Air Fryer Recipes That Let You Love Fried Food Guilt-Free With 17 Ideas

Who says you can’t enjoy fried food without the trade-off? With these 17 air fryer recipes, you can have your fried favorites and eat them, too, without the excess oil and calories. From crispy appetizers to hearty main dishes, these recipes will make you fall in love with your air fryer all over again.

A baked casserole dish filled with cheesy potatoes and crispy bacon, garnished with chopped green onions, with a portion missing from the dish.
Air Fryer Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Air Fryer Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

A slice of cheesy casserole with ground meat is being lifted from a baking dish, topped with chopped green onions.
Air Fryer Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Some meals are fun and filling and get people excited, and Air Fryer Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole checks every box. It’s got layers of flavor and a crispy top that people always ask about. You’d think it took forever, but it’s actually quick and easy. It’s one of those things that feels like a treat without needing extra work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins

Baked potato skins topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions on parchment paper.
Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

You’ll probably run out of Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins faster than you expect. They’ve got that combo of crunch and flavor that just works. People assume they’re deep-fried or store-bought because they come out looking so good. Great for snacks or group hangouts, and no one’s guessing how easy they really are.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins

Air Fryer Stuffed Pepper Casserole

A spoonful of baked stuffed pepper casserole with ground meat, rice, and diced red and green bell peppers, garnished with parsley.
Air Fryer Stuffed Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you want something that feels hearty but not heavy, Air Fryer Stuffed Pepper Casserole gets it right. It hits that spot between comfort and ease, and no one thinks it’s made in an air fryer. It’s got a filling feel that works for dinner or sharing. The name might sound complicated, but it’s honestly one of the simpler ones to pull off.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Air Fryer Pig Shots

Close-up of shrimp wrapped in bacon secured with toothpicks, on a parchment-lined surface, seasoned with spices.
Air Fryer Pig Shots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

People usually stop and ask, “What are these?” when Air Fryer Pig Shots show up. They’re fun, they look fancy, and they disappear faster than anything else on the table. It’s a cool idea that turns out way easier than it looks. Everyone wants to try one, and once they do, they’re coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pig Shots

Air Fryer Million Dollar Casserole

A plate of creamy chicken casserole topped with breadcrumbs and parsley, with a fork beside it.
Air Fryer Million Dollar Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

The name makes it sound like a big project, but Air Fryer Million Dollar Casserole is actually super low effort. It feels rich, feeds a bunch of people, and still works great as leftovers. You’ll probably get asked what’s in it more than once. It’s an easy win when you want something warm and filling without too much work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Million Dollar Casserole

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Three baked sweet potatoes with butter and chives on.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re looking for something that feels good and still gives crunch, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes are a go-to. They’re easy to snack on and fit into almost any meal. People always think they were baked or fried the usual way. It’s one of those simple things that ends up being way more popular than expected.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs

A bowl of meatballs covered in creamy gravy and garnished with chopped parsley, with a gravy boat to the side.
Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

You don’t have to go all out to make something that feels filling, and Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs prove that. They come out tender with just the right amount of crisp on the outside. People usually expect these to be store-bought or made with a long list of steps. They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself on a chill night.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs

Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

A close-up of several pigs in a blanket, consisting of sausages wrapped in baked dough, topped with a light sprinkling of salt.
Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s always someone reaching for seconds when Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket are part of the spread. They’re fun, bite-sized, and easy to serve to a group without stress. Most people can’t tell they weren’t deep-fried, which is part of the fun. They look like something you’d grab at a party, but you made them at home in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

Air Fryer Pizza Bagels

A pizza bagel with bbq sauce and parsley.
Air Fryer Pizza Bagels. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

It’s hard not to smile when you see Air Fryer Pizza Bagels on a plate. They’re familiar, super snackable, and way easier to make than people think. These always get picked up first, especially when you’ve got a mix of adults and kids. They hit that craving without making a mess or taking much effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza Bagels

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Two stuffed peppers in a bowl with melted cheese on top.
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Some things just work better when made simple, and Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers is one of those. They look like they took way more time than they did, and they taste like something from a restaurant. People usually don’t expect this kind of dish from an air fryer. It’s a quick way to make something that still feels like a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms

A bowl of crispy, breaded air fryer Portobello mushrooms garnished with fresh herbs, accompanied by a small bowl of dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You’ll be surprised how quickly Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms disappear once you set them out. They’ve got a rich bite and a texture that makes people think they came from somewhere fancy. It’s the kind of snack that feels a little upgraded without needing much from you.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Everyone’s had pizza rolls, but Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are a whole different thing. They’ve got that crunch people love without being greasy or heavy. These are fast, fun, and easy to keep on hand for whenever you need something quick. It’s one of those things that always disappears first at game night.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Sweet potato wedges in a bowl.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you want something quick that still feels like a real snack, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges are a solid pick. They’ve got that crisp outside and soft inside that makes people go back for more. These work great on their own or next to anything else you’re already serving.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Air Fryer Pecan Pie Cobbler

A skillet filled with a pecan dessert topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle.
Air Fryer Pecan Pie Cobbler. Photo Credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes

Everyone expects sweets to take effort, so Air Fryer Pecan Pie Cobbler always gets surprised reactions. It feels rich and warm, like something that took hours in the oven. People don’t usually connect air fryers with dessert, which makes this even better. Great for sharing but also worth keeping for yourself.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pecan Pie Cobbler

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet potato cubes on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s something about bite-sized snacks like Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes that makes them perfect for any time of day. They’ve got crunch, a little softness, and no extra mess to deal with. You can put out a bowl of these and they’re gone in no time. No one’s asking if they’re healthy — they’re just grabbing more.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

Close-up of two yellow bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of sloppy joe, black beans, and rice, topped with melted cheddar cheese and garnished with chopped parsley.
Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

It’s rare to find something that feels filling and fun at the same time, but Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers make it happen. They come out warm and packed with flavor, but without the usual heavy feel. People assume it took a lot more time than it did. You’ll probably end up making it more than once a week.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Mississippi Mud Potatoes

A baked casserole dish filled with cheesy potatoes and crispy bacon, garnished with chopped green onions, with a portion missing from the dish.
Air Fryer Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

You know something’s a win when people keep reaching back for more, and Air Fryer Mississippi Mud Potatoes are that kind of dish. They’ve got that rich texture and deep flavor people don’t expect from an air fryer. It’s easy to serve and works well for both snacks and full meals. Once you try it, it ends up on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mississippi Mud Potatoes

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