10 Surprising Dishes You Can Make in an Air Fryer

Did you get an air fryer for Christmas? You might be surprised by how many everyday dishes you can prepare with it. These recipes work in both countertop air fryers and with air fryer lids — the cook times and temperatures are the same for either option. Below are delicious ideas to help you get the most from your new appliance.

Four slices of pepperoni French bread pizza topped with melted cheese and chopped parsley on a white surface.

Air Fryer French Bread Pizza

5 from 2 votes

Quick, family-friendly and satisfying—air fryer French bread pizza uses a fresh loaf, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings for a simple, crowd-pleasing meal.

View the Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters on a plate topped with dill sour cream dip.

Zucchini Fritters Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Shredded zucchini mixed with simple ingredients transforms into crispy, flavorful fritters in the air fryer—perfect as a snack or side.

View the Recipe

A white plate with a cooked pork chop, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Two additional plates with similar servings are partially visible.

Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Seasoned with a few pantry staples and cooked quickly, air fryer pork chops come out juicy and tender without a lot of fuss.

View the Recipe

Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

5 from 1 vote

Crisped on the outside and tender inside, air fryer Brussels sprouts make an easy, tasty side with minimal prep.

View the Recipe

A platter of golden-brown coconut shrimp arranged around two small bowls of red dipping sauce.

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

5 from 1 vote

A light, crunchy coconut coating becomes perfectly golden in the air fryer—an easy appetizer or main when served with your favorite sauce.

View the Recipe

Air Fryer Asparagus

5 from 1 vote

Roasting asparagus in the air fryer is fast and reliable—tender, slightly charred spears that pair well with many main dishes.

View the Recipe

Air Fryer Hot Dogs on a table with toppings

Air Fryer Hot Dogs Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Skip the grill—air fryer hot dogs cook quickly and stay juicy, with a nicely browned exterior.

View the Recipe

Cube steaks topped with creamy white gravy, garnished with fresh rosemary, served on a white oval plate with a yellow napkin beside it.

Air Fryer Cube Steak with Gravy Recipe

5 from 1 vote

A budget-friendly comfort meal—cube steak gets crispy in the air fryer and pairs beautifully with quick homemade gravy.

View the Recipe

A white bowl filled with roasted broccoli florets topped with grated cheese, set on a light-colored surface.

Air Fryer Parmesan Broccoli Recipe

5 from 1 vote

A simple side—broccoli tossed with parmesan and seasonings becomes crisp-tender and flavorful in minutes.

View the Recipe

A pan of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings with two sauces on the side and chopped celery and carrots in the background.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

4.91 from 11 votes

Crispy wings tossed with garlic, parmesan, and seasonings—an air fryer favorite that’s easy to make and full of flavor.

View the Recipe

Which of these dishes did you already know you could make in an air fryer? Tell us in the comments which ones surprised you and which are now on your must-try list.