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The Spruce Eats / Amelia Manley
Air fryers have really boomed in popularity over recent years, quickly becoming a common and much-loved small appliance in the kitchen. The trendy machine produces crispy fried food without the large amounts of oil required for deep frying; you actually don't even have to use oil at all.
Although air fryers are most often simple to use, a collection of creative recipes can help take ingredients from good to great, creating a meal that stands up to or is better than traditional cooking methods. From beginner guides to recipes designed for keto, vegan, and other special diets, we put together a list of the best air fryer cookbooks below.
Best Overall
The Essential Air Fryer Cookbook
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Amazon
Boasts a diverse collection of recipes
Recipes account for fryers of different capacities
Each recipe has accompanying side dish suggestions
Not all recipes have photos
We love this book and chose it as our overall winner because of its broad appeal; according to the publisher, this “comprehensive air fryer bible [features] 300-plus recipes designed for every size, brand, and model” from 2 to 10 quarts. The exhaustive collection goes beyond the usual air fryer recipes (chicken tenders, french fries, etc.), with more possibilities than one may have realized when they initially bought the appliance, including roasted cauliflower soup, tandoori chicken legs, and doughnut holes—yes, doughnut holes. Each of the 300+ entries provides ingredient amounts and exact times for both small and large models, so no guesswork is involved.
Price at time of publish: $22 for paperback
Number of Recipes: 300+ | Pages: 432 | Published: 2019
Best for Beginners
Air Fryer Perfection
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Amazon
Colorful pictures of finished dishes for each recipe
Plenty of usage tips for newbies
Recipes are only for four to six servings
America’s Test Kitchen’s trustworthy testing process and foolproof recipes are just what you need when you get a new appliance that involves an entirely new way of cooking. Determined to make the perfect crispy fries, they tested over 70 pounds of potatoes, so you can rest assured the recipes work. For those in a time crunch, most of the recipes can be made in under 45 minutes, and each has complete nutrition information.
The book includes a thorough introduction section containing “the anatomy of a great air fryer” as well as an inside look into their air fryer testing to pick winning models. Recipes like big Italian meatballs with zucchini and noodles, crunchy air-fried cod fillets, and salmon tacos with roasted pineapple slaw provide plenty of variety and showcase the many ways you can successfully use an air fryer.
Price at time of publish: $25 for paperback
Number of Recipes: 75 | Pages: 192 | Published: 2019
Best Keto
The "I Love My Air Fryer" Keto Diet Recipe Book
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Amazon
Includes a section on the basics of air frying
Flavorful recipes with easy-to-find ingredients
Recipes have quick prep time
Not every recipe has photos
Cook times vary depending on your fryer
This cookbook is the perfect marriage of two very timely health and cooking trends: the keto diet and air fryer technology. Penned by Hey Keto Mama's Sam Dillard, this collection includes 175 easy-to-make recipes that span everything from breakfast to side dishes to dessert, so there is something for everyone and every occasion. For those new to either air frying or the keto diet, there is a helpful introduction section on the fundamentals of air fryer cooking, the ingredients called for are easy to find at any grocery store, and the recipes are broken down in a user-friendly fashion.
We also like that the recipes have short prep times and call for ingredients that are easy to source (some may already be in your cupboard). With recipes from frittatas to pumpkin spice muffins to cilantro lime chicken thighs, you’ll forget you’re even following a diet.
Price at time of publish: $17 for paperback
Number of Recipes: 175 | Pages: 224 | Published: 2019
Best Vegan
The Essential Vegan Air Fryer Cookbook
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Amazon
Includes air fryer buying and cooking tips
Uses only real, plant-based ingredients
Recipes are clear and easy to follow
Not all photos are of recipes
Some recipes only need air fryer for part of dish
This collection of 80 vegan recipes specifically designed for the air fryer is just what you need to follow a plant-forward diet using the latest technology. It includes general advice on using your air fryer and a helpful troubleshooting guide. A comprehensive introduction section provides an “Air Fryer Vegan Food Chart” outlining popular fruits and veggies and how to best air fry them.
There are plenty of air frying cooking tips, recommended models, and an explanation of the “dirty dozen” and “clean 15” regarding food safety when it comes to fresh produce. With recipes like tamale pie, sweet miso-glazed Brussels sprouts, and cozy apple crisp, you’ll forget you’re eating vegan.
Price at time of publish: $17 for paperback
Number of Recipes: 80 | Pages: 168 | Published: 2019
Best Low-Calorie
The Skinnytaste Air Fryer Cookbook
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Amazon
Includes vegetarian, gluten-free, and keto-friendly recipes
Helpfully labeled for freezer-friendly recipes
Boasts a diverse collection of flavorful recipes
Not every recipe has a photo
Some ingredients may be hard to find
The Skinnytaste series does it again, this time with an air fryer edition featuring “75 quick and easy recipes that deliver on Skinnytaste’s signature ‘light on calories, big on flavor’ promise,” according to the publisher. The recipes (including crispy coconut shrimp, chicken-vegetable spring rolls, and cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing) will work with any air fryer model, and many of the recipes are vegetarian, gluten-free, and keto-friendly (conveniently called out using designated icons).
Each recipe includes nutritional information, and in addition to indicating specific diet-friendly dishes, there are also icons that call out recipes that can be made in 30 minutes or less and those that are freezer-friendly.
Price at time of publish: $22 for hardcover
Number of Recipes: 75 | Pages: 160 | Published: 2019
Best for Couples
The Essential Air Fryer Cookbook for Two: Perfectly Portioned Recipes for Healthier Fried Favorites
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Amazon
Most recipes require minimal prep and cleanup
Includes a variety of dishes for different diets
Helpful chart for cooking times and temperatures
Not many photos of finished recipes
Cooking for two can be a challenge when most recipes cater to four or six, but this cookbook is specifically designed with smaller households in mind. The majority of the recipes require less than 30 minutes, designed to minimize prep and cleanup.
Readers can expect nutritional information and recipes designed for vegetarians, vegans, and those following gluten-free diets. With more than 100 recipes to choose from—from easy chocolate brownies to eggplant parmesan—cooking for two using your air fryer will be easier than ever.
Price at time of publish: $17 for paperback
Number of Recipes: 100+ | Pages: 164 | Published: 2019
Best for Entertaining
Party in an Air Fryer: 75+ Air Fryer Recipes from the Editors at Delish
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Amazon
Uses common ingredients and pantry items
Each recipe has a full-page color photo
Book stays flat
Recipes are very simple to follow
No guidelines around portion sizes or cooking times
Pricey
Delish is at it again—this time compiling your favorite party foods that lend themselves perfectly to the air fryer, all in one convenient spiral-bound cookbook: onion rings, mozzarella sticks, egg rolls, fries, empanadas, tacos, wings, churro chips, and more. These all crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, so why order takeout or buy frozen food for your next party, when this book, with over 75 different recipes for any occasion, has got you covered?
Price at time of publish: $26 for spiral-bound
Number of Recipes: 75+ | Published: 2019
Best Celebrity
The Air Fryer Cookbook: Deep-Fried Flavor Made Easy, Without All the Fat!
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Amazon
Variety of both simple and fancier recipes
Helpful chart for cooking times of common foods
Easy to follow for newbies
Could use more basic recipes
Celebrity chef Todd English has a cookbook devoted to the beloved, modern appliance. There is an introduction section to teach you how the air fryer works, including safety tips (always key!). Recipes like Thai spring rolls, honey-garlic wings, and apple tartlets will impress you and your diners and showcase the vast array of recipes you can make with an air fryer. There’s even a chapter on sauces and homemade ingredients, getting down to basics.
Price at time of publish: $25 for hardcover
Pages: 160 | Published: 2016
Best Vegetarian
The Essential Vegetarian Air Fryer Cookbook: 75+ Easy Meatless Recipes
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Amazon
Teaches air fryer basics
Recipes cover wide range of food
Easy-to-read layout
Fewer recipes than other cookbooks
The air fryer is a versatile appliance and can be a wonderful tool while cooking for specialized diets. This cookbook is ideal for vegetarians, as it contains over 75 meatless recipes that range from meals to sides to snacks to desserts. Each recipe is easy to follow, thanks to the clean layout and numbered directions, and both cook and prep times are front and center, so you always know what you’re getting into. Nutritional information is also included on a per-serving basis.
A few recipe highlights from this collection include cranberry oatmeal muffins, crispy Buffalo cauliflower bites, Thai-style veggie pizza, and apple fritters. The book promises quick recipes with easy-to-find ingredients, making it a great choice for beginner cooks or those new to air frying.
Price at time of publish: $15 for paperback
Number of Recipes: 75+ | Pages: 158 | Published: 2020
Most Recipes
Air Fryer Cookbook: 600 Effortless Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners and Advanced Users
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Amazon
Numerous diverse recipes
Helpful charts and measurement conversions
Vegetarian and vegan options
Few pictures
The number of recipes included in a cookbook can vary wildly—this one in particular contains a whopping 600. The author covers a wide range of food types, too, including entries for breakfast, lunch, dinner, sides, snacks, and desserts. There are even entire sections dedicated to vegan or vegetarian recipes, and the directions work with any type of air fryer model or brand.
What this cookbook lacks in pictures or one-recipe-per-page formatting, it makes up for with variety. Some delectable options include chicken breasts with avocado-mango salsa, quinoa eggplant rolls, Mediterranean bruschetta, lemony cheesecake, and cheesy stuffed peppers.
Price at time of publish: $11 for paperback
Number of Recipes: 600 | Pages: 180 | Published: 2019
Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned professional, we recommend The Essential Air Fryer Cookbook. If you’re a newbie when it comes to air frying, we recommend America’s Test Kitchen’s Air Fryer Perfection.
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The Spruce Eats / Tamara Staples
What to Look for in an Air Fryer Cookbook
Variety
If you plan on using your air fryer for different meals and occasions, you need a book that will offer a range of recipes to suit your needs. Make sure the cookbook features a good selection of the types of dishes you plan on making with your air fryer, whether quick dinners, party foods, elaborate meals, or a combination of all three.
Functions
As air fryers are designed with additional functions, such as baking and roasting, cookbooks are written to include recipes using those functions. If your air fryer only air fries, make sure to choose a book with recipes that focus on that.
Lifestyle
With the popularity of the air fryer, celebrity chefs have entered the cookbook game, but before you grab that beautiful book off of the shelf, think about how you cook and plan on using your air fryer. Are accessible ingredients and just a few steps your style, or do you find enjoyment in more elaborate preparations, creating something special? The majority of recipes should match you as a cook.
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The Spruce Eats / Tamara Staples
FAQs
What can't be cooked in an air fryer?
There are a few foods and food preparations that won't work well in an air fryer. Heavy, wet-battered ingredients, like a corn dog, will not crisp up, and the batter will end up on the bottom of the air fryer. Bacon will make a huge mess as the circulating air will spray the grease everywhere. Large chickens will cook unevenly. Leafy greens are too light and will fly around, and dishes with a lot of cheese may end up oozing before becoming crispy.
Can you reheat already fried food in an air fryer?
One of the trickiest things about reheating fried food is achieving its original level of crispiness—the oven doesn't quite do the trick, and the microwave makes it soggy. The air fryer, however, does an excellent job of reheating the food while crisping up the exterior. Set the air fryer to 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook for three to four minutes.
Do I need oil when cooking in an air fryer?
Although you don't need the same amount of oil as you do with deep- or pan-frying, when air frying, you do need to add a little bit of oil (1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon) to the food; eliminating the oil will result in a dried-out dish.
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The Spruce Eats / Tamara Staples
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
The Spruce Eats writer Alyssa Langer is a registered dietician and cookbook enthusiast, collecting dozens over the years and always turning to them for inspiration, whether it’s a time-consuming weekend baking project or just a quick Monday night dinner. Having worked in the cookbook publishing world in the past, she knows what it takes to create a quality book that delivers something new and exciting to readers—particularly in an increasingly online world.
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