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This is our ode to the almighty air fryer. The epic countertop appliance is so versatile and makes some of the most delicious meals — often faster, easier and with way less oil than conventional cooking methods. From crispy, crunchy and craveable snacks (hello, mozz sticks!) to healthy air fryer meals and the juiciest chicken breast recipe you've ever experienced, there are endless air fryer recipes you can make with just one all-purpose kitchen appliance.
Curious about exactly what an air fryer is? And, equally as important, which is the best air fryer to buy? We have the answers for you.
The next question you may ask: "What is the best thing to cook in an air fryer?" The answer, in short: So. Much. Air fryers achieved cult-status after turning out thousands of chicken wings and frozen fries "fried" to crisp perfection. But, this kitchen appliance cooks up perfectly-seared proteins and caramelized roast veggies in no time at all — as well as crunchy snacks and decadent desserts. Smaller air fryers are great gadgets if you're cooking for one or two people, while larger air fryers can handle feeding a big group for easy, family dinners.
In the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, we use our air fryers for everything from quick breakfasts to easy dinner ideas. We have tried air frying all sorts of proteins, like steak, pork and eggs for simple recipes, as well as all the snacks and sides.
If you're looking for different air fryer ideas, check out our latest cookbook, Good Housekeeping Air Fryer Magic or our special issue, Easy Air Fryer: 75 Delicious Healthy Recipes. And if you are completely new to the air fryer, here are some great air fryer cookbooks for beginners to add to your collection. All are filled with air fried goodness.
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1
Air Fryer Chicken Strips
We may be biased, but these are the best air fryer chicken tenders — hands down. Our secret? Air-fry the breadcrumbs before coating your chicken to maximize crispiness.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Strips recipe.
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2
Air Fryer Meatloaves
Yes, you can make mini meatloaves in your air fryer! They're incredibly juicy and oh-so satisfying. Plus, the tangy two-ingredient balsamic glaze takes things to the next level.
Get the Air Fryer Meatloaves recipe.
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3
Wedge Salads with Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu Croutons
Hot sauce-marinated, cornflake-crusted tofu gets super crispy in the air fryer. It's the star of this main course salad.
Get the Wedge Salads with Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu Croutons recipe.
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4
Air Fryer Salmon and Swiss Chard
Instead of sautéing the sturdy green, throw it in the air fryer before cooking up flaky salmon fillets. The result? Swiss chard that is slightly charred and perfectly tender.
Get the Air Fryer Salmon and Swiss Chard recipe.
RELATED: 30+ Easy Salmon Recipes to Make for Dinner Tonight
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5
Air Fryer Turkey Breast with Gravy
Turkey doesn't have to be an oven hog! Air-fry this protein to golden perfection. P.S. We even figured out a way to still make gravy with drippings!
Get the Air Fryer Turkey Breast with Gravy recipe.
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6
Air Fryer Falafel Salad
Homemade falafel in half an hour? And without the hassle of deep-frying?? You heard that right! Skip the pita, too, and serve these golden, crisp falafel over a refreshing cucumber-herb salad.
Get the Air Fryer Falafel Salad recipe.
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7
Air Fryer Tostones with Cilantro Dip
Crispy flattened green plantains are typically prepared by frying slices, then smashing or pressing them and frying again. We replicated this twice-fried process using the air fryer. To ensure a softer texture on the inside, start by soaking the plantains in water, which prevents them from drying out during the "frying" process.
Get the Air Fryer Tostones with Cilantro Dip recipe.
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8
Air Fryer Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Chicken Flatbreads
Inspired by tandoori masala, the robust rub here is equally delicious on chicken and cauliflower — so why not have both?
Get the Air Fryer Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Chicken Flatbreads recipe.
RELATED: 7 Best Air Fryer Toaster Ovens, According to Testing
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9
Air Fryer Fish and Chips
Consider this five-ingredient dinner your excuse to pick up a few extra bags of salt-and-vinegar chips from the grocery store. Crushed, they work as a crisp coating for fish that can sub in for the real deal on any given fish Friday.
Get the Air Fryer Fish and Chips recipe.
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10
Air Fryer Spice-Roasted Cauliflower with Green Beans
A flavor bomb spice paste takes cauliflower from good to “can’t-get-enough” great — each bite boasts savory-sweet depth for an air fried veg dish that’s anything but an afterthought.
Get the Air Fryer Spice-Roasted Cauliflower with Green Beans recipe.
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11
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Now you can easily make this bar-menu staple at home. Once you stuff the chiles, chill them in the fridge for a few minutes. This helps to prevent the scallion-cheese mixture from oozing out in the air fryer. Trust us, that’s not a mess you want to clean up!
Get the Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers recipe.
RELATED: 50+ Easy Appetizers and Snacks to Get the Party Started
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12
Air Fryer Red Velvet Cookies
Did you know you can make baked goods in the air fryer? Give this spin on a classic chocolate chip cookie a go!
Get the Air Fryer Red Velvet Cookies recipe.
RELATED: The 85 Best Cookie Recipes To Bake And Share All Year
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13
Air Fryer Magic by Good Housekeeping
Pick up a copy of Good Housekeeping's brand-new cookbook for even more delicious ideas for using your air fryer—including 75 best-ever recipes for frying, roasting and baking (hello, air fryer chicken parm!).
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14
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Once you've had air-fryer wings, we guarantee you'll never want them any other way. With our tips, you'll "fry" up wings that are perfectly juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside and tossed in an awesome sauce.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipe.
RELATED: 29 Best Chicken Wing Recipes
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15
Air Fryer Green Beans
The easiest way to cook green beans? Throw 'em into an air fryer with a little bit of oil, salt and pepper, then toss in a rich Dijon vinaigrette.
Get the Air Fryer Green Beans recipe.
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16
Air Fryer Striped Bass with Radish Salsa Verde
Cooking fish in an air fryer ensures crispy skin and super tender protein.
Get the Air Fryer Striped Bass with Radish Salsa Verde recipe.
RELATED: Air Fryer vs. Convection Oven: What's the Difference?
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17
Air Fryer Italian-Marinated Chicken
The secret to the juiciest-ever chicken? A supercharged marinade that will become your go-to.
Get the Air Fryer Italian-Marinated Chicken recipe.
RELATED: 60 Healthy Chicken Recipes Perfect for an Easy Weeknight Dinner
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18
Peanut Sauce Soba with Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
A cornstarch dredge makes these air-fried cubes of tofu extra crispy.
Get the Peanut Sauce Soba with Crispy Air Fryer Tofu recipe.
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19
Air Fryer Stuffed Turkey Breast
Oven space is precious on Thanksgiving. The solution: pull out the air fryer and roast your turkey in there!
Get the Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe.
RELATED: 48 Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas for the Ultimate Turkey Day Menu
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20
Air Fryer Scallion Pancakes
Our shortcut version takes advantage of pre-made dumpling wrappers, making this the easiest ever appetizer.
Get the Air Fryer Scallion Pancakes recipe.
