What to Cook in an Air Fryer: 7 Simple Recipes for Every Day

In 2025, the air fryer finally transcended the realm of a "trendy gadget" and became a basic appliance in the kitchen. It is chosen by those who monitor their figure and health, count calories, do not want to cook with oil, but at the same time do not want to sacrifice the taste and texture of food.

The air fryer cooks using hot air: the food turns out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and without excess fat. Plus, it requires minimal time, a straightforward process, and almost zero dirty dishes.

Below are 7 recipes for the air fryer that are suitable for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. All have simple ingredients and a clear cooking algorithm.

Chicken Fillet in Yogurt Marinade

Suitable for: lunch, dinner, meal prep

Calories: ~210 kcal, protein: 34 g, fat: 4 g, carbohydrates: 6 g

Ingredients:

chicken fillet – 2 pcs.

natural yogurt – 150 g

garlic – 1 clove

paprika – 1 tsp.

salt, black pepper – to taste

How to Cook:

1. Cut the fillet into large pieces.

2. Mix yogurt, spices, and finely grated garlic.

3. Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes.

4. Place in the air fryer basket.

5. Cook at 180 °C for 15–17 minutes, flipping once.

Salmon with Lemon and Herbs

Suitable for: dinner, light protein meal

Calories: ~260 kcal, protein: 25 g, fat: 18 g, carbohydrates: 0 g

Ingredients:

salmon fillet – 2 pieces

lemon – ½

dried dill or thyme

salt – to taste

How to Cook:

1. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel.

2. Season with salt, sprinkle with herbs, and drizzle with lemon juice.

3. Place in the air fryer skin-side down.

4. Cook at 180 °C for 10–12 minutes.

Crispy Chickpeas with Spices

Suitable for: snacks, salads, bowls

Calories: ~180 kcal, protein: 8 g, fat: 3 g, carbohydrates: 30 g

Ingredients:

canned chickpeas – 1 can

paprika – 1 tsp.

turmeric – ½ tsp.

salt – to taste

How to Cook:

1. Rinse the chickpeas and dry them well.

2. Mix with spices.

3. Place in the air fryer basket.

4. Cook at 190 °C for 12–15 minutes, shaking occasionally.

Grilled Vegetables without Oil

Suitable for: side dish, dinner

Calories: ~90 kcal, protein: 3 g, fat: 1 g, carbohydrates: 18 g

Ingredients:

zucchini

bell pepper

eggplant

salt, dried Italian herbs

How to Cook:

1. Cut the vegetables into large pieces.

2. Season with salt and add herbs.

3. Place in the air fryer in a single layer.

4. Cook at 190 °C for 12–15 minutes.

Turkey Cutlets without Frying

Suitable for: diet menu, family

Calories: ~230 kcal, protein: 28 g, fat: 8 g, carbohydrates: 6 g

Ingredients:

ground turkey – 400 g

egg – 1 pc.

oat flakes – 2 tbsp.

salt, pepper – to taste

How to Cook:

1. Mix all ingredients.

2. Form small cutlets.

3. Place in the air fryer.

4. Cook at 180 °C for 14–16 minutes.

Sweet Potato (Batata) Wedges

Suitable for: healthy side dish

Calories: ~160 kcal, protein: 3 g, fat: 0.5 g, carbohydrates: 36 g

Ingredients:

batata – 2 pcs.

paprika – 1 tsp.

salt – to taste

How to Cook:

1. Cut the batata into wedges.

2. Add spices.

3. Place in the air fryer.

4. Cook at 200 °C for 15–18 minutes.

Apples with Cinnamon for Dessert

Suitable for: healthy dessert

Calories: ~95 kcal, protein: 0.5 g, fat: 0 g, carbohydrates: 25 g

Ingredients:

apples – 2 pcs.

cinnamon – ½ tsp.

How to Cook:

1. Cut the apples into wedges.

2. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

3. Place in the air fryer.

4. Cook at 180 °C for 8–10 minutes.