22 Crispy Chicken Dishes Without the Frying

These chicken recipes bring a wide variety of bold, comforting, and crave-worthy flavors—all made simpler in the air fryer. From sweet and sour glazes to savory stuffed cuts and crispy tenders, each one is designed for maximum flavor with minimal mess. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, something kid-friendly, or a way to recreate your favorite takeout at home, this list has it all. The air fryer helps keep things crispy, juicy, and fast.

Air fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

These tenders are wrapped in bacon and cooked until crispy on the outside and juicy inside. The bacon adds smoky flavor and keeps the chicken moist. Serve them with a dipping sauce like honey mustard or BBQ. They’re great as a main or a shareable snack.
Get the Recipe: Air fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Stuffed with ham and cheese, this chicken dish turns out crisp and melty. The air fryer gives the breading a golden crunch without frying. It’s a dinner that feels fancy without being complicated. Let it cool slightly before slicing.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Two chicken leg quarters on a grey plate sprinkled with parsley with a broccoli salad in the background. — Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These large, flavorful cuts come out tender inside with crispy skin on the outside. A simple spice rub brings out the rich taste. They cook evenly in the air fryer and are filling enough for a full meal. Serve with potatoes or greens.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Pieces of chicken on a plate of spaghetti. — Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Breaded chicken topped with marinara and melted cheese is always a hit. The air fryer keeps the coating crisp while the cheese bubbles on top. Serve it over pasta or as a sandwich. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a nice touch.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and sour chicken chunks in a glossy sauce, served on a white plate with garnish. — Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This dish brings the classic takeout flavor home with crispy chicken and a sticky-sweet sauce. The air fryer keeps the chicken golden without oil. Toss it with pineapple and bell peppers for extra flavor. Serve over rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Paleo

Juicy thighs are glazed with a slightly sweet, soy-free teriyaki sauce. The air fryer helps the sauce thicken and caramelize. This version skips refined ingredients while keeping the bold flavor. Serve with stir-fried veggies or cauliflower rice.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Paleo

Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

A close-up of chopsticks holding a piece of glazed, grilled chicken. The chicken appears juicy and well-cooked. — Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Coated in BBQ sauce, these drumsticks get crispy and caramelized around the edges. The air fryer makes cleanup simple and cooking fast. Baste halfway through for a sticky finish. These are great for a casual dinner or picnic-style meal.
Get the Recipe: Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tenders

These tenders are coated in a mixture of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with ranch seasoning and cheese. The result is crispy and flavorful with a cheesy finish. Serve with extra ranch for dipping. Great for kids or game night.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tenders

Copycat Air Fryer Chick-fil-a Nuggets

These nuggets are seasoned and breaded to mimic the fast-food favorite. They come out crisp, juicy, and full of flavor. Serve with honey mustard or a dipping sauce of your choice. Soak the chicken in pickle juice ahead for that signature taste.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Air Fryer Chick-fil-a Nuggets

Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie

Close-up of a roasted chicken with crispy, golden-brown skin seasoned with herbs and coarse salt, on a wooden cutting board. — Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This recipe captures the flavor of grocery store rotisserie chicken with herbs and spices. The air fryer gives it a crisp skin and tender inside. It’s great for meal prep or an easy dinner. Slice and serve hot or cold.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Four chicken drumsticks with parsley on a plate. — Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These legs are seasoned and air fried until the skin is crisp and crackly. The meat stays juicy, making them a solid go-to. Serve with fries, salad, or slaw. Flip halfway to get an even cook.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Delicious Air Fryer Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

A plate of sweet and sour chicken in red sauce, topped with chopped herbs, served over white rice. — Delicious Air Fryer Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Another spin on this classic, this version focuses on balance between tangy and sweet. The air fryer keeps the chicken light but crispy. Add chunks of pineapple and red bell pepper for color and texture. It’s fast, flavorful, and family-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Air Fryer Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Easy Garlic Parmesan Wings in the Air Fryer

Wings are tossed in garlic, butter, and parmesan after cooking, giving them a rich and savory coating. The air fryer crisps them up perfectly without needing oil. Serve with extra grated cheese on top. Great for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Easy Garlic Parmesan Wings in the Air Fryer

Grilled Aidells Sausages in the Air Fryer

Grilled sausages in the basket of an air fryer. — Grilled Aidells Sausages in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

These pre-cooked sausages heat up quickly in the air fryer, getting slightly charred and full of flavor. It’s a fast way to prepare them for sandwiches or bowls. Add sautéed onions or peppers on the side. Great for a no-fuss meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Aidells Sausages in the Air Fryer

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Chicken in a wrap with lettuce and tomatoes. — Lemon Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

A marinade of lemon and garlic gives the chicken a zesty, bright flavor. The air fryer locks in the juice while lightly crisping the outside. Serve with rice or roasted vegetables. It’s fresh and simple.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Chicken wings on a plate with lemon wedges. — Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These wings are tossed in a bold lemon pepper seasoning and cooked until crisp. The flavor is tangy and a little sharp. Great with ranch or a citrusy dipping sauce. Cook in batches if needed.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Sweet Chili Wings

Sweet chili sauce gives these wings a sticky, slightly spicy finish. The air fryer helps the sauce cling to the skin and caramelize. They’re a crowd-pleaser with a hint of heat. Serve with lime wedges or extra sauce on the side.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Chili Wings

Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets

Plate of chicken nuggets on a wooden serving board. — Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Made with just chicken and crushed chips or crackers, these nuggets are quick and kid-friendly. The air fryer makes them crispy without any oil. Serve with ketchup or honey mustard. Easy enough for a last-minute meal.
Get the Recipe: Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders

Using store-bought coating mix makes these tenders quick and flavorful. The air fryer gives them a nice crunch without needing extra oil. Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes or veggies. A great dinner in under 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

A wooden board piled with pieces of golden-brown fried chicken, garnished with chopped herbs, sits on a marble countertop. — Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This recipe mimics the deep-fried crunch with a seasoned flour coating. The air fryer keeps the texture without the mess. Use drumsticks, thighs, or wings. Let the coating rest before cooking to help it stick.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken

Chicken thighs and steamed vegetables on a white plate, placed on a gray tablecloth with a fork and napkin nearby. — Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This recipe uses a soy-based marinade to create a savory and slightly sweet flavor. The skin browns beautifully in the air fryer. Serve with rice and green vegetables. A little sesame oil or green onion on top goes a long way.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken

Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts

An air fryer basket with stuffed chicken breasts. — Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Chicken breasts are filled with ingredients like cheese, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes, then cooked until juicy. The air fryer keeps the outside golden and helps the filling stay warm and melted. Slice open to reveal the center. A full meal in one bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts