Ninja air fryers have become popular kitchen appliances for making quick, tasty meals. These devices use hot air to cook food, giving it a crispy texture without deep frying.
Many people enjoy using Ninja air fryers to prepare a variety of dishes.
You can make lots of different recipes in a Ninja air fryer. From crispy chicken wings to roasted vegetables, the options are almost endless.
Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens and often need less oil. This can help you make healthier versions of your favorite fried foods.
1. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Get ready for crispy, juicy chicken wings made in your Ninja Air Fryer. Start by preheating the air fryer to 390°F for 3-5 minutes.
Mix your favorite seasonings like garlic salt, parmesan cheese, and parsley.
Toss the wings in a little oil and the seasoning mix to coat them well.
Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 390°F for 20-24 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For extra crispy wings, increase the temperature to 430°F for the last 5 minutes.
The wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your perfectly crispy air fryer chicken wings!
2. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Air fryer sweet potato fries are a tasty and healthier alternative to regular fries. They’re easy to make in your Ninja Air Fryer.
Start by washing and peeling sweet potatoes. Cut them into thin fries, about 1/4-inch thick.
Toss the fries in a bowl with a little olive oil.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. Paprika and garlic powder work well.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes. Put the fries in the basket in a single layer.
Cook for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Your fries should come out crispy on the outside and soft inside. Serve them hot for the best taste and texture.
3. Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
Want to make tasty Brussels sprouts in your Ninja Air Fryer? Try this garlic Parmesan version.
Start by cutting the sprouts in half and mixing them with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Put the seasoned sprouts in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
After cooking, toss the sprouts with minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese.
Return them to the air fryer for a few more minutes until crispy and golden.
The result? Crispy, flavorful Brussels sprouts with a savory garlic and Parmesan coating. You’ll love this easy and delicious side dish.
4. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites are a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. You can make these crispy, spicy bites with just a few simple ingredients.
To start, you’ll need cauliflower florets, hot sauce, olive oil, flour, cornstarch, and garlic powder.
Coat the cauliflower in a mixture of these ingredients.
Place the coated cauliflower in your Ninja air fryer and cook at a low temperature for about 15 minutes. The result is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Serve your buffalo cauliflower bites with celery sticks and ranch dressing for a complete snack. They’re perfect for game day or as a low-carb side dish.
5. Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon
Air fryer lemon pepper salmon is a quick and tasty meal you can make in your Ninja air fryer. Start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Season your salmon fillets with lemon pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Place the seasoned salmon in the basket and cook for 9-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish should flake easily with a fork when done.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and low in carbs.
You can easily double the recipe if you have a larger air fryer.
6. Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Air frying pork chops gives you juicy meat with a crispy exterior. Start by preheating your Ninja Air Fryer to 375°F.
Coat the pork chops with olive oil and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Place them in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 6-7 minutes per side. The total cooking time depends on the thickness of your chops. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
For the best results, let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep them juicy.
Serve your crispy pork chops right away for a tasty meal.
7. Air Fryer Vegetable Spring Rolls
You can make delicious vegetable spring rolls in your Ninja Air Fryer. These crispy appetizers are healthier than deep-fried versions and ready in just 35 minutes.
Start by cooking a flavorful filling of sesame oil, garlic, ginger, mushrooms, cabbage, and carrots. Let the mixture cool before wrapping it in spring roll wrappers.
Place the rolls in your air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for about 5-7 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even crispiness.
For convenience, you can freeze uncooked spring rolls and cook them straight from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Serve your air fried spring rolls hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty snack or appetizer.
8. Teriyaki Air Fryer Tofu
You can make delicious teriyaki tofu in your Ninja Air Fryer. Start by cutting firm tofu into cubes and marinating it in teriyaki sauce for about 30 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated tofu in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd it.
Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The tofu will turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
While the tofu cooks, you can prepare extra teriyaki sauce. Heat soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and garlic in a pan until it thickens.
Toss the crispy tofu with the warm sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
9. Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Air fryer zucchini chips are a tasty, healthier snack option. To make them, slice zucchini thinly and pat dry with paper towels.
Toss the slices with olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Salt, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese work well.
Lay the zucchini in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 270°F for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
Let the chips cool on a rack before eating. They’re great on their own or dipped in ranch dressing.
This easy recipe is perfect for using up extra zucchini from your garden.
10. Crunchy Air Fryer Onion Rings
Make tasty onion rings in your Ninja Air Fryer. Start by slicing an onion into rings. Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and salt in a bowl.
In another bowl, whisk an egg. Put panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
Dip each onion ring in flour, then egg, then panko.
Place the coated rings in your air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for about 10 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking.
Watch closely to avoid burning. Your onion rings will come out golden and crispy. Serve hot as a snack or side dish.
11. Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Air fryer stuffed peppers are a tasty and easy meal. You can make them in about 30 minutes.
Start by cutting the tops off bell peppers and removing the seeds. Cook the peppers in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°F to soften them.
While the peppers cook, prepare the filling. Mix cooked ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and spices in a bowl.
Stuff the peppers with the filling mixture. Place them back in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 10 minutes at 360°F.
For extra cheesy peppers, sprinkle some on top and cook for 5 more minutes. Your stuffed peppers are now ready to enjoy!
12. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
You can make tasty BBQ chicken thighs in your Ninja Air Fryer. Start by patting the chicken dry and seasoning it with a mix of spices like salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
Place the thighs in the air fryer basket with the skin side up. Cook at 400°F for about 12 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes.
Brush BBQ sauce on both sides of the chicken. Cook for 5 more minutes to let the sauce caramelize. This creates a delicious, sticky coating on the outside.
The result is juicy chicken with crispy skin and a flavorful BBQ glaze. Serve your air fryer BBQ chicken thighs with your favorite sides for a quick and easy meal.
13. Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Air fryer coconut shrimp is a tasty and simple dish you can make in your Ninja Air Fryer. To prepare, coat shrimp in flour, dip in coconut milk or eggs, then cover with a mix of coconut flakes and breadcrumbs.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Spray lightly with oil for extra crispiness.
Cook for 6-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The shrimp are done when they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve your coconut shrimp hot with a dipping sauce of your choice. This dish makes a great appetizer or main course when paired with rice and vegetables.
14. Buttermilk Air Fryer Fried Chicken
You can make crispy, delicious fried chicken in your air fryer with this buttermilk recipe. Start by soaking chicken pieces in buttermilk for extra tenderness.
Mix flour with salt, pepper, and paprika in a bag. Dip the chicken in the seasoned flour, then buttermilk, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Spray the basket with cooking spray and arrange the chicken pieces without overcrowding.
Cook for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time may vary based on your air fryer model and chicken size.
Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
15. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Air fryer mozzarella sticks are a tasty snack you can make at home. Start by cutting mozzarella into sticks and freezing them for 30 minutes.
Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and spices.
Coat each frozen stick in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Freeze again for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Spray the basket and mozzarella sticks with cooking spray.
Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. Let them cool slightly before enjoying your homemade mozzarella sticks.
16. Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Air fryer baked potatoes are quick and easy to make. Start by washing and drying Russet potatoes. Poke holes in them with a fork.
Coat the potatoes in a bit of oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
Set your Ninja Foodi to 400°F and cook for 35-45 minutes. The exact time depends on potato size. Check for doneness by poking with a fork.
When ready, the skin will be crispy and the inside fluffy. Serve with your favorite toppings like butter, cheese, or sour cream.
17. Honey Glazed Air Fryer Carrots
Air fryer honey glazed carrots are a quick and tasty side dish you can make in about 15 minutes. You’ll need baby carrots, honey, brown sugar, and some seasonings.
Mix honey with melted butter, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Cut larger carrots in half lengthwise if using instead of baby carrots. Toss the carrots in the honey mixture.
Place the coated carrots in your air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
The carrots are done when they’re tender and have a nice glaze.
This recipe gives you sweet, caramelized carrots that pair well with many main dishes. You can adjust the sweetness by using more or less honey to suit your taste.
18. Seasoned Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Air fryer potato wedges are a tasty and easy side dish. Cut potatoes into wedges and season them with your favorite spices. Popular choices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Place the seasoned wedges in your Ninja Air Fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
Your potato wedges are done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. They should be soft and fluffy on the inside. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious snack or side dish.
19. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air fryer chicken tenders are a quick and tasty meal. You can make them from fresh or frozen chicken.
For fresh tenders, coat them in breadcrumbs or panko. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
If using frozen tenders, cook them at 375°F for about 15-17 minutes. Flip them after 10 minutes for even cooking.
Spray the tenders with oil before cooking to help them get crispy. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
20. Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli
Air fryer roasted broccoli is a quick and easy side dish. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets.
Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Preheat your Ninja Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Your broccoli will come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. For extra flavor, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese after cooking. This healthy veggie side pairs well with many main dishes.
21. Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
You can make tasty jalapeño poppers in your Ninja Air Fryer. Start by cutting jalapeños in half and removing the seeds.
Fill each half with a mix of cream cheese and cheddar. Wrap bacon around each stuffed pepper.
Place the poppers in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 10-15 minutes.
Thin bacon may only need 10 minutes, while thick-cut bacon takes about 15 minutes. Check them at 10 minutes and add more time if needed.
The result? Crispy bacon wrapped around spicy peppers with gooey, melted cheese. A perfect appetizer or snack made easy in your air fryer.
22. Crispy Air Fryer Falafel
Air fryer falafel is a tasty and healthier twist on the traditional deep-fried version. You’ll love how crispy they turn out with much less oil.
To make them, blend chickpeas, herbs, onions, garlic, and spices in a food processor. Chill the mixture for an hour to help it hold together better.
Shape the mixture into small balls or patties. Place them in your air fryer basket, leaving space between each one.
Cook at 380°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’re done when golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve your falafel in pita pockets, on salads, or with tahini sauce for dipping. Enjoy this crispy, flavorful dish!
23. Air Fryer Apple Chips
Air fryer apple chips are a tasty, healthy snack you can easily make at home. To start, slice apples thinly and evenly.
Sprinkle the slices with cinnamon or a cinnamon-sugar mix for extra flavor. Place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
Cook at 300°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Once done, let the chips cool on a wire rack. They’ll crisp up more as they cool. Enjoy your homemade apple chips right away or store them for later snacking.
24. Lemon Herb Air Fryer Asparagus
Asparagus cooks perfectly in the Ninja Air Fryer, becoming crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Trim the woody ends off your asparagus spears. Toss them with olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Arrange the seasoned asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-6 minutes for thin spears or 7-8 minutes for thicker ones.
Give the basket a shake halfway through cooking. Your asparagus is done when it’s bright green and slightly crispy. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving for extra zesty flavor.
25. Air Fryer Breaded Pickles
Air fryer breaded pickles are a tasty snack you can make at home. Start by drying pickle spears with paper towels.
Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs.
Dip each pickle in flour, then egg mixture, then breadcrumbs. Place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
Cook at 360°F for about 10 minutes. Spray or brush the pickles lightly with oil before cooking. This helps them get crispy.
Serve your air fried pickles hot with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
26. Air Fryer Breakfast Hash
Air fryer breakfast hash is a quick and tasty morning meal. You can make it with frozen potatoes or hash browns as the base.
Add your favorite breakfast meats like sausage or bacon. Toss in some veggies like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cook the potatoes first in the air fryer basket at 360°F for about 20 minutes. Then mix in the other ingredients and cook for a few more minutes until everything is crispy.
Top your hash with cheese and eggs for a complete breakfast. The air fryer gives the potatoes a nice crispy texture without using much oil.
27. Air Fryer Chicken Quesadilla
You can make tasty chicken quesadillas in your Ninja Air Fryer. Start by preheating it to 350-370°F.
Place a tortilla in the basket and add cooked chicken, cheese, and any other toppings you like. Fold the tortilla in half or top with another tortilla.
Brush the outside with a little oil for crispiness. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
The quesadilla is done when the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve right away for a quick and easy meal.
28. Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs
Air fryer baby back ribs are a tasty and quick meal you can make in your Ninja air fryer. Start by seasoning the ribs with your favorite dry rub.
Place them in the air fryer basket, meat side up. Cook at 390°F for about 25 minutes.
Check the ribs after 15 minutes with a meat thermometer. They’re done at 145°F, but taste best at 170°F.
For extra tender ribs, lower the temperature to 325°F and cook for another 20 minutes. Flip them halfway through.
Add sauce at the end if you like. Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful ribs!
29. Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
You can make delicious chocolate chip cookies in your Ninja Air Fryer. Start by mixing butter, sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
Add eggs and vanilla, then mix in flour, salt, and baking soda. Fold in chocolate chips.
Preheat your air fryer to 300°F for 5 minutes. Place small scoops of dough on parchment paper in the air fryer basket.
Cook at 325°F for 10-13 minutes. Check them around 8-10 minutes.
Let the cookies cool in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before removing. Transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
You’ll have warm, gooey cookies with crisp edges – perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
30. Air Fryer Corn Dogs
Air fryer corn dogs are a quick and tasty treat. You can make them from scratch or use frozen ones.
For homemade corn dogs, mix cornmeal, flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Add egg and milk to form a batter.
Coat hot dogs in flour, then dip in batter. Cook at 375°F for about 8 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking.
For frozen corn dogs, air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes. No need to add oil.
Check often to avoid overcooking. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Understanding Ninja Air Fryer Settings
Ninja Air Fryers have easy-to-use controls to help you cook delicious meals. The preset functions and temperature options let you customize cooking for different foods.
Preset Functions
Ninja Air Fryers come with built-in presets for popular foods. These take the guesswork out of cooking times and temperatures.
Common presets include:
- Air Fry
- Roast
- Reheat
- Dehydrate
To use a preset, press the button for the function you want. The air fryer will set the time and temperature automatically. You can adjust these if needed.
Some models have extra presets like Bake or Broil. Check your user manual to see what your air fryer offers.
Temperature Control Options
You can set the exact temperature for your food with Ninja Air Fryers. Most models let you choose between 105°F and 400°F.
Use the up and down arrows to pick the right heat level. For crispy foods like fries or chicken wings, use higher temps around 375-400°F.
More delicate items need lower heat, usually 300-350°F. The air fryer will maintain a steady temperature while cooking. This helps food cook evenly.
Some recipes may tell you to change the heat partway through. You can do this easily by pressing the temp buttons.
Cooking Tips for Ninja Air Fryer Recipes
Using your Ninja air fryer effectively requires selecting the right ingredients and ensuring even cooking. These tips will help you get the best results from your air fryer recipes.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Pick fresh, quality ingredients for the best flavor. Cut foods into uniform sizes to cook evenly.
For crispy results, pat meats and veggies dry before cooking. Use a light coating of oil on foods – about 1 teaspoon per pound is enough.
Avoid wet batters, as they can drip and make a mess. Instead, use dry coatings like breadcrumbs or seasoned flour.
When cooking frozen foods, don’t thaw them first. Cook straight from frozen for the crispiest texture.
For best results with baked goods, use room temperature ingredients. This helps them mix better and cook more evenly.
Ensuring Even Cooking
Preheat your Ninja air fryer before adding food. This helps achieve a crispy exterior.
Don’t overcrowd the basket – leave space between items for air to circulate. Cook in batches if needed.
Shake the basket or flip foods halfway through cooking. This promotes even browning on all sides.
For thick or dense foods, lower the temperature and increase cook time for thorough cooking.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperatures of meats. This ensures food safety and prevents overcooking.
Let foods rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.