If you’ve got an Instant Pot with the air fryer lid, you already know it’s a total workhorse. And if you don’t, I’m pretty sure these 20 recipes will have you clearing a spot on your counter right away. From shatteringly crispy wings to the gooiest mac and cheese, this little attachment can do so much more than you’d think.
1. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
I’ll be honest, I’m usually all about my garlic Parmesan Brussels sprouts. That’s the only way I’d eat them.
But I have to admit, the air fryer makes them so much simpler. Just toss the sprouts with olive oil and pancetta, then let the basket do all the work.
2. Air Fried Pickles
If fried pickles are your go to when you eat out, you are in for a treat. Making them at home means you get that perfect sour, garlicky, smoky bite with a whisper of heat.
And don’t stress about limp, sad pickles. The air fryer makes them crazy crunchy every single time.
3. Mozzarella Sticks
If you’re in the mood for something ooey gooey and cheesy, these mozzarella sticks are calling your name. I coat them in a mix of Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and garlic powder for that Italian style crunch, while the inside is pure melted, stretchy mozzarella. Serve them with warm marinara and you have a 15 minute appetizer that feels totally restaurant worthy, minus a little freezer time.
4. Air Fryer Kale Chips
Okay, these might not look like your typical chip, but just wait. They smell like chips, they crunch like chips, and they’ve got that salty hit you crave. Better yet, they’re way healthier than anything from a bag, and you can whip them up in your air fryer in under 15 minutes.
5. Instant Pot Totcho Casserole
If the word totcho is new to you, let me explain: it’s the beautiful, magical intersection of tater tots and nachos. Picture the most loaded, spiciest nachos you’ve ever dreamed of, then swap in crispy tater tots. This casserole is piled high with cheese, jalapeños, seasoned ground beef, fire roasted tomatoes, and so much more.
6. Mac and Cheese
Air fryer mac and cheese might sound totally wild, but trust me, it works like a dream. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to the stovetop version.
The top gets this irresistible golden, crunchy crust, and underneath it’s all silky, creamy, cheesy goodness. That’s my kind of mac and cheese.
7. Yam Fries
Craving fries but want something a little more wholesome? These yam fries are your answer.
Prep is a breeze, just 5 minutes, and then about 18 minutes in the air fryer. Along with sweet potatoes, you’ll toss them with olive oil, rosemary, smoked paprika, chili powder, a pinch of cayenne, salt, and pepper.
8. Instant Pot French Fries
French fries are the ultimate sidekick, aren’t they? I’m talking thin, shatteringly crisp, perfectly salty fries without swimming in oil.
Grab your air fryer, because in just 25 minutes you can have a batch ready. All you need are potatoes, a little olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and a touch of cornstarch. That’s it.
9. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
If you love a good grilled cheese as much as I do, you already know they’re basically heaven. But when you make one in the air fryer, the bread gets this unbelievable golden, buttery crisp that is just next level.
There’s honestly nothing else like it. You have to try it.
10. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders have that magic combo: super tender and juicy inside, with a crispy, well seasoned crust on the outside. They hit all the right notes, garlicky, smoky, and just incredibly good. Sure, you could bake them, but in the air fryer they cook up faster and turn out way less greasy.
11. Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid Chicken Wings
Let me tell you, once you make air fryer chicken wings, there’s no turning back. You get that shatteringly crispy, crunchy crust like fried chicken, but the meat inside stays ridiculously juicy and packed with flavor. It’s the best of both worlds in one incredible bite.
12. Air Fryer Steaks
Even if you’re not a die hard steak lover, one look at these will make your mouth water. They look and taste like they came from a fancy steakhouse, but they’re shockingly simple to pull off.
All you need are a couple of good quality steaks, some avocado oil, and your go to steak seasoning. That’s it.
13. Spinach Artichoke Dip
This spinach artichoke dip is rich, creamy, and utterly perfect for game day, movie night, or any time you need a snack. It’s outrageously cheesy with just the right kick from garlic and a pinch of cayenne. Honestly, I’d put it up against any other version out there.
14. Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Fries
These garlic Parmesan zucchini fries bring all the crunch and big flavor, with a healthier twist. Zucchini steps in as the star, and they’re every bit as satisfying as the mozzarella sticks.
They take about 25 minutes from start to finish and call for just seven simple ingredients. I love how easy they are.
15. Air Fryer Potato Chips
Homemade potato chips in the air fryer are ridiculously easy, and they come out less greasy than the bagged kind with way more crunch than oven baked. You only need potatoes, water, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.
I love shaking on garlic salt, crushed red pepper, chives, and dried parsley for an extra kick. The best part? You get to customize the seasoning exactly to your taste.
16. Air Fryer Carrots
If you love carrots with a crisp outer edge and a melt in your mouth tender center, this is your recipe. Instead of just playing up the natural sweetness, we’re going heavy on the savory side with chili powder, a touch of sugar, garlic salt, butter, and fresh cilantro. The result is an herby, earthy side dish that pairs beautifully with just about anything you’re serving for dinner.
17. Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are one of my absolute favorite things. Honestly, I’d eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if I could.
Using the Instant Pot with the air fryer lid gives you the fluffiest, most incredible baked potato ever. The skin gets whisper thin and crispy while the inside turns into pure, creamy fluff. I can’t get enough of them.
18. Instant Pot Air Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits
These orange yellow pumpkin biscuits might look a little unusual, but they are pure autumn in every bite. Flaky, just a touch sweet, and bursting with warm fall spices.
I love them straight up, but slathering them with apple butter, jam, or honey takes them over the top. No matter how you dress them, you’ll be so happy you made a batch.
19. Instant Pot Tortilla Pizza
These tortilla pizzas are crazy thin and crispy, and all you really need are tortillas, pizza sauce, and your favorite cheese. From there, the topping world is your oyster. Keep it classic with pepperoni and ham, or load on every veggie in your fridge for a supreme.
20. Ribs
Yes, you saw that right. Ribs in the air fryer!
I’m telling you, this thing can do it all. They turn out perfectly sweet and savory with just ribs, your favorite rib rub, barbecue sauce, and a splash of