33 Air Fryer Recipes for Fall I’d Make Just for the Smell

Opening windows on cool fall evenings means one thing around here: whatever’s cooking in my air fryer becomes the neighborhood’s business. These 33 recipes fill my kitchen with aromas that make autumn feel complete, from golden desserts to flavorful dinners that bubble and crisp to perfection.

A close-up of a lasagna slice being lifted from a baking dish, showing layers of pasta, meat sauce, cheese, and garnished with herbs. — Easy Air Fryer Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cozy Air Fryer Chicken Noodle Casserole

Baked pasta in a white dish, topped with golden breadcrumbs and garnished with parsley. — Cozy Air Fryer Chicken Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Buttery crackers on top release their toasted scent first, followed by herbs and tender chicken as this Cozy Air Fryer Chicken Noodle Casserole cooks through. I’ve found that making this on chilly afternoons means the smell lingers long after dinner ends, wrapping the whole house in comfort.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Air Fryer Chicken Noodle Casserole

Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops

Close-up of seasoned and cooked air fryer pork chops, garnished with herbs and cracked black pepper. — Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Browning meat creates a caramelized crust that sends out waves of savory perfection. Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops develop that golden exterior while staying tender inside, and the aroma alone makes people wander into the kitchen asking when dinner will be ready, drawn by unmistakable autumn comfort.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops

Air Fryer Pumpkin

Roasting transforms raw pumpkin into something sweet and nutty that signals fall better than any candle. Air Fryer Pumpkin caramelizes at the edges, releasing an earthy fragrance I use for pies, soups, and sides. Honestly, though, the smell while it cooks is reason enough to make it repeatedly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pumpkin

Easy Air Fryer Thanksgiving Casserole

A baked dish of golden-brown stuffing with pieces of bread, herbs, and a crispy top garnished with chopped parsley in a white oval dish. — Easy Air Fryer Thanksgiving Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sage, turkey, and stuffing meld together in one dish that smells exactly like Thanksgiving morning. Easy Air Fryer Thanksgiving Casserole brings all those holiday scents into your kitchen without heating up the whole house, creating that nostalgic aroma that makes everyone ask what time dinner will be served.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Thanksgiving Casserole

Flaky Air Fryer Beef Pot Pie

A freshly baked pie with a golden crust, a slice being served, revealing a filling of mixed vegetables and meat. A sprig of rosemary is nearby. — Flaky Air Fryer Beef Pot Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Golden pastry crisping up releases a buttery fragrance that competes with the savory beef and vegetable filling below. Flaky Air Fryer Beef Pot Pie creates layers of aroma as it cooks, starting with the crust’s toasted notes and finishing with a rich, meaty scent gathering everyone around.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Air Fryer Beef Pot Pie

Air Fryer Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

A close-up of a frosted cookie with a spiral swirl of icing and a dusting of cinnamon on top, placed on parchment paper. — Air Fryer Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Caramel and pumpkin spice combine into something that smells like every fall bakery rolled into one. Air Fryer Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies perfume the air with cinnamon, nutmeg, and distinctive sweetness. People text asking if they can stop by, drawn purely by scents drifting through open windows.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Meaty 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. — Meaty Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Earthy, almost steak-like aromas fill the kitchen as these brown and release their natural oils. Meaty Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms develop a depth of scent that rivals actual meat cooking, with garlic and herbs amplifying the umami-rich fragrance, making this side smell like the main event.
Get the Recipe: Meaty Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms

Hearty Air Fryer Beef and Potato Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat)

Close-up of several wrapped burritos on a table, with some cut open showing a filling of ground meat and sauce. Pieces of roasted potato and cilantro are scattered around. — Hearty Air Fryer Beef and Potato Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Seasoned beef and crispy tortilla create a savory aroma combining comfort food with autumn spices. Hearty Air Fryer Beef and Potato Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat) develops that golden-brown scent as it crisps, filling the space with cumin, paprika, and warming notes that make this copycat smell even better than the original.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Air Fryer Beef and Potato Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat)

Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf

Close-up of several slices of meatloaf on a ceramic plate, showcasing the loaf's textured surface and browned edges with visible seasoning and ingredients. — Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Classic meatloaf scent meets the slightly sweet aroma of autumn-spiced glaze. Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf releases that homestyle fragrance of browned meat and herbs while staying moist inside. I love how it creates the kind of smell that makes the whole house feel like someone’s been cooking all day.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf

Rich Air Fryer German Chocolate Cake

A chocolate layer cake with a slice removed, showing a caramel and coconut filling, and covered with chocolate frosting. — Rich Air Fryer German Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Chocolate and coconut-pecan topping combine into a bakery-quality aroma that’s impossible to ignore. Rich Air Fryer German Chocolate Cake fills every corner with sweet, nutty warmth as it bakes, creating that special occasion scent, making people assume you’ve been baking for hours when you haven’t touched your oven.
Get the Recipe: Rich Air Fryer German Chocolate Cake

Curried Roasted Carrots

Warm curry spices toast and bloom as carrots caramelize, releasing a complex fragrance that’s both sweet and savory. Curried Roasted Carrots develop an aromatic quality that makes this simple side smell exotic and special, with cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric creating layers of scent, making vegetables smell absolutely incredible.
Get the Recipe: Curried Roasted Carrots

Decadent 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. — Decadent Air Fryer Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A rich, indulgent aroma hits the moment the basket opens, even without seeing what’s inside. Air Fryer Mississippi Mud Potatoes release deep, melty warmth as everything blends together. The smell is strong enough to pull people from whatever they’re doing. Most wander in right away, needing to know what’s cooking.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Air Fryer Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Creamy Air Fryer Broccoli Soup

Bowl of green soup with croutons, shredded cheese, a mint leaf, and a swirl of olive oil on top. — Creamy Air Fryer Broccoli Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Roasted broccoli develops a nutty sweetness, blending with cream and cheese into pure comfort. Creamy Air Fryer Broccoli Soup starts with those caramelized vegetable notes, then adds dairy richness, creating a cozy aroma. I find it reminds everyone why fall soups feel so right when the weather turns cool.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Air Fryer Broccoli Soup

Hearty 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. — Hearty Air Fryer Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crispy potatoes, eggs, and breakfast sausage combine into morning perfection, smelling exactly like a classic breakfast diner. Hearty Air Fryer Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole releases that familiar scent as it cooks, with browned tots on top adding toasted notes, making waking up early on autumn mornings feel worth it.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Air Fryer Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Air Fryer Chickpeas

A bowl of roasted chickpeas with seasoning, viewed from above. — Air Fryer Chickpeas. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Toasted chickpeas develop a nutty, almost popcorn-like aroma as they crisp. Air Fryer Chickpeas seasoned with fall spices release warming scents of cinnamon and cumin, creating a snack that smells as good as it tastes while providing that satisfying crunch everyone wants when temperatures drop and snacking becomes intentional.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chickpeas

Golden Air Fryer Peach Cobbler

A slice of peach cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a white plate. — Golden Air Fryer Peach Cobbler. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Caramelized peaches and buttery topping create a dessert aroma rivaling any bakery you’ve visited. Golden Air Fryer Peach Cobbler fills the space with cinnamon, brown sugar, and fruit sweetness as it bubbles. I love how it produces that homestyle scent, making people assume you’ve spent hours baking.
Get the Recipe: Golden Air Fryer Peach Cobbler

Crispy Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins

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

A crisp, smoky aroma fills the air as everything turns golden in the heat. Crispy Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins give off a rich warmth that builds as the edges brown. The scent becomes so tempting that people grab them straight from the basket. They almost never reach the serving plate untouched.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins

Fluffy Air Fryer Banana Pancakes

A stack of pancakes with banana slices between them, topped with syrup being poured from above. — Fluffy Air Fryer Banana Pancakes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ripe bananas caramelize slightly as they cook, releasing natural sweetness enhanced by vanilla. Fluffy Air Fryer Banana Pancakes create a breakfast bakery scent, making fall mornings feel special. I find that familiar comfort food aroma fills the kitchen while you’re still in pajamas, making everyone eager for breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Air Fryer Banana Pancakes

Cheesy Air Fryer Ravioli Casserole

Baked dish with layered pasta, mushrooms, asparagus, and nuts in a creamy sauce, topped with a golden-brown crust, in a rectangular white baking dish. — Cheesy Air Fryer Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Toasted cheese on top develops a golden-brown aroma while marinara bubbles underneath. Cheesy Air Fryer Ravioli Casserole releases Italian herb notes, combined with that distinctive smell of melted mozzarella. The layers of scent make this simple weeknight dinner smell like you’ve ordered takeout from the best local restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Air Fryer Ravioli Casserole

Smoky Air Fryer Pig Shots

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

Bacon wrapped around sausage sends out a rich, smoky aroma as the barbecue glaze warms. Smoky Air Fryer Pig Shots build that campfire-style scent with a hint of sweetness while they crisp. People start hovering before they’re even done cooking. The smell alone pulls everyone toward the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Air Fryer Pig Shots

Fluffy Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy, garnished with herbs and black pepper, on a wooden board. — Fluffy Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Butter and cream release their rich dairy aroma as potatoes crisp slightly on top. Fluffy Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes develop a subtle toasted scent that takes basic mashed potatoes to the next level. The comforting starch smell makes fall dinners feel complete while keeping the texture light and airy throughout.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes

Copycat Air Fryer Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

A close-up of a chocolate frosted cookie with swirl icing on a white surface, reminiscent of Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies and surrounded by crumbs. — Copycat Air Fryer Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Deep chocolate aroma meets the sweet scent of frosting as these bake into bakery-quality treats. Copycat Air Fryer Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies fill every room with premium cocoa and vanilla. I keep my windows open because the fragrance drifting through makes neighbors ask what I’m making, wanting the recipe immediately.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Air Fryer Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

Easy Air Fryer Spaghetti Casserole

A bowl of spaghetti topped with meat sauce, melted cheese, and chopped parsley, with a fork resting inside. — Easy Air Fryer Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Italian-style seasonings toast as cheese melts and the top browns, giving off those unmistakable comfort food aromas. Easy Air Fryer Spaghetti Casserole builds that red-sauce scent mixed with gentle garlic and herbs. The smell signals dinner’s close while turning leftover pasta into something that feels completely fresh and homemade.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Spaghetti Casserole

Rich Air Fryer French Onion Soup

A close-up of baked French onion soup topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh thyme in a rustic bowl. — Rich Air Fryer French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Caramelized onions release their deep, sweet aroma amplified by beef broth and melted Gruyère. Rich Air Fryer French Onion Soup develops those classic bistro scents as cheese bubbles and browns on top. I love how it creates a sophisticated fragrance, making this restaurant favorite smell just as luxurious at home.
Get the Recipe: Rich Air Fryer French Onion Soup

Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Sliced, seasoned, roasted turkey breast on a blue plate. — Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A roasting bird delivers that unmistakable celebratory aroma without heating the whole kitchen on a mild afternoon. That’s when Air Fryer Turkey Breast forms golden skin and a rich, herb-like scent that makes the holiday mood feel real, even for a small group. The buttery aroma spreads fast, turning a simple meal into something festive.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Crispy Air Fryer Crostini

Slices of crispy toasted bread with a golden-brown crust, displayed in a pile. — Crispy Air Fryer Crostini. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Toasting bread with olive oil creates a simple but irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen quickly. Crispy Air Fryer Crostini releases that bakery-fresh scent of golden bread combined with garlic and herbs. The smell makes appetizers disappear before the main course arrives, with everyone reaching for just one more piece immediately.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Crostini

Soft Air Fryer Garlic Knots

A close-up of a baked garlic knot topped with chopped herbs and spices, displaying a golden-brown crust. — Soft Air Fryer Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Butter melting into fresh-baked dough alongside roasted garlic creates bakery-level aromas at home. Soft Air Fryer Garlic Knots produce that yeast bread scent enhanced by savory garlic notes. I find the smell fills your kitchen so wonderfully that store-bought bread seems pointless, especially when these come together so quickly.
Get the Recipe: Soft Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Spicy Air Fryer Rattlesnake Bites

A hand picks a golden-brown, crispy fried ball from a bowl containing similar fried balls against a dark background. — Spicy Air Fryer Rattlesnake Bites. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A bold aroma fills the house as everything cooks together, signaling when Spicy Air Fryer Rattlesnake Bites start releasing their peppery heat and smoky depth while crisping up. The scent of roasted spice pulls people toward the kitchen instantly. Most can’t help asking what’s cooking and want a taste right away.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Air Fryer Rattlesnake Bites

Creamy Air Fryer White Chicken Chili

Green chiles and cumin create a Southwestern aroma that’s both comforting and distinctive. Creamy Air Fryer White Chicken Chili releases warming spice notes combined with creamy richness as it heats. I love how it produces fall soup smells that feel different from traditional red chili while still filling the house with cozy dinner fragrance.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Air Fryer White Chicken Chili

Soft Air Fryer Lemon Cookies

A stack of lemon cookies on a cooling rack. — Soft Air Fryer Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bright citrus aroma balances sweet cookie dough as these bake into tender treats. Soft Air Fryer Lemon Cookies release a refreshing scent that cuts through heavier fall desserts beautifully. The lemon tang creates a bakery-fresh fragrance, making these cookies smell as light and bright as they taste, bringing unexpected freshness to autumn baking.
Get the Recipe: Soft Air Fryer Lemon Cookies

Savory Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms

Close-up of golden-brown air fryer mushrooms garnished with chopped parsley. The mushrooms appear perfectly cooked to a tender texture. — Savory Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A warm mix hits the pan, letting the mushrooms release their deep, earthy aroma. That’s when Savory Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms become something richly fragrant and full of character. People often assume it takes more effort because the smell feels indulgent. It’s the kind of dish that warms the kitchen well before it reaches the table.
Get the Recipe: Savory Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms

Cheesy Air Fryer Wild Rice Casserole

Close-up of an air fryer mushroom casserole topped with crispy, browned ingredients and garnished with chopped green herbs. — Cheesy Air Fryer Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A warm grain base blends with a creamy, herb-like richness to create pure comfort. Cheesy Air Fryer Wild Rice Casserole gives off a toasty aroma mixed with smooth depth, bringing those celebration-adjacent scents that make gatherings feel complete. It bubbles and browns in minutes, filling the space with something wonderfully enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Air Fryer Wild Rice Casserole

Easy Air Fryer Lasagna

Layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese create classic Italian aromas you know and love. Easy Air Fryer Lasagna develops that familiar red sauce scent enhanced by oregano and basil as cheese bubbles on top. The smell makes everyone gather around asking when dinner will be ready, drawn by that unmistakable comfort food fragrance.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Lasagna