When it comes to feeding kids, I’ve learned that keeping things quick, easy, and a little fun can be a total game-changer. That’s where EASY AIR-FRYER RECIPES come in! My air-fryer has completely transformed the way I cook — it’s healthier, convenient, and turns simple meals into something everyone loves. From crispy snacks and appetizers to hearty main courses and even sweet desserts, this little fryer does it all. It’s so versatile that I can make breakfast, dinner, or even a midday bite with minimal effort. Whether I’m baking brownies, frying chicken tenders, or searing mouthwatering steaks, the results always taste restaurant-quality right from my own kitchen.
Why I Love the Air Fryer!
After using my air fryer for years, I love it. For a busy family, it’s made meal prep so much easier and quicker — especially when I’m juggling snacks and meals for kids. Even though there are many brand names and expensive air fryers on the market, my Uten 6.5 Litre Air Fryer has been perfect for big family meals and even fits a whole chicken. I often browse the internet for simple, kid-friendly recipes that don’t just cater to adult tastes, and I always find new favorites to try. The best part? Air frying helps me serve meals that feel indulgent without the guilt — a true game changer in every sense.
24 Easy Air-Fryer Recipes
Parenting and mealtimes can be an adventure, especially when little tummies turn up their noses at veggies or anything “too healthy.” The air fryer has completely changed the game for my family. It’s faster, healthier, and even my pickiest eater gets excited when they hear that magical hum. Here are some of our favorite easy air-fryer recipes that are quick, nutritious, and absolutely delicious — perfect for kids and busy parents alike!
1. Creamy Hidden Veggie Pasta Magic
A creamy pasta that sneaks in extra veggies without anyone noticing.
Ingredients: Pasta, carrots, zucchini, cauliflower, milk, cheese, garlic
Recipe:
- Boil pasta and set aside.
- Steam carrots, zucchini, and cauliflower until soft.
- Blend the veggies with milk, cheese, and garlic to make a smooth sauce.
- Mix with pasta, sprinkle cheese, and air fry for 5 minutes until lightly crisped.
2. Cheesy Pizza Toasties Melt
A quick after-school favorite that tastes just like pizza!
Ingredients: Bread, pizza sauce, cheese, pepperoni, oregano
Recipe:
- Spread pizza sauce on slices of bread.
- Add cheese, pepperoni, and a pinch of oregano.
- Air fry for 5 minutes at 180°C until golden brown.
3. Chicken & Cheese Swirl Pinwheels
Soft, cheesy, and perfect for lunchboxes.
Ingredients: Puff pastry, cooked chicken, shredded cheese, egg wash
Recipe:
- Spread chicken and cheese over the pastry.
- Roll it up and cut into small pinwheels.
- Brush with egg wash.
- Air fry for 10 minutes at 200°C until flaky and golden.
4. Sausage and Cheese Bites of Joy
Savory bites that vanish as soon as they hit the table!
Ingredients: Sausage meat, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg
Recipe:
- Mix sausage meat, grated cheese, and breadcrumbs.
- Shape into small balls and dip in beaten egg.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes at 190°C until crisp and browned.
5. Golden Chicken Nuggets Makeover
A healthier twist on every kid’s favorite.
Ingredients: Chicken breast, panko, paprika, garlic powder, egg
Recipe:
- Cut the chicken into small pieces.
- Coat in beaten egg, then breadcrumbs mixed with paprika and garlic powder.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes at 200°C until golden and cooked through.
6. Ten-Minute Air-Fried Pizza Fix
A busy parent’s dream dinner.
Ingredients: Pizza dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella, toppings of choice
Recipe:
- Spread tomato sauce on rolled-out dough.
- Add toppings and cheese.
- Air fry for 7–8 minutes at 190°C until bubbly and crisp.
7. Omelette Toast Crunch-Up
A fun, protein-packed breakfast that keeps kids full.
Ingredients: Eggs, milk, bread, veggies, cheese
Recipe:
- Whisk eggs, milk, and chopped veggies.
- Pour over bread in a small dish.
- Sprinkle cheese and air fry for 6–7 minutes at 180°C.
8. Fish Finger Sandwich Crunchwich
A comfort meal that’s always a winner.
Ingredients: Fish fingers, bread, butter, lettuce, mayo
Recipe:
- Air fry fish fingers for 8 minutes at 200°C.
- Spread butter and mayo on bread.
- Add lettuce and fish fingers; serve warm.
9. Morning Sausage & Cheese Soldiers
Perfect for dipping into eggs!
Ingredients: Breadsticks, sausage, cheese, egg
Recipe:
- Wrap sausage and cheese strips around breadsticks.
- Air fry for 7 minutes at 190°C.
- Serve with soft-boiled eggs for dipping.
10. Veggie-Loaded Pizza Toast Trick
Hides veggies in the most delicious way possible.
Ingredients: Bread, pizza sauce, bell peppers, spinach, cheese
Recipe:
- Mix puréed veggies into pizza sauce.
- Spread on bread and add cheese.
- Air fry for 5–6 minutes at 180°C.
11. Savory Sausage Roll-Ups
A no-fuss twist on the classic.
Ingredients: Sausage, pastry, egg wash, cheese
Recipe:
- Roll the sausage and cheese in pastry.
- Brush with egg wash.
- Air fry 10 minutes at 190°C until golden.
12. Caramel Banana Snickers Surprise
A sweet, quick dessert kids go wild for.
Ingredients: Bananas, peanut butter, chocolate, honey
Recipe:
- Slice bananas lengthwise and fill with peanut butter and chocolate.
- Drizzle honey on top.
- Air fry for 4–5 minutes until caramelized.
13. Crispy Chicken Strips with Ranch
Ingredients: Chicken tenderloins, eggs, panko, paprika, garlic powder
Recipe:
- Dip chicken in egg, then coat with panko and spices.
- Air fry 10 minutes at 200°C.
- Serve with ranch or BBQ sauce.
14. Garlic-Butter Steak Delight
Ingredients: Steak, garlic, butter, salt
Recipe:
- Rub steak with garlic butter and salt.
- Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Let rest before serving.
15. Chili-Lime Crunch Chickpeas
Ingredients: Chickpeas, chili powder, cumin, lime
Recipe:
- Toss chickpeas with oil, chili, cumin, and lime.
- Air fry 12 minutes at 190°C.
- Shake halfway for even crisping.
16. Zesty Tuna Burger Buns
Ingredients: Tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, mayo, chili sauce
Recipe:
- Mix ingredients into patties.
- Air fry 8 minutes per side at 180°C.
- Serve on buns with lettuce.
17. Crispy Chicken Thigh Comfort
Ingredients: Chicken thighs, paprika, garlic powder
Recipe:
- Season thighs with paprika and garlic.
- Air fry for 18–20 minutes at 200°C until golden.
18. Rosemary Red Potato Wedges
Ingredients: Red potatoes, rosemary, garlic
Recipe:
- Slice potatoes into wedges.
- Toss with oil, rosemary, and garlic.
- Air fry for 15 minutes at 200°C.
19. Butternut Squash Taco Twist
Ingredients: Butternut squash, chili, tortillas, cheese
Recipe:
- Cube and season squash, then air fry for 12 minutes.
- Assemble tacos with cheese and sauce.
20. Sweet Potato Fries Perfection
Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, paprika, garlic powder, olive oil
Recipe:
- Cut evenly sized strips.
- Coat with oil and spices.
- Air fry 14 minutes at 190°C.
21. Flaky Garlic Salmon Fillets
Ingredients: Salmon, garlic powder, paprika, pepper
Recipe:
- Season fillets and drizzle with oil.
- Air fry 9 minutes at 190°C.
22. Tangy Crispy Pickle Snacks
Ingredients: Pickle slices, flour, egg, panko
Recipe:
- Dredge pickles in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Air fry 8 minutes at 180°C.
23. Gooey Air-Fryer Brownies
Ingredients: Chocolate chips, butter, sugar, flour, eggs
Recipe:
- Mix ingredients into batter.
- Pour into the pan and air fry for 15 minutes at 165°C.
24. Garlic Butter Bread Bliss
Ingredients: French bread, butter, garlic, Parmesan, parsley
Recipe:
- Mix butter with garlic and herbs.
- Spread on bread.
- Air fry for 4 minutes until crisp.
FAQs
1. Are air-fryer recipes really healthier for kids?
Yes! Air fryers use little to no oil, which means less fat without losing that crispy texture kids love.
2. Can I cook frozen foods in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Frozen nuggets, fries, and fish fingers cook perfectly — just add a few extra minutes to the time.
3. What size air fryer is best for a family?
For families with kids, a 5–6.5 litre air fryer is ideal. It fits more portions and saves cooking time.
4. Can kids help make air-fryer recipes?
Yes! Kids can safely help with prep — mixing, coating, or seasoning ingredients — while parents handle the hot fryer.
5. Do air-fryer meals taste as good as fried food?
They do! You’ll still get that crispy, golden texture without greasy fingers or heavy oil smells.
6. How do I stop food from sticking in the air fryer?
Lightly spray the basket with oil or use parchment liners. It makes cleanup easier, too.
7. Can I bake desserts in an air fryer?
Definitely! From brownies to churros and cookie pies, the air fryer doubles as a mini oven for sweet treats.
8. What are some quick kid-approved snacks to try?
Try pizza toasties, chicken nuggets, or cheesy pinwheels — all are easy, fast, and loved by picky eaters.
9. How do I clean my air fryer after cooking?
Let it cool, then wash the basket and tray with warm soapy water or put them in the dishwasher if safe.
10. Are air-fryer recipes good for school lunches?
Yes! Many recipes, like chicken pinwheels, mini nuggets, or veggie wraps, are great for packing in lunchboxes.