Are you looking for tasty and easy meals to make with your Ninja Air Fryer? You’re in luck! This handy kitchen gadget can help you cook up a wide range of delicious dishes quickly and with less oil than traditional frying methods. From crispy French fries to juicy steaks, there are many great recipes you can try with your air fryer.
Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your tastes and skill level. These recipes range from simple snacks to full meals, giving you lots of choices for any time of day. Get ready to explore some mouthwatering air fryer recipes that will have you using your Ninja more than ever before.
Crispy chicken wings are easy to make in your Ninja Air Fryer. Start by patting the wings dry with paper towels. This helps them get extra crispy.
Season the wings with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook the wings at 390°F for about 20-24 minutes. Shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even crisping.
When done, the wings will be golden brown and crispy on the outside, while staying juicy inside. Toss them in your favorite sauce or serve as-is for a delicious snack or meal.
Sweet potato fries are a tasty and nutritious option you can easily make in your Ninja Air Fryer. They require minimal oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions.
To make crispy sweet potato fries, cut them into even strips. Toss the strips with a small amount of oil and your favorite seasonings.
Cook the fries in your Ninja Air Fryer at 400°F for about 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
These fries come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re naturally gluten-free and packed with vitamins and fiber.
Enjoy your homemade sweet potato fries as a side dish or snack. They pair well with various dipping sauces for extra flavor.
Garlic Parmesan Brussels sprouts are a tasty and simple dish to make in your Ninja Air Fryer. Start by cutting the Brussels sprouts in half and tossing them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Place the seasoned sprouts in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Once crispy, toss the hot Brussels sprouts with minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese. Return them to the air fryer for a quick final cook to melt the cheese.
The result is crispy, flavorful Brussels sprouts with a savory garlic and Parmesan coating. This side dish pairs well with many main courses and is sure to be a hit at your next meal.
Air fryer coconut shrimp is a tasty treat you can make in your Ninja Air Fryer. Start by coating shrimp in flour, then dip them in egg, and finally cover them with a mix of coconut flakes and breadcrumbs.
Spray your air fryer basket with oil and preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
The result is crispy, golden-brown coconut shrimp that’s perfectly cooked. You can serve them as an appetizer or main dish with a dipping sauce of your choice.
To reheat leftover shrimp, air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for 4 minutes. This will bring back their crispiness.
Air fryer bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are a tasty appetizer you can make easily. Start by cutting jalapenos in half and removing the seeds. Mix cream cheese with shredded cheddar and spices.
Fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture. Wrap bacon around each stuffed pepper. Place them in your air fryer basket.
Cook at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes. The exact time depends on your air fryer and bacon thickness. Check them at 10 minutes and add more time if needed.
The result is crispy bacon wrapped around spicy peppers with creamy, melted cheese. These poppers are perfect for parties or game day snacks.
Air fryer carrots are a quick and tasty side dish. Peel and cut carrots into 3-4 inch chunks, then slice into even sticks.
Toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Place them in your Ninja Air Fryer basket.
Cook at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The carrots will come out tender and slightly crispy.
For extra flavor, try adding Parmesan cheese or a touch of brown sugar before cooking. You can also toss the cooked carrots with a tangy mayo-based sauce.
Crispy chickpeas make a tasty and healthy snack you can easily prepare in your Ninja Air Fryer. Start by draining and drying canned chickpeas with paper towels.
Toss the chickpeas with a little oil and your favorite seasonings. Try salt, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder for a classic flavor.
Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 390°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
Your chickpeas are done when they’re crispy and lightly browned. While still hot, you can add more seasoning if desired. Let them cool before enjoying your crunchy, protein-packed snack.
Air fryer potato wedges are a tasty and healthier alternative to deep-fried ones. To make them, cut potatoes into wedges and soak them in cold water with ice cubes for at least 30 minutes.
Dry the wedges and toss them with olive oil and seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Preheat your Ninja Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Cook the wedges for about 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They’ll come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
For extra flavor, try adding grated Parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning to the mix. You can reheat leftover wedges in the air fryer for 3-8 minutes at 380°F (190°C).
Cheesy stuffed mushrooms make a tasty appetizer in your Ninja Air Fryer. Clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel and remove stems.
Mix cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Spoon this mixture into each mushroom cap.
Place stuffed mushrooms in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 360°F for 6-8 minutes, depending on mushroom size.
For extra flavor, add cooked bacon bits or green onions to the filling. You can also sprinkle grated cheese on top during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Lemon pepper chicken is a tasty dish you can make in your Ninja Air Fryer. Start by coating chicken breasts or thighs with olive oil and lemon pepper seasoning.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Place the seasoned chicken in the basket, making sure pieces don’t overlap.
Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time may vary based on the size of your chicken pieces.
Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving. This dish pairs well with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
You can make tasty herbed garlic bread in your Ninja Air Fryer. Start by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, dried herbs, and a pinch of salt.
Slice a baguette and spread the herb-garlic butter on each piece. Place the slices in your air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
Cook at 350°F for 4-6 minutes until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. The result is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of flavor.
This quick and easy side dish pairs well with pasta, soups, or salads. You can customize the herbs to your liking.
Air fryer mozzarella sticks are a tasty snack you can make at home. They’re crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
To make them, you’ll need mozzarella cheese sticks, flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. You’ll also want some spices like garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
First, coat the cheese sticks in flour, then egg, and finally the seasoned breadcrumbs. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Spray the basket and the coated sticks with cooking spray. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown.
Serve your mozzarella sticks hot with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy treat!
Spiced tofu cubes are a tasty and healthy option for your Ninja Air Fryer. Start by pressing firm tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and your favorite spices in a bowl. Toss the tofu cubes in this mixture and let them marinate for 15-30 minutes.
Preheat your Ninja Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated tofu cubes in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
The result is crispy, flavorful tofu cubes perfect for salads, stir-fries, or as a protein-packed snack.
You can make tasty BBQ ribs in your Ninja Air Fryer. Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. Cut the rack into sections that fit in your air fryer basket.
Mix your favorite dry rub seasonings and coat the ribs. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Place the seasoned ribs in the basket without overcrowding.
Cook at 400°F for 20 minutes. Then lower the temperature to 325°F and cook for another 20 minutes. This two-step process helps tenderize the meat.
Brush your preferred BBQ sauce on the ribs during the last few minutes of cooking. The result is juicy, flavorful ribs with a crispy exterior.
Pecan-crusted chicken tenders are a tasty treat you can make in your Ninja Air Fryer. Start by mixing crushed pecans with panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
Set up a breading station with flour, beaten egg, and the pecan mixture. Coat each chicken tender in flour, then egg, and finally the pecan mixture.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the coated tenders in a single layer in the basket. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
The result is crispy, nutty chicken tenders that are juicy on the inside. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a quick and easy meal.
Air fryer apple chips are a tasty and healthy snack you can easily make at home. Start by slicing apples thinly and evenly. Sprinkle them with cinnamon for extra flavor.
Place the apple slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 300°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model.
Keep an eye on the chips as they cook to prevent burning. They’re done when they turn golden brown and start to crisp up. Let them cool on a wire rack to become fully crispy.
These homemade apple chips are perfect for snacking or as a topping for yogurt and oatmeal. You can experiment with different apple varieties and spices to find your favorite combination.
Spicy garlic tofu is a tasty dish you can make in your Ninja Air Fryer. It’s crispy on the outside and juicy inside. The tofu gets coated in a flavorful spicy garlic sauce.
To make this recipe, start by pressing and drying your tofu well. Cut it into cubes and marinate in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and chili.
Air fry the tofu cubes at 375°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This gives you crispy tofu without deep frying.
After cooking, toss the tofu in more spicy garlic sauce. Serve it as a protein-packed side dish or add it to stir-fries and salads.
Mix ground beef, cooked rice, diced onions, and spices in a bowl. Fill the peppers with this mixture.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes. Place the stuffed peppers in the basket and cook for 10 minutes.
Sprinkle cheese on top and cook for another 5 minutes. The peppers will be tender and the filling hot and flavorful.
You can also make a vegetarian version using lentils, rice, and veggies instead of meat. Adjust cooking times as needed for your preferred pepper softness.
Falafel is a tasty Middle Eastern dish you can easily make in your Ninja Air Fryer. Start with dried chickpeas soaked overnight for the best texture. Blend them with herbs like parsley, cilantro, and dill, plus garlic, onion, and spices.
Shape the mixture into small balls or patties. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the falafel in the basket, leaving space between each piece. Cook for about 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve your homemade falafel in pita pockets with fresh veggies and tahini sauce. They’re also great on salads or as a protein-packed snack. Your air-fried falafel will be healthier than deep-fried versions but just as delicious.
Asian glazed salmon is a tasty dish you can make in your Ninja Air Fryer. Mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil for the glaze. Pat the salmon dry and coat it with the mixture.
Let the salmon marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes.
Check the internal temperature with a thermometer. It should reach 145°F. The salmon will flake easily with a fork when done. Serve your Asian glazed salmon hot with your favorite sides.
Marinated steak bites are a tasty and quick meal you can make in your Ninja Air Fryer. Start by cutting sirloin or ribeye steak into bite-sized pieces.
Mix up a simple marinade with olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, and your favorite herbs. Let the steak cubes soak up the flavors for 30 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the marinated steak bites in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
The result is juicy, tender steak bites with a nicely seared exterior. Serve them over rice, in tacos, or as a protein-packed snack.
Air fryer Brussels sprouts are a tasty and healthy side dish. They cook up crispy on the outside and tender on the inside in just 10 minutes.
To make them, trim and halve the sprouts. Toss them with olive oil and seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Place the Brussels sprouts in your Ninja air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F for 5 minutes, then shake the basket and cook for 5 more minutes.
The air fryer gives the sprouts a nice crispy exterior. For extra flavor, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar before cooking or sprinkle with Parmesan cheese after.
You can make tasty sweet and sour chicken in your Ninja Air Fryer. This dish offers a healthier take on the classic Chinese takeout favorite.
The air fryer cooks the chicken until it’s crispy on the outside and juicy inside. You’ll coat chicken pieces in a light batter before air frying.
For the sauce, mix pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, and sugar. Add bell peppers and pineapple chunks for extra flavor and texture.
Cook the chicken in batches, then toss with the warm sauce. The result is a delicious meal that’s just as good as restaurant versions, but with less oil.
Ninja Air Fryer Basics
Ninja air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food quickly and with less oil. They offer convenient, healthier cooking for many recipes.
Understanding the Appliance
Ninja air fryers have a cooking basket that holds food. Hot air flows around the food to cook it evenly. The temperature control lets you set the right heat for different recipes. Most models have preset functions for common foods.
The appliance uses a fan to circulate hot air. This creates a crispy outside while keeping food moist inside. You can cook many foods that you’d normally deep fry, but with much less oil.
Ninja air fryers come in different sizes. Smaller ones are good for 1-2 people. Larger models can cook for families or groups.
Essential Tips for Using a Ninja Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer before adding food. This helps food cook more evenly. Don’t overcrowd the basket – leave space for air to flow around food items.
Spray or brush a little oil on food for extra crispiness. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even results. Use tongs to flip larger items like chicken pieces.
Clean your air fryer after each use. Most parts are dishwasher safe, but check your model’s instructions. Regular cleaning prevents odors and keeps your fryer working well.
Try different recipes to learn what works best. Start with shorter cooking times and check food often until you get used to your air fryer’s performance.
Health Benefits of Air Frying
Air frying offers a healthier way to enjoy crispy, flavorful foods. It can help you cut calories and fat without sacrificing taste.
Lowering Calorie Intake
Air fryers use less oil than deep frying, which means fewer calories in your meals. You can cook many foods with just a light spray of oil or no oil at all. This small change can make a big difference in your daily calorie intake.
For example, air-fried french fries have about 70-80% fewer calories than deep-fried ones. Air-fried chicken wings also have much fewer calories than their deep-fried counterparts.
By using an air fryer, you can still enjoy your favorite fried foods while sticking to a lower-calorie diet. This can help with weight management and reaching your health goals.
Reducing Fat Content
Air frying significantly cuts down on the amount of fat in your food. Deep frying adds a lot of oil to foods, which increases their fat content. Air fryers need very little oil to cook food, so you end up eating less fat.
Some studies show that air frying can reduce fat content by up to 75% compared to deep frying. This is especially true for foods high in fat, like chicken skin or fatty cuts of meat.
Eating less fat, especially unhealthy saturated and trans fats, is good for your heart health. It can help lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Air fryers can sometimes be tricky to use. Here are tips to fix two common problems you might run into with your Ninja Air Fryer.
Foods Not Crispy Enough
If your food isn’t getting crispy, try these fixes:
Use less oil. Too much oil can make food soggy.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space for air to flow.
Increase the cooking time or temperature.
Pat food dry before cooking to remove excess moisture.
Shake the basket halfway through cooking.
For breaded foods, spray with oil before cooking. This helps them brown and crisp up. You can also try preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding food.
Uneven Cooking Results
Uneven cooking can be frustrating. Here’s how to fix it:
Cut food into equal-sized pieces for even cooking.
Don’t stack food in the basket. Spread it out in a single layer.
Shake the basket or flip food halfway through cooking.
Rotate the basket if your model allows it.
Check for cold spots in your air fryer. Some areas may cook faster than others.
If one side is cooking faster, try lowering the temperature and cooking for longer. This gives heat more time to spread evenly. You can also try moving food around in the basket during cooking.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
