Use Your Air Fryer to Make These Super-Easy "Fried" Avocado Tacos
Use Your Air Fryer to Make These Super-Easy "Fried" Avocado Tacos
After confirming what an air fryer is and, equally as important, which is the best air fryer to buy, the number one question most people have is typically "What can I make with one?" The answer, in short: So. Much. Air fryers achieved cult-status after turning out thousands of chicken wings and frozen fries "fried" to crisp perfection. But, this kitchen appliance cooks up perfectly-seared proteins and caramelized roast veggies in no time at all — as well as crunchy snacks and decadent desserts. Smaller air fryers are great gadgets if you're cooking for one or two people, while larger air fryers can handle feeding a big group for easy, family dinners (or, alternatively, air frying in batches). Because air fryers don't require a ton of oil (especially compared to deep fryers), clean-up is a cinch and it's a healthier option in many scenarios as well.
In the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, we use our air fryers for everything from quick breakfasts to easy dinner ideas. We have tried air frying all sorts of proteins, like juicy chicken, steak, pork, and eggs for simple recipes, as well as all the snacks and sides. Find a few of our favorite air fryer recipes — including Mediterranean chicken bowls, steak fajitas and homemade granola — that are great for beginners, experts and everyone in between.
If you're looking for different air fryer ideas, check out our special issue, Easy Air Fryer: 75 Delicious Healthy Recipes, or the Good Housekeeping Air Fryer Cookbook. And if you are completely new to the air fryer, here are some great air fryer cookbooks for beginners to add to your collection. All are filled with air fried goodness.
Air Fryer Falafel Salad
Homemade falafel in half an hour? And without the hassle of deep-frying?? You heard that right! Skip the pita, too, and serve these golden, crisp falafel balls over a refreshing cucumber-herb salad.
Get the Air Fryer Falafel Salad recipe.
Air Fryer Salmon and Swiss Chard
Instead of sautéing the sturdy green, throw it in the air fryer before cooking up flaky salmon fillets. The result? Swiss chard that is slightly charred and perfectly tender.
Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Chicken Flatbreads
Inspired by tandoori masala, the robust rub here is equally delicious on chicken and cauliflower—so why not have both?
Get the Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Chicken Flatbreads recipe.
Red Velvet Cookies
Did you know you can make baked goods in the air fryer? Give this spin on a classic chocolate chip cookie a go!
Get the Red Velvet Cookies recipe.
RELATED: The 85 Best Cookie Recipes To Bake And Share All Year
Air Fryer Tostones with Cilantro Dip
Crispy flattened green plantains are typically prepared by frying slices, then smashing or pressing them and frying again. We replicated this twice-fried process using the air fryer. To ensure a softer texture on the inside, start by soaking the plantains in water, which prevents them from drying out during the "frying" process.
Spice-Roasted Cauliflower with Green Beans
A flavor bomb spice paste takes cauliflower from good to “can’t-get-enough” great—each bite boasts savory-sweet depth for an air fried veg dish that’s anything but an afterthought.
Striped Bass with Radish Salsa Verde
Cooking fish in an air fryer ensures crispy skin and super tender protein.
Italian-Marinated Chicken
The secret to the juiciest-ever chicken? A supercharged marinade that will become your go-to.
Get the Italian-Marinated Chicken recipe.
Peanut Sauce Soba with Crispy Tofu
A cornstarch dredge makes these air-fried cubes of tofu extra crispy.
Stuffed Turkey Breast
Oven space is precious on Thanksgiving. The solution: pull out the air fryer and roast your turkey in there!
Get the Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe.
RELATED: 48 Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas for the Ultimate Turkey Day Menu
Air Fryer Fish and Chips
Consider this five-ingredient dinner your excuse to pick up a few extra bags of salt-and-vinegar chips from the grocery store. Crushed, they work as a crisp coating for fish that can sub in for the real deal on any given fish Friday.
Get the Air Fryer Fish and Chips recipe.
Scallion Pancake
Our shortcut version takes advantage of pre-made dumpling wrappers, making this the easiest ever appetizer.
Get the Scallion Pancake recipe.
Hasselback Potatoes
Hasselback potatoes are our new go-to side dish for easy entertaining: The accordion-like slits are perfect for topping with our savory scallion butter, or breadcrumbs, cheese, bacon, herbs ... anything you want to make its way down into the crevices.
Get the Hasselback Potatoes recipe.
RELATED: 24 Easy Vegetable Side Dishes That Go With Any Main
Lemony Garlic and Herb Pork Tenderloin
Try tender, juicy, perfectly cooked pork tenderloin coated with a medley of herbs for fresh, bright flavor which transforms a budget-friendly cut of meat into a wow-worthy meal.
Roasted Asparagus With Creamy Feta
Puree feta cheese with plain whole-milk yogurt for an ultra-creamy spread to pair with sweet air-fried asparagus stalks.
Blistered Snap Peas
Crank up the heat to give this crisp springtime delight a beautiful char, similar to what you could achieve on an outdoor grill.
Get the Blistered Snap Peas recipe.
Peanut Butter Molten Chocolate Cakes
This decadent dessert brings together our favorite flavor duo in one ooey, gooey treat: A rich, custardy chocolate cake filled with a warm, sweet-and-salty peanut butter filling.
Green Goddess Sandwiches
The easiest way to make hard-boiled eggs: the air fryer. Peel and slice to pile into these grab-and-go sandwiches, great for any meal.
Get the Green Goddess Sandwiches recipe.
RELATED: 30 Best Egg Recipes That Are Healthy and Simple to Make for Any Meal
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
These are an ideal vegetarian variation on chicken wings — perfect for game day. The biggest challenge is the batter, which can often drip off and burn at the bottom of your appliance. Thanks to a tempura-inspired technique, ours is light and airy. Simply toss these bites with buffalo sauce, serve with a cool dipping sauce and try not to eat them all before halftime.
Get the Buffalo Cauliflower Bites recipe.
Best-Ever Marinated Flank Steak
When you can’t get to a grill, fire up the air fryer instead.
Sriracha-Maple Bacon
Salty, spicy and sweet? Sign us up.
Get the Sriracha-Maple Bacon recipe.
Poblano and Black Bean Loaded Baked Potato
With melted cheese, smoky beans and starchy spuds, this budget-friendly vegetarian dinner is pure comfort.
Get the Poblano and Black Bean Loaded Baked Potato recipe.
RELATED: 75 Comfort Food Dishes That Are Perfect for Any Time of Year
Teriyaki-Glazed Salmon
Many air fryers can fit a whole fillet of salmon, which makes for a pretty presentation on a platter with quick-pickled cucumbers. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, cut into fillets so the salmon fits in your basket and work in batches.
Get the Teriyaki-Glazed Salmon recipe.
Air Fryer Jalape?o Poppers
Now you can easily make this bar-menu staple at home. Once you stuff the chiles, chill them in the fridge for a few minutes. This helps to prevent the scallion-cheese mixture from oozing out in the air fryer. Trust us, that’s not a mess you want to clean up!
Get the Air Fryer Jalape?o Poppers recipe.
RELATED: 50+ Easy Appetizers and Snacks to Get the Party Started
Air Fryer Carrots and Chickpeas with Marinated Feta
This combination of caramelized carrots, extra-crunchy chickpeas and briny marinated feta will wow when served alongside any main (think: grilled chicken or roast pork tenderloin). Giving the canned chickpeas a head start in the air fryer ensures that they crisp up, without overcooking the seasoned carrots.
Get the Air Fryer Carrots and Chickpeas with Marinated Feta recipe.
Cheesy Kale Nests
Made with a combination of all-purpose and almond flour, this light and delicate appetizer browns up beautifully in the air fryer. It just also happens to be our favorite way to get our greens in.
Get the Cheesy Kale Nests recipe.
Roasted Broccolini and Mushrooms with Salsa Macha
Vegetables "roast" up beautifully in the air fryer. Exhibit A: Broccolini, which gets a great char before being drizzled with a smoky, spicy condiment and served on a bed of creamy, cooling ricotta.
Get the Roasted Broccolini and Mushrooms with Salsa Macha recipe.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Once you've had air-fryer wings, we guarantee you'll never want them any other way. With our tips, you'll "fry" up wings that are perfectly juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside and tossed in an awesome sauce.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipe.
Air Fryer Deviled Eggs
The air fryer is actually a super easy way to prep a batch of hard-boiled eggs. After you're done, take your air fryer-cooked eggs to the next level by transforming them into everyone's favorite appetizer.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
Air Fryer Salmon Flatbreads
Salmon cooks up fast in the air fryer. In just six minutes, you'll have beautiful, flaky, tender fish. Layer pieces on warmed naan with labneh, greens, tomatoes and feta for a filling, foolproof meal.
Get the Air Fryer Salmon Flatbreads recipe.
Spiced Snack Mix
Expecting company? Make a batch of this party mix stat. Your whole kitchen will smell amazing — buttery, cheesy and oh-so savory. (P.S. Who knew cheese crackers taste so much better air-fried?!)
Get the Spiced Snack Mix recipe.
Air Fryer Meatball Sub
Featuring tender meatballs on a toasted hero roll with creamy ricotta and fresh tomato sauce, this dish makes a tasty family dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Air Fryer Meatball Sub recipe.
RELATED: 51 Juicy Meatball Recipes That Are Simple Enough for Any Weeknight Dinner
Chicken Taquitos
While you can make this cheesy chicken tortilla dish in the oven, everything gets extra crispy and melty in the air fryer.
Get the Chicken Taquitos recipe.
Air Fryer Squash Soup
Roast up butternut squash, carrots and aromatics until caramelized and golden brown — without turning on your oven and heating up your whole kitchen. Then, enlist the help of your best blender to turn it all into a silky-smooth soup.
Get the Air Fryer Squash Soup recipe.
RELATED: 40 Fall Soup Recipes to Keep You Cozy During Autumn Nights
Air Fryer Steak Fajitas
You probably have a favorite fajita recipe on hand, but this seasoned, air-fried steak will undoubtedly become your new go-to.
Get the Air Fryer Steak Fajitas recipe.
Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken
Sometimes you'll find recipes for just sides or only proteins made in the air fryer, but here is a complete dinner featuring prosciutto-wrapped chicken, charred green beans and a fresh tomato salad. No other dishes to clean? Count us in!
Get the Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken recipe.
Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken Bowls
Throwing tomatoes into the air fryer along with the chicken leads to an amazing Mediterranean-style sauce.
Air Fryer "Fried" Avocado Tacos
Take your avocado obsession to the next level by rolling them in breadcrumbs, air frying them to crispy perfection and stuffing them in a tortilla.
Get the "Fried" Avocado Tacos recipe.
RELATED: 53 Ways to Use Avocado So That Your Next Meal Is Extra-Nutritious
Tandoori-Style Chicken
While tandoori chicken is traditionally cooked in a cylindrical clay oven called a tandoor, we figured out a way to achieve similar smoky delicious results using an air fryer instead.
Get the Tandoori-Style Chicken recipe.
Spaghetti and Air Fryer Meatballs
Forget frying meatballs on the stovetop (so messy!) or baking them in the oven. Air fryer meatballs are a cinch to make and even easier to clean up.
Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas
Transform a can of chickpeas into a crunchy, protein-packed snack with practically no effort at all.
Get the Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas recipe.
RELATED: 27 Delicious Chickpea Recipes That Make the Most of Garbanzo Beans
Garlicky Wings and Shishito Peppers
This chicken wings recipe also works as a budget-friendly main when you add charred shishito peppers to the equation.
Air Fryer Bacon-Roasted Potatoes
Creamy potatoes mixed with crispy bacon makes a great side for just about any protein.
Speedy Eggplant Parmesan
Air fry breaded eggplant slices to top off store-bought ravioli. Easy!
Get the Speedy Eggplant Parmesan recipe.
RELATED: 70 Super Cheap and Easy Dinner Recipes for Every Night This Week
Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Shrimp cooks up in minutes...giving you just enough time to slice up the cucumbers and radishes.
Get the Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Wraps recipe.
RELATED: 30 Seriously Easy Shrimp Recipes
Air Fryer Hand Pies
Air fryers aren't just for lunch or dinner — you can make a pretty stellar dessert with one, too. Exhibit A: these sweet apple and raspberry mini pies.
Get the Air Fryer Hand Pies recipe.
Air Fryer Zucchini Tots
Instead of using the oven, blast these veggie tots in the air fryer for an extra-crispy crust.
Get the Zucchini Tots recipe.
RELATED: 52 Zucchini Recipes That Are Easy, Healthy and Delicious
Air Fryer Gingery Pork Meatballs
Season ground pork with scallions, lime, fish sauce, honey and tons of fresh ginger, then shape into meatballs and "fry" until gorgeously golden brown. Pair them with rice noodles and crunchy veggies for a fresh and easy dinner.
Air Fryer Donuts
A warm, buttery dessert (or irresistible brunch recipe) is not far away. All you need? Three ingredients and an air fryer.
Get the Air Fryer Donuts recipe.
Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts
You won't be able to resist your veggies when they're extra-crispy and coated in brown sugar-balsamic vinegar sauce.
Air Fryer Totchos
Liven up store-bought tots with dried spices and a generous sprinkling of cheese for the easiest (tastiest!) appetizer ever.
Get the Air Fryer Totchos recipe.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos
Cook cauliflower in the air fryer then pile into tacos for a vegetarian feast.
Get the Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos recipe.
Air Fryer Asparagus Salad with Feta Vinaigrette
Asparagus is one of our favorite veggies to make in the air fryer. Top with creamy feta cheese!
Get the Air Fryer Asparagus Salad With Feta Vinaigrette recipe.
Air Fryer Coriander-Maple Glazed Carrots
Air frying can achieve similar results (read: caramelized and crisp vegetables) as roasting, but in a fraction of the time. Toss carrots with maple syrup and lime juice right before bringing to the table.
Spinach and Cheese Breakfast Pockets
You can also fire up the air fryer for breakfast. We recommend wrapping a vegetarian ricotta-spinach mixture in pie crust.
Air-Fried Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Try these for your next game day bash. Just don't forget the ranch!
Get the Air-Fried Buffalo Cauliflower Bites recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Air Fryer Bacon Avocado Fries
Meet your new favorite fry. An irresistible app!
Get the Bacon Avocado Fries recipe from Delish.
RELATED: 50+ Easy Appetizers and Snacks to Get the Party Started
Tender, Crunchy Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Coat chicken in cornflakes for even more crunch.
Get the Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe from Country Living.
Air Fryer Cheesy Beef Empanadas
Get crispy, flaky empanadas with a little help from the air fryer.
Get the Air Fryer Cheesy Beef Empanadas recipe from Delish.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Get your Italian-American restaurant favorite on the table without all the fuss.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe from Delish.
Air Fryer Cookbook: 70 Delicious Recipes
Good Housekeeping
amazon.com
$14.49
Pick up a copy of Good Housekeeping's Air Fryer Cookbook for 70 delicious recipes that are guaranteed to become family weeknight favorites. Tips are scattered throughout for that extra bit of hand holding that you need when playing around with something new.
Air Fryer Granola
The combination of old-fashioned oats, almonds and sunflower seeds turn into crunchy clusters perfect for sprinkling on top of yogurt or milk.
Get the Air Fryer Granola recipe.
Air Fryer Steak
A sweet and spicy rub + compound butter = steak magic.
Get the Air Fryer Steak recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
There's no doubt that you'll win Game Day with this gooey, crispy app.
Get the Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
RELATED: 65 Easy Super Bowl Appetizers That Will Make You the Real MVP
Air Fryer Blooming Onion
No need to head to Outback steakhouse, you can make this cult favorite appetizer at home — dip and everything!
Get the Air Fryer Blooming Onion recipe from Delish.
Air Fryer Salmon
Ten minutes. That's all it takes to make this tender and delicious salmon with a sweet mustard topping.
Get the Air Fryer Salmon recipe from Delish.
Air Fryer Garlic-Herb Turkey Breast
You'll never have dry turkey breast if you make it in the air fryer! It comes out juicy every time.
Get the Air Fryer Garlic-Herb Turkey Breast recipe from Delish.
Air Fryer Homemade Cannoli
That's right, you can cook the dough of this Italian favorite right in your air fryer! It will make the shell extra crisp when paired with the creamy ricotta filling.
Get the Air Fryer Cannoli recipe from Delish.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Crunchy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside — what more could you ask for? Plus, this protein pairs well with practically any healthy side dish.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe from Country Living.
Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops
If you've made pork chops on the stovetop before, you know things can get a little messy. However, you can cook them just as tender and juicy in your air fryer — sans the clean up.
Get the Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops recipe from Country Living.
Air Fryer Chinese Egg Rolls
Eggs rolls are usually the kind of treat that you enjoy whenever you order in. Not any more! This recipes makes at-home crispy egg rolls easy and attainable.
Get the Air Fryer Chinese Egg Rolls recipe from the Omnivore's Cookbook.
Air Fryer Vegan Arancini
The secret to these plant-based Italian rice balls? Swapping in vegan mozzarella, then using just a splash of oil in the air fryer.
Get the Air Fryer Vegan Arancini recipe from Jessica in the Kitchen.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprout Chips
An air fryer can turn a very healthy vegetable into a crunchy treat everyone will love.
Get the Best Brussels Sprout Chips recipe from Delish.
Easy Air Fryer: 75 Delicious Healthy Recipes
Good Housekeeping
amazon.com
$13.99
Can't get enough crunchy air fried recipes? Try out our collection of 75+ recipes, from appetizers to dinners to snacks — all of which can be made in an air fryer.
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
You can make breakfast, lunch and dinner with your air fryer! Here are all of the best tasty, healthy and easy air fryer recipes for you to try out at home.