31 Must-Try Recipes with Ninja Air Fryer

If you are tired of all these simple cooking methods like boiling, grilling, or baking, this Ninja air fryer will satisfy you with all of its recipes. Not only are they delicious, but they are also healthier than when cooked in other ways.

Whether you choose vegetables, meat, or seafood, your air fryer can prepare them into flavorful dishes in less than an hour. And even if you want to make desserts, they could be possible with this cooking tool.

With Your Ninja Air Fryer, All These Recipes Turn Into A Beginner’s Lesson

When I said “less than an hour” above, I mean it with all these ninja air fryer recipes. You may not believe me when looking at this list. But try them once, you’ll see I didn’t lie to you at all!

Vegetarian Dishes

1. Air Fryer Potatoes
2. Air Fryer French Fries
3. Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
4. Air Fryer Asparagus
5. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
6. Air Fryer Corn On The Cob
7. Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
8. Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes
9. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
10. Air Fryer Tofu
11. Air Fryer Fried Pickles
12. Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
13. Air Fryer Onion Rings

Meat Dishes

14. Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
15. Air Fryer Fried Chicken
16. Air Fryer Bacon
17. Air Fryer Pork Chops
18. Air Fryer Steak
19. Air Fryer Meatloaf

Seafood Dishes

20. Air Fryer Salmon
21. Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Sweets And Snacks

22. Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
23. Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
24. Air Fryer Apple Chips
25. Air Fryer Donuts
26. Air Fryer Popcorn
27. Air Fryer Croutons
28. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
29. Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Dishes With Multi Ingredients

30. Air Fryer Fried Rice
31. Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Get your Ninja air fryer out, and let’s get started!

These Air-Fried Vegetarian Dishes Are Healthier Than Ever!

Vegetables are irreplaceable in any diet menu. But if you only boil, roast, or bake them, it will go boring in no time. At the same time, fried dishes taste delicious but are not so healthy with all the oil used.

But if you use a Ninja air fryer, you’ll get to enjoy all the fried dishes and still remain healthy.

Air Fryer Potatoes

Potatoes make a delicious vegetarian air fryer dish. But if you grow tired of all the regular recipes, it’s time to try them with the air fryer. Though the result is as crispy as any deep-fried one, it’s suitable for anyone on a diet.

Not to mention, air frying only requires a dash of olive oil, keeping this dish healthier for you. For the best result, remember to leave some spaces between potato pieces so that the air can circulate.

Here is a batch of crispy potatoes with your Ninja air fryer! Let’s see this video:

Air Fryer French Fries

Goodbye to those mass-produced French fries out there; now you can make them by yourself. And they are 100 times tastier.

The secret to crispy French fries is having them cut with a trusted French fry cutter. This way, they will come in uniform size and get cooked with the same period.

After that, soak your potatoes in cold water. The more starch you remove, the crunchier your fries will be. However, make sure you dry them thoroughly before tossing your potatoes in the air fryer.

This recipe matches perfectly with every sauce, so feel free to make your favorite one go with it.

Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Baked potatoes are a familiar side dish in any household. But have you tried these air-fried Hasselback potatoes? Though they are categorized as a baked dish, this recipe tastes like baked potatoes and potato chips combined together.

The two most essential elements for this dish are salt and butter. Salt would help draw out excess moisture, while butter makes your potatoes crispier and more flavorful. From then, you can add more toppings to your likings.

Air Fryer Asparagus

Side dishes mean to be cooked fast and quick. And this air fryer asparagus recipe is an exemplary dish in that category.

With just a little drizzled oil, you will have a perfect crunchy side dish in less than 10 minutes. And you don’t need to season these asparagus heavily. Usually, I just use a pinch of salt and pepper. Parmesan cheese is also an exciting choice for extra richness.

With this recipe, your air fryer asparagus will be done in no time! Let’s see this video:

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

You won’t realize the ordinary taste of your brussels sprouts once they come out of the Ninja air fryer. Air-frying makes them sweeter, crunchier while still keeping them tender inside in just a few minutes.

However, to earn that, you need to pay a bit of attention to all the steps. Even choosing the ingredients requires some, too. Large Brussels sprouts are a suitable choice as they don’t dry up quickly.

Air Fryer Corn On The Cob

This recipe takes just roughly 15 minutes to complete, faster than other cooking methods like boiling, roasting, or grilling. And the result is still satisfactory as ever.

Usually, I’ll use a little butter on the corn for more sweetness, but you can leave it out if you want. But don’t forget to spray the fryer basket with olive oil before placing the corn inside.

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Have you ever thought of using an air-fryer sweet treat as your side dish? If not, these zucchini chips will surely take you back. No matter what option you choose, no one can raise a complaint to you.

As a snack, zucchini chips are tasty with their crunchiness and full of nutrients. As a side dish, they are a perfect combination with almost all main courses, whether chicken, steak, or seafood.

Make some of these air fryer zucchini chips for your snack time! Let’s see this video:

Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes

This recipe is a perfect way to enjoy green tomatoes. Commonly, these tomatoes are treated inferior to the red ones. However, with this dish, ripen tomatoes won’t have a single chance of winning as they are so juicy that it would make your result soggy.

That’s why green and firm tomatoes are the most suitable choice to be air-fried. Also, some recipes require using buttermilk, but if you are allergic to dairy products, you can leave it out.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Recently, cauliflower has replaced potatoes on many diet menus as it shares the same texture but doesn’t contain any carbs. However, if you keep on eating boiled or mashed cauliflower every day, you’ll get tired of it soon.

So, try to liven up your Keto menu with this air-fried version with a buffalo sauce. Your veggie will turn out crispy and full of flavor. And my favorite part is you don’t need to serve it right away. Air-fried cauliflower tastes delicious even at room temperature.

Air Fried Tofu

You may get confused about what kind of tofu you should use in the Ninja air fryer. Many say only extra firm or firm ones are acceptable. But based on my experience, medium-firm tofu will do just fine. They also bring forth a puffy texture that the other two can’t.

Also, air-fried tofu feels like meat, so you can write down this recipe on your diet menu. It doesn’t even require much oil like regular fried tofu.

If you want to know the secret to a perfect air-fried tofu, this is your answer! 

Air Fryer Fried Pickles

 Do you know what’s better than deep-fried pickles? It’s the air-fried pickles! With less oil and still the same crunchy texture, there’s no reason for you to refuse this dish.

As for the crispiness, my recipe uses panko breadcrumbs, which make these pickles crunchier without being oily.

This dish makes a perfect combo with jalapeno ranch as this dressing provides more heat to it.

Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

I love making eggplant dishes in summer because of its health benefits. However, eggplants tend to absorb oil, so I have to use more oil than usual, making the dish greasy and less healthy than I want.

However, this air-fried eggplant parmesan is nothing like that. Despite being crispy, it doesn’t need any oil, retaining all the strong points of eggplants ultimately. And when it’s cooked in the air fryer, you can make the tomato sauce to save time.

Air Fryer Onion Rings

I’ve seen many people suffer heartburn from eating too many onion rings. But by air-frying them, you can totally dodge that risk since it doesn’t require using oil. These will be fantastic dishes to pair with fried fish, especially if you decide to air-fry your fish also.

These onion rings also need only essential ingredients for the coating: flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. For the best result, you should use panko for the outermost layer. And don’t forget you can flavor it as you want with different seasonings like paprika, salt, and pepper.

Nothing can beat these air fryer onion rings! Let’s make air fryer onion rings with this video:

Regular Meat Dishes Become Even Better With A Ninja Air Fryer

Meat has consistently appeared in everyday meals. And in fact, all these recipes below are the ones you’ve grown accustomed to all these years. Yet, with the help of a ninja air fryer, they can reach a new height.

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts get dried easier than other chicken parts. Leave them on a pan or in an oven for a few minutes more, and all you get is some rock-hard and bland breasts. But with an air fryer, you don’t have to worry about that anymore.

You just need to take the chicken temperature to ensure it’s done in time. Also, air frying doesn’t require much cleaning up or produce much heat like other methods.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Some may be concerned whether these air-fried chicken pieces come out crispy with such a little oil? The answer is yes, 100% yes. Your chicken will have a crunchy exterior and still be juicy inside, just like, if not better than, the ones coming from big brands.

The secret is coating it with buttermilk, which protects the meat’s moisture and even tenderizes it. This recipe can apply to all chicken parts: thighs, wings, or breasts.

Air Fryer Bacon

Fried bacon is delicious, but sometimes it’s too greasy with all the oil. But now, with the air fryer, your bacon will come out crispy and crunchy without any oiliness. And when your bacon is being cooked in the air fryer, you can use that time to make other dishes for your family.

However, remember that bacon varies largely in sizes and shapes, so different packages will need other cooking times. Typically, the thicker it is, the more time it needs. But it’s better to keep a close eye on your bacon batch.

Your bacon will come out of the air fryer all crispy and crunchy. Check out this video:

Air Fryer Pork Chops

Pork chops and air fryer are like the most beautiful marriage that any couple could dream of. And the result is a plate full of crisp, juicy, and flavorful pork chops without the need to clean up your frying pan and oil-stained stovetop.

Do you know what’s better? It’s that this dish is so versatile and forgiving. You can use either bone-in or boneless pork chops to make this. The coating is not so important. If you want your pork chops crunchier, go for parmesan cheese or panko breadcrumbs.

Air Fryer Steak

Pan-seared steak is a classic meal choice for date nights, but eating them in restaurants is pricey, and not everyone can master it on the first try. That’s why you have this air fryer to help you.

Making your own air-fried steak is as easy as tossing them in the oven, and the result is as beautiful as you have just pan-seared it.

Don’t overthink about the seasonings. A simple choice with salt and pepper is sometimes the best option.

Air Fryer Meatloaf

When it comes to meatloaf, you and I all know it needs some baking. However, baking means high temperatures and a long waiting time. Now, with your Ninja air fryer, all these worries will disappear right away.

However, if you choose this method, you’ll need to check your meatloaf frequently so that it won’t get burnt or overcooked.

And if you intend to add some aluminum foil to the process, make sure you know really well about whether your air fryer is suitable to put aluminum foil in. Or else, you might get some burn right in your kitchen.

Can you guess how to make a moist air fryer meatloaf? If not, here is your answer!

You’ll Never Grow Tired Of These Air-Fried Seafood Ideas!

Seafood is less familiar than meat, so you can opt for them for an exciting change. And don’t worry that you can ruin their texture. All the recipes below are foolproof, and even a beginner can master them right away.

Air Fryer Salmon

Grilling, baking, roasting, frying, etc. If you have tried all these cooking methods with your salmon and are looking for something new, then let’s buy a Ninja air fryer and try this recipe right now!

In just a few minutes, you’ll have a perfect salmon with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior, not to mention the spice rub on the surface. And even a cooking beginner can perfect this dish without any failure.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Don’t worry that this shrimp dish will blow your roof off. Its name came from the effect of its sauce, which is made of Thai chili sauce and hot sriracha sauce, causing a burst of flavor right in your mouth.

The rest of the dish stays simple with shrimp coated in panko and cornstarch and air-fried before being dressed with the sauce. Enjoy it as an appetizer, a side dish, or a main course with rice and pasta.

You won’t need any take-out with this air fryer bang bang shrimp! Check out this video:

Making Sweets And Snacks By A Ninja Air Fryer? Believe It Now!

Even the ones used to the ninja air fryer sometimes don’t think of making desserts. So, start reading those recipes below and try making them now! They’re perfect, from your own snack time to large friend gatherings.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a classic treat for breakfast or a midday snack. However, it can be pretty challenging to make them all by yourself. Now, with this recipe, you don’t have to overwork yourself.

By leaving your dough in the fridge overnight, it will raise itself without any kneading. After taking the dough out of the refrigerator, make sure you let it rest on the counter for at least 30 minutes so your rolls can turn fluffy.

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

I always search for some chocolate chip cookies when I’m slightly hungry and want a simple dessert to nip on. That’s why you can find frozen dough or baked cookies in my freezer, my preparation for those times.

Before, I used to make these cookies in the oven. This is great in winter, but the heat coming out from the oven is unbearable in summer. Now, with my Ninja air fryer, that’s not a problem anymore. I have a perfect batch of cookies without breaking a sweat.

Air Fryer Apple Chips

If you feel weary of other commercial snacks because of all the health risks, why don’t you air-fry some apple chips yourself? Not only are they flavorful, but they are also friendly with all kinds of diets.

And no desserts are more simple than this one. Just slice your apples and toss them in the air fryer with a touch of cinnamon. Remember, the thinner your apple slices are, the crispier they come out.

A snack that’s both healthy and delicious? Yes, that’s these air fryer apple chips! Check out this video:

Air Fryer Donuts

With concrete instruction, you can make air-fried donuts that are no different from store-bought ones. Don’t forget to coat them with powdered sugar and cinnamon coating or make a butter vanilla glaze.

Of course, if you want them to have a different texture, feel free to do so with a biscuit dough. This way, your donuts will taste pretty buttery, like some cookies instead of donuts.

Air Fryer Popcorn

Imagine making a mountain of popcorn without buying a popcorn maker! It’s just like magic, isn’t it? Well, I don’t like keeping secrets for myself, so here’s the magic trick for this recipe.

Actually, it’s not something so vital to be called a “trick” or “secret.” Just toss the popcorn kernels with oil and place them in the basket. Then you can season them with melted butter and salt or any other flavorings you like.

Air Fryer Croutons

Though they look humble, these croutons can make your salads and soups even more delicious. They are also perfect for a midday snack. Moreover, croutons are one of the best ways to get rid of your stale bread.

But, it’s fine to use fresh bread as well. Just choose some with a sturdy texture, like French bread, challah, or baguette. And don’t overthink about the seasonings. You can flavor croutons based on your dishes.

It takes only three ingredients to make these air fryer croutons! Check out this video:

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

It’s three in the afternoon, and you suddenly wish for something crunchy and rich at the same time? Well, maybe your heart (or your stomach) is telling you to air-fry some mozzarella sticks?

Why not buy some ready-made ones? Of course, you can, if you want a bunch of greasy, fatty cheese sticks. As for me, I prefer this healthy choice. And I can prepare some fresh vegetables to eat with it for a more balanced meal.

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese is suitable for a convenient breakfast or lunch. And if you use the Ninja air fryer, it will even become faster.

And the best is even if you don’t use much butter, your grilled cheese still comes out perfect. In fact, some even switch the butter with mayonnaise.

Also, don’t forget to use toothpicks to secure your sandwich. Or else, it will fly away because of the air circulation in the fryer.

These Air-Fried Dishes Use Multiple Ingredients To Enhance Their Flavors!

What I love about these dishes is that they don’t have fixed recipes. So, I get to use as many ingredients or mix as many combinations as I want.

Air Fryer Fried Rice

Fried rice is the best way to get rid of your leftover foods in the fridge. No matter what ingredients you choose, they always taste good in fried rice.

You only need to prepare some cooked rice beforehand for this recipe. But even if you forget that, you can still use the freshly cooked one. Just remember to cool it to room temperature before using it.

Also, don’t forget to stir the rice several times during cooking.

Making fried rice with an air fryer is easier than you thought. Check out this video:

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are indeed a convenient meal without any need for cleaning afterward. However, baking them takes a long time, so the stuffing is cooked correctly.

But this isn’t a problem anymore with the Ninja air fryer. You just have to wait for half the time as following the traditional way, no matter what ingredients you fill your peppers with.

Have You Had Any Recipes That Are Tastier Than Those?

While a Ninja air fryer can’t do complicated dishes, it’s an ideal choice for your busy nights. You can’t just toss your ingredients in the basket, and a hot dinner meal will come out right away!

No matter how many recipes I present to you in this article, there’s always more to search and learn. So, if your family has some other air-fried dishes, don’t hesitate to write them down in the comment section. And feel free to share those dishes with your mates!