We Tried the PowerXL Air Fryer. Here’s What We Thought. (2024)

Air-Fryer Chicken StripsTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken tenderloins, panko bread crumbsLevel: Beginner

Who needs frozen chicken tenders when they're this easy to make at home? The breading for this recipe is made with more than just bread crumbs: Crushed potato sticks, cheese crackers and crumbled bacon are added to give these tenders a burst of flavor with each bite. It's easiest to make these with chicken tenders, but you can substitute chicken breasts cut into 1-inch strips if you can't find tenders.These crispy air-fryer chicken tenders are perfect for dipping. Try with your favorite honey mustard, ranch or barbecue sauce. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Air-Fryer SalmonTotal Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Salmon, olive oilLevel: Beginner

If you’re new to cooking fish or inimidated to try it in general, using an air fryer is a pretty straightforward way to go about it. After marinating for a few minutes, cod, one of the best fish to eat, comes out flaky, light and delicious.Preparing salmon in the air fryer is, hands down, one of the easiest ways to cook it. Air-fryer salmon stays succulent, but still gets lightly browned on the outside. Use this simple salmon recipe as a starting point for different flavors and styles of salmon. The possibilities are endless! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Zucchini FriesTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Zucchini, panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheeseLevel: Intermediate

Fried zucchini by another name, these panko-coated sticks take healthy snacking to a whole new level. Serve with lots of homemade ranch dressing or zippy marinara sauce, or any of your other favorite dipping sauces.These aren't anything like potato fries—in a good way! They are air-fried to crispy perfection and oh, so flavorful. Enjoy them as an appetizer or a low-carb alternative to french fries. Don't have an air fryer? You can convection-bake them for the same amount of time. —Recipe contributor Jen Pahl, West Allis, Wisconsin

Air-Fryer BaconTotal Time: 15 minutesMain Ingredients: BaconLevel: Beginner

Air-fryer bacon cooks more quickly than it does in the oven or on the stovetop, and it's so much crispier. It goes perfectly with eggs and pancakes or alone as a poppable salty snack.Yes, you can make bacon in your air fryer! It's easy and keeps your stovetop free for making other breakfast foods. —Recipe contributor Jenna Urben, McKinney, Texas

Air-Fryer Hard-Boiled EggsTotal Time: 20 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: EggsLevel: Beginner

Eggs are a breeze in the air fryer. If you end up with extras, check out our best recipes for leftover hard-boiled eggs.This is a wonderful alternative to boiling eggs on the stovetop. These air-fryer hard-boiled eggs are just as easy and super quick—a perfect way to put your air fryer to use! —Recipe contributor Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Air-Fryer French Toast SticksTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Day-old Texas toast, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamonLevel: Intermediate

Looking for an easy way to feed a crowd when you have guests in town? Make up a batch of these French toast sticks, freeze them on a baking sheet and toss them in a pre-heated air-fryer basket when everyone wakes up. You can store them in an airtight container or freezer bag so you'll always have this crowd-pleaser on hand.This quick recipe makes it easy to prepare air-fryer French toast sticks. Have them handy in the freezer for a hearty breakfast in an instant. They're also wonderful for buffets and eating on the go. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Air-Fryer Chicken WingsTotal Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Whole chicken wings, baking soda, garlic powder, ground allspice, cayenne pepperLevel: Intermediate

The air fryer was made for chicken wings! The skin crisps up perfectly in the high heat, so there's no need to add a breading or batter coating to your wings. We recommend using fresh wings for this recipe, as frozen wings will take much longer to cook.You can't go wrong with these crispy air-fryer chicken wings. Our spice rub has a nice kick from the cayenne seasoning. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Air-Fryer Sweet Potato FriesTotal Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, garlic powder, paprikaLevel: Beginner

While it's certainly easy to cook a bag of frozen sweet potato fries in your air fryer, it's quite fun to make them from scratch.I can never get enough of these air-fryer sweet potato fries! Even though my grocery store sells them in the frozen foods section, I still love to pull sweet potatoes out of my garden and slice them up fresh! —Recipe contributor Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

Air-Fryer Mozzarella SticksTotal Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: String cheese, flour, eggs, bread crumbsLevel: Intermediate

These homemade mozz sticks are even better than the deep-fried version, elevating a piece of string cheese into a snack worthy of a football party. Plan ahead—you need time to freeze the sticks after you coat the string cheese with flour and bread crumbs.Deep-fried mozzarella sticks are one of our favorite appetizers. I figured out how to make them at home without having to haul out the deep fryer. Make sure to double-bread each one so these air-fryer mozzarella sticks get nice and crunchy, and to keep the cheese from oozing out as they get warm. —Recipe contributor Mary Merchant, Barre, Vermont

Air-Fryer Southern-Style ChickenTotal Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Egg, Ritz crackers, broiler/fryer chickenLevel: Intermediate

What's the secret to crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside fried chicken? It's all in the breading—and crushed Ritz crackers give this chicken an incredible texture. If you can't fit a whole chicken into your air fryer, split this air-fryer recipe into two batches to ensure each piece crisps up. You can hold the cooked chicken in a 200°F oven to keep it warm while the remaining pieces cook.I call this America’s best-loved air-fryer chicken recipe. The secret is in the herby, golden brown breading that makes the chicken super moist and flavorful. —Recipe contributor Elaina Morgan, Rickman, Tennessee

Air-Fryer PicklesTotal Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Dill pickle slices, dill pickle juice, panko bread crumbsLevel: Intermediate

The key to extra-crispy air-fried pickles is all in the preparation. Remove the pickle slices from the jar about 15 minutes before you're ready to cook, patting them dry and allowing the excess liquid to drain before cooking. Then, bread the pickles just before cooking them, and use a naturally crunchy breading like panko bread crumbs.Enjoy deep-fried pickles? You’ll love this version even more. Dill pickle slices are coated with panko bread crumbs and spices and then air-fried until crispy. Dip them in ranch dressing for an appetizer you won’t soon forget. —Recipe contributor Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

Air-Fryer Buffalo CauliflowerTotal Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Cauliflower, Buffalo sauceLevel: Beginner

General Tso is pretty famous for his chicken, but this plant-based recipe may have you thinking twice about whether the meat is necessary. The sauce contains a ton of ingredients, but it's definitely worth making. It tastes almost exactly like the restaurant version of this recipe!Low-carb cauliflower Buffalo bites cook up fast in the air fryer, making them an easy snack or side dish. I serve them with a flavorful dip made with cottage cheese that's packed with protein compared to most dips. My teenagers happily eat their veggies with this recipe. —Recipe contributor Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Air-Fryer Potato ChipsTotal Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Potatoes, olive oil cooking spray, sea saltLevel: Intermediate

After trying this recipe, you may never buy store-bought potato chips again! We recommend using a mandoline (one of our top air-fryer accessories) to cut very thin potato slices. Thick-cut potatoes won't crisp up correctly, so try to get them as thin as possible.For Christmas one year, I received an air fryer. Potato chips are simple to make in it and are an essential, crispy side for lunch. —Recipe contributor Melissa Obernesser, Oriskany, New York

Okra Roasted with Smoked PaprikaTotal Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Okra, olive oil, lemon juiceLevel: Beginner

Okra is typically deep-fried in oil, but the air fryer does an incredible job while using a fraction of the fat. Cook the okra for even longer if you want yours extra-crispy.When you want to cook okra without frying it, roast it with lemon juice for a lighter version. The smoked paprika gives it even more roasty oomph. —Recipe contributor Lee Evans, Queen Creek, Arizona

Air-Fryer Red PotatoesTotal Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Red potatoes, rosemary, garlicLevel: Beginner

Need more oven space? Roast red potatoes in your air fryer to free up your oven for a roast chicken or other main dish. Fragrant rosemary gives these taters a subtle flavor.Roasting is one of my favorite ways to prepare veggies. Some fragrant rosemary, fresh or dried, gives these air-fryer red potatoes a distinctive but subtle taste. The dish is simple to prepare yet elegant in color and flavor. It's a wonderful addition to any menu. —Recipe contributor Margie Wampler, Butler, Pennsylvania

Air-Fryer Roasted Green BeansTotal Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Green beans, mushrooms, red onion, Italian seasoningLevel: Intermediate

Roasted green beans are one of our favorite easy side dishesthat go with any meal. This recipe toasts the green beans with onions and mushrooms, but you can leave the extra vegetables out if you're cooking for picky eaters.Our family loves roasted green beans, but they can take a long time in the oven. I tried these air-fryer green beans, and we loved them! —Recipe contributor Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Air-Fryer Cumin CarrotsTotal Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Carrots, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, coconut oil or butterLevel: Intermediate

Roasting carrots deepens their flavor, turning them into tender bites with a rich and sweet flavor. Adding cumin to the mix enhances the carrot's naturally earthy flavor, creating a perfect side dish alongside bold meats. They also taste great when added to vegetarian quinoa or rice bowls.Air-fryer carrots make a super side—big on flavor and a breeze to cook. Plus, I can actually get my husband to eat these fragrant, deeply spiced veggies. —Recipe contributor Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida

Air-Fryer Garlic-Rosemary Brussels SproutsTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, panko bread crumbs, garlic, fresh rosemaryLevel: Intermediate

This is one of our favorite Brussels sprout sides. The halved sprouts crisp up perfectly in the air fryer, and the herbed bread crumbs add the perfect texture. The cooking time varies depending on your air fryer brand, so check them every four minutes or so to see if they've softened and started to caramelize on the edges.This air-fryer Brussels sprouts recipe is my go-to Thanksgiving side dish. It's healthy and easy, and it doesn't take very much time or effort to make. I usually use rosemary for my turkey, so this lets me use up some of the leftover herbs! —Recipe contributor Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Air-Fryer BroccoliTotal Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Broccoli florets, olive oil, lemon juiceLevel: Beginner

You can steam broccoli on the stove, roast it in the oven…and now bake it in an air fryer! Don't skip the squeeze of fresh lemon juice.I think broccoli was made to be cooked in an air fryer. It gets tender and still has a nice crunch. And it only gets better with a touch of lemon! —Recipe contributor Liz Bellville, Tonasket, Washington

Air-Fryer Garlic BreadTotal Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Ciabatta or French bread, butter, Parmesan, garlicLevel: Beginner

Look to the air fryer for a quick and easy side for soup, salad or pasta. You can use any sturdy, crusty bread for this recipe, like ciabatta, baguette or sourdough. Feel free to coat the bread with the topping in advance and store it in the freezer until you're ready to cook.By the way, if you want to maximize your air fryer's cooking space, these stackable racks are just what you need.This air-fryer garlic bread turns out perfectly toasted in a hurry. I use fresh garlic, but substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if you don't have any fresh on hand. —Recipe contributor Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin

Air-Fryer MeatballsTotal Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Quick-cooking oats, Ritz crackers, evaporated milk, ground beef, orange marmalade, soy sauce, Louisiana-style hot sauceLevel: Intermediate

These meatballs are fantastic, but the real star of the show is the sweet-and-spicy sauce. The combination of orange marmalade, honey and brown sugar brings the sweetness, while hot sauce, Worcestershire and soy sauce provide an umami-rich heat. Serve these meatballs over rice or mashed potatoes, or serve them on a toothpick as an appetizer.I am always searching for meatballs that pack a sweet and savory punch. These air-fryer meatballs are a snap to pull together and can be served over rice or buttered noodles. —Recipe contributor Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska

Air-Fryer AsparagusTotal Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Asparagus, lemon zest, Parmesan cheeseLevel: Beginner

It's impossible to have too many asparagus recipes, especially in the spring when this vegetable is abundant. It might seem odd to coat the asparagus with mayonnaise before it cooks, but trust us; the mayonnaise combines with the olive oil to create a smooth marinade, and it helps the asparagus caramelize to perfection.This air-fryer asparagus recipe is flavorful, thanks to the lemon-garlic dressing that the spears are tossed in before roasting. It's a simple, quick side that goes with almost anything. —Recipe contributor Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Air-Fryer Coconut ShrimpTotal Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Uncooked shrimp, sweetened shredded coconut, panko bread crumbsLevel: Intermediate

A restaurant-style coconut shrimp recipe that tastes just as good when you make it at home? Sign us up! Look for large shrimp or packages labeled anywhere from 26 to 35 shrimp per pound. These shrimp will stay juicy and moist on the inside in the time it takes to crisp up the coconut coating.Coconut flakes and panko crumbs give my spicy air-fryer coconut shrimp recipe its crunch. It’s perfect for an appetizer or for your main meal. —Recipe contributor Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas

Air-Fryer Chocolate Chip Oatmeal CookiesTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Quick-cooking oats, semisweet chocolate chips, instant vanilla pudding mix, chopped nutsLevel: Intermediate

These tablespoon-sized cookies bake to chewy perfection in less than 10 minutes in the air fryer. Make sure to flatten the cookies with the bottom of a glass or bowl before adding them to the basket, as they won't cook through properly if they're too thick.I am crazy about chocolate chips, and this chewy cookie has enough to satisfy me. My husband and kids love these cookies. This big batch is perfect for our family. —Recipe contributor Diane Neth, Menno, South Dakota

Air-Fryer Chicken LegsTotal Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken drumsticks, honey, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, spicy brown mustardLevel: Intermediate

The barbecue sauce that coats these crispy chicken legs may become your new favorite. It has the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, salty and spicy that will keep you going back bite after bite. Create a feast by serving this air fryer chicken recipe with your favorite barbecue sides, like coleslaw or baked beans.With this air-fryer grill pan, you can turn your favorite kitchen appliance into an indoor barbecue, too.For years, I tried to find the perfect bottled barbecue sauce for chicken legs. After a few years, I threw in the towel and created my own using ketchup, honey and spicy brown mustard. It works perfectly with this air-fryer chicken legs recipe. —Recipe contributor Kathleen Criddle, Lake Worth, Florida

Air-Fryer Fish and FriesTotal Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Potatoes, crushed cornflakes, grated Parmesan cheese, haddock or cod filletsLevel: Advanced

We love fish and chips, and it's all the better when cooking them doesn't make a mess in the kitchen! If you're holding the fries in the oven while you cook the fish, keep them from getting soggy by placing an oven-safe rack inside a baking sheet to promote airflow. Store-bought tartar sauce works just fine here, but it's also really easy to make a classic tartar sauce.Looking for easy air-fryer recipes? Try this simple air-fryer fish and chips. The fish fillets have a fuss-free coating that's healthy but just as crunchy and golden as the deep-fried kind. Simply seasoned, the crispy fries are perfect on the side. —Recipe contributor Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado

Air-Fryer French FriesTotal Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Potatoes, coconut or avocado oil, garlic powderLevel: Intermediate

You could certainly pick up a bag of frozen french fries and toss them in the air fryer, but this from-scratch recipe is easier than you'd think. Just be sure to soak the cut potatoes in ice water for 15 minutes before cooking. The water keeps the potatoes from oxidizing and turning brown, and it also pulls out some of the excess starches to help them crisp up as they cook.This low-calorie, air-fryer french fries recipe is perfect because I can whip it up at a moment's notice with ingredients I have on hand. The fries are so crispy you won't miss the deep fryer! —Recipe contributor Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia

Air-Fryer Spicy Ginger Beef SkewersTotal Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Beef flank steak, fresh gingerroot, garlic, sesame oil, SrirachaLevel: Advanced

Did you know that you can make kabobs in the air fryer? They turn out so well! Before you start, measure your air-fryer basket to make sure the skewers will fit. Wooden skewers are great here because you can cut them down to size if they're too big. Just be sure to soak them before cooking so they don't burn.My family loves the flavors of these zippy kabobs. I usually grill them outside, but if it's cold or rainy, I love cooking them in my air fryer. —Recipe contributor Jasey McBurnett, Rock Springs, Wyoming

Air-Fryer Pork ChopsTotal Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Boneless pork loin chops, almond flour, Parmesan cheeseLevel: Intermediate

Pork chops can dry out and become chewy when they're not cooked properly. Luckily, the bread crumb topping on this air-fryer recipe seals in moisture, protecting against tough chops. To ensure you don't overcook them, use an instant-read meat thermometer.These air-fryer pork chops get their rich flavor from Creole seasoning and Parmesan cheese. —Recipe contributor Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia

Air-Fryer SteakTotal Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Steak, garlic, butterLevel: Beginner

This recipe turns out just as good as the steak at a restaurant, and it’s fantastic served with a dollop of garlic butter. When shopping to make this dish, look for flat-iron steak or boneless top sirloin.This quick and easy air-fryer steak recipe is restaurant quality. It's about to become a staple at your house! —Recipe contributor Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

Chili-Lime Roasted ChickpeasTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Chickpeas, olive oil, cumin, lime zestLevel: Beginner

Chickpea fritters make a fabulous appetizer for mixed company because they're naturally vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free (except the yogurt dipping sauce, of course). To turn them into a main dish, wrap them up in a pita with hummus and chopped tomatoes, or use them instead of falafel in a Mediterranean Cobb salad.Looking for a lighter snack that's still a crowd pleaser? You've found it! These zesty, crunchy chickpeas will have everyone happily munching. —Recipe contributor Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina

Air-Fryer Fish TacosTotal Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Tilapia fillets, corn tortillas, panko bread crumbsLevel: Intermediate

Baja-style tacos feature breaded, fried fish served in a tortilla with a creamy white sauce. This recipe has all of those components, but the air fryer reduces excess oil while producing the same crispy result. Tilapia is an inexpensive choice for these tacos, but you can use any white fish, like cod or rockfish.These crispy air-fryer fish tacos are good enough to challenge the best food truck. I love that the fish is deliciously guilt-free because it’s air-fried instead of deep-fried. —Recipe contributor Lena Lim, Seattle, Washington

Air-Fryer Peanut Butter CookiesTotal Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Egg, sugar, creamy peanut butterLevel: Beginner

This air-fryer dessert recipe only requires three ingredients. Seriously! You can jazz up the cookies with melted chocolate, chopped toffee or candy like M&M's, but they taste great with pure peanut flavor, too. To make them look fancier, use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on the top before baking.An iconic American cookie, this version is so easy to mix up and bakes even faster in the air fryer. With these air-fryer peanut butter cookies, cravings can now be satisfied in mere minutes. —Recipe contributor Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Air-Fryer TaquitosTotal Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, corn tortillas, taco seasoningLevel: Intermediate

Taquitos are deep-fried or baked tortillas that have been rolled around fillings like meat or cheese. They're similar to flautas, but taquitos are usually made with corn tortillas (whereas flautas are made with flour tortillas). You can use store-bought tortillas, but if you have time, make corn tortillasfrom scratch.I love these any-occasion air-fryer taquitos. Spice them up by adding sliced jalapenos if desired. —Recipe contributor Mark Webber, Valdez, Alaska

Air-Fryer Breaded ShrimpTotal Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Panko breadcrumbs, uncooked shrimp, all-purpose flour, 2% milk, eggLevel: Intermediate

Air-fried coconut shrimp is one of our most popular recipes, but not everyone loves that coconut flavor. This "fried" shrimp recipe uses savory seasonings instead, spicing the bread crumbs with seafood seasoning and dill weed. If you're watching your salt intake, make your own salt-free seafood seasoning.These quick air-fryer shrimp are so good you won't even miss the fat! Eat them alone with co*cktail sauce or put them on a salad or sandwich. —Recipe contributor Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Air-Fryer Nashville Hot ChickenTotal Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken tenderloins, dill pickle juice, hot pepper sauceLevel: Intermediate

The beauty of making Nashville hot chicken in an air fryer is that you can customize the heat level. Sensitive palates may find this dish too spicy to be palatable at a restaurant, but at home, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper to tone it down.I live in Tennessee and absolutely love our state's famous Nashville hot chicken. To make cooking it easier, I thought I’d try air-frying. I’m so glad I did—this Nashville hot chicken recipe is almost better than the original. —Recipe contributor April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee

Best-Ever Grilled Cheese SandwichesTotal Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Sourdough bread, Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, baconLevel: Beginner

Most people make grilled cheese sandwiches on the stovetop, but we've found the air fryer works just as well. After building the sandwich, slather a thin layer of butter on the outside of each piece of bread, and the air fryer will transform it into golden-brown deliciousness. If the fan blows off the top piece of bread, secure it with a toothpick.You can also use your imagination to make other grilled cheese sandwich ideas, such as chives, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning, and even a spoonful of salsa. —Recipe contributor Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah

Air-Fryer Bourbon Bacon Cinnamon RollsTotal Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Cinnamon rolls with icing, bacon, bourbonLevel: Intermediate

Elevate the humble cinnamon roll with this air-fryer recipe. The bacon is soaked overnight in bourbon, infusing it with rich notes of caramel and vanilla. Combine those flavors with maple syrup, pecans and ginger, and you have a cinnamon roll that's fit for a king.This recipe is the perfect combination of savory and sweet. The bourbon-soaked bacon adds a smoky, savory, bold taste to the cinnamon rolls. The ginger and pecan topping makes for a crunchy, spicy finish. —Recipe contributor Shannen Casey, Citrus Heights, California

Air-Fryer EmpanadasTotal Time: 1 hour 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Fresh goat cheese, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, pie crustLevel: Intermediate

These make-ahead empanadas will be the first thing off the table at your next party. With sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese, they're creamy with just the right amount of bite.I entertain a lot, so I appreciate make-ahead recipes. These air-fryer empanadas are easy and delicious. I recommend making a few extra batches—they go fast! —Recipe contributor Lynn Scully, Rancho Santa Fe, California

Air-Fryer Avocado FriesTotal Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Avocados, egg, cornmeal, garlic powder, ground chipotle pepperLevel: Intermediate

When you have too many avocados that aren’t quite ripe yet, forget the guacamole. Slice them up and coat them in cornmeal to make crispy avocado fries! Great alone with a dipping sauce or even on tacos, it’s a unique and healthy snack.Avocados just got even more exciting! These juicy, flavorful, easy and healthy air-fryer avocado fries are for those who are huge fans of avocado. They even go well on tacos! —Recipe contributor Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Air-Fryer Cinnamon Breakfast BitesTotal Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: All-purpose flour, Rice Krispies, milk, cinnamon, butterLevel: Intermediate

Let the kids help with this easy almost-doughnut recipe. Flour, crushed crispy rice cereal, milk and a few other ingredients create the easy-to-roll dough. Drop the balls in butter, then cinnamon sugar, pop them in the air fryer, and everyone has a quick sweet treat that puts endless smiles on their faces.These scrumptious breakfast treats are so quick and easy to make, and the air fryer gives this a crispy, sugary coating that's hard to resist. —Recipe contributor Ruth Hastings, Louisville, Illinois

Air-Fryer Bacon Egg CupsTotal Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Bacon strips, eggs, shredded cheddar cheeseLevel: Intermediate

You’ll need to make some air-fryer baconbefore assembling these individual egg cups, but otherwise, they make breakfast a breeze. Use these for meal prep for the week ahead, too! Just make sure the ramekin is air fryer-safe for cooking and reheating.These adorable bacon egg cups are a fresh take on the classic breakfast combo. I originally baked these, but they're amazing in the air fryer—no need to heat up the oven! —Recipe contributor Carol Forcum, Marion, Illinois

Air-Fryer PlantainsTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Green plantains, garlic salt, onion powder, garlic powderLevel: Intermediate

Tostones, or fried plantains, are a staple in places like Puerto Rico and Cuba, and making them in the air fryer lightens up the usually deep-fried snack. Both yellow and black plantains, which are green plantains that have ripened a bit more, can be used in this recipe. But for the best results, look for plantains with some patches of both yellow and black.Having grown up in Puerto Rico, I've had so much amazing Caribbean food, but tostones have always been a favorite of mine. Traditionally they are deep-fried, but this version of air-fryer plantains gives me the same fabulous taste without some of the calories. —Recipe contributor Leah Martin, Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania

Air-Fryer Pork TenderloinTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Pork tenderloin, spicy brown mustard, garlic powder, onion powderLevel: Intermediate

This pork tenderloin is faster to make in the air fryer than in the oven. Try it for a nice Sunday dinner with roasted veggies and risotto.I originally developed this air-fryer pork tenderloin recipe to cook on the stove and finish in the oven, but you can make it even quicker in an air fryer—and it's just as tasty. —Recipe contributor Lynn Faria, Southington, Connecticut

Air-Fryer Eggplant FriesTotal Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Eggplant, eggs, Parmesan cheeseLevel: Intermediate

Swap french fries for a new kind of fry using eggplant. They have a wonderful texture and are much healthier. This guilt-free side will become a new family favorite.My kids love these air-fryer fries, and I like that they're healthy. Coated with Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese and garlic salt, these eggplant fries are delicious and guilt-free. —Recipe contributor Mary Murphy, Atwater, CaliforniaAir-Fryer Recipes FAQCan you make breakfast in an air fryer?Yes! Create an entire morning spread withair-fryer breakfast recipes, from Danishes to quiche. For a grab-and-go breakfast, people swear by using the air fryer to make hard-boiled eggs.How can you convert recipes for an air fryer?To convert an oven-cooked recipe to an air-fryer one, reduce the temperature by 25°F and cut the cook time by about 20%. For more tips and tricks, bookmark this guide to air-fryer cooking times.How do you clean an air fryer?To clean an air fryer, first remove all of the removable pieces, like the basket and tray. Suds them up with dish soap and water—or pop the pieces in the dishwasher. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe down the rest of the unit and the control panel. Thoroughly dry everything before you reassemble the air fryer.