There’s nothing quite like a warm, satisfying comfort-food dinner, especially when you can make it quickly with minimal washing up. These air fryer comfort food recipes give you all the crispy, cheesy and indulgent flavours you love without having to switch on the oven.
1. Mac and Cheese Bites
Crispy on the outside and creamy in the middle, these air fryer mac and cheese bites are an easy way to transform leftover macaroni cheese into an irresistible snack or side dish.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 400g cold cooked macaroni cheese
- 50g plain flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 100g breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Cooking spray
Method
- Scoop the cold macaroni cheese into small balls and place them on a lined tray.
- Chill for around 20-30 minutes if the mixture feels too soft.
- Place the flour, beaten eggs and breadcrumbs into three separate bowls.
- Mix the garlic powder and smoked paprika into the breadcrumbs.
- Coat each mac and cheese ball in flour, followed by egg and then breadcrumbs.
- Lightly spray the bites with cooking spray.
- Air fry at 190°C for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until crisp and golden.
- Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce.
Recipe Tip
Cold macaroni cheese holds together much better than freshly cooked pasta, making this a brilliant recipe for leftovers.
2. Crispy Chicken Tenders
These juicy air fryer chicken tenders have a crunchy breadcrumb coating without the need for deep frying. Serve them with chips, coleslaw or your favourite dipping sauce for a classic comfort-food meal.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 60g plain flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 120g panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper
- Cooking spray
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 190°C.
- Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
- Place the flour, beaten eggs and breadcrumbs into separate bowls.
- Mix the paprika, garlic powder and onion powder into the breadcrumbs.
- Coat each chicken strip in flour, followed by egg and then the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Check the chicken is thoroughly cooked before serving.
Serving Suggestion
Serve your crispy chicken tenders with air fryer chips, barbecue sauce, garlic mayonnaise or a crunchy side salad.
3. Loaded Potato Skins
Crispy potato shells filled with melted cheese and your favourite toppings are one of the easiest air fryer comfort food ideas for sharing.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35-45 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 4 medium baking potatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 120g grated cheddar cheese
- 4 rashers cooked crispy bacon, chopped
- 2 spring onions, sliced
- 4 tbsp sour cream
- Salt and black pepper
Method
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil and season with salt.
- Air fry at 200°C for 30-40 minutes, depending on their size, until soft in the centre.
- Allow the potatoes to cool slightly before cutting them in half.
- Scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving a thin layer inside the skin.
- Return the empty skins to the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to crisp.
- Fill each skin with grated cheese and chopped bacon.
- Air fry for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- Finish with spring onions and a spoonful of sour cream.
Easy Variations
Try filling your potato skins with chilli, pulled chicken, baked beans or roasted vegetables for a different twist.
4. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Few things are more comforting than a golden, buttery cheese toastie. Making an air fryer grilled cheese sandwich gives you an evenly crisp exterior and a deliciously melted centre.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 6-8 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick white or sourdough bread
- 120g grated cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp softened butter
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard, optional
Method
- Spread butter over one side of each slice of bread.
- Place two slices butter-side down.
- Spread a little mustard on the inside if using.
- Add the grated cheese and top with the remaining bread, butter-side facing upwards.
- Place the sandwiches in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 180°C for 3-4 minutes.
- Carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until golden and the cheese is melted.
- Slice and serve while hot.
Make It Extra Comforting
Add sliced ham, caramelised onions, mozzarella or a little chilli jam before air frying.
5. Apple Crumble
Your air fryer isn’t just useful for savoury dishes. This easy air fryer apple crumble is warm, sweet and perfect when you want a quick homemade dessert.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 18-22 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the apple filling
- 3 eating apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the crumble topping
- 60g plain flour
- 40g rolled oats
- 40g cold butter, cubed
- 40g brown sugar
Method
- Mix the chopped apples with the brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice.
- Transfer to a small air fryer-safe baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the oats and brown sugar.
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples.
- Air fry at 170°C for 18-22 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestion
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, custard or pouring cream for the ultimate comfort-food dessert.
From crispy chicken tenders and cheesy potato skins to warm apple crumble, there are plenty of delicious comfort foods you can make in an air fryer.
These easy recipes are ideal when you want something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you start experimenting, you may find that the air fryer becomes your go-to appliance for quick comfort-food dinners, snacks and desserts.