An air fryer is a lifesaver for busy women because it works like an oven, toaster, and grill all in one. The best part? It gives you that crispy, juicy, and delicious taste you get from frying in oil, but without all the grease and extra fat.
You can pretty much cook anything in it—from reheating frozen meals to making chicken wings, meatballs, potato chips, doughnuts, and even super crispy cookies!
So, if you’re always on the go and looking to save money, I’ve got 45 awesome, budget-friendly best air fryer recipes you’ll definitely want to try!
See also Healthy Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes.
45. Hearty Fall Acorn Squash Recipe
Looking for a cozy fall dish? This air fryer acorn squash is flavorful and perfect for parties or gatherings. Plus, it’s super easy—you only need your air fryer to whip this up!
44. Zucchini Fries for Picky Eaters
Swap your regular fries for these healthier air fryer zucchini fries! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, even picky eaters won’t be able to resist them.
43. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites with Dipping Sauce
Tired of the usual chicken wings? Try air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings for a tasty, flavorful twist. They cook in under 20 minutes and are packed with bold buffalo flavor!
42. Quilt-free Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries
Ditch fast food fries for these healthier, delicious air-fried sweet potato fries. Made with no deep frying, they’re full of flavor and much better for you.
41. Very Easy to Prepare Pizza Recipe
Yes, you can make pizza in the air fryer! This quick and easy air fryer pizza recipe is great for cooking with kids, and you can customize the toppings to suit your diet. Best part? It’s ready in under 10 minutes!
40. Air Fryer Egg Rolls with Shredded Cabbage and Carrot
Air fryers make it easy to achieve that perfect crispy crunch, just like deep-frying. These air fryer egg rolls are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, packed with shredded cabbage and carrot for a tasty filling.
39. Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds – My Favorite Go-to Healthy Snack
Looking for a healthy, quick snack? These air fryer pumpkin seeds require less than 5 ingredients and just a few minutes. You can enjoy them on their own or toss them in oatmeal, salads, and more!
38. Plantains or Maduros – Classic Latin Side Dish
This air fryer plantains recipe is a great option for a low-carb, healthy snack. Perfect for vegetarians or vegans, it’s a diet-friendly way to enjoy this classic Latin side dish.
37. How to Make Air Fryer French Fries
You don’t have to feel guilty about eating fries anymore! With this air fryer recipe, you can enjoy crispy French fries without all the oil and unhealthy fat.
36. Summer Corn on the Cob Recipe
Perfect for summer get-togethers, this air fryer corn on the cob recipe saves you the hassle of heating up the grill. The corn comes out perfectly cooked, and you can avoid that smoky smell!
35. Healthy Broccoli Recipe without Oil
If you love adding broccoli to your meals, the air fryer is a quick and healthy way to cook it—no oil required! Perfect for when you’re short on time but still want to prepare nutritious food.
34. Very Easy Roasted Beets
Beets are a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal. Using the air fryer to roast them is a time-saving alternative to grilling or pan-roasting, and the results are amazing!
33. Amazing Roasted Asparagus Recipe
This air fryer asparagus recipe is a simple, quick vegan or vegetarian side dish. Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s the perfect companion to your favorite meals!
32. Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
These air-fried stuffed mushrooms are great for parties or as a tasty appetizer. You can easily swap out the bacon for vegetarian meat substitutes to customize this recipe to your taste.
31. Air Fryer Falafel with no Problems!
No need to deep-fry falafel! This air fryer falafel recipe gives you perfectly golden brown falafel that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside, all without the hassle of deep frying.
30. Healthy and Tasty Green Beans
Air fryer green beans are a healthy, quick side dish that takes less than 10 minutes to make. You can even get the kids involved, and they pair perfectly with any meal—or enjoy them as a snack on their own!
29. Green Bean Fries in Air Fryer
Switch up your green bean game by turning them into fries! This air fryer green bean fries recipe is a healthy and delicious alternative to regular fries, and it’s so tasty, even the kids will love them.
28. Apple Chips with Oatmeal
For a healthy snack alternative to store-bought chips, try air fryer apple chips! They’re crunchy, easy to make, and the perfect pairing with oatmeal or on their own.
27. Delicious Kale Chips for Kids
These air fryer kale chips are a great substitute for unhealthy chips. They’re crunchy, packed with nutrients, and super easy to make. Even kids will enjoy these healthy, vegetarian snacks!
26. Vegan Chickpeas Recipe
This air fryer chickpeas recipe is an easy, delicious vegan snack or side dish. With just a few ingredients and minutes, you’ll have a crispy, satisfying snack that’s perfect for any time of the day.
25. Easy Eggplant Recipe for Kids and Adults
This air fryer eggplant recipe crisps up thin slices of eggplant without a lot of oil. You can enjoy these as healthy chips, and adding a sprinkle of parmesan makes them even tastier for both kids and adults!
24. Tasty and Healthy Butternut Squash Recipe
This fall favorite air fryer butternut squash is packed with flavor and nutrients. It’s perfect on its own or as a hearty side dish. Add your favorite spices for a rich, satisfying meal.
23. Flavorful Crispy Tofu
Get crispy tofu in minutes with this air fryer recipe! The tofu turns out crispy on the outside and tender inside, and you can play around with different seasonings and marinades for an extra burst of flavor.
22. Roasted Carrots with Parmesan
Try this twist on roasted carrots by cooking them in the air fryer and adding parmesan for a savory kick. They make a great side dish for rice, salads, or can be enjoyed as a snack on their own.
21. Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Air fryer Brussels sprouts are a must-try! They come out crispy on the outside and tender inside, all without deep frying. Plus, they cook up perfectly in just 10 minutes!
20. Air Fryer Fajitas Weeknight Recipe for Beginners
Fajitas are such a great go-to meal! They’re simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. I like to prep my chicken, peppers, and onions in advance, tossing them in the seasoning a few hours ahead for extra flavor.
While the recipe usually calls for cooking the chicken first, I just throw everything in the pan together. If you like your onions and peppers crunchier, you can always cook them separately for less time.
19. Healthy Air Fryer Cauliflower Classic Pizza
When it comes to low-carb pizza crusts, there are some great store-bought options out there. I personally love the cauliflower crusts from Trader Joe’s, but you can find them in lots of places.
That said, making your own crust at home ensures there are no sneaky additives in your keto dinner. Once the dough’s ready, just pre-cook it before piling on your favorite toppings!
18. Crunchy Air Fryer French Fries
Looking for the secret to super-crunchy French fries? The air fryer is your best friend! You can skip all the fuss with oil temperature, soaking, and other deep-frying steps.
This air-fried version is not only lighter, but it also tastes even better than restaurant fries. All you need is a tiny bit of oil compared to traditional frying, and let the air fryer work its magic!
17. Cauliflower Tacos – Cheap & Easy Air Fryer Recipe
For extra crispy “fried” cauliflower, the air fryer is a game-changer. This recipe is like the vegan take on fish tacos! To get the perfect coating, start by making a milk and flour slurry to help the panko bread crumbs stick to the cauliflower florets.
It’s a bit of a process, but while one batch is cooking in the air fryer, you can be breading the next. Totally worth it for that crispy, delicious finish!
16. Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Butter
I love salmon, but the stovetop tends to leave that lingering smell in the kitchen. That’s why I usually go for the oven. However, when I’m just cooking one or two pieces of fish, I don’t always want to heat up the whole oven.
That’s where the air fryer comes in handy—it’s perfect for smaller portions. Plus, it cooks salmon to perfection, leaving it with a nice, crispy edge!
15. Full of Flavor Air Fryer Tofu
This air fryer tofu recipe is a game-changer—extra crispy and packed with flavor, using just a few simple ingredients.
Once you try it, air frying will be your new go-to method for tofu. It’s way healthier and lower in fat than traditional frying, but you still get all the delicious crispy goodness!
14. Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket – Easy Lunch Box Treat
These easy Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket are the perfect snack for any occasion—whether it’s an appetizer, lunch box treat, or game day snack.
With only four ingredients and a quick six-minute cook time, they’re super simple to whip up and guaranteed to be a hit every time!
13. Air Fryer Pizza Pockets – Perfect Comfort Food!
Air fryer pizza pockets are ready in just 10 minutes, giving you a delicious snack or meal in no time!
Whether you air fry or oven bake them, these homemade pizza pockets are made with a simple dough that’s crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy inside.
Packed with gooey cheese and your favorite toppings, they’re the ultimate comfort food—and way easier to make than you might think!
12. Tender and Juicy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts come out perfectly seasoned, tender, and juicy every time! It’s such a simple way to cook chicken straight from the freezer, cutting down on cooking time while still delivering a delicious main dish.
Plus, it’s perfect for adding to quesadillas, pastas, and so much more!
11. Low Carb Air Fryer Zucchini (Whole30)
This air fryer zucchini and onions recipe is a fantastic side dish! With Italian seasoning and less oil, it’s a healthy option that doesn’t need breading. The air fryer makes the zucchini perfectly cooked and delicious every time.
10. Air Fryer Fish Cakes (Restaurant quality!)
These easy, classic fish cakes are made with crab and potato, cooked to a crispy golden brown in the air fryer. They’re just as good as what you’d get at a restaurant!
See more Air Fryer Fish recipes.
9. Hearty and Easy Air Fryer Chicken And Potatoes Dinner
Looking for a quick, hearty dinner? This air fryer chicken and potatoes recipe is perfect for a filling, delicious meal the whole family will love—made with simple pantry staples.
See also quick Air Fry Chicken dinners.
8. Easy Air Fryer Pork Chops (Crispy Breaded)
These air fryer pork chops are crispy on the outside and tender inside, cooked up in no time. Pair them with your favorite side for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
7. Air Fryer Oreos: Fair Favorite with only 3 Ingredients!
Even if you’re skipping the fair this year, you can still enjoy the fun at home with these air fryer deep-fried Oreos! Made with just three ingredients, they’re an easy and indulgent treat.
6. Air Fryer Homemade Pop-Tarts or Breakfast Pastry
You can totally make your own homemade pop-tarts in the air fryer, and the best part is, you get to choose your filling!
Whether you call them toaster strudels, pop-tarts, or breakfast pastries, they’re super versatile, so you can make one that everyone will love.
Since I’ve got a major sweet tooth, I usually fill mine with jelly or Nutella—and don’t forget the frosting, it’s a must!
5. Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin
These air fryer chicken thighs come out with perfectly seasoned, crispy skin, and they’re ready in less than 30 minutes!
4.
These air fryer potato wedges are super crispy and well-seasoned, making them a great recipe for beginners.
3. Pineapple Cream Cheese Wontons – Low Calorie Air Fryer Vegetable Recipe
These low-calorie air fryer pineapple cream cheese wontons are the perfect appetizer—light, crispy, and packed with flavor.
2. Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipes to Make 7 Ways
Here are seven easy-to-make air fryer chicken nugget recipes, high in protein and perfect for meal prep. Most don’t even require marinating—just pop them in the air fryer for 20-25 minutes!
1. Air Fryer Homemade Fries Recipe Idea
These air fryer homemade fries are a healthy alternative to deep frying, offering the same crispy taste but with fewer calories. Perfect for satisfying your fry cravings!
45 Healthy and Cheap Air Fryer Ideas
Discover 45 cheap and easy air fryer recipes perfect for beginners! From crispy chicken tenders to succulent salmon!
Ingredients
- Acorn Squash Recipe
- Zucchini Fries
- Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Egg Rolls
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Plantains or Maduros
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Corn on the Cob
- Broccoli Recipe
- Roasted Asparagus Recipe
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Air Fryer Falafel
- Kale Chips
- Butternut Squash Recipe
- Air Fryer Fajitas
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Air Fryer Tofu
- Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket with Bagel Seasoning
- Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts
Instructions
- Choose any Cheap Air Fryer Recipes from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Cheap Air Fryer Recipes and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I share healthy recipes, clean eating ideas, and meal plans for weight loss, as well as give you the best tips on wellness, pregnancy, and parenting advice.
What a great collection of air fryer recipes. I will be giving a few of these a try. Love the sound of the fish cakes.