If you thought your air fryer was just for fries and chicken nuggets, you’re in for a surprise. This little kitchen gadget can handle way more than you’d expect, and we’ve got some unusual but totally awesome recipes to prove it. From crispy gnocchi to fried ice cream, these air fryer creations will have you rethinking what’s possible. They’re quick, they’re easy, and they definitely deliver on flavor.
Air Fryer Gnocchi
Air fryer cauliflower gnocchi is a quick way to get that crispy texture without any hassle. Perfect for a snack or light meal that’s ready in no time. It’s one of those unusual things to throw in the air fryer that totally works, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Gnocchi
Air Fryer Apple Crisp
Apple crisp in the air fryer? Yes, it works! This fall favorite comes together fast, with tender apples and a buttery crumble that’s perfect for dessert. No need to babysit the oven, just let the air fryer do its thing.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Crisp
Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas
Craving something sweet in a hurry? These air fryer caramelized bananas are ready in minutes. Quick, easy, and a great little treat when you need something different from the usual desserts.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas
Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Air fryer Cornish hens bring all the comfort of a traditional roast without the wait. Crispy skin, juicy meat, and you’re done in no time. It’s a great choice when you want something that feels fancy but is actually super simple.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Parmesan Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash in the air fryer makes dinner a breeze. It’s tender, with just the right amount of crisp, and pairs perfectly with simple seasonings like parmesan. A great base for any meal that needs something quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks
Making fish sticks in the air fryer? Definitely a win. These crispy fish sticks come together with just a few ingredients, and they’re perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Less mess, more crunch—what’s not to love?
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks
Air Fryer Avocado Fries
Avocado fries in the air fryer might sound unusual, but they totally work. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and seasoned with everything bagel seasoning—perfect for snacking or as a side dish that’ll have you rethinking regular fries.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Avocado Fries
Air Fryer Lava Cake Recipe – 4 Ways!
Lava cakes in the air fryer bring that rich, gooey center without any of the oven hassle. With four different ways to make them, you’ve got plenty of options for a dessert that’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to hit the spot. Perfect when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to wait.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lava Cake Recipe – 4 Ways!
Fried Ice Cream Air Fryer
Fried ice cream in the air fryer is a fun dessert that works way better than it sounds. A crunchy cinnamon coating on the outside and a melty, creamy inside makes this the kind of dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
Get the Recipe: Fried Ice Cream Air Fryer
Air Fryer Cannoli
Air fryer cannoli are the perfect quick fix when you’re craving a sweet treat. Using pre-made pie crusts for the shells makes this dessert easier than ever, and they’re just as crunchy and satisfying as the traditional version. A clever air fryer hack that’s great for dessert or snacking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cannoli
Air Fryer Cheesecake
Air fryer cheesecake might sound unusual, but it’s one of those things that works way better than expected. Creamy, rich, and easy to whip up—this is a dessert you’ll keep coming back to. Perfect for when you need something sweet without the oven hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheesecake
Creamy Air Fryer Potato Salad
Roasted potatoes take this classic potato salad to the next level, and the air fryer makes it a breeze. Great for summer barbecues or just a quick side dish that’ll make you wonder why you ever boiled potatoes in the first place.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Air Fryer Potato Salad
Air Fryer Taquitos
Air fryer taquitos are perfect for when you need a quick snack or dinner. Straight from frozen to crispy in under 10 minutes, they’re easy, tasty, and hit the spot every time. Perfect for busy nights or when you’re just craving something crunchy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Taquitos
Air Fryer Giant Cinnamon Roll
This giant cinnamon roll is an air fryer game-changer. Just one ingredient and you’ve got a weekend breakfast that’s fun, easy, and perfect for sharing. Less mess than traditional cinnamon rolls but just as delicious.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Air Fryer Giant Cinnamon Roll From Can
Air Fryer Doughnuts
Air fryer doughnuts give you all the fun of doughnuts without the deep frying. Soft inside, crisp outside, and a lot less oil. Perfect for when you want that doughnut fix but don’t want the mess of frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Doughnuts
Italian Doughnuts
This classic Zeppole recipe, also known as Italian bite-sized doughnuts, is a simple fried (or air-fried) dessert or special morning treat that we usually make every year around Christmas and New Year or to celebrate special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Italian Doughnuts
Air Fryer Candied Pecans
You’re going to love my Air Fryer Candied Pecans – a classic southern dessert made easily in your air fryer!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Candied Pecans
Easy Southern Dressing (Stuffing) in the Air Fryer
My Southern-style air fryer dressing, or stuffing if you prefer to call it that, is a game changer. When the turkey or all the other holiday side dishes are occupying the oven, the air fryer comes to the rescue for this must-have side.
Get the Recipe: Easy Southern Dressing (Stuffing) in the Air Fryer
Bread Bowl Baked Brie with Fig Preserves
This air fryer baked brie in a bread bowl is the perfect appetizer recipe for the holiday season. Not only is it a crowd-pleasing dish the whole family will love, but it also frees up precious oven space when you’re trying to get the rest of the holiday meal prepared.
Get the Recipe: Bread Bowl Baked Brie with Fig Preserves
Copycat Starbucks Cream Cheese Danish
This Copycat Starbucks Cream Cheese Danish is so good you won’t be able to stop eating it. It has a sweet, flaky crust filled with the perfect amount of cream cheese filling.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Cream Cheese Danish
Mini Naan Pizzas in the Air Fryer
Mini Naan makes a surprisingly great pizza crust that can be leveraged to quickly put a satisfying, semi-homemade meal together. These Mini Naan Pizzas are air-fried, resulting in flatbread-style pizzas that you’re sure to love. Once assembled, an 8-9 minute air fry is all you need for perfectly cooked mini naan pizzas.
Get the Recipe: Mini Naan Pizzas in the Air Fryer
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
