Top 24+ air fryer recipes we’ll all have on rotation in 2026

We all know that air fryers are the favourite child in the kitchen. They’re quick to use, easy to clean, and make the crispiest vegies, without all the oil. Apart from roast potatoes and the occasional reheating of takeaway, what recipes can you make using the air fryer?

We’ve compiled all of our air fryer recipes that are a must-have for weeknight dinners, hosting and cheeky desserts after a long day. You’ll find all your family favourites, and a couple of interesting combos to test your tastebuds.

24 air fryer recipes we’ll all have on rotation in 2026

A sausage roll is the perfect afternoon snack for kids, and doubles as a hearty lunchbox filler. Make these easily using an air fryer, and relish in the sweet pineapply yet savoury taste.

(Credits: Brett Stevens)

That crispy skin can only be achieved with one appliance: the trusty air fryer. Make this pork belly if you want to wow guests and leave them speechless. It’s as easy as can be, but looks showstopping!

(Credits: Con Poulos)

Make your Sunday roast dinner without ever turning on the oven. If you’ve got a larger size air fryer, you’ll be able to fit a whole side of beef in there, and cook up all your sides while it rests! Trust us, this roast recipe is worth the extra opening and closing of your air fryer drawer.

(Credits: Brett Stevens)

For all the vegetarians out there, this recipe is for you. Air fry all the best vegetables with pesto and a garlic cream cheese to make these gorgeous tarts. It’s as delicious as it looks.

air-fryer-apple-crumble

After a long day at work, nothing is better than coming home to a sweet treat. This air fryer crumble is simple to make and only needs one appliance and one baking dish to get the job done!

(Credits: Brett Stevens)

Having friends over for tea during the summer? Don’t worry about turning on the oven to make your baked goods. Instead, pop some scones in the air fryer for the perfect treat to go with your cuppa.

(Credits: Brett Stevens)

For a fresh take on fish and chips, try this air fryer version. Crumb your fish fillets with a herby base and make sliced spuds that can all be thrown in the air fryer. It’s easy to make, and even easier to eat!

Make your next ‘fakeaway’ with frozen chips, mince and a ton of pickles. It’s the perfect Friday night dinner when your kids want a treat!

(Credits: Photography: Tim Roberts | Styling: Lucy Busuttil)

This trend rocked the world in late 2025, and it’s definitely an essential recipe to bring into 2026 as well. Use the air fryer to crisp your chips to a whole new level, before topping with prosciutto, fig paste and creamy brie.

(Credits: Brett Stevens)

After you’ve had a delightful dinner using only the air fryer, why not extend that ease into dessert? Make straight in the air fryer basket, then after it’s cooked, top with lashings of cream and cocoa powder.

air fryer recipes air fried pizza dough

Making pizza dough is hard enough – getting the oven temp just right for a pizza is even more of a challenge. This air fryer pizza dough recipe means you can slap on your favourite toppings and throw it straight in the air fryer basket.

(Credits: Brett Stevens)

Make a DIY spice mix, rub it on your steak, and through it straight in your air fryer. This Tex-Mex-inspired dinner is ideal for a weeknight where you need a little bit of spice, pickles and zingy flavours.

(Credits: Brett Stevens)

The hardest part of this fried chicken recipe is the marinating – after you’ve waited the 30 minutes for the buttermilk and spices to properly soak in, the rest of this method is a breeze. And, it’s ridiculously tasty.

chicken lettuce cups

Make a Caesar salad-style appetiser for your party guests that can be consumed in a single bite. Use the air fryer to crisp up your bacon and cook your chicken to perfection.

(Credits: (Photography: Con Poulos | styling: Lucy Busuttil | food preparation: Ismat Awan))

A one-bite finger food is ideal for a dinner party with lots of guests, and these crostini will disappear from plates and hands instantly. Air fry your tomatoes until sweet and juicy, before toasting your bread and dishing up with extra pepper and olive oil.

air fried chillies

Calling all vegetarians! These stuffed chilli peppers are a great lunch or afternoon snack, for when you need that extra bit of energy. Plus, you won’t need a rice cooker or the barbie to get these stuffed peppers cooked.

BHG SHOOT Friday 23 May | Aug Issue | studio 1

It’s hearty, it’s comforting, and it tastes better when it’s made in the air fryer. Pork belly with potato bake is the ultimate comfort dish, and this version is as easy as pie to make.

(Photography: Tim Roberts, Styling: Lucy Busuttil)

Doughnuts deserve to be a top contender for best dessert, especially when they’re made like this. Make your lemon curd on the stove, before prepping the dough and cooking your doughnuts straight in the air fryer.

(Photography: Tim Roberts, Styling: Lucy Busuttil, Recipes: Jessica Brook)

This family classic can be made at the drop of a hat when you have the right appliance (hint, hint, it’s an air fryer!). Add mash to your plate, and you’ve got a dinner the whole family will love.

air fryer pizza recipes

Use our air fryer pizza dough recipe and this toppings method to create the ultimate pizza dinner. Thinly sliced steak, red onion, lots of cheese and fresh coriander make the perfect pizza toppings.

(Credits: (Photography Tim Roberts; styling Michele Cranston; food preparation Clare Maguire; recipes Jessica Brook))

Yes, even salads can use the air fryer for prep. Turn on to the crispiest setting possible and get your bacon cooking, and your bread toasted. It’s the healthier, tastier version of a BLT.

Garlic herb hassellback air-fried new potatoes

Hasselback potatoes are always the first to go at a family function. Now, you can offer to make this dish for a party, without having the hassle of putting them in the oven. Top with sprinkles of parmesan cheese for a salty, cheesy kick.

(Credits: Photography: Tim Roberts | Styling: Lucy Busuttil)

When you need to pull out the big guns for dessert, this is the recipe to use. Juicy cherries, homemade almond pasta and buttery shortcrust pastry are a match made in heaven, and will wow even the harshest sweet tooth critics.

(Credits: Photography: Tim Roberts | Styling: Lucy Bsuttil)

Roast pork is a family favourite, and it will soon become a household staple once you realise how easy it is to make in the air fryer. This one has a delicious peach and pecan stuffing, which is perfect for summertime.

What is the best thing to cook in an air fryer?

The possibilities are (almost) endless when cooking meals in an air fryer. This handy kitchen appliance can be used for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What cannot be cooked in an air fryer?

Avoid cooking battered foods in an air fryer. While you can put your fresh leafy greens in your air fryer, they will most likely blow around unless covered in oil. Frozen veggies are the way to go if you have your heart set on air-fried veg.

Can you put aluminium foil in an air fryer?

Yes, you can put aluminium foil in the air fryer, and in fact, it can make cleaning it a lot easier.