Oil-heavy cooking gets replaced when these 21 air fryer recipes show up

Oil-heavy cooking tends to fall off fast once these 21 air fryer recipes show up. They’re built for busy nights when you want crisp results without the extra mess. Prep stays simple, cleanup stays short, and dinner still feels like dinner. It’s an easy shift that makes weeknights run smoother.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Affiliate Disclosure.

Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas

When dessert cravings hit but you’re not interested in frying anything, Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas get it done cleanly. The bananas soften and brown without pools of oil or a sticky pan to scrub later. Everything happens fast and stays controlled. It’s a simple switch that replaces stovetop fuss. This is proof the air fryer handles sweetness just as well as crunch.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas

Air Fryer Croutons

Air Fryer Croutons quietly replace skillet-toasted bread without the oil soak. The cubes crisp evenly with minimal effort and no hovering. They’re done faster than heating a pan. Once you make them this way, pouring oil into a skillet feels unnecessary. This is a small change that sticks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Croutons

Air Fryer Nachos

Air Fryer Nachos skip greasy pans and still come out crisp where it counts. The chips hold their texture while the cheese melts evenly. Cleanup stays easy and contained. There’s no oil splatter to deal with afterward. This is nacho night without the usual mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Nachos

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos deliver crunch without deep frying anything. The wrappers crisp up evenly while the filling stays warm and intact. They cook fast and don’t require flipping in oil. Dinner feels lighter without losing structure. This is oil-heavy cooking quietly stepping aside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Air Fryer Enchiladas

Air Fryer Enchiladas cut out oil-laden pans and long bake times. The tortillas crisp just enough without soaking anything. Everything stays contained and efficient. You get texture without excess grease. This is a smarter route to the same payoff.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Air Fryer Whole Chicken replaces roasting pans slicked with oil. The skin crisps naturally while the meat stays juicy. It cooks faster than the oven with less mess. There’s no basting or splatter involved. This is a clean swap that feels permanent.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Air Fryer Turkey Legs bring big results without deep frying. The skin tightens and crisps without oil pooling underneath. Cleanup stays minimal and predictable. They cook evenly without babysitting. This is heavy cooking simplified.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu ditches the shallow fry entirely. The tofu crisps on all sides without absorbing oil. Seasoning stays sharp and clean. It’s faster and lighter than the stovetop version. This is tofu that finally behaves.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

Air Fryer Broccolini

Air Fryer Broccolini replaces oil-heavy sautéing with controlled heat. The stalks char lightly while staying tender. There’s no pan to manage or oil to balance. It finishes quickly and cleanly. This is vegetables done without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccolini

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps skip greasy griddles altogether. The chicken cooks evenly and stays flavorful without excess oil. Assembly stays quick and contained. Dinner feels lighter without cutting corners. This is a clean switch that works.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Air Fryer Onion Rings

Air Fryer Onion Rings finally break the deep-fry habit. They crisp up without dunking anything in oil. The coating holds and doesn’t turn soggy. Cleanup stays manageable. This is the kind of replacement that sticks around.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Onion Rings

Air Fryer Carnitas

Air Fryer Carnitas replace slow, oil-heavy cooking with direct heat. The edges crisp while the meat stays tender. There’s no splatter or grease buildup. It’s faster and easier to control. This is carnitas without the cleanup penalty.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken skips the deep fryer without losing texture. The coating crisps evenly and holds sauce well. There’s no lingering oil smell afterward. It cooks fast and stays contained. This is fried chicken reworked for real life.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Chicken 65

Chicken 65 in the air fryer cuts out heavy oil while keeping the bite intact. The chicken stays crisp without soaking anything. Spices cling cleanly without frying residue. Cooking feels controlled instead of chaotic. This is a lighter route that still delivers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 65

Air Fryer Popcorn

Air Fryer Popcorn replaces oil-slicked stovetop popping. The kernels open cleanly without burning. There’s no greasy pot to wash later. It’s simple and predictable. This is snacking without the oil aftermath.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Popcorn

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken drops the deep fryer completely. The coating sets and crisps without excess oil. The chicken stays juicy without grease pooling. Cleanup stays minimal. This is a clear upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins

Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins avoid greased pans and long oven times. They bake evenly and release cleanly. The texture stays soft without extra fat. It’s quick and controlled. This is baking that feels lighter.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins

Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken replaces oil-heavy stir frying with focused heat. The chicken cooks quickly without soaking up grease. Sauce coats cleanly instead of sliding off. Everything stays contained. This is a smarter way to cook bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Air Fryer Brownies

Air Fryer Brownies skip buttered pans and long bake times. They set evenly without drying out. Cleanup stays simple and fast. It’s dessert without extra steps. This is oil-heavy baking scaled back.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brownies

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries finally ditch the shallow fry. They crisp without turning soggy or greasy. The coating holds without oil absorption. They cook fast and clean. This is the version that actually works.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken cuts straight through oil-heavy habits. The chicken crisps evenly without deep frying. Seasoning stays sharp and balanced. There’s no splatter to manage. This is a clean replacement that earns its spot.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken