Air fryers are a very popular appliance in many kitchens in the UK simply because of their ability to cook food quickly and with little to no oil. They are also great for creating crispy and delicious dishes that are often difficult or time consuming to achieve with traditional cooking methods. In this article, we have compiled a list of 15 affordable air fryer recipes that are not only tasty but also budget-friendly. These recipes use simple and easy-to-find ingredients, making them perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to whip up a quick and healthy meal that tastes delicious.

Air Fryer Fried Rice

This easy and flavorful fried rice recipe is a great way to use up leftover rice and veggies so they do not go to waste. It only takes about 20 minutes to cook in the air fryer and is a healthy alternative to takeout but still tastes just as delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup frozen mixed veggies
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. Beat the eggs in a small bowl and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked rice, frozen veggies, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
4. Place half of the rice mixture in the air fryer basket.
5. Pour the beaten eggs over the rice mixture.
6. Top with the remaining rice mixture.
7. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the eggs are fully cooked and the rice is heated through.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

• Serving size: 1 cup
• Calories: 300
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 10g

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

These crispy and flavorful chicken wings are a game-day favorite and a dish both adults and kids love to eat. They are easy to make in the air fryer and only require a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and sprinkle the seasoning mixture over them, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are cooked through and crispy.
6. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

• Serving size: 4 wings
• Calories: 280
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 28g

Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi

This quick and easy shrimp scampi recipe is perfect for a fancy dinner at home without costing you a fortune. It only takes about 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer and is sure to impress your guests with its crispy taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, butter, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
3. Place the shrimp in a large bowl and add the garlic mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Place the coated shrimp in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Serve over pasta or rice and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

• Serving size: 1 cup
• Calories: 250
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 20g

Air Fryer BBQ Pork Chops

These tender and juicy pork chops are coated in a homemade BBQ sauce and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. They make a great weeknight dinner and will be one your family is shouting for you to make again and again.

Ingredients:

• 4 pork chops
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
3. Place the pork chops in a large bowl and coat evenly with the BBQ sauce mixture.
4. Place the coated pork chops in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 20-25 minutes, until the pork chops are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

• Serving size: 1 pork chop
• Calories: 400
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 40g

Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables

These roasted vegetables are a healthy and delicious side dish or a main dish if you are not too hungry, that can be made in the air fryer in just minutes. They are a great way to get your daily serving of vegetables and can be customized with your favorite veggies.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, bell peppers, onions, and carrots)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the vegetables in a large bowl and add the oil mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Place the coated vegetables in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

• Serving size: 1 cup
• Calories: 100
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 2g

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

These crispy and gooey mozzarella sticks are a classic snack that everyone loves and can easily be made in the air fryer. Kids tend to love these so you cannot go wrong.

Ingredients:

• 8 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 eggs, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Dip the mozzarella cheese sticks in the beaten eggs, then coat with the bread crumb mixture.
4. Place the coated cheese sticks in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the breading is crispy.
6. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

• Serving size: 2 mozzarella sticks
• Calories: 200
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 10g

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These crispy and juicy chicken tenders are a healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken. They are easy to make in the air fryer and only require a few simple ingredients but are always a win if served with some delicious sides.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
3. Dip the chicken tenders in the beaten eggs, then coat with the bread crumb mixture.
4. Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

• Serving size: 4 chicken tenders
• Calories: 280
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 28g

Air Fryer Donuts

These soft and fluffy donuts are a sweet treat that can be made in the air fryer. They are a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts which are not only full of sugar but fat oil too!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Add the melted butter and stir until well combined.
6. Place the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness.
8. Use a donut cutter or a biscuit cutter to cut out the donuts.
9. Place the donuts in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd.
10. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until the donuts are golden brown.
11. While the donuts are still warm, coat them in powdered sugar.
12. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

• Serving size: 1 donut
• Calories: 150
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 2g

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

This classic Italian dish is made easy in the air fryer and is a much healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken parmesan. It only takes about 20 minutes to cook so its a quick delicious dish you can make in no time.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
3. Dip the chicken breasts in the beaten eggs, then coat with the bread crumb mixture.
4. Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Top the cooked chicken breasts with the marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.
7. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve with your favorite pasta and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

• Serving size: 1 chicken breast
• Calories: 400
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 45g

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

This spicy and flavorful cauliflower dish is a healthy and vegan alternative to traditional buffalo wings or even just a change to meat wing. It only takes about 20 minutes to cook in the air fryer so what are you waiting for!

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
3. Place the cauliflower florets in a large bowl and add the olive oil, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Coat the cauliflower florets in the bread crumb mixture.
5. Place the coated cauliflower in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender and the breading is crispy.
7. Toss the cooked cauliflower with the buffalo sauce.
8. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is heated through.
9. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

• Serving size: 1 cup
• Calories: 150
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 4g

Air Fryer Tofu

This crispy and flavorful tofu is a great vegan protein option that can be made in the air fryer in just minutes. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes or enjoyed on its own, some people like these with salad or rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu, drained and pressed
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. Cut the tofu into 1/2 inch slices.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder and onion powder.
4. Place the tofu slices in a large bowl and sprinkle the seasoning mixture over them, tossing to coat evenly.
5. Place the seasoned tofu slices in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tofu is crispy and golden brown.
7. Serve with your favorite sauce and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

• Serving size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 100
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 8g

Air Fryer French Fries

You cannot beat a good old French Fry! These crispy and salty french fries are a classic side dish that can easily be made in the air fryer. Both quicker and alot healthier to make then traditional fried fries.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium russet potatoes, cut into 1/4 inch slices
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
3. Place the potato slices in a large bowl and add the oil mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Place the coated potato slices in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are crispy and golden brown.
6. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

• Serving size: 1 cup
• Calories: 150
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 2g

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

These flavorful and hearty chicken fajitas are a great weeknight dinner option that can be made in the air fryer in just minutes. We personally make this twice a week as they can be blended with many toppings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 8 flour tortillas

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place the chicken strips, bell peppers, and onion in a large bowl and add the oil mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Place the coated chicken and vegetables in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Serve the cooked chicken and vegetables in flour tortillas with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

• Serving size: 1 fajita (1 tortilla with 1/2 cup filling)
• Calories: 300
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 20g

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

These delicious light fish tacos are a great summertime meal (But also enjoyed all year round) that can be made in the air fryer in just a few minutes. They are a healthier and more nutricious alternative to traditional fried fish tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cod fillets
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cup diced tomato
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup diced avocado
• 1/2 cup diced mango
• 1/2 cup diced jicama
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced cilantro
• 1/2 cup diced radish
• 1/2 cup diced green onion
• 1/2 cup diced jalapeno
• 1/2 cup diced kiwi
• 1/2 cup diced pineapple
• 1/2 cup diced papaya
• 1/2 cup diced mango
• 1/2 cup diced watermelon
• 1/2 cup diced cantaloupe
• 1/2 cup diced strawberry
• 1/2 cup diced raspberry
• 1/2 cup diced blackberry
• 1/2 cup diced blueberry
• 1/2 cup diced cranberry
• 1/2 cup diced raspberry
• 1/2 cup diced cherry

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
3. Dip the cod fillets in the beaten eggs, then coat with the bread crumb mixture.
4. Place the coated cod fillets in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6. Serve the cooked fish in corn tortillas with the shredded cabbage and your choice of diced vegetables and fruit.
7. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

• Serving size: 2 tacos (1/2 cup filling per taco)
• Calories: 400
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 20g

Air Fryer Apple Chips

These crunchy and sweet apple chips are a healthy snack option that can be made in the air fryer in no time at all. They go down as a great sweet treat and healthier alternative to sweets or chocolates.

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice and cinnamon.
3. Place the apple slices in a large bowl and add the lemon juice mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Place the coated apple slices in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the apples are crispy
6. Serve the apple chips as a snack on their own or with your favorite dip.
7. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

• Serving size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 50
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 1g

Conclusion:

The air fryer is a very versatile and convenient appliance to have in the home, it can be used to make a variety of delicious and healthy meals and snacks. These 15 affordable and tasty recipes are just a few examples of the endless possibilities that the air fryer has to offer. Give them a try and see for yourself just how easy, delicious and time saving air frying can be!