AAscolta — listen to me. 8 Air Fryer Recipes — and I came to the air fryer late, like most professional cooks do. We seared in cast iron. We roasted in convection ovens. We deep-fried in restaurant-grade oil. The air fryer looked like a toy. Then I started actually using one and I understood: for specific preparations — wings, fries, reheating fried food — the circulating heat does something a regular oven can’t replicate in the same time window.
Every recipe in this collection was selected because the air fryer is specifically the right tool for it — not because it’s the only way, but because it’s the method that produces the best result in the least time for that particular dish. Wings render fat and crisp skin better in the air fryer than in the oven. Fries get crispier than sheet-pan roasting. Reheated fried chicken revives in the air fryer in a way that the microwave never manages.
Non-negotiable. Every recipe in this collection was built with the same attention to why techniques work — not just what the steps are. Understanding the why is how you cook consistently instead of occasionally.
Put this in your rotation. You’ll thank me. Use this collection as your reference point and come back to it.
Recipes In This Collection
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
The air fryer version — same result, less oil, faster cleanup. The technique that makes this a legitimate weeknight option.
Air Fryer Salmon
The air fryer version — same result, less oil, faster cleanup. The technique that makes this a legitimate weeknight option.
Air Fryer French Fries
The air fryer version — same result, less oil, faster cleanup. The technique that makes this a legitimate weeknight option.
Air Fryer Vegetables
The air fryer version — same result, less oil, faster cleanup. The technique that makes this a legitimate weeknight option.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
The air fryer version — same result, less oil, faster cleanup. The technique that makes this a legitimate weeknight option.
Air Fryer Pork Chops
The air fryer version — same result, less oil, faster cleanup. The technique that makes this a legitimate weeknight option.
Air Fryer Shrimp
The air fryer version — same result, less oil, faster cleanup. The technique that makes this a legitimate weeknight option.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
The air fryer version — same result, less oil, faster cleanup. The technique that makes this a legitimate weeknight option.
Where Most People Blow It
Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food. Pack the basket too tight and the food steams instead of crisps. Work in batches if necessary — it’s faster in the long run than doing one overcrowded batch that requires a second round anyway.
Preheat the air fryer. Most models need 3-5 minutes to reach operating temperature. Starting with a cold basket is the equivalent of putting food in a cold oven. The first few minutes are wasted.
Pat food dry before air frying. Surface moisture creates steam, which prevents crisping. Whether it’s chicken, fish, or vegetables — dry the surface with paper towels before it goes in the basket.
Flip halfway through. The bottom of the basket gets the most direct heat. Flip everything halfway through to ensure even crisping on both sides.
Check early, not late. Air fryers run hot and cook fast. The first time you make any recipe, check 3-4 minutes before the recommended time. Overcooked air fryer food goes from great to dry fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use oil in the air fryer?
For most proteins — no. Chicken thighs, salmon, pork chops have enough fat to baste themselves. For vegetables and fries, a light spray or toss with olive oil produces better browning. But soaking things in oil defeats the point of the air fryer.
Can I use aluminum foil or parchment in an air fryer?
Parchment with holes (perforated parchment) yes — it allows air circulation while catching drips. Solid foil blocks airflow and defeats the circulation that makes air frying work. Don’t line the basket completely.
What can’t I make in an air fryer?
Anything battered in wet batter (it drips). Large roasts (not enough space for proper air circulation). Anything that needs to be submerged in liquid. For everything else, it’s worth trying.
How do I clean an air fryer basket?
After every use — soap and warm water while it’s still warm. Baked-on grease is harder to remove than fresh grease. The basket is usually dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is faster.
All Recipes In This Collection
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Salmon
Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer Vegetables
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Pork Chops
Air Fryer Shrimp
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Related collections: Pasta Recipes · Chicken Recipes · Beef Recipes · Potato Recipes · Easy Dinner Recipes
