• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
theairfryingdiva.com
  • Desserts
  • Snacks
  • Appetizers
  • Meals
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Desserts
  • Snacks
  • Appetizers
  • Meals
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Desserts
    • Snacks
    • Appetizers
    • Meals
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Air Fryer Recipes

    15 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Make in an Air Fryer

    Published: Mar 5, 2026, by TheAirFryingDiva, This post may contain affiliate or amazon links.
    | Add as a Trusted Google Site

    Discover 15 Things You can Make in an Air Fryer that You Didn’t Know You Could- From whole chicken and taco meat to desserts and snacks.

    15 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Make in an Air Fryer that you really can make in an air fryer! You may be surprised at some of these recipes !

    If you are looking to get more creative with your air fryer, you are in the right place. These recipes from snacks to appetizers to main dishes, show just how versatile this appliance really is.

    You might be surprised by what you can make in your air fryer!

    Discover 15 Things You can Make in an Air Fryer that You Didn’t Know You Could-  From whole chicken and taco meat to desserts and snacks.

    What you will read about.

    • Did you know?
    • The Recipes.
    • The Top 10 things made in an air fryer.
    • What makes air frying so good?

    Did you know?

    Most people think of air fryers as a quick way to cook frozen fries or chicken wings. But this versatile kitchen appliance can do far more than that. From full dinners to desserts and even snack mixes, the air fryer can replace several other cooking methods in your kitchen.

    The Recipes.

    Whole Chicken

    Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer might sound surprising, but it’s actually one of the best ways to get crispy skin and juicy meat without turning on the oven.

    The circulating hot air cooks the chicken evenly while giving it that perfectly golden exterior.

    Subscribe to TheAirFryingDiva!

    I'll email this post to you as well as my new recipes weekly!

    1
    Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe
    Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe
    This Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe is incredibly easy to make.Brushed with seasoned olive oil and flavored with orange slices, this air fried chicken is beautifully moist and juicy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside .
    SEE THE RECIPE

    Taco Meat

    This method is quick, simple, and requires minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for taco night when you want dinner on the table fast.

    2
    Air Fryer Taco Meat Recipe
    Air Fryer Taco Meat Recipe
    This Air Fryer Taco Meat Recipe is as easy as it gets. Made with ground beef and taco spices, this air fried taco meat is the perfect combination of savory and spicy flavors making it perfect for tacos and so much more.
    SEE THE RECIPE

    Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf

    Traditional meatloaf is usually baked in the oven, but the air fryer speeds up the cooking time while still keeping the meatloaf moist and flavorful.

    It is a great option for an easy weeknight dinner.

    3
    This Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
    This Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
    This Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf Recipe is incredibly easy to make. Made ground turkey and covered with ketchup, this air fried meatloaf is savory, moist, and full flavorful goodness, making it perfect for your next meal!
    SEE THE RECIPE

    Chex Mix

    Homemade snack mixes are surprisingly easy to make in the air fryer.

    Instead of baking in the oven for long periods, the air fryer crisps up the cereal, pretzels, and seasonings quickly while creating that classic crunchy texture.

    4
    Air Fryer Chex Mix Recipe
    Air Fryer Chex Mix Recipe
    Air Fryer Chex Mix, a simple and tasty snack recipe made in about 10 minutes with cereal, pretzels, and seasonings.
    SEE THE RECIPE

    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

    These crispy smashed potatoes make an amazing side dish or appetizer.

    Boiled baby potatoes are flattened and then air fried until golden and crunchy on the outside while staying fluffy on the inside.

    5
    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe
    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
    This Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe is the perfect alternative to the usual French Fried or Baked Potato.Made with baby potatoes that are boiled until tender and the gently smashed and air fried, these tasty potatoes are perfectly soft and fluffy on the inside and deliciously crunchy on the outside.
    SEE THE RECIPE

    Chicken Nuggets From Scratch

    Skip the frozen nuggets and make your own from scratch in the air fryer.

    These nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them perfect for kids and adults alike.

    6
    Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets (from scratch)
    Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets (from scratch)
    These easy, made from scratch, Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets can be air fried in under 20 minutes. Made with ground chicken and Italian seasoning, these nuggets are moist and tender on the inside and crisp and and flavorful on the outside.R
    SEE THE RECIPE

    Orange Chicken

    Your air fryer can even help you recreate takeout favorites at home.

    This orange chicken recipe features crispy chicken bites tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce for a delicious homemade version of a classic dish.

    7
    Air Fryer Orange Chicken Recipe
    Air Fryer Orange Chicken Recipe
    This Air Fryer Orange Chicken Recipe is easy to make and can be made in less than a half hour. Made with perfectly air fried skinless chicken breast bites served up in a sweet and tangy sauce, this orange chicken is sure to impress.
    SEE THE RECIPE

    Air Fryer Pecan Pie

    Yes, you can even bake desserts in your air fryer.

    This rich and gooey pecan pie is proof that the air fryer can handle more than savory foods. It’s a great dessert for holidays or special occasions.

    8
    Air Fryer Pecan Pie
    Air Fryer Pecan Pie Recipe
    This Air Fryer Pecan Pie is easy to make and tastes just like the pecan pie that is made in an oven. Made with chopped pecans and common pecan pie ingredients, this made from scratch pie is rich and decadent with the sweet and gooey texture expected from a pecan pie.
    SEE THE RECIPE

    Garlic Bread

    Garlic bread turns out beautifully in the air fryer.

    The hot circulating air crisps the bread while melting the butter and garlic mixture perfectly.

    9
    Air Fryer Garlic Bread
    Air Fryer Garlic Bread
    This Air Fryer Garlic Bread is really about as good as it gets.Made with sliced bread that has been coated with fresh garlic, parmesan cheese, and butter, this mouthwatering bread is garlicky, cheesey, buttery, and savory goodness.
    SEE THE RECIPE

    Air Fryer Nachos

    When you need a quick snack or appetizer, air fryer nachos are a great choice.

    The cheese melts quickly while the chips stay crunchy, creating the perfect loaded nachos.

    10
    Loaded Air Fryer Nachos (with video)
    Loaded Air Fryer Nachos (with video)
    Loaded Air Fryer Nachos (with video), a quick and delicious meal or snack recipe featuring tortilla chips topped with gooey cheese and more.
    SEE THE RECIPE

    Steak Bites

    Air fryer steak bites cook quickly and develop a delicious crust while staying tender on the inside.

    They are perfect as a protein-packed dinner or served as an appetizer with dipping sauce.

    11
    Air Fryer Steak Bites With Garlic Butter
    Air Fryer Steak Bites With Garlic Butter is a delicious and easy recipe that can be served as an appetizer or as a meal.
    Air Fryer Steak Bites With Garlic Butter is a delicious and easy recipe that can be served as an appetizer or as a meal. These juicy steak bites feature a rich beef flavor accented by a luscious butter garlic sauce.
    SEE THE RECIPE

    Hot Dogs

    Cooking hot dogs in the air fryer is one of the easiest ways to make a quick meal.

    The hot dogs cook evenly and the buns toast perfectly when added during the final minute or two.

    12
    Air Fryer Hot Dogs
    Air Fryer Hot Dogs
    Air Fryer Hot Dogs are really easy and delicious. When cooked in an air fryer, you can take a regular hot dog and turn it into a tender and juicy meal idea in less than 15 minutes.
    SEE THE RECIPE

    Zucchini Chips

    If you’re looking for a healthier snack, zucchini chips are a great option.

    The air fryer helps them turn crispy without needing a lot of oil.

    13
    Air Fryer Zucchini Chips- Everything Bagel
    Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
    These tasty and simple Air Fryer Zucchini Chips can be in less than 20 minutes.Seasoned with Everything Bagel seasoning, these zucchini chips are a light and crispy alternative to the usual chip or snack
    SEE THE RECIPE

    Tater Tot Casserole

    Believe it or not, you can even make casseroles in your air fryer.

    This comforting dish combines crispy tater tots with a savory filling for a satisfying meal.

    14
    Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole
    Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole
    This easy Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole recipe is an easy comfort food idea that can be made in about a half hour. Made with frozen potato tots and ground beef, this layered casserole is the perfect blend of rich and savory flavors and textures, making it perfect for about any time of the day.
    SEE THE RECIPE

    Frito Pie

    Frito pie is a classic comfort food that works perfectly in the air fryer.

    It combines chili, crunchy corn chips, and melted cheese for a quick and delicious meal.

    15
    Air Fryer Frito Pie ( just 3 ingredients!)
    Air Fryer Frito Pie ( just 3 ingredients!)
    Air Fryer Frito Pie ( just 3 ingredients!), a simple and delicious meal or appetizer recipe made with corn chips, chili, and cheese.
    SEE THE RECIPE

    Discover 15 Things You can Make in an Air Fryer that You Didn’t Know You Could-  From whole chicken and taco meat to desserts and snacks.

    The Top 10 things made in an air fryer.

    1. Chicken Wings
    2. Salmon
    3. Eggs
    4. Whole Chicken
    5. Vegetables
    6. Potatoes, such as fries
    7. Chicken such as breasts and cutlets
    8. Bacon
    9. Steak
    10. Donuts

    What makes air frying so good?

    The air fryer is one of the most versatile appliances you can have in your kitchen. From savory dinners to sweet desserts and crunchy snacks, it can handle far more than most people expect.

    These recipes prove that the air fryer isn’t just for fries—it’s a powerful cooking tool that can help you make a wide variety of meals quickly and easily.

    If you are looking for more creative ways to use your air fryer, be sure to explore the many delicious recipes here on The Air Frying Diva.

    Discover 15 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Make in an Air Fryer, Recipes from whole chicken and taco meat to desserts and snacks.

    Discover 15 Things You can Make in an Air Fryer that You Didn’t Know You Could-  From whole chicken and taco meat to desserts and snacks.
    « Crockpot Ham and Corn Chowder

    Filed Under: Air Fryer Recipes, Recipe Round Ups

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that the links on this website, and specifically on this post, that lead to other sites may be affiliate links.

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to my kitchen!

    Air Frying Diva

    I am Annie, an author, restaurant owner, RN, and an over-all food enthusiast. As a busy person, convenient methods of food preparation are my specialty.

    Read more...

    Try one of these recipe ideas!

    • Crockpot Ham and Corn Chowder
      Crockpot Ham and Corn Chowder
    • Skillet Buffalo Chicken Thighs
      Skillet Buffalo Chicken Thighs
    • 5 Day Slow Cooker Meal Plan
      5 Day Slow Cooker Meal Plan
    • One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
      One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Recipes |  Privacy | Disclosure | Shopping | About | Cookie Policy |Home Page | Top

    as seen in MSN & BuzzFeed

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
    Use of this site means that you agree with the terms and other disclosures of this site. Also, use of the information, recipes, and images without written consent from the owner of this site is prohibited. {Disclosure-This site uses affiliate links which means that there may be compensation involved with reader actions. Thank you!} As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that the links on this website that lead to other sites may be affiliate link.

    Copyright all rights reserved © myposhmedia | Site by creativesiteme