34 Best Ninja Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryers are a relatively new addition to the kitchen but these little appliances are incredibly versatile. The Ninja Air Fryer can make dinner, sides, or desserts and can also reheat leftovers.

It’s a healthier way to eat and can cook food in a quicker and more efficient way than many other methods. There is so much that you can do with a Ninja Foodi (see also ‘36 Insanely Good Ninja Foodi Chicken Recipes‘) that it can be overwhelming and difficult to know where to start. 

Whether you’re new to the Ninja Air Fryer or are just looking for some new ideas, this article is for you. We have collected the 34 best Ninja Air Fryer recipes and have them all listed below in alphabetical order.

No matter what your dietary requirements are or what your taste buds fancy, there is sure to be a recipe for you.

1. Air Fryer Salmon

Salmon is a healthy and versatile food that can be served with a variety of sides. Cooking it in an air fryer will make your salmon tender and succulent and effortlessly browns the fish.

You can cook the salmon with or without the skin, depending on your preference. Season your salmon with paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic, and drizzle some olive oil over the top.

This will make your salmon taste delicious and ensure it gets that lovely brown color. It will only take seven to nine minutes for your salmon to cook, with the exact time depending on the thickness of your filets and your air fryer.

2. Air Fryer Steaks

Cooking steaks in your air fryer is easier than you might think. You will get the best results if all of your steaks are of similar sizes and weights as this will allow them to cook evenly.

It doesn’t matter how you like your steaks either, as different cooking methods will allow you to keep your steak pink or get that crunchy crust.

It’s important that you season your steak well before cooking to ensure you get the most delicious steaks you can.

3. Apple Chips

You can make some healthy snacks for your family with this recipe! Apple chips are best made with the skin still on the apple and to get the best consistency of chip, use a mandoline to slice the apples.

Sprinkle the apple slices with cinnamon or cinnamon sugar and fry for 10 minutes.

4. Baked Potatoes

Making baked potatoes in an air fryer is very easy and can be quicker than baking them in an oven. Once baked, the potatoes will be soft inside but have crispy skins.

This recipe also gives you instructions for seasoning the skins with sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.

5. Banana Pancake Dippers

This is the first of several desserts and sweet snacks scattered throughout this article. You will need to make your pancake batter first and for the best results, use a thick pancake batter.

Once you’ve prepared your batter, dip your bananas into the batter and then cook in your air fryer for around 15 minutes.

6. Buffalo Cauliflower

Buffalo cauliflower is a delicious, healthy, and vegetarian snack that is ideal for parties and gatherings. The recipe includes instructions on how to make your own buffalo sauce but you can use store-bought if you’d prefer.

You will need to coat the cauliflower florets in buffalo sauce and then cover them in a bread crumb mixture.

7. Chocolate Cake

You can make a chocolate cake right in your air fryer with this recipe, just remember to spray it with non-stick spray first (see also ‘28 Delicious Air Fryer Desserts‘)! The chocolatey flavor comes from the inclusion of cocoa powder and you will get a moist and rich cake once baked.

After the cake has cooled, cover it with chocolate frosting for the perfect finish.

8. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Air fryers can’t bake as many cookies in a single batch as your oven can but if you only want to bake a few at a time, air fryers can do the job with less mess.

Cookies baked in an air fryer will be crispy on the outside but the chocolate will remain soft and gooey. 

9. Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donuts

Donuts are a big favorite in many homes across America and these air fryer donuts take only 10 minutes to bake.

Usually, donuts are fried in oil when they’re cooked, but using an air fryer is a much healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

The donuts themselves are cut from flakey canned biscuits and then coated in cinnamon sugar coating made from white sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.

Remember that if you cook more than one batch, the later batches will cook quicker as your Ninja Foodi will be warm.

10. Cinnamon Rolls

Warm cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat at any time of the year and they’re easy to make in your Ninja Air Fryer.

This recipe uses crescent rolls (see also ‘33 Of The Best Crescent Roll Recipes You Need To Try!‘) as the base and coats them in a mix of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to get that cinnamon taste.

Once they’re baked, you can top them with a glaze made from milk, powdered sugar, and cream cheese.

11. Corn Dogs

Corn dogs are usually deep fried in oil and this can make them greasy and difficult to stomach at times. Making them in an air fryer removes the oil and makes crispy corn dogs every time.

Corn dogs are the perfect party treat or accompaniment to watching the big game at home.

12. Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes

Diced potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served alongside many dishes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

When baking them in an air fryer, they become very crispy, and this recipe seasons the potatoes with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

13. Crispy Zucchini Chips

When making crispy zucchini chips, it’s best if you can make your zucchini slices the same thickness as this will ensure all of your chips cook consistently.

Thinner slices will become crispier so you can cut your zucchini to the best thickness for your tastes. Cover the zucchini in bread crumbs and place them in single layers in your air fryer to cook.

14. Crustless Cheesecake

Making a cheesecake is probably not the first recipe you thought of when you purchased a Ninja Air Fryer, but it shows how versatile the appliance is.

This is a crustless cheesecake that is also low carb and low in calories, plus it only takes 10 minutes in your air fryer to bake!

You will need a couple of springform pans to pour your cheesecake batter into while it cooks but the recipe and method are very simple.

After the cheesecake is set, you will need to refrigerate it for at least three hours before serving it.

15. Eggplant Parmesan

For this recipe, sliced eggplant is cooked in breadcrumb batter and then topped with marinara sauce. You can make your own sauce or use store-bought, depending on your tastes and how much time you have.

Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on the sauce and then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before baking for another couple of minutes.

16. Egg Rolls

You’ll never need to order egg rolls from a Chinese restaurant again with this delicious recipe.

The filling is made from pork, ginger, cabbage, carrots, green onion, and garlic, and is then seasoned with several different ingredients such as soy sauce.

ou will need to prepare this filling in a skillet first before filling the egg roll wrappers and baking in your Ninja Foodi.

17. Fried Green Tomatoes

The key to making the best fried green tomatoes in your air fryer is to cut the tomato into even slices and make sure that you get the excess liquid out of the slices.

Cover the slices in batter and your breading mixture and crisp for 20 minutes.

18. Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Carrot Fries

Just the combination of flavors in the name of this recipe is enough to make our mouths water!

These carrot fries are similar to sweet potato fries but have only half the calories, making them a healthier choice.

Sliced carrots are coated in a garlic and olive oil mixture for seasoning and then sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.

You can also add some black pepper and red pepper flakes for some additional flavor if you wish. Once cooked, sprinkle with some parsley and serve!

19. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

You may not think of making a grilled cheese sandwich in your air fryer, but they will taste delicious! Your bread remains crispy while the cheese filling is as stretchy and melty as you need. 

20. Hamburgers

Making hamburgers in your air fryer will ensure they have as little oil as possible. You can make fresh hamburgers or even cook from frozen.

If you do use frozen patties, just turn the temperature down so that the outsides don’t become too crispy.

21. Kale Chips

Kale chips are one of the healthiest snacks you can make and they’ve never been easier than in a Ninja Air Fryer.

The kale only needs a little bit of seasoning and when cooked in an air dryer the chips become crispy and delicious.

22. Meatballs

You can cook meatballs either fresh or frozen. They need to be spaced in the air fryer so there is enough room for the air to circulate around them from all sides and they will become crispy on the outside but juicy inside. 

23. Meatloaf

Meatloaf (see also ‘19 Of The Best Recipes For Leftover Meatloaf‘) is the perfect comfort food and many family cooks have their own take on this classic recipe.

It’s also something you can make in an air fryer and you can be sure that your meatloaf will have a delicious crust whenever it is prepared in one.

The recipe uses ground beef, breadcrumbs, and onion and is seasoned with a variety of ingredients including ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning (see also ‘7 Italian Seasoning Substitutes‘), and garlic powder.

Meatloaf is best cooked at a lower temperature than at your air fryer’s highest so expect it to take around 15 minutes to cook.

24. Mozzarella Sticks

You can make deliciously cheesy and gooey mozzarella sticks in your Ninja Foodi. They’ll be less oily than mozzarella sticks baked by other methods, even when cooked from frozen.

25. Peanut Butter Explosion Cakes

There is nothing more delicious than a chocolate cake with a liquid center and these air fryer cakes have a rich peanut butter filling that is sure to delight your family and friends.

Simply take your cake batter and half-fill a ramekin before adding a tablespoon of peanut butter. You can then fill the rest of your ramekins with the batter and cook.

26. Pizza Rolls

Make your own pizza rolls with this air fryer recipe. It works with either homemade pizza dough or premade fresh or frozen dough. You should brush the surface of the dough with olive oil before placing your toppings.

Roll your pizzas and cut them into slices that are one inch thick.

27. Plate Nachos

Nachos can be a delicious light meal or a snack.

Simply line your air fryer basket with foil and layer the nachos right into the basket. Leave the tomatoes and onions for the top layer and back for around five minutes.

28. Potato Wedges

Everyone loves crispy potato wedges and there is no easier way to ensure that they become crispy than cooking them in an air fryer.

Using an air fryer cuts down on the amount of oil they’re cooked in too, so they’re healthier than regular potato wedges.

This recipe uses russet potatoes for the wedges and then seasons them with rosemary, thyme leaves, salt, and a little olive oil to ensure they’re brown and crispy.

29. Roasted Green Beans

Roasted green beans can make a great alternative to french fries. The green beans become crispy in the air fryer and are seasoned with minced garlic, diced pimentos, onion powder, and garlic powder.

30. Seasoned Asparagus

Seasoned asparagus is a great side dish. The air fryer crisps up the asparagus and the garlic and Parmesan cheese topping just adds to the delicious flavor.

This recipe can be prepared and made in only 10 minutes.

31. Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a popular starter but can also make for a great light dinner during the warmer summer months (see also ‘27 Summer Dinner Ideas For Warm Nights‘).

This recipe for stuffed peppers uses ground beef (see also ‘26 Of The Best Ground Beef Recipes Cooked In Instant Pots‘) and you will need to fry this in a skillet first before baking your stuffed peppers in the air fryer.

Cooking your stuffed peppers in an air fryer keeps them crispy and helps to lock in their flavors.

32. Tacos

Taco shells are meant to be crispy and baking them in a Ninja Foodi will ensure that they are. You will need to cook the meat of your filling first but you can build the taco and crisp it in the fryer afterwards.

33. Tilapia With Herbs And Garlic

Using a Ninja Air Fryer to cook fish is always a good option and this recipe for tilapia is also gluten-free, low carb, and suitable for anyone following a paleo diet.

The fish will only need around 10 minutes to cook and you should try not to stack your basket with layers of the filets as this will prevent them from cooking correctly.

34. Vegan Beignets

Beignets are yeast donuts shaped as rectangles that are sprinkled with copious amounts of powdered sugar. They’re not usually vegan, but this air fryer recipe uses only vegan ingredients.

When made, they’re a perfect afternoon snack and accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about cooking in Ninja Air Fryers.

What Are the Benefits Of A Ninja Air Fryer?

There are many benefits of cooking in a Ninja Air Fryer but the main benefit for most people is that it is a healthier way of cooking food.

It uses less oil than many other methods of cooking so it is naturally healthier. Instead of making food soggy as can happen when you deep fry food, food prepared in an air fryer is crisp and crunchy.

Another major benefit is that air fryers can often cook food quicker than an oven can. They get hot very quickly and don’t need any time for preheating either.

What Size Air Fryer Do I Need?

Ninja air fryers come in a variety of sizes. The best size for you depends on a variety of factors such as how much kitchen space you have and the size of your family.

For couples or singles, you will only need a small air fryer that is around two to three quarts.

For medium-sized families or those who want to roast larger vegetables such as whole carrots, you’ll need a basket that not only has a large enough capacity but is also the right size for them to fit.

In this case, you should consider air fryers that have a five-quart capacity. Large families and roast meats need larger air fryers and should consider fryers nearer eight quarts.

If possible, go larger instead of smaller as this will give you more options. 

Final Thoughts

The Ninja Air Fryer is one of the versatile appliances you can have in your kitchen.

Whether you’re looking to cook meat, vegetables, or desserts, you can do it in a Ninja Foodi in a way that is quick and healthy. In this article, we listed 36 of the best Ninja Air Fryer recipes.

We hope that you enjoy trying them all.