Ninja air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance for creating delicious meals with less oil and hassle.
These versatile devices can help you prepare everything from crispy chicken wings to tasty vegetables and even unexpected treats like pizza and desserts.
With these 21 best Ninja air fryer recipes, you’ll discover how to make the most of your appliance while enjoying healthier versions of your favorite foods.
You’ll find options for every meal of the day, including breakfast pizzas, jerk chicken tacos, and crispy french fries. All are made simpler with your Ninja air fryer’s quick cooking capabilities and user-friendly features.
1. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Crispy air fryer chicken wings are perfect for a quick appetizer or game day snack.
Using your Ninja Air Fryer, you can achieve wings that are incredibly crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.
To make perfect wings, preheat your Ninja Air Fryer to 390°F for about 3 minutes. This helps ensure maximum crispiness from the start.
For extra crispy results, try adding baking powder to your wings before cooking. This simple trick makes a big difference in texture.
Cook the wings for approximately 20-30 minutes at 390°F. You’ll get that deep-fried taste and texture without the mess and extra oil of traditional frying.
2. Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp
Garlic butter shrimp is one of the quickest and most delicious dishes you can make in your Ninja Air Fryer. This recipe takes less than 10 minutes to cook and always comes out perfectly juicy and tender.
Start by coating your shrimp in a rich garlic butter mixture. Season them well with your favorite spices – salt, pepper, and perhaps a dash of paprika work wonderfully.
Cook the shrimp in your air fryer at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
Serve warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a quick weeknight dinner that tastes restaurant-quality. This low-carb dish pairs nicely with rice or a fresh salad.
3. Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Making baked potatoes in your Ninja Air Fryer creates crispy skin and fluffy insides in less time than oven baking. This method is simple and gives great results every time.
Start by washing and drying your potatoes thoroughly. Poke several holes in each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
Rub the potatoes with a light coating of oil and sprinkle with salt. This helps create that delicious crispy exterior.
Place the potatoes in your Ninja Foodi or air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for about 40 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time.
Your potatoes are done when they feel soft when gently squeezed. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, or bacon.
4. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Honey garlic chicken thighs are one of the most popular recipes to make in your Ninja Air Fryer. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a delicious glaze that caramelizes perfectly during air frying.
You’ll love how juicy the chicken thighs turn out with crispy skin on the outside. The marinade typically includes honey, garlic, and soy sauce, which gives the chicken an umami and sweet flavor.
The best part is how quickly this dish cooks. In just about 20 minutes, you can have perfectly cooked bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs that taste like they took hours to prepare.
This versatile dish pairs well with rice, vegetables, or salad for a complete meal.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a perfect dish to make in your Ninja Air Fryer. They cook in half the time of traditional oven methods.
Start by hollowing out your bell peppers and cooking them at 390°F for about 10-15 minutes. Check them often to avoid overcooking.
For the filling, brown ground beef with onions, then mix with prepared Spanish rice. You can also add sausage for extra flavor.
Fill your pre-cooked peppers with the meat and rice mixture. Top with cheese and return to the air fryer until the cheese melts perfectly.
This colorful, nutritious meal looks impressive but requires minimal effort in your Ninja Foodi.
6. Zucchini Fries with Parmesan
Zucchini fries are a perfect healthy alternative to potato fries in your Ninja Air Fryer. These crispy treats need just a few basic ingredients and cook in under 20 minutes.
Start by cutting your zucchini into even strips. Dip them in beaten egg, then coat with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese for that perfect crunch.
Air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy. The Parmesan adds a savory depth that makes these fries irresistible.
Serve your zucchini fries with a dipping sauce like a lemon tarragon aioli for extra flavor. They make a great side dish or snack that’s both nutritious and delicious.
7. Quick Air Fryer Salmon
Air fryer salmon is one of the fastest meals you can make in your Ninja. You’ll get perfectly crisp edges with a tender, flaky center in just 10 minutes.
Season your salmon fillets with your favorite herbs and spices. Olive oil, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon work wonderfully for a simple approach.
Place the salmon in your Ninja Air Fryer basket skin-side down. Cook at 390°F for 6-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.
No need to flip the salmon while cooking. This hands-off method is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a healthy protein option fast.
8. Crispy Brussel Sprouts
Brussel sprouts in the Ninja Air Fryer turn out amazingly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. You can make this healthy side dish in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
For perfect results, set your Ninja Air Fryer to 390-400°F and cook for about 15 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
A simple seasoning of olive oil, salt, and pepper works great, but you can elevate the flavor with a maple dijon dressing. The high heat caramelizes the outer leaves, creating that restaurant-quality texture that’s hard to achieve in a conventional oven.
9. Air Fried Tofu Nuggets
Air fryer tofu nuggets are a quick and crispy vegan alternative to traditional chicken nuggets. They cook in half the time of oven methods, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
To make these nuggets, you’ll need firm tofu, all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, and your favorite seasonings. For best results, press your tofu first to remove excess moisture.
Cook the coated tofu pieces at 400°F for about 10 minutes. The air fryer creates a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Serve with dipping sauces like ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, ranch, or sweet and sour sauce. These kid-friendly nuggets are both oil-free and packed with plant-based protein.
10. Spicy Cajun Chicken Bites
Spicy Cajun Chicken Bites are a perfect dish to make in your Ninja Air Fryer. These tasty morsels combine the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with the crispy texture that air frying provides.
To prepare, cut boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces and season them with Cajun spice, Italian seasoning, and your preferred spices.
Air fry at 380°F for about 12 minutes, then flip and cook for another 12 minutes until golden and crispy.
For extra flavor, toss your cooked chicken bites in Cajun honey butter. This creates a sweet and spicy glaze that perfectly complements the crispy exterior of the chicken.
These bites make a great appetizer or can be paired with veggies and rice for a complete meal.
11. Easy Air Fryer Meatballs
Air fryer meatballs are a quick and tasty dish you can make in your Ninja Air Fryer in just 20 minutes. They come out juicy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside.
To make these meatballs, simply mix ground meat with eggs and seasoning. You can use beef, turkey, or even a meatless alternative.
Some recipes suggest adding a box of turkey stuffing mix for extra flavor. Once mixed, form your meatballs and place them in your air fryer.
Cook at 375°F until they reach your desired doneness. These meatballs work great as an appetizer, in pasta dishes, or on sandwiches.
12. Lemon Pepper Roast Chicken
Lemon pepper roast chicken is a perfect recipe for your Ninja Air Fryer. This dish combines zesty lemon flavor with peppery notes for a juicy, delicious meal.
To prepare, mix butter, olive oil, garlic cloves, and stock with salt, paprika, lemon pepper seasoning, and fresh lemon juice. Rub this mixture all over your chicken for maximum flavor.
Air fry the whole chicken until it’s golden brown on the outside and perfectly juicy inside. The air fryer cooks the chicken evenly while locking in moisture.
This dish cooks in about an hour, making it faster than traditional oven roasting. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal your family will love.
13. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Buffalo cauliflower bites are a tasty plant-based alternative to chicken wings. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated with spicy buffalo sauce.
To make them in your Ninja Air Fryer, simply cut a head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Coat them in a light batter before air frying until crispy. Then toss them in buffalo sauce for that classic spicy flavor.
These bites are perfect for game day snacks or as a healthier appetizer option. Even meat eaters enjoy this flavorful dish. You can serve them with ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce on the side.
14. Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Prosciutto wrapped asparagus is a simple yet impressive air fryer recipe with just a few ingredients. You’ll need fresh asparagus spears, thinly sliced prosciutto, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Start by coating your asparagus with a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Then wrap about 5-7 spears together with a slice of prosciutto to create a bundle.
Place the bundles in your Ninja Air Fryer and cook until the prosciutto becomes crispy and the asparagus turns tender-crisp.
For added flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the bundles before serving or add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
This dish makes a perfect spring side or elegant appetizer for any meal.
15. Air Fried Eggplant Parmesan
Air fried eggplant parmesan offers a healthier twist on the traditional dish. You don’t need oil to achieve a wonderfully crispy coating on your eggplant slices.
Start by breading your eggplant rounds, then place them in your Ninja Air Fryer for 16-18 minutes. The air fryer creates a perfectly crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Once crispy, layer your eggplant with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. This vegetarian delight satisfies Italian food cravings without the extra calories from deep frying.
It’s a simple yet impressive dish that showcases your Ninja Air Fryer’s versatility when preparing classic comfort foods in a healthier way.
16. Sweet Chili Air Fryer Drumsticks
Sweet chili air fryer drumsticks combine crispy skin with juicy meat and a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. They make a quick and delicious meal for any day of the week.
Start by creating a flavorful rub using smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, ground mustard, chili powder, and salt.
Coat your drumsticks evenly with olive oil and the spice mixture.
Preheat your Ninja air fryer to 370°F.
Cook the drumsticks for about 25 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
For extra flavor, brush the drumsticks with a mixture of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil during the last few minutes of cooking.
17. Garlic Herb Pork Medallions
Pork medallions cook perfectly in your Ninja Air Fryer, turning out juicy on the inside with a flavorful crust. Cut your pork tenderloin into 1-inch thick medallions for even cooking.
Season the medallions with a mix of minced garlic, dried herbs like rosemary and thyme, salt, and pepper. A light brush of olive oil helps the seasonings stick and promotes browning.
Place the medallions in your air fryer basket with space between each piece.
Cook at 380°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Let the medallions rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for perfectly cooked pork.
18. Cheesy Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms cook perfectly in your Ninja Air Fryer with a crispy top and juicy interior. They’re ready in just 10 minutes at 400°F, making them a quick appetizer for any gathering.
Clean and remove stems from mushroom caps, then prepare a filling with cream cheese and crab meat or a simple cheese mixture. Some recipes add breadcrumbs for extra texture.
Top your stuffed mushrooms with parmesan cheese before air frying.
Let them cool for 5-10 minutes after cooking to avoid burning your mouth.
These savory bites work great as party appetizers or as a side dish. You can customize the filling based on your preferences while keeping the cooking method the same.
19. Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
Making bacon in your Ninja Air Fryer is incredibly simple and much cleaner than stovetop methods. No more grease splatters to clean up!
Place your bacon strips in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap too much.
Cook at 350°F (177°C) for about 8-10 minutes.
The exact time depends on how crispy you prefer your bacon. For crispier results, aim closer to 10 minutes. For chewier bacon, check it around 6-8 minutes.
Using the air fryer creates evenly cooked bacon every time. The excess fat drips away, making it slightly healthier than pan-fried versions.
20. Herb-Crusted Cod Fillets
Herb-crusted cod fillets are a perfect match for your Ninja Air Fryer. This light, flaky fish becomes wonderfully crispy on the outside while staying moist inside.
To prepare, brush your cod fillets with olive oil or melted butter. Then coat them with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and your favorite herbs.
Air fry the fillets for about 8-10 minutes at 375°F.
The Ninja’s consistent heat ensures an even, golden crust without any need to flip the fish during cooking.
This 15-minute dinner pairs beautifully with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a quick, healthy weeknight meal.
21. Tandoori Chicken Skewers
Tandoori chicken skewers are a flavorful dish you can easily make in your Ninja Air Fryer. These skewers feature chicken marinated in spices, yogurt, and lemon juice.
You can use chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces for juicier results. The marinade typically includes yogurt, tomato puree, and traditional tandoori spices.
Air fry the skewers at around 370°F for about 15 minutes.
Then flip them and cook for another 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
These tandoori skewers pair well with saffron rice or spicy wedges. You can serve them with a mint yogurt sauce for a complete meal that rivals takeout.
Understanding Ninja Air Fryers
Ninja air fryers have revolutionized home cooking with their versatile functionality and efficient design. These kitchen appliances offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying while maintaining the crispy texture and delicious taste that food lovers crave.
How Ninja Air Fryers Work
Ninja air fryers use rapid air technology to circulate hot air around your food at high speeds. This creates a crispy outer layer similar to deep-frying, but with minimal oil.
The heating element sits above the food basket, and a powerful fan pushes the heated air down and around your ingredients.
Most Ninja models feature temperature controls ranging from 105°F to 400°F, allowing precise cooking for different recipes.
The unique airflow design ensures even cooking from all angles, eliminating the need to flip food midway through cooking.
Different Ninja models offer various cooking functions beyond air frying, including:
- Roasting
- Baking
- Dehydrating
- Reheating
- Broiling
Benefits of Using Ninja Air Fryers
Cooking with a Ninja air fryer reduces oil usage by up to 75% compared to traditional frying methods. This means fewer calories and less fat in your meals without sacrificing flavor or texture.
The cooking time is typically 20-30% faster than conventional ovens, making weeknight meals quicker to prepare.
Many Ninja models feature dual baskets or extra-large capacities that let you cook multiple items simultaneously at different temperatures.
Cleanup is straightforward with dishwasher-safe parts and non-stick baskets. The compact design saves valuable counter space, especially with newer models like the “Flip” oven that can be stored vertically.
Ninja air fryers excel at cooking frozen foods like chicken tenders, fries, and fish sticks to perfect crispiness. They’re equally impressive with fresh ingredients, giving vegetables a delicious roasted texture and meats a beautiful sear.
Essential Tips for Cooking with a Ninja Air Fryer
Getting the most from your Ninja Air Fryer requires understanding the proper temperature settings and maintaining your appliance correctly. These key factors will help you achieve perfect results every time.
Choosing the Right Temperature and Time
Most Ninja Air Fryers work best between 350°F to 400°F for crispy foods.
For chicken breasts, try 360°F for 15-20 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Frozen foods typically need an extra 3-5 minutes compared to their thawed counterparts.
When cooking frozen chicken breasts, set your Ninja to 375°F for about 22-25 minutes.
Quick Temperature Guide:
- Vegetables: 375°F for 10-15 minutes
- Chicken wings: 390°F for 20-25 minutes
- Frozen onion rings: 385°F for 10-12 minutes
- Potatoes: 400°F for 20 minutes
Always shake the basket halfway through cooking for even results.
Use the different cooking modes on your Ninja for specific foods—the air fry mode works great for crispy items while roast is better for meats.
Maintaining and Cleaning Your Ninja Air Fryer
Clean your Ninja Air Fryer after each use to prevent buildup and extend its lifespan.
Allow the unit to cool completely before cleaning.
The removable parts like baskets and trays are typically dishwasher-safe, but check your specific model’s manual to confirm.
For stubborn residue, soak these parts in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes.
Cleaning Steps:
- Unplug the unit and let it cool
- Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth
- Clean the heating element with a soft brush
- Wash removable parts with mild soap
Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the non-stick coating.
A monthly deep clean helps maintain optimal performance.
Store your Ninja in a dry place when not in use.
If you have the “flip-up” model, use this feature to save counter space between cooking sessions.
