dish, these are sure to become a household favorite.
Serves: 4 (1 potato per person)
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- Optional toppings: butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, or bacon bits
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Season the Potatoes: Rub each potato with olive oil, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Sprinkle the potatoes with salt and massage it into the skin.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes, if required for your appliance.
- Cook: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space for airflow. Air fry for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skins are crispy and a knife easily pierces through the center.
- Serve: Slice open the potatoes and fluff the insides with a fork. Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
4. Air Fryer Frozen Hamburgers
Air fryer frozen hamburgers are a quick and effortless way to satisfy your burger cravings. Perfectly juicy on the inside with a lightly crisp exterior, they’re ready in minutes and are the ultimate weeknight lifesaver. Add your favorite toppings and buns, and you’re good to go!
Serves: 4 (1 burger per person)
Ingredients
- 4 frozen hamburger patties (beef, turkey, or plant-based)
- Optional: cheese slices, burger buns, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and condiments
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes, if necessary (refer to your manual for guidance on this).
- Arrange the Patties: Place the frozen burger patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they don’t overlap for even cooking.
- Cook: Air fry the patties for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for beef burgers or 165°F (74°C) for poultry burgers.
- Optional Cheese: If using cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking to melt it.
- Assemble the Burgers: Toast the burger buns in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes if desired. Assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
5. Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
Air fryer frozen mozzarella sticks are the ultimate snack or party food! With a perfectly crispy coating and gooey, melty cheese inside, they’re ready in minutes—no greasy frying required. Pair them with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Serves: 4 (2–3 mozzarella sticks per person, adjust for desired servings)
Ingredients
- 12 frozen mozzarella sticks (or as many as fit in your air fryer without overlapping)
- Optional: marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes, if necessary.
- Arrange the Mozzarella Sticks: Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch for even cooking.
- Cook: Air fry for 5–7 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through. Keep an eye on them toward the end to prevent the cheese from leaking out.
- Check Doneness: The mozzarella sticks should be golden and crispy, with the cheese just starting to melt inside.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
6. Air Fryer Frozen Pizza
Air fryer frozen pizza is the easiest way to enjoy a perfectly crispy crust and melty cheese without waiting for your oven to preheat. It’s quick, convenient, and gives you that fresh-from-a-pizzeria vibe in no time. Great for busy weeknights or lazy weekends! My favorite part is that it’s super easy to add some of your own extra toppings, so you’re jazzing up a frozen pizza and making it a little more special! Just remember that you’ll need to use a pizza that will comfortably fit in your air fryer drawer – I’ve found that oval shaped pizzas tend to work best.
Serves: 2–4 (depending on the size of the pizza)
Ingredients
- 1 frozen personal-sized pizza (or adjust size to fit your air fryer basket)
- Optional toppings: extra shredded cheese, pepperoni, olives, or fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes, if necessary.
- Prepare the Pizza: Remove the frozen pizza from its packaging. Add any optional toppings like extra cheese or pepperoni if desired.
- Cook: Place the frozen pizza in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6–10 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the pizza, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Check Doneness: Use tongs to gently lift the pizza to check the crispiness of the crust. Add an extra 1–2 minutes if needed.
- Serve: Carefully remove the pizza from the air fryer, slice it up, and serve hot!
7. Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
Air fryer tortilla chips are a quick, crispy, and healthier alternative to store-bought chips. They’re perfect for scooping up your favorite salsa, guacamole, or queso—and the best part? You only need a few simple ingredients to make them!
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional seasonings: chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, or paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Tortillas: Stack the tortillas and cut them into 6–8 wedges, like slicing a pizza.
- Season the Chips: Place the tortilla wedges in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or spray with cooking spray, and sprinkle with salt and any desired seasonings. Toss to coat evenly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes, if relevant to your appliance.
- Cook: Arrange the tortilla wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. You may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 5–7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chips are golden and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Let the chips cool slightly to crisp up further. Serve with salsa, guacamole, or your favorite dip.
8. Air Fryer Sausages
Air fryer sausages are a quick and fuss-free way to enjoy perfectly browned and juicy sausages. With minimal effort and no splattering grease, they’re great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Serve them as is or add them to sandwiches, pasta, or casseroles!
Serves: 4 (1 sausage per person; adjust for desired servings)
Ingredients
- 4 raw sausages (pork, chicken, beef, or plant-based)
- Optional: mustard, ketchup, or dipping sauces for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes, if necessary.
- Prepare the Sausages: Pierce each sausage a couple of times with a fork to prevent splitting during cooking.
- Arrange in Basket: Place the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for even cooking.
- Cook: Air fry the sausages for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for pork or beef sausages, or 165°F (74°C) for poultry or plant-based sausages.
- Serve: Remove the sausages from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite sides or sauces.
9. Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets
Air fryer frozen chicken nuggets are a crispy, golden treat that’s ready in minutes! Whether you’re whipping up a quick lunch for the kids or a snack for yourself, this method ensures perfectly crispy nuggets every time—no oven or frying required.
Serves: 4 (5–6 nuggets per person; adjust for desired servings)
Ingredients
- 20–24 frozen chicken nuggets (or as many as fit in your air fryer without overlapping!)
- Optional: ketchup, ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes, if necessary for your appliance.
- Arrange the Nuggets: Place the frozen chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Cook: Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
- Check Doneness: The nuggets should be golden and crispy on the outside. For safety, check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the nuggets from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
10. Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
Air fryer frozen French fries are the ultimate way to get perfectly crispy, golden fries at home without deep frying. Quick, easy, and mess-free, they’re perfect as a side dish, snack, or base for loaded fries.
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 16 oz frozen French fries (straight cut, crinkle, or waffle fries)
- Optional: salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite seasoning blend
- Optional: ketchup, mayo, or ranch for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes, if necessary.
- Prepare the Fries: If desired, toss the frozen fries with a bit of seasoning in a large bowl.
- Cook the Fries: Arrange the frozen French fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Air Fry: Cook for 10–15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes for even crispiness.
- Serve: Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Sprinkle with additional salt or seasonings, and serve immediately with your favorite dips.
11. Air Fryer Frozen Potato Wedges
Air fryer frozen potato wedges are the ultimate crispy side dish or snack. Perfectly golden on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re ready in minutes and are the perfect complement to just about anything—burgers, dips, or simply on their own!
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 16 oz frozen potato wedges
- Optional: salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika for extra seasoning
- Optional: ketchup, ranch, or sour cream for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes, if necessary.
- Arrange the Wedges: Place the frozen potato wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Cook: Air fry for 10–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.
- Check Doneness: The wedges should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. Add an additional 1–2 minutes if needed.
- Season and Serve: Sprinkle with additional salt or your favorite seasonings while the wedges are hot. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
12. Air Fryer Nachos
Air fryer nachos are the ultimate quick and easy snack or appetizer! Crispy tortilla chips loaded with gooey melted cheese and your favorite toppings are ready in minutes. Perfect for movie nights, game days, or anytime you’re craving cheesy goodness.
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 6 oz tortilla chips
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or black beans (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes, if advised in your machine’s manual.
- Layer the Nachos: In the air fryer basket, layer half the tortilla chips. Sprinkle with half the cheese and your choice of meat or beans. Add half the tomatoes, jalapeños, and onions. Repeat with the remaining chips and toppings to create layers.
- Cook: Air fry for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Check frequently to ensure the chips don’t burn.
- Serve and Garnish: Carefully remove the nachos from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh cilantro and any optional toppings like sour cream or guacamole.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and dig in while they’re hot and cheesy!
13. Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs
Air fryer frozen meatballs are a quick and easy way to serve up juicy, perfectly cooked meatballs with a crispy exterior. Whether you’re adding them to pasta, tossing them in a sauce, or serving them as appetizers, this method ensures they’re ready in no time with minimal effort!
Serves: 4 (4–5 meatballs per person, adjust based on appetite)
Ingredients
- 20 frozen meatballs (beef, pork, turkey, or plant-based)
- Optional: marinara sauce, BBQ sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes, if necessary.
- Arrange the Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t touching for even cooking.
- Cook: Air fry the meatballs for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce or add them to your favorite dish.
14. Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Air fryer frozen salmon is a game-changer when you need a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner. With minimal prep, this method results in flaky, juicy salmon with a perfectly crisp exterior. No need to thaw—just season, cook, and enjoy!
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 4 frozen salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional garnish: lemon wedges, fresh parsley, or dill
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes, if relevant (refer to the manual for your specific model of air fryer).
- Prepare the Salmon: Brush the frozen salmon fillets lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle both sides evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Check Doneness: The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Add an extra minute if needed.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the air fryer and garnish with lemon wedges or fresh herbs. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like roasted veggies or a fresh salad.
15. Air Fryer Frozen Cod
Air fryer frozen cod is the perfect solution for a quick, healthy, and flaky fish dinner. With its crispy edges and tender interior, this recipe brings out the best in cod without needing to thaw it first. Pair it with veggies, rice, or salad for a satisfying meal.
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 4 frozen cod fillets (skinless or skin-on)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional garnish: lemon wedges, chopped parsley, or dill
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes, if relevant.
- Season the Cod: Brush the frozen cod fillets lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle both sides evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Cod: Place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check Doneness: The cod should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If needed, add an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the cod from the air fryer, garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
16. Air Fryer Quesadilla
Air fryer quesadillas are a quick and easy way to get that perfectly crispy, golden tortilla with melty, gooey cheese inside. No stovetop flipping required! Customize them with your favorite fillings for a simple snack, appetizer, or even a full meal.
Serves: 4 (1 quesadilla per person)
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken, beef, or sautéed veggies (optional)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or hot sauce
Instructions
- Assemble the Quesadilla: Lay one tortilla flat and evenly spread 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over one half. Add 1/4 cup of your desired filling (chicken, beef, or veggies) on top of the cheese. Fold the tortilla in half to create a semicircle. Repeat for all tortillas. Cut into wedges (it will usually be necessary to do this before cooking, so they’ll fit in the air fryer).
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes, if necessary.
- Cook the Quesadilla: Place the quesadilla wedges in the air fryer basket. Cook for 4–5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted. You might need to do this in batches
- Slice and Serve: Remove the quesadillas from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve with your favorite toppings.
17. Air Fryer Frozen Hash Brown Patties
Air fryer hash brown patties are a crispy, golden delight perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack. With minimal oil and maximum crunch, this method delivers hash browns that are restaurant-quality with none of the mess.
Serves: 4 (1 patty per person; adjust based on appetite)
Ingredients
- 4 frozen hash brown patties
- Optional: ketchup, hot sauce, or sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes, if necessary for your appliance.
- Arrange the Hash Browns: Place the frozen hash brown patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Cook: Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches.
- Check Doneness: The hash browns should be crispy on the outside and warm on the inside. Add an extra 1–2 minutes if needed for desired crispiness.
- Serve: Remove the hash browns from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite condiments.
18. Air Fryer Frozen Potstickers
Air fryer frozen potstickers (or dumplings) are a quick and effortless way to enjoy crispy-bottomed dumplings with tender, juicy fillings. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or dinner, these potstickers are ready in no time without the need for oil splatter or stovetop fuss.
Serves: 4 (3–4 potstickers per person; adjust for desired servings)
Ingredients
- 16 frozen potstickers (vegetable, chicken, pork, or your favorite variety)
- Optional: soy sauce, sesame oil, or dumpling dipping sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes, if relevant to your model.
- Arrange the Potstickers: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the frozen potstickers in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch or overlap.
- Cook: Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potstickers are golden and crispy on the outside, and piping hot inside.
- Optional Steam Effect: For softer tops, lightly spray the tops of the potstickers with water before cooking. This helps mimic a steamed texture.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
19. Air Fryer Loaded Fries
Air fryer loaded fries are the ultimate comfort food: crispy fries piled high with melty cheese, smoky bacon, and your favorite toppings. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or indulgent side dish, these loaded fries will disappear in no time!
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen French fries
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or hot sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Fries: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Place the frozen fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
- Assemble the Loaded Fries: Transfer the cooked fries to a heatproof plate or dish that fits in your air fryer. Sprinkle the fries with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the loaded fries to the air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Add the Toppings: Remove the loaded fries from the air fryer and drizzle with sour cream. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and any optional toppings.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the fries are hot and cheesy!
As you can see, these air fryer recipes really couldn’t be any easier! They’re my go-to choices for super busy weeknights, and they’re sure to keep the kids and adults at my table happy. Which will you be trying this week?