Is there anything an air fryer can't do? This popular kitchen appliance has quickly become a must-have, and is dearly loved for the way it offers deliciously crisped foods that usually would require deep frying.
Aside from offering lighter, healthier fare, air fryers are just easy and fun to use. It doesn't feel cumbersome to whip up a quick fried treat, simply because you're craving something tasty, crunchy, and delicious.
Here are 21 must-try air fryer snacks that are going to make you love that miracle machine even more. From crispy sweet potato chips, to onion rings, to crab Rangoons, we've got your cravings covered!
1. Air Fryer Irish Nachos
This playful recipe offers a fun and flavorful twist on the classic dish, substituting crispy potato slices for tortilla chips. Kids will get such a kick out of this hearty and satisfying snack.
Get the recipe here.
2. Air Fryer Fried Pickles
These fried pickles will make you think you're at the county fair!
They're crispy, flavorful, and so easy to make. That delicious dill flavor really comes through, and these crunchy little treats are sturdy enough for dipping.
Get the recipe here.
3. Air Fryer Tostones
These air fryer tostones are a healthier way to serve up the classic twice-fried green plantains.
Made without oil, these air-fried tostones are extra crispy on the outside, but soft on the inside! Starchy green plantains are air fried, smashed, and then air fried again. This is such a fun way to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean, with less than 15 minutes of prep time!
Get the recipe here.
4. Air Fryer Crab Rangoons
These savory and delicious crab rangoons are a quick and easy appetizer! Thanks to your handy air fryer, they can actually be ready to eat in less than 20 minutes.
Those crunchy wontons are crisped to perfection, while a soft and flavorful crab mixture fills the centers. These are perfect for a movie night or game day!
Get the recipe here.
5. Air Fryer Blooming Onion
We're all familiar with this crispy, classic fair treat, which consists of a large onion cut to resemble a blooming flower. The whole thing is battered and then fried for crispy, delicious petals that are perfect for dipping.
Skip the grease and enjoy a taste of the fair right at home, with the help of your air fryer. Blooming onions come out crispy, crunchy perfect.
Get the recipe here.
6. Parsnip Chips
Here's a healthy little chip that offers just a little bit of sweetness in each bite. If you like sweet potato chips, you'll probably love these!
This is such a fun way to make vegetables more exciting to kids, and would work with carrots or other root vegetables as well. The kids will want to snack on veggies all afternoon!
Get the recipe here.
7. Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
These Air Fryer Fish Tacos are ready, start to finish, in just 15 minutes. If you're longing for the taste of a classic street taco from a vendor's cart, this is a great way to get a similar taste at home.
Toss a simple Cilantro Lime Slaw together while the fish air-fries, and you'll be all set!
8. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes are easy to make, and addictively delicious! Unlike the popular sweet potato chips available in stores that are so often greasy, especially in the bottom of the bag, these chips are perfectly crisp, without the oil.
9. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
These homemade Air Fryer Zucchini Fries make an easy side snack that the whole family will enjoy!
Zucchini fries are coated with grated parmesan cheese, then air fried to perfection. If, come August, you're struggling to know what to do with all that zucchini from the garden, this recipe offers a fun solution!
Get the recipe here.
10. Air Fryer Donut Holes
These Air Fryer Doughnut Holes are about as easy as it gets. With just a few ingredients, and only 15 minutes of prep work, you'll be surprised how quickly they're on the table.
With the lovely crisp exterior you expect from fried donut holes, these are just another amazing recipe you can make right in your air fryer.
Get the recipe here.
11. Honey-Roasted Pistachios
These addictive little nuts make a sweet and crispy treat that everyone will just love.
Next time you're wanting to make something a little different than the usual sugar-encrusted almond or walnuts, try reaching for honey, pistachios, and your air fryer instead.
Get the recipe here.
12. Air Fried Oysters
Air fryer oysters are perfect little crispy bites that are just packed with seafood flavor in every bite.
These are a snack to really delight seafood lovers every where. Using an air fryer simplifies making these, and the taste of those oysters really shines though.
Get the recipe.
14. Air Fryer Banana Chips
Crispy air fryer banana chips are perfectly dehydrated to give that satisfying, classic crunch.
These are tossed with oil and a bit of cinnamon for a delicious flavor twist. The sweetness of the bananas, combined with the warmth of the cinnamon, makes these a healthy treat you'll want on repeat.
Get the recipe here.
15. Crispy Air Fryer Calamari
Is there anything an air fryer can't do? Use that miracle machine to create a guilt-free version of crispy fried calamari rings that you'll want to make again and again.
This recipe will walk you through getting that classic "fried calamari" taste and texture, but without all the oil. Don't skip the lemon, for squeezing over your fresh plate of crispy calamari!
Get the recipe here.
16. Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings
These air fryer rice paper dumplings are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside.
Packed with flavor, they're versatile and so easy to make. Those crunchy rice paper wrappers are so satisfying to munch though, and the small size of these makes them fun to eat.
Get the recipe here.
17. Air Fryer Chicken Gizzards
Chicken gizzards, you may ask? This is one of those treats that the phrase "don't knock it til you try it", was made for.
Seriously, these are delicious, and there's a reason they're a classic street snack. Enjoy them on their own with a little dipping sauce, or use them to top your salads, tacos, or even stir-fries!
Get the recipe here.
18. Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
Ready for something sweet? How about these delicious little apple hand pies?
These diminutive desserts offer all the delicious flavor we adore in a classic apple pie, in a portable, hand-held treat that’s as easy to make as it is to eat! Yes, please!
Get the recipe here.
19. Nutella-Stuffed Beignets
These air fryer Nutella Stuffed beignets are light, chewy, and just so good!
These warm, fluffy little donuts will make you feel as if you’re in New Orleans. Best of all, they are made in the air fryer, so they're not greasy, and come together in a snap!
Get the recipe here.
20. Air Fryer Kale Chips
These delicious air fryer kale chips come out crispy, light as air, and perfect every time.
Simply seasoned with olive oil, salt, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, they’re such a tasty way to eat more of this superfood. I think my kids could just about eat their weight in kale chips, and I'm pretty sure moms everywhere can use an easy win, getting their kids to love more leafy greens!
Get the recipe here.
21. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Yes, even chocolate chip cookies are delicious, when made right in the air fryer. Truly, it does seem there's nothing that machine can't do.
These tasty cookies come out buttery and nutty, with almost a caramel undertone. Studded with chocolate, and with a deliciously crispy exterior, the inside is still chewy, melty goodness. This small batch recipe makes just 6 cookies, so if self-control isn't your strong suit, you don't have to worry about being temped with a big jar full of cookies on the counter!
Get the recipe here.
21 Tempting No-Bake Desserts That Look as Good as They Taste
What's the solution when you're hosting a cookout and want an impressive dessert, without having to slave over the stove? Gorgeous no-bake desserts are the easy answer!
Here are 21 delicious treats that will delight and impress, without heating up your kitchen. All of them are easy to make. Most can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. And every one of them is so pretty, you'll be proud to bring it out at the end of any meal!
21 Mouthwatering Burger Recipes That Will Transform You Into a Grill Master
Is there anything better than a hot, juicy burger right off the grill? After this long, long winter, it really feels like the answer to this is an easy "no". Burgers on the grill are what we all deserve right now.
Celebrate the return of grilling season, by taking your same-old classic burgers up a notch! Here's a tantalizing selection of recipes that are easy to make, but sure to wow your family and friends.
Anna Chesley
Anna Chesley is a freelance writer living a homestead lifestyle, with a special love for family travel, old books, vintage skills, and seaside living. In addition to founding Salt In My Coffee, she runs the website, New England Family Life, as well as The 1800's Housewife, a website devoted to re-creating authentic 1800's recipes.
Comments
No Comments