13 Copycat Air Fryer Recipes That'll Make You Skip Takeout (2024)

Let’s face it, we all love to eat out, but it adds up quick.

All you need for these copycat recipes is an air fryer (getting one is easy with these air fryer deals) and you can have your favorite dishes without the price tag.

1. Copycat Chick-fil-A Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Anyone else get major cravings for Chick-fil-A chicken sandwiches on Sundays? Well, if you have an air fryer, then you can easily recreate the Chick-fil-A chicken recipe no matter what day of the week it is.

If you want a sandwich then keep the breast whole, but if you want copycat Chick-fil-A nuggets, then cut the chicken up before breading and putting in the air fryer. Either way, you’re going to love this air fryer chicken.

And when you do head to the restaurant, make sure you check out these Chick-fil-A coupons and menu hacks.

2. Copycat Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Avocado Egg Rolls Recipe

Some of the best copycat restaurant recipes start with The Cheesecake Factory! The avocado egg roll is no exception. Done in the air fryer, they’re not only delish but healthy, too!

Follow the avocado egg roll recipe and you won’t be sad. I promise.

You should also check out these savings hacks from Cheesecake Factory.

3. Copycat Outback Steakhouse Air Fryer Bloomin’ Onion Recipe

This copycat recipe for the Outback Steakhouse bloomin’ onion might just be your new favorite appetizer recipe.

RELATED: Ways to Get an Air Fryer for Ridiculously Cheap

4. Copycat Taco Bell Air Fryer Crunchwrap Supreme Recipe

You can alter this copycat Crunchwrap recipe to suit your tastes — take away the meat to make it vegetarian, or add extra of your favorite ingredients. No matter what you do, it’s going to come out with the best texture from your air fryer!

RELATED: Every Taco Bell Hack You’ve Ever Wanted

5. Copycat KFC Air Fryer Potato Wedges Recipe

Make these copycat KFC potato wedges in the air fryer and you’ll save cash and calories.

Just make sure when you cook them up that you remember these mistakes to avoid with your air fryer.

6. Copycat Texas Roadhouse Fried Pickles Recipe

Confession: I’m slightly obsessed with fried pickles, and this air fryer fried pickle recipe is just like the ones at Texas Roadhouse!

7. Copycat Applebee’s Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Applebee’s mozzarella sticks are some of the best appetizers out there, but going out to eat every time you crave them will get spendy after a while. This air fryer recipe for mozzarella sticks is gonna make you feel like you’re indulging but without the guilt.

8. Copycat McDonald’s Air Fryer French Fries Recipe

13 Copycat Air Fryer Recipes That'll Make You Skip Takeout (8)

Via Oola

French fries are seriously the best thing on the menu at McDonald’s, but with this air fryer McDonald’s french fry recipe, I don’t have to hit the drive-thru to get my fix.

RELATED: Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Save Money at McDonald’s

9. Copycat Panda Express Air Fryer Orange Chicken Recipe

Fair warning, if you make this air fryer version of Panda Express orange chicken once then you’re going to want it over and over. It’s that easy and delicious.

10. Copycat Chili’s Air Fryer Boneless Buffalo Wings Recipe

Air fryer chicken is seriously just as good as traditional fried chicken, which means this copycat recipe for Chili’s wings will make you just as happy as the real thing.

If you’re a traditionalist, then you’ll need these insider hacks to eat free or cheap at Chili’s.

11. Copycat Starbucks Air Fryer Banana Bread Recipe

Will it look exactly like those perfect little slices in the Starbucks case? No. But you can use a mix if you want, and that’s worth a slightly different look because this recipe for copycat Starbucks banana bread will taste amazing.

Since you’ll need a latte to go with it, go ahead and read these Starbucks hacks. If you just have to do it on your own, then watch out for espresso machine deals.

12. Copycat Popeye’s Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

I’ll say it again: you need more air fryer chicken in your life. Make this copycat recipe for Popeye’s fried chicken and thank me later.

13. Copycat Chipotle Air Fryer Burrito Bowl Recipe

Obviously, the whole bowl isn’t made in the air fryer, but it’s air fryer chicken with all of your favorite Chipotle ingredients. It’s perfect if you’re on a special diet, like keto or vegan — because you can easily customize what goes into your bowl.

If you are on a special diet then you need these money-saving tips for people on keto, whole30, paleo and vegan diets.

Don’t bother scrolling back up! Here are all the links we mentioned:

  • Savings Hacks for the Cheesecake Factory That’ll Excite Your Friends
  • Ways to Get an Air Fryer for Ridiculously Cheap
  • Every Taco Bell Hack You’ve Ever Wanted
  • Mistakes to Avoid With Your Air Fryer
  • Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Save Money at McDonald’s
  • Starbucks Hacks Your Barista Probably Won’t Tell You

UP NEXT: The Krazy Coupon Lady’s Best Money-Saving Recipes

13 Copycat Air Fryer Recipes That'll Make You Skip Takeout (2024)

FAQs

What foods should not be cooked in an air fryer? ›

7 Foods You Should Never Cook In Your Air Fryer
  1. Wet Batters. Those beer-battered onion rings, fries, fish cutlets, plus tempura veggies and more are not well suited for a crisp in the air fryer. ...
  2. Cheesy Items. ...
  3. Large, Bone-In Meat Cuts. ...
  4. Baked Goods. ...
  5. Greens. ...
  6. Raw Rice and Other Grains. ...
  7. Too Much of Anything.
Apr 14, 2023

What foods turn out best in an air fryer? ›

Veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms & onions, and cauliflower all turn out incredible in the air fryer. You can also make your main dish IN the air fryer. It works magic with proteins like tofu, chicken drumsticks, meatballs, pork chops, fried chicken… even steak.

Can you make everything in an air fryer? ›

While we'd love to say that you can make anything in an air fryer, that's just simply not true. Many of your favorite deep fried foods can be converted to an air fryer method, as well as many proteins, baked goods and more. However, there are some foods that are better left out of the air fryer.

How do I keep food from blowing in my air fryer? ›

Consider ways to weigh down your food

The toothpicks will weigh the food down and act as a barrier so items don't stick together. Another option is to use the cooking rack or tray that comes with most air fryers as a weight to keep food in place.

Why shouldn t you cook hamburgers in an air fryer? ›

Hamburgers. Air fryers aren't really designed to grill red meat, especially if you like your burgers medium-rare. Though it takes a fairly short amount of time for an air fryer to cook the inside of meat to medium-rare, the outside of the burger won't brown as quickly.

Can you put raw meat in Airfryer? ›

It is safe to cook raw meat in the air fryer if it is fully defrosted, seasoned, and monitored. Some fully cooked foods, including chicken tenders or fries, can be placed frozen in the air fryer. However, with raw meat, it's recommended to thoroughly defrost to allow more even cooking and a tasty final product.

What is the most popular thing to make in an air fryer? ›

French fries are arguably the most popular thing to cook in an air fryer. Air fryers use a fraction of the oil as deep-frying, and making French fries in one results in an appreciably crisp exterior and fluffy inside without the greasiness.

What is the first thing I should cook in my air fryer? ›

Air fryers are versatile kitchen appliances that can be used to cook a variety of foods quickly and easily. If you're using an air fryer for the first time, it's best to start with something simple, like French fries, chicken wings or vegetables.

Can you fry a egg in air fryer? ›

Place it in the fryer basket and preheat it for 5 minutes at 400°F (204 °C). Crack an egg to a small cup and slide the egg to the hot pan. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 3 minutes for a sunny side over easy fried egg. If you prefer a fried egg with medium egg yolk, add 1 more minute to the cooking time.

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer? ›

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

What I wish I knew before I get an air fryer? ›

6 things I wish I'd known before I bought an air fryer
  • Air fryers do not fry. Deep fried foods: not like air fried ones. ...
  • The air fryer parts you use most are easy to clean but the outer parts… not so much. ...
  • There's a war going on in the air fryer community! ...
  • Air fryers can be quite large.

Why put water in bottom of air fryer? ›

Adding a little bit of water can help to hydrate the food in your air fryer and prevent it from becoming too dry. It adds moisture into the atmosphere of your air fryer and it's a great way to refresh any baked items you might want to cook in your air fryer.

Can you put paper towel in air fryer? ›

Airflow is essential to the machine, so while a paper towel is useful for cleaning, it should not be used while cooking food in the air fryer. It can restrict the airflow of the machine and even catch fire. It's important to remember that the air inside the air fryer can get very hot.

Why are things not getting crispy in air fryer? ›

Dry the outside of the food properly before you add oil. Do not use too much oil, as this will make the food less crispy and more fattening. Meat or poultry can be lightly brushed with oil or marinated to get the crispiest results.

Is it true air fryer is not healthy? ›

By most measures, air frying is healthier than frying in oil. It cuts calories by 70% to 80% and has a lot less fat. This cooking method might also cut down on some of the other harmful effects of oil frying.

Do air fryers damage food? ›

An air fryer is a healthier option than deep frying foods and can be an inventive way to fry not only meats and potatoes but other nutritious foods such as broccoli, yams, tofu, or eggs. Compared with deep-frying, using an air fryer can reduce the amount of fat, calories, and potentially harmful compounds in your food.

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