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19 Air Fryer Recipes That Put Takeout in Second Place

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The air fryer isn’t just for fries—it can turn out crisp, flavorful meals that beat most delivery orders. These recipes cover everything from quick snacks to full dinners, all with less oil and faster cooking times. Some reimagine takeout classics, others bring fresh ideas to the table. They’re easy enough for weeknights but good enough to serve guests. Once you try them, the delivery app might start collecting dust.

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Low angle shot of an air fried whole chicken.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer S'mores

Stacked s'mores on a white plate.
Air Fryer S'mores. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows get the campfire treatment without the fire. Air Fryer S’mores melt together in minutes, giving you the same gooey center and crisp edges you’d expect outdoors. The air fryer keeps the chocolate soft and the marshmallow perfectly toasted. It’s a fast way to bring a takeout-style dessert home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S'mores

Air Fryer Empanadas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Empanadas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Flaky pastry stuffed with savory fillings cooks to a golden finish in the air fryer. Air Fryer Empanadas skip the heavy oil but still deliver that crisp bite. They’re ready faster than a delivery order and can be filled with whatever you have on hand. Perfect for when you want something handheld and fresh from the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies

Stack of hot cocoa cookies on a plate.
Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These cookies bake up soft and rich, with bits of marshmallow baked right in. Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies are done in minutes, so you can skip preheating the oven. They bring the comfort of a warm drink into dessert form. It’s a shortcut to bakery-style cookies without leaving home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Cocoa Cookies

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Fried chicken pieces in orange sauce garnished with sesame seeds in a black bowl with chopsticks and a green and white napkin.
Air Fryer Orange Chicken. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

Crispy chicken bites coated in a sticky orange glaze cook quickly in the air fryer. Air Fryer Orange Chicken keeps the texture you expect from takeout but skips the heavy frying. The sauce clings to each piece for full flavor in every bite. It’s a weeknight-friendly version of a restaurant favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Bacon wrapped jalapenos on a white plate.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese and coated in breadcrumbs turn golden in the air fryer. Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers keep the filling creamy and the peppers tender without soaking them in oil. They’re quick enough for a last-minute appetizer. A fresh, crisp-edged alternative to the frozen variety.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Air Fryer Pork Belly

Stack of air fryer pork belly strips in hoisin glaze.
Air Fryer Pork Belly. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Pork belly turns crisp on the outside and tender inside in less time than oven roasting. Air Fryer Pork Belly gets even browning and a perfect crackle. The rendered fat keeps each bite juicy. It’s an easy way to match restaurant texture without the long wait.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Low angle shot of an air fried whole chicken.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A whole chicken cooks evenly in the air fryer, with crisp skin and juicy meat. Air Fryer Whole Chicken beats most rotisserie options for freshness. It’s seasoned simply but comes out full of flavor. A solid choice for a main dish that feels like takeout but costs less.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Fried salt and pepper chicken in a black bowl lined with parchment paper.
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

Lightly battered chicken pieces get a crisp finish before being tossed with salt, pepper, and aromatics. Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken brings that dry-fried flavor home. It’s fast, flavorful, and works just as well over rice as on its own. An easy swap for ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Air Fryer Onion Rings

Pile of onion rings on a white plate.
Air Fryer Onion Rings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Thick-cut onions coated in seasoned crumbs cook up crunchy without the fryer oil. Air Fryer Onion Rings stay light but still deliver that satisfying bite. They’re done in minutes and taste fresh instead of greasy. A simple side that beats the drive-thru version.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Onion Rings

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Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Marinated chicken cooks fast in the air fryer before being wrapped with vegetables and sauce. Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps bring bold flavor without a long marinade. The chicken stays juicy while the edges get just the right char. A fresh alternative to takeout wraps.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Low angle shot of korean fried chicken with a hand holding a piece of the chicken.
Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Coated chicken pieces cook crisp in the air fryer before being tossed in a sweet-spicy sauce. Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken delivers crunch without deep frying. The sauce coats every piece evenly, making it just as good as what you’d get from a shop. It’s a quick route to big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Popcorn

Popcorn in a white bowl with a black and white checked napkin.
Air Fryer Popcorn. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Popcorn pops quickly in the air fryer, letting you control the seasoning from start to finish. Air Fryer Popcorn stays light and crisp, with no extra oil needed. You can adjust salt or spice to match your mood. It’s faster than waiting for delivery snacks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Popcorn

Air Fryer BBQ Wings

A pile of air fryer BBQ wings on a white platter.
Air Fryer BBQ Wings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken wings get a crisp finish before being tossed in smoky barbecue sauce. Air Fryer BBQ Wings are juicy inside and well-coated outside. They’re ready in less time than it takes for delivery to arrive. A solid option for game night or a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Wings

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A hand holding a crispy fried chicken drumstick.
Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Marinated in buttermilk and coated in seasoned crumbs, this chicken fries up golden in the air fryer. Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken keeps the meat tender and the coating crisp. It’s a lighter take on a classic, without losing flavor. A strong rival for any fried chicken shop.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Roasted turkey legs on a cutting board with a knife.
Air Fryer Turkey Legs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Turkey legs cook evenly in the air fryer, giving you juicy meat and crisp skin. Air Fryer Turkey Legs are seasoned simply, letting the flavor of the meat stand out. They’re ready faster than roasting and still feel like a special main dish. Perfect for when you want a fairground favorite at home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Air Fryer Churros

Churros on a white plate with a bowl of caramel dipping sauce on the side.
Air Fryer Churros. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Strips of dough cook to a golden crisp in the air fryer before getting rolled in cinnamon sugar. Air Fryer Churros skip the deep fry but still come out with that classic crunch. They’re quick to make and even better served warm. A sweet finish that rivals dessert from any food stand.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Churros

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Stacked taquitos on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Corn tortillas filled with chicken crisp up in the air fryer without extra oil. Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos stay crunchy outside and warm inside. They’re easy to prep ahead and cook in batches. Great for a quick meal or appetizer that outdoes frozen options.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Air Fryer Carnitas

Low angle shot of 3 carnitas tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Shredded pork gets a quick crisp in the air fryer after slow cooking. Air Fryer Carnitas are tender inside with edges just as browned as a griddle would make them. They work in tacos, burritos, or bowls. A strong replacement for a trip to the taqueria.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Bowl of jalapeno popper bites.
Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These bite-sized versions of jalapeño poppers use diced peppers mixed with cream cheese and coated in breadcrumbs. Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Bites cook fast, making them ideal for snacking or parties. They keep the flavor of the full-sized version in a smaller, easier format. Perfect for when you want something quick but bold.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

By on August 17th, 2025
Photo of Robin Donovan

About Robin Donovan

Robin Donovan is the creative force behind All Ways Delicious. She’s an Associated Press syndicated food and travel writer and the bestselling author of more than 40 cookbooks, including Ramen for Beginners, Ramen Obsession, and Campfire Cuisine. Her work has been featured in major publications including Chicago Sun-Times, Huffington Post, MSN, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Seattle Times, Food & Wine, Cooking Light, PopSugar, Fitness, Mercury News, and many others. More about Robin

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