The Most Popular Air Fryer Recipes

Air fryers are more than just a shortcut to crispy fries. They’re also a way to cook full meals that are lighter, faster, and full of flavor. Households across the country are adapting to the air frying cooking method.

Whether you’re trying classic sides, seafood, or weeknight proteins, the possibilities are endless. To help you get inspired, we’ve rounded up some of the most sought after air fryer recipes adapted from the Cuisinart test kitchen. These dishes use familiar ingredients but are tailored for the air fryer, so you can enjoy restaurant-quality results right at home. 

If you’d like even more inspiration, look no further than our air fryer recipes. The Cuisinart test kitchen has created over 100 air fryer recipes for you to try at home.

1. Home Fries

Home fries are a breakfast staple, and the air fryer gives them the perfect golden crisp without the heavy oil. They’re a great choice for a weekend brunch or as a hearty side for dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into ½-inch dice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

How to Make It: Toss the diced potatoes with olive oil and seasonings until evenly coated. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the potatoes are crisp and golden brown. If using an air fryer toaster oven, spread the potatoes evenly on the air fry rack and follow the same timing, checking for crispness toward the end of cooking.

2. New York Strip Steak

This take on steak frites delivers a restaurant-worthy plate straight from the air fryer. New York strip steak cooks beautifully alongside crispy fries, making it a perfect choice for a hearty dinner. A Cuisinart air fryer toaster oven works especially well for this recipe, with room to handle both steak and potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1½ pounds russet potatoes, cut into thin fries
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 New York strip steaks (about 12 ounces each, 1-inch thick)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make It: Toss potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and garlic powder. Air fry at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp. If using an air fryer toaster oven, spread the potatoes in a single layer on the air fry rack and check for crispness toward the end of cooking. Meanwhile, rub steaks with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once, until desired doneness. Rest steaks 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving with fries. In an air fryer toaster oven, place the steaks on the air fry rack and follow the same timing, flipping once for even browning. Rest steaks 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving with fries.

3. Flounder

Light, flaky, and full of flavor, flounder is a perfect match for the air fryer. Paired with briny capers and tender artichokes, this dish feels special but is easy to prepare at home.

Ingredients:

• 4 flounder fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 jar (6 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced

How to Make It: Brush fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer toaster oven tray. Top with artichokes, capers, and lemon slices. Air fry at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve immediately.

4. Chicken Skewers

Chicken skewers are a party favorite, and the air fryer makes them tender inside and lightly crisped outside. Our recipe's twist: a curried marinade to bring warmth and depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water

How to Make It: Mix olive oil, yogurt, curry powder, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss chicken pieces to coat and marinate for at least 30 minutes. Thread chicken onto skewers. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and place skewers in the basket or on the air fryer toaster oven tray. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until chicken is fully cooked and slightly crisped.

5. Salmon with Asparagus

Salmon is one of the easiest proteins to cook in the air fryer. This version pairs fillets with asparagus and potatoes for a balanced, flavorful meal in one. A Cuisinart air fryer toaster oven works especially well here since it accommodates the full sheet pan setup.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fingerling potatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)

How to Make It: Toss potatoes with 1 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes. Add asparagus to the basket or tray with a drizzle of 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and continue cooking for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk honey, Dijon, thyme, and the remaining olive oil. Brush salmon with glaze and air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, until cooked through. Serve together as a complete meal.

6. Twice-Cooked Squash 

If you’re looking for new vegetables to try in your air fryer, squash is the perfect choice. This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of squash with a crispy finish, while spiced pepitas add a crunchy topping. The air fryer makes the “twice-cooked” method quick and easy.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds delicata squash, cut into ½-inch half-moons
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

How to Make It: Toss squash with olive oil, salt, and spices. Air fry at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking halfway, until tender and caramelized. Add pepitas to the side of the basket or tray for the last 3 to 4 minutes to toast. Serve squash topped with crunchy seeds.

7. Cheesy Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser, and the air fryer makes it perfectly crisp on the outside and melty inside. A Cuisinart air fryer toaster oven is great for this recipe since it allows you to bake several slices at once.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 baguette, sliced in half lengthwise
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make It: Mix butter and garlic, then spread over baguette halves. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Place bread halves in the air fryer at 375°F for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden. Garnish with parsley and slice to serve.

Air Fryer Recipes for Every Meal

From breakfast potatoes to weeknight chicken, seafood, and steak, these air fryer recipes show just how versatile this cooking style can be. They’re faster, lighter, and full of flavor, which is exactly what home cooks love about air frying.

If you’re just starting out, browse our Air Fryers Collection and try one of these Cuisinart-inspired dishes to see how easy it is to bring new favorites to the table.