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23 Air Fryer Recipes That Get Crispy Without Extra Oil

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Air fryers deliver crispiness without the extra oil and mess of traditional frying. These 23 recipes show how to get that crunch without the grease. From snacks to full meals, the air fryer makes cooking faster and cleaner. Each dish keeps things simple while adding texture and flavor. This list is your guide to cooking crispy food that feels lighter and comes together with less hassle.

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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.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Fried chicken in a basket lined with parchment paper.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken gets crispy skin without the deep-fry oil bath. The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping the coating evenly. This recipe makes it possible to enjoy fried chicken at home with less mess and less fat. It’s a go-to when you want the crunch without the cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Stacked spring rolls on a white plate.
Air Fryer Spring Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Spring Rolls come out golden and crisp without the need for oil immersion. The air fryer ensures the wrappers cook evenly while keeping the filling moist. This recipe is a quicker, cleaner way to enjoy spring rolls at home. It’s an easy choice for a snack or light dinner that feels fresh and crunchy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Air Fryer Pork Belly

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

Air Fryer Pork Belly crisps up the fat beautifully without stovetop splatter or oven wait time. The air fryer keeps the meat tender while creating a crackly exterior. This recipe lets you enjoy pork belly without hours of cooking or extra grease. It’s a way to get rich flavor and texture without added oil.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly

Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream

Fried ice cream scoop topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.
Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream gets a crunchy shell with a soft, cold center using minimal oil. The air fryer browns the coating without frying it in oil, cutting down on fat and mess. This recipe delivers a dessert that’s crispy without the usual grease. It’s a fresh take on a classic treat that’s lighter and easier to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream

Air Fryer Wontons

Air fryer wontons on a plate with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Wontons. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Wontons cook up crisp and golden without deep frying. The air fryer crisps the wrappers evenly, keeping the filling juicy inside. This recipe offers a faster, less oily way to enjoy this classic appetizer. It’s a solid choice when you want that crunch without extra grease.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Wontons

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Low angle shot of a plate of fried chicken with sesame sauce and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken crisps the chicken pieces while keeping the inside tender. The air fryer cuts down on oil and cook time compared to traditional frying. This recipe lets you enjoy a takeout favorite with less mess. It’s a straightforward way to get crisp, flavorful chicken at home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

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.

Air Fryer Empanadas bake to a golden, crispy finish without oil soaking. The air fryer cooks the dough evenly and seals in the filling. This recipe makes empanadas quicker and less greasy than traditional frying. It’s a convenient option when you want a handheld, crunchy snack without the cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Zucchini fries on a plate with spicy ketchup for dipping.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries get crisp without oil dripping everywhere. The air fryer cooks them evenly, avoiding soggy spots. This recipe offers a lighter take on fries with minimal effort. It’s an easy way to add a crispy veggie side to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

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.

Air Fryer Carnitas achieve the crispy edges and tender pork without hours of frying or roasting. The air fryer finishes the meat with less fat and time. This recipe makes carnitas approachable on busy nights. It’s a way to get rich texture and flavor without the usual hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Fish tacos on a small baking sheet with limes.
Air Fryer Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Fish Tacos feature crispy fish cooked without deep frying, keeping the coating light and crunchy. The air fryer helps avoid extra oil while maintaining texture. This recipe makes fish tacos quick and less greasy. It’s a good pick for nights when you want a fresh but crispy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Chicken 65

Overhead shot of a plate of chicken 65.
Chicken 65. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken 65 crisps up quickly in the air fryer, capturing the bold, spicy flavors with less oil. The air fryer keeps the chicken juicy inside while getting the outside crunchy. This recipe brings classic Indian street food home in a cleaner, faster way. It’s a smart choice when you want flavor without the mess.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 65

Air Fryer Onion Rings

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

Air Fryer Onion Rings come out golden and crispy without sitting in oil. The air fryer cooks the rings evenly, locking in crunch. This recipe is an easy way to enjoy onion rings with less fat and faster cleanup. It’s a good alternative to deep frying that still hits the texture you want.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Onion Rings

Air Fryer Broccolini

Air fried broccolini on a plate with lemons in the background.
Air Fryer Broccolini. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Broccolini crisps the edges and keeps the stems tender without needing oil pools. The air fryer quickly roasts the veggie for a fresh but crunchy side. This recipe is a fast way to get greens on the table with texture and minimal oil. It’s an easy upgrade from steamed broccoli.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccolini

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

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

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos crisp perfectly without deep frying, keeping the filling juicy and the shells crunchy. The air fryer cooks evenly, cutting down on oil and mess. This recipe lets you enjoy taquitos faster and lighter. It’s a reliable pick for a snack or casual dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Air Fryer Popcorn

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

Air Fryer Popcorn is a quick way to make fresh popcorn without oil-heavy microwave bags. The air fryer pops kernels evenly for a light, crisp snack. This recipe gives you control over seasoning and texture with minimal fat. It’s a simple, healthier alternative for popcorn lovers.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Popcorn

Air Fryer Croutons

Low angle shot of croutons on a small metal baking sheet.
Air Fryer Croutons. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Croutons get golden and crunchy without added oil soaking. The air fryer toasts bread cubes evenly and quickly. This recipe lets you add crisp texture to salads or soups without extra fuss. It’s a smart, light way to get croutons on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Croutons

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.

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken gets crisp skin and tender meat without the deep-fry oil bath. The air fryer locks in flavor while cutting down on grease. This recipe makes a Korean classic more approachable on busy nights. It’s a way to enjoy crunch and spice with less cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

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

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken crisps up beautifully without the extra oil of traditional frying. The air fryer keeps the meat juicy while delivering a crunchy crust. This recipe offers a cleaner, faster way to enjoy classic fried chicken. It’s a solid pick when you want texture and flavor without extra fat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

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.

Air Fryer Churros brown with a crisp exterior and soft interior using little to no oil. The air fryer cuts down on mess and fat compared to traditional frying. This recipe gives you a classic dessert with less fuss and grease. It’s a way to satisfy sweet cravings while keeping things lighter.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Churros

Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins

Pile of cornbread muffins on a white plate.
Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins bake quickly with a golden crust and moist center without added oil pools. The air fryer speeds up baking and keeps the muffins light. This recipe is a convenient way to get fresh cornbread without heating the whole oven. It’s a simple, crispy addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins

Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

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

Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites get crispy outside and melty inside without deep frying. The air fryer crisps the coating evenly while melting cheese and filling. This recipe lets you enjoy a spicy snack with less oil and quicker cook time. It’s a straightforward way to get heat and crunch.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Air Fryer Brownies

Brownies with nuts and caramel stacked on a plate.
Air Fryer Brownies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Brownies cook quickly and evenly with a slightly crisp edge, avoiding the heaviness of traditional baking. The air fryer keeps them moist inside without extra butter or oil. This recipe is a faster way to get chocolate fix without heating the whole kitchen. It’s an easy way to satisfy a sweet tooth.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brownies

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

Air fried tofu on a white plate.
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu crisps tofu cubes with seasoning without oil soaking. The air fryer cooks evenly, delivering a crunchy exterior and tender interior. This recipe offers a plant-based option that feels light but textured. It’s a fast way to get flavorful tofu without frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

By on June 19th, 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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