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 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 to air fry fast food? ›

Spread the food out in the air fryer basket. Set the machine to 375°F on the “air fry” setting and let it rip for three to five minutes. They reheat with surprising speed, so be sure to check on them after about two minutes and give the basket a shake.

How to cook with an air fryer? ›

Air Frying Tips for Optimal Results
  1. Balance Your Basket. Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. ...
  2. Use the Right Basket. Use the perforated basket or pan that came with your appliance. ...
  3. Don't Overdo the Oil. Don't use too much oil. ...
  4. Convert Cooking Time. Adjust cooking time. ...
  5. Avoid Non-Stick Sprays.

What 5 foods should you not put in an air fryer? ›

Take a gander of this list of top foods that should never make their way into your air fryer.
  • Wet Batters. ...
  • Cheesy Items. ...
  • Large, Bone-In Meat Cuts. ...
  • Baked Goods. ...
  • Greens. ...
  • Raw Rice and Other Grains. ...
  • Too Much of Anything.
Apr 14, 2023

What is not good in an airfryer? ›

Anything with a wet batter

Recipes that use a wet batter, including fried chicken, will end up being very messy if cooked in an air fryer.

Which air fryers should be avoided? ›

The worst performing air fryers in our tests
  • The Kitchen Couture 3.4L air fryer received the lowest score in our air fryers test.
  • You get what you pay for with the cheap Kmart Anko 9L Twin Air Fryer AFD2906.
  • This Sunbeam oven and airfryer didn't shine in our testing.
Apr 23, 2024

Can you put raw meat in an 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.

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 is the trick for using an air fryer? ›

You can get the most out of your air fryer or oven with air frying capabilities when you use the following air frying tips and tricks.
  1. Preheat. ...
  2. Avoid using too much cooking spray. ...
  3. Consider rack placement. ...
  4. Adjust cooking time. ...
  5. Don't use too much oil. ...
  6. Use a perforated tray or basket. ...
  7. Place a baking tray on the rack below.

Why don't restaurants use air fryers? ›

Not Enough Volume Capacity

However, most air fryers don't offer the same capabilities as traditional commercial kitchen equipment due to their size and speed. Larger, deep, or open air fryers can cook more food items at a time, leading to a faster service rate.

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

Brussels sprouts are the best place to start your air-fried vegetable journey. They crisp up beautifully and take no time at all. If you're making these for a crowd, we suggest frying them up in batches as overcrowding the basket can lead to soggy results.

What is the most popular food cooked in the 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.

How to use an air fryer for dummies? ›

Double-check the recipe you're using, and set the air fryer to the correct temperature. A small to medium-sized air fryer preheats in 2-3 minutes. Larger models can take up to 5 minutes. Once your air fryer is hot enough, place the food you want to cook inside and set the timer for the desired cook time and enjoy!

What is the best meat to cook in the air fryer? ›

As with all dry-heat cooker methods (grilling, broiling, pan frying and oven roasting), tender beef cuts perform best in the air fryer. Those cuts include Top Sirloin, KC Strip, Ribeye, Tenderloin and Tri Tip. Ground beef also can be easily prepared in an air fryer.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers? ›

Summary. In conclusion, while air fryers offer certain benefits such as reduced calorie intake and faster cooking times, they are not without their limitations. Size constraints, limited cooking options, and concerns about crispiness are driving some people to look for alternatives.

References

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