8 air fryer wins
My top air fryer faves (just for you x)
I was sceptical…and now I’m obsessed.
I love my air fryer. And yes, I’ll admit it, when I first saw one I thought it was a bit of a fad. Another gadget destined to live at the back of a cupboard next to the spiraliser (although I actually bought one of these the other day for potato-related purposes). But after a few goes on my mom’s, I was absolutely sold.
Less washing up. Less faffing. No waiting around for the oven to preheat while you slowly lose the will to cook. And somehow, there is no compromise on flavour. What’s not to love?
So I’ve pulled together a list of my top air fryer recipes, the proper tried-and-tested favourites that I come back to again and again. Some are from my book Poppy Cooks: The Actually Delicious Air Fryer Cookbook, and some are staples that have become part of my weekly rotation.
If you’re looking for easy air fryer recipes, quick midweek meals, or just want to get more out of your machine, this list is for you.
Why you need an air fryer in your life
Whether you’re short on time, cooking for one or two, or just trying to keep the energy bills kinda under control, the air fryer is here to help.
When it’s just me and Tom, preheating a full oven can feel like such a waste, for both time and money. And I am not a patient person when I’m hungry. So the air fryer just makes sense. Here are the pros:
Saves time (and your patience)
- Little to no preheating required
- Faster cooking times than a conventional oven
- No juggling multiple pans / boiling water etc
More economical
- Uses less energy than a full oven
- Ideal for smaller portions
Versatility (it’s not just for frozen chips)
I say this all the time, on repeat: Air fryers are not just for chips and chicken nuggets. You can cook everything from fish, to boiled egg, full roast chickens and cheesecakes.
Healthier cooking (without trying too hard)
- Uses less oil
- Great for lighter versions of the classic e.g. fish and chips
Less washing up (arguably the biggest win)
There’s just generally less mess and less liquids, and I’m about about that.
What to watch out for…
Air fryers are incredible, but they’re also not perfect. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Size matters
Not all air fryers are created equal. Some are more powerful (borderline aggressive) so you need to have a bit of a play around so you know when to adjust timings and some are more compact, so you’ll need to cook in batches.
Don’t overcrowd
This is where people go wrong. If you overload the basket, you’ll end up with uneven cooking and some bits crispy, some bits…not.
Learn your machine
Every air fryer behaves slightly differently. My advice:
- Start with a simple recipe (homemade chips are perfect)
- Adjust time and temperature as needed
- Once you know your machine, you’re golden (and so are your chippies)
Tray vs drawer
Some come equipped with trays and resemble mini ovens (cute), whereas your more classic air fryer has a drawer function. With the trays, you typically need foil/parchment paper to avoid messes.
Things can cook quickly (too quickly sometimes)
Because air fryers are so efficient, food can go from perfect to overdone quite fast. Keep an eye on things, especially the first time you try a recipe.
My 8 go-to air fryer recipes for dinner time…
These are the recipes I genuinely make on repeat:
Garlic butter prawns with lemony orzotto
My garlic butter prawns with lemony orzotto is simple, speedy and super fresh. This needs to become a midweek staple. To finish the dish off, top with a handful of rocket leaves, diced pepper, a sprinkling of feta and a splash of olive oil. It feels a little Mediterranean and a little bit posh (but it really isn’t).
Mediterranean chicken and potatoes
I’ve gone to the next level by adding a lil Mediterranean flair to this chicken. This is also a great way to sneak capers and anchovies into a dish without your partner/family/friends noticing, but they really do help bring a beautiful saltiness and enhanced flavour to the meal.
Serve alongside crispy potatoes and whatever sides you fancy. Roasted veg, especially peppers, would work well or even a leafy green salad if you want to see a bit more green on your plate.
One question I get asked quite frequently is, “will the air fryer dry out my chicken?” and the answer is the same for most appliances to be honest. If you overcook the chicken, then yes it will dry out, but as long as you check a recipe for cooking temperatures and times, you should get lovely, moist meat. One thing you do need to watch out for is the ferocity of your air fryer, as some are more powerful than others, so you may need to reduce temps/times on some of your recipes.
Honey soy salmon, rice and chilli cukes
If you’re still on the fence about cooking salmon in an air fryer, let me put your mind at ease: this method is a total game-changer. I know some people think an air fryer is “too intense” for delicate fish, but I can promise you it’s not. If people are out here poaching salmon in dishwashers (?!), then using an air fryer is practically gourmet. Plus, the air circulation results in even cooking without any underdone fishy bits or burnt little bits.
This honey soy salmon recipe proves how easy, quick, and actually delicious air fryer fish can be. With just a few cupboard staples, you’ll have beautifully caramelised salmon fillets with sticky edges and a juicy, flaky interior. So, let’s get your fish in the air fryer!
To complete the meal, I serve the salmon with fluffy white rice, beautifully crisp tenderstem broccoli, and a refreshing chilli cucumber salad (or “chilli cukes” if you’re feeling spicy). This salad adds crunch, heat, and a hint of vinegar tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey soy glaze.
Stuffed peppers
If you’re vegetatian or fancying a meat-free day, this is a filling and flavour-filled dish that should keep everyone happy. It’s packed full of healthy goodness and I legit feel like I’ve hit my 5-a-day after a couple of these stuffed wonders. These babies are packed to the brim with seasoned rice, tomatoes, walnuts, onion and so much more…
To give it further oomph, try adding a bit of crumbled feta, labnah or garlic and lemon yoghurt dressing. For a quick lemon dressing, I use one crushed garlic clove, then simply add lemon juice and yoghurt to taste. And of course, a little bit of salt and pepper.
You can also switch out the herbs and use coriander, chives or dill.
Egg & bacon croissants
I know this is technically a breakfast, but if we enjoy a full English for dinner, then why not an egg and bacon croissant? This delightful stuffed croissant gives Pret vibes but without the need to remortgage.
You can boil the eggs and crisp up the bacon in your air fryer, so need to boil the kettle or crank up the grill – keep it all done in one air fryer.
And yes, the above I made myself, but the croissants I bought. Because who is laminating dough during a busy week? Not me. Although I absolutely do enjoy a homemade croissant and a big high five to anyone who makes them from scratch, but this recipe is for speed and ease.
If you have some croissants leftover, why not make my banana and Biscoff croissants for dessert and a delightfully delicious brunch the next morning.
Lamb kofta pittas
2. Once the mixture has come to the boil and the sugar has fully dissolved, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
3. Meanwhile, finely shred your red cabbage and discard the tough core. Pack the cabbage tightly into a clean jar or container.
4. Pour the warm pickling liquid over the cabbage, making sure it is fully submerged. If needed, press it down gently with a spoon.
5. Leave to cool completely, then cover and place in the fridge. It’s best left for at least a couple of hours before eating, but for the best flavour, leave it overnight.
Your pickled red cabbage will keep in the fridge for up to 2–3 weeks and is perfect for adding that tangy crunch to not only pittas, but sandwiches, salads and roasted meats too.
Bang bang cauliflower wings
I know cauliflower divides opinion. Some people see it and immediately think of soggy, sad and wildly under-seasoned florets. And honestly? I’ve also experienced that. Cauliflower has been done dirty for years. But when it’s cooked properly, with heat, flavour and a good ole air fryer, it is an absolute showstopper.
I’m not here to convince you that cauliflower is rice (because sometimes it simply is not), especially as someone who loves carbs in pretty much every form. What I am here to say is that cauliflower, treated right, can be crunchy, bold and absolutely delicious.
Enter: air fryer bang bang cauliflower wings. Serve this along with air fryer chips, pasta, grains or an Asian-inspired salad.
A WHOLE roast dinner
If you fancy a roast dinner and are cooking one for 2-4 people, this could be revolutionary. I recently took on the challenge of making a full roast in the air fryer and it was a success. You can grab the recipes below or watch me make the whole affair below.
FAQs
Are air fryers worth it?
Yes. For speed, convenience and energy saving alone, they’re a no-brainer.
Do air fryers make food crispy?
Errrr yes, absolutely. That circulating hot air is what gives you that golden, crispy finish.
Can you cook everything in an air fryer?
Not everything, but a surprising amount. I’d stay away from anything too wet.
Will an air fryer dry out food?
Only if you overcook it. Stick to timings and check as you go.
What’s the best thing to cook in an air fryer?
Chips, chicken, salmon, veg… honestly, once you start, you won’t stop. But my personal fave is a full roast chicken as it comes out beautifully moist and leaves you more space in the oven for all your Sunday roast veg.