34 Deliciously Easy Ninja Air Fryer Recipes for Busy Home Cooks

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Maryann Desmond

Filling your kitchen with the latest technology can be an exciting experience, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start when using new appliances like Air Fryers.

Fortunately, these little marvels are incredibly versatile and have the potential to revolutionize the way we cook. The Ninja Air Fryer is a great example of this, as it not only excels at making dinner, sides, or desserts but also reheat leftovers with ease.

Perfect Air Fried Steak Recipes

Perfect Air Fried Steak Recipes

Many people are surprised at how easy it is to cook a perfect steak in their air fryer, but with a few simple tips and tricks, anyone can achieve great results. To start, make sure all of your steaks are roughly the same size and weight, as this will ensure they cook evenly throughout. This means you won’t have to worry about some steaks being overcooked while others remain underdone.

Regardless of whether you like your steak rare, medium-rare, or cooked through, the air fryer can accommodate a variety of cooking methods, allowing you to achieve that perfect pink color or crispy crust. And don’t forget to season your steak well before cooking – this will bring out the full flavor and make every bite even more delicious.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Treats

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Treats

Delighting families across America with their sweet taste, air fryer donuts have become a staple in many homes due to their convenience and health benefits. Unlike traditional deep-fried donuts that are typically cooked in oil, using an air fryer is a much healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

The donuts themselves are made by cutting flaky canned biscuits into desired shapes and then coating them with a mouth-watering cinnamon sugar mixture composed of white sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. It’s worth noting that when cooking multiple batches, the later ones will cook more quickly as your Ninja Foodi will retain some heat.

Cinnamon Apple Slices with Crunchy Texture

Cinnamon Apple Slices with Crunchy Texture

Always eager to share delicious and healthy snack ideas, this recipe is perfect for making crispy apple chips at home. Not only does it retain the nutritious skin of the apple, but also ensures a consistent crunch by using a mandoline to slice the apples thinly.

Cauliflower Buffalo Bites

Cauliflower Buffalo Bites

Years ago, I discovered a game-changing snack that has since become a staple at my parties: buffalo cauliflower. This mouth-watering, nutritious, and plant-based treat is perfect for social gatherings of all kinds. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility – you can make your own buffalo sauce from scratch, but feel free to use store-bought if you’re short on time or prefer a more convenient option.

Air Fryer Crispy Potato Wedges Recipe

Air Fryer Crispy Potato Wedges Recipe

Among the many reasons why air fryers have become so popular is their ability to produce mouth-watering snacks like crispy potato wedges without compromising on taste. Achieving that perfect crunch is indeed possible with an air fryer, and one of the best benefits is that it significantly reduces the amount of oil required for cooking, making these delicious treats a healthier alternative to traditional fried potato wedges.

This particular recipe uses high-quality russet potatoes, which are cut into wedge shapes and then generously seasoned with fragrant rosemary, thyme leaves, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil to enhance their natural flavors and texture.

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Treats

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Treats

Despite their limitations, air fryers are surprisingly capable of baking cookies. In fact, they can be a great option for those who only need to bake a few at a time, as they tend to produce less mess than traditional ovens. Additionally, the unique cooking process used by air fryers results in cookies that are crispy on the outside and still retain a soft, gooey center – particularly when it comes to cookies with chocolate.

Garlic Parmesan Air-Fried Carrot Sticks

Garlic Parmesan Air-Fried Carrot Sticks

Often, the simplest combinations of ingredients are enough to tantalize our taste buds. One such example is this recipe, which pairs perfectly ripe carrots with a zesty garlic and olive oil seasoning. What sets these carrot fries apart from their sweet potato counterparts is their remarkably lower calorie count, making them an attractive option for those watching their diet.

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To prepare, sliced carrots are carefully coated in the aromatic mixture before being sprinkled with a generous helping of grated Parmesan cheese. Feel free to add some black pepper and red pepper flakes to give it an extra kick if desired. Once cooked to perfection, garnish with some fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Crispy Air-Fried Meatballs

Crispy Air-Fried Meatballs

Handling your meatballs, whether they’re freshly made or straight from the freezer, is quite straightforward in an air fryer. To ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding, it’s essential to space them out so that there is sufficient room for a steady airflow around each one. This simple technique will yield meatballs that are crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy within.

Easy Air Fried Salmon Recipes

Easy Air Fried Salmon Recipes

Fresh from the kitchen, cooking salmon in an air fryer is a game-changer for anyone looking to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. Not only does it make the fish tender and succulent, but it also effortlessly browns the salmon to perfection. Whether you prefer your salmon with or without skin, this method allows for flexibility, catering to individual tastes. To enhance the flavor, season the salmon with paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic, and finish it off with a drizzle of olive oil on top.

This will not only make the salmon taste incredible but also achieve that lovely brown color. Cooking time is relatively short, taking between seven to nine minutes, although this may vary depending on the thickness of your filets and your air fryer’s specifications.

Easy Air Fryer Crispy Potatoes

Easy Air Fryer Crispy Potatoes

Using an air fryer to make baked potatoes is incredibly straightforward and can often be faster than baking them in a traditional oven. Ultimately, once cooked, the potatoes will possess a tender interior while boasting crispy exteriors. Additionally, this recipe provides guidance on how to season the skins with sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper for added flavor.

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Recipe

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls Recipe

Gather around the kitchen counter, because today we’re going to make a delicious homemade pizza roll recipe using an air fryer! This versatile recipe can be used with either freshly made pizza dough or store-bought options – whether you prefer fresh or frozen. To get started, take a moment to brush the surface of your dough with a drizzle of olive oil before adding your desired toppings. Once you’ve got everything in place, roll up your pizzas and slice them into neat one-inch thick portions.

Air Fryer Low Carb Cheesecake Delight

Air Fryer Low Carb Cheesecake Delight

Knowing that a Ninja Air Fryer can be used for more than just frying, I was excited to experiment with making a crustless cheesecake in mine. This low-carb and low-calorie dessert is not only quick to make but also incredibly versatile, as it requires no oven at all – instead, it bakes perfectly in the air fryer in just 10 minutes! To prepare the cheesecake, you will need two springform pans to pour your batter into while it cooks.

Once set, refrigerate for at least three hours before serving this delicious treat.

Crispy Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef

Crispy Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef

Generally, stuffed peppers are a popular choice for a starter or a light dinner during warmer summer months (for more ideas, see ’27 Summer Dinner Ideas For Warm Nights’). This recipe uses ground beef and involves frying it in a skillet first before baking the stuffed peppers in an air fryer. Cooking your stuffed peppers in an air fryer not only keeps them crispy but also helps to lock in their flavors, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Cheesy Ninja Foodi Mozzarella Bites

Cheesy Ninja Foodi Mozzarella Bites

Love using your Ninja Foodi? You’re in luck! With this appliance, you can create mouthwateringly cheesy and gooey mozzarella sticks that are remarkably low in oil content, outshining those made by other cooking methods, even when starting with frozen ingredients.

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Air Fryer Chocolate Delight Cake

Air Fryer Chocolate Delight Cake

Fancy a delicious dessert made in your air fryer? You can create a mouth-watering chocolate cake using this recipe, but before you start, remember to lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray (check out our article ’28 Delicious Air Fryer Desserts’ for more inspiration!). The presence of cocoa powder gives the cake its distinctive chocolatey flavor and when baked, it turns out moist and rich.

Once the cake has cooled down, top it off with a generous helping of chocolate frosting to complete this decadent dessert.

Uniform Zucchini Slices for Perfect Crunch

Uniform Zucchini Slices for Perfect Crunch

Creating perfectly crispy zucchini chips requires some attention to detail, particularly when it comes to slicing the zucchinis. To ensure consistency in cooking, aim for uniform thickness throughout all slices. While thinner slices may become crisper, you can cut your zucchinis to the desired thickness based on personal preference. Once prepared, cover the zucchini slices in bread crumbs and place them in single layers within the air fryer basket to cook.

Air Fryer Green Tomato Bites

Air Fryer Green Tomato Bites

When it comes to making delicious fried green tomatoes in an air fryer, there are a few essential steps to follow. First, carefully cut the tomato into even slices, as uneven cuts can lead to inconsistent cooking times. Next, remove excess liquid from the slices by gently patting them dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial to achieving crispy results. Once prepared, coat each slice in a mixture of batter and breading, making sure they are evenly coated on both sides.

Finally, cook the tomato slices in the air fryer for 20 minutes at your preferred temperature, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.

Crispy Air Fryer Green Bean Fries

Crispy Air Fryer Green Bean Fries

Generally, traditional snack options like french fries often get a delicious makeover when roasted in an air fryer. Green beans can be transformed into a tasty alternative by being cooked until crispy and then seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices, including minced garlic, diced pimentos, onion powder, and garlic powder. The end result is a crunchy and flavorful snack that’s perfect for any time of day.

Garlic Herb Baked Tilapia in Air Fryer

Garlic Herb Baked Tilapia in Air Fryer

Zest up your meals with the Ninja Air Fryer, a versatile kitchen appliance that’s perfect for cooking fish. This tilapia recipe is not only a great option but also happens to be gluten-free, low-carb, and suitable for those following a paleo diet. The beauty of using an air fryer lies in its ability to cook food quickly, with the tilapia needing around 10 minutes to be cooked to perfection.

To ensure even cooking, it’s essential to avoid stacking layers of filets in the basket, as this can prevent them from cooking correctly.

Air Fryer Melty Cheese Delight

Air Fryer Melty Cheese Delight

Often overlooked as an alternative cooking method for sandwiches, using an air fryer to make a grilled cheese sandwich can be a game-changer. Not only does it allow for even crisping of the bread on both sides, but also melts the cheese to perfection, creating a delightful texture and flavor experience.

Crispy Garlic Asparagus Delight

Crispy Garlic Asparagus Delight

Love the simplicity of this asparagus recipe, which results in a perfectly seasoned side dish. The air fryer’s ability to crisp up the asparagus is unbeatable, and the addition of garlic and Parmesan cheese elevates the flavor even further. What’s more, this quick recipe can be prepared and made in just 10 minutes.

Crispy Kale Bites with Ease

Crispy Kale Bites with Ease

You’ll be delighted to know that making kale chips has never been simpler, thanks to the incredible capabilities of a Ninja Air Fryer. With just a pinch of seasoning, these healthy snacks transform into crispy perfection when cooked in the air fryer’s dry heat.

Perfect Ground Beef Comfort Food Recipes

Perfect Ground Beef Comfort Food Recipes

Years ago, the classic meatloaf recipe has become a staple in many family kitchens, offering a comforting and satisfying meal. One of its best features is that it can be easily made in an air fryer, resulting in a delicious crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.

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The basic ingredients include ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, and various seasonings such as ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning (which can be substituted with several alternatives found here), and garlic powder. When cooking meatloaf in an air fryer, it’s essential to use a lower temperature than the maximum setting, allowing for a 15-minute cooking time.

Crispy Corn Dogs Made Easy

Crispy Corn Dogs Made Easy

Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, which can make corn dogs greasy and overwhelming at times. By utilizing an air fryer, you can create crispy corn dogs without the excess oil, making them a more enjoyable option for all occasions. Air fried corn dogs are ideal as a party treat or snack while watching sports events at home with friends and family.

Breaded Eggplant with Marinara & Mozzarella

Breaded Eggplant with Marinara & Mozzarella

Creating this recipe involves cooking sliced eggplant in a breadcrumb batter, which is then topped with marinara sauce – either homemade or store-bought, chosen based on personal taste and time constraints. Following the topping process, a slice of mozzarella cheese is placed on top of the sauce, complemented by sprinkled Parmesan cheese before being baked for an additional couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Easy Air Fryer Nacho Bites

Easy Air Fryer Nacho Bites

Understanding the versatility of nachos, they can be enjoyed as either a light meal or an appetizing snack. Utilizing your air fryer is an efficient way to prepare this popular dish. To begin, simply line the basket with foil and carefully arrange the nachos within it. As for the toppings such as tomatoes and onions, reserve them for the final layer before cooking for approximately five minutes.

Homemade Pork Egg Roll Delights

Homemade Pork Egg Roll Delights

Elevate your dining experience at home by making delicious homemade egg rolls, eliminating the need for takeout from Chinese restaurants. The filling is composed of a medley of flavors, including pork, ginger, cabbage, carrots, green onion, and garlic, all expertly combined with a blend of soy sauce and other seasonings to create an authentic taste experience.

Essential preparation steps include cooking the filling in a skillet first, followed by carefully placing it within egg roll wrappers, which are then baked to perfection in your Ninja Foodi oven.

Rich Peanut Butter Chocolate Delights

Rich Peanut Butter Chocolate Delights

Taking center stage, these air fryer cakes feature a rich peanut butter filling that’s sure to become an instant hit with family and friends. The combination of moist chocolate cake with a liquid center is elevated by the creamy richness of the peanut butter, making for a truly decadent treat. To assemble the cakes, start by half-filling ramekins with your cake batter, then add a tablespoon of peanut butter before topping it off with the remaining batter and cooking in the air fryer.

Crispy Air-Fried Garlic Potatoes

Crispy Air-Fried Garlic Potatoes

Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that can complement various meals? Diced potatoes are an excellent choice. They can be served alongside many dishes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, making them a versatile option for any meal. When baked in an air fryer, they develop a crispy texture, which is further enhanced by the flavors of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper used in this recipe.

Air Fryer Hamburgers with Minimal Oil

Air Fryer Hamburgers with Minimal Oil

Taking advantage of your air fryer’s ability to cook with minimal oil is a great way to make hamburgers. Whether you’re using fresh ground beef or frozen patties, this cooking method can produce delicious results with a fraction of the grease. If using frozen patties, simply adjust the temperature to prevent overcooking and maintain a crispy exterior.

Air Fry Banana Batter Bites

Air Fry Banana Batter Bites

Versatile as it may seem, this is just one of many sweet treats featured in this article. To achieve optimal results, it’s essential to start by preparing a thick pancake batter from scratch. Once your batter is ready, carefully dip your bananas into the mixture and cook them in an air fryer for approximately 15 minutes.

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