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Air Fryer Crisps Up This Go-to Chicken Dinner Recipe
I've had my air fryer for about a year and a half now. Back when I was first getting acquainted with the appliance, I used it to make all sorts of things: beautifully browned vegetables, fluffy baked potatoes, extra-crispy chicken wings and even apple hand pies for dessert. But since then, I've mostly used it to reheat leftovers and prepare frozen convenience foods, such as French bread pizzas and tater tots.
Recently, I decided it was time to use my air fryer to do some actual cooking again — and this complete dinner with chicken thighs, potatoes and Brussels sprouts was born.
It's a riff on one of my go-to dinners of bone-in, skin-on chicken and vegetables seasoned with whatever spices I feel like having that evening. Except instead of a sheet pan, everything goes into an air fryer basket. While the sheet pan version is good, the air fryer iteration is even better because the appliance yields browner, crisper food.
This recipe features chicken thighs, baby or fingerling potatoes, and Brussels sprouts seasoned with herbes de Provence and garlic powder. (Herbes de Provence is a blend of dried herbs that traditionally includes rosemary, summer savory, oregano and thyme — and sometimes other seasonings, such as sage, basil, marjoram, lavender and fennel seeds.) It takes just a few minutes to toss it all together with a touch of olive oil, then just pop it in the air fryer.
For the best results, cook the chicken thighs to an internal temperature of at least 175 degrees. While 165 degrees is the standard recommended temperature for safety, with dark meat, cooking it to a higher temperature results in meat that is more tender and juicy because more connective tissue breaks down.
A squeeze of lemon juice as you're about to chow down adds the right amount of brightness to make the plate that much more exciting. The result is a dinner for two that punches above its weight in deliciousness compared to how little effort it requires. It's simple enough for a regular weeknight, but it is also special enough for a date or holiday meal.
Notes: This recipe was tested in an Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-quart air fryer and a Cosori 5.8-quart air fryer. Depending on the appliance you use, you may need to adjust the cooking time and/or temperature to achieve the desired results.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs With Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts
2 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (1 to 1 ¼ pounds total)
12 ounces potatoes such as fingerling or baby potatoes, halved, or quartered if large
8 ounces Brussels sprouts (or broccoli or cauliflower florets), trimmed and halved, or quartered if large
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon herbes de Provence OR your favorite seasoning blend
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon fine salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Lemon wedges, for serving
On the air fryer, select the air fry mode, set to 400 degrees.
In a large bowl, toss the chicken, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, olive oil, herbes de Provence, garlic powder, salt and pepper until evenly coated. Add the Brussels sprouts and potatoes to the air fryer in an even layer. Top with the chicken, skin side down, and air fry for 10 minutes.
Transfer the chicken to a plate, shake or stir the vegetables, and return the chicken to the air fryer basket, skin side up, arranging the vegetables around, instead of under, the thighs to allow for even cooking and browning. Air fry for 20 minutes more, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is brown; an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh away from the bone should register at least 175 degrees. Divide the chicken and vegetables between two plates and serve hot, with lemon wedges for squeezing over.
Makes 2 servings.
Nutrition information: Each serving contains approximately 796 calories, 40 g protein, 54 g fat, 39 g carbohydrate, 756 mg sodium, 200 mg cholesterol and 6 g fiber.
Carbohydrate choices: 2 ½
8 Foods That Taste Better When Cooked In An Air Fryer
An air fryer is a gadget that's nearly indispensable to a well-stocked kitchen. Not only does it replaces several of your kitchen appliances to help you save space, but it can help get a meal out on the table in half the time. It's also incredibly easy to clean. And if you ask us, it can make even the most surprising foods taste even better than traditional methods. Of course, not every food is better made in the air fryer – but so many are that we have to tell you about it and bring you over to the "dark side", so to speak.
From salmon filets to whole-roasted chicken and even a few grilling standards, it feels like every few days I add another to the list of foods I'll make only in an air fryer. Below i've listed eight air fryer all stars that might come as a surprise. 
If you're wondering what an air fryer is and how it works, check out this complete guide to air fryers. If you've already got one and are ready to explore recipes, here are a few foods I'll cook only in the air fryer from now on.
1. Salmon filets Just 8 minutes in the air fryer and you have perfectly medium rare salmon. David Watsky/CNET From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated.Broiled salmon is a simple, healthy weeknight dinner staple. It's not difficult to make in the oven, but if you're only cooking for one or two people, the preheating time is a pain and you'll waste a lot of energy for a small amount of food. Pan-seared salmon is great and quick, but there's almost no way to cook salmon on the stove without creating an oily and odorous mess. 
I tried cooking roasted salmon in the air fryer, and it came out perfectly in about 10 minutes, including preheating time. The closed cooking chamber captures all of the grease and even hides some of the fishy smell from taking over the space. 
OK, so you might catch me throwing the occasional filet of salmon on the grill during warmer months, but gone are the days of me wiping fish grease from the backsplash behind my kitchen stove. 
Here's how to make perfect air fryer salmon.
From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated. 2. Whole chicken Air-fryer roasted chicken is a revelation. David Watsky/CNETThis one surprised me the most since I make a roast chicken most Sundays and had become content with my method of using the oven. I learned fast that the air fryer does an even better job since it's able to crisp the skin quickly without overcooking the meat. Air-fryer roasted chicken takes about 45 minutes -- about 15% quicker than the oven -- and it's nearly impossible to screw up.
Here's how to make a quick roasted chicken in the air fryer.
3. Bacon cheeseburgers  You can cook a burger to perfect medium or medium rare with an air fryer. Pamela Vachon/CNETAir fryer cheeseburgers have become a staple around my home. The exception is during summer when the grill is in full swing, but during cooler months, I turn to the air fryer for this American classic. It's not only cleaner than pan frying, but the burger doesn't cook in its own grease, so you get a lighter, healthier meal (if you're into that sort of thing). You can also stick the bun and a couple of slices of bacon in with the burger and you have the full meal with almost no cleanup to manage.
Here's how to make a cheeseburger from top to bottom in the air fryer.
4. Chicken cutlets  Air fryers turn out picture-perfect chicken cutlets. David Watsky/CNETBefore the air fryer, I used to pan-fry breaded chicken cutlets for chicken Parmesan and other recipes, but the air fryer does the same job with less mess and produces less oily fried chicken too. 
Watch this: Best Air Fryers: Cheap vs. Expensive
19:24I recommend using boneless chicken thighs, which have enough fat content to withstand all that convection heat without drying out. Simply coat the chicken in beaten egg wash followed by bread crumbs mixed with salt, pepper and other spices. Cook at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes.
You can spray the cutlets lightly with a bit of oil before cooking to get an extra crispy crust, but it's not necessary. I've tried the same method with chicken breasts; it works well, but there is more risk of drying out the meat.
5. Cauliflower steak Cauliflower steak made in the air fryer has become a staple side dish in my kitchen.  David Watsky/CNETOne of my favorite things to cook in the air fryer is cauliflower. A slab of cauliflower makes an excellent hearty side dish or main course if you're going plant-based. Simply toss a thick slice or two of cauliflower with olive oil and salt and pepper, or some seasoning of your choice, and air fry for 10 or 12 minutes on high. The air fryer gives it a beautiful caramelized crust, and it cooks the dense veggie fast enough so that the inside of the cauliflower doesn't become mushy.
6. Leftover pizza This leftover pizza got a whole new life thanks to a short trip to the air fryer. David Watsky/CNETWhile not every type of food is best reheated in the air fryer, a lot of them are. Air fryers are the perfect way to revive leftover pizza, fried chicken, grilled meats and vegetables. A microwave heats food unevenly and tends to impart a rubbery texture. Air fryers give food a second life via convection heat for a crispy crust and even heating. 
Here's the best way to reheat every type of leftover.
7. Hot dogs You can cook an entire package of hot dogs in just a few minutes. David Watsky/CNETIt's hard to screw up a hot dog, but if you want a perfectly charred wiener in under five minutes with essentially no cleanup to manage, look to the air fryer. Air fryer hot dogs are as simple as simple gets, and the super convection oven gives them a perfect browning in two or three minutes. 
Here's how to make hot dogs in the air fryer all summer.
8. Baked potatoes Toaster oven baked potatoes had crispy skin and were light and fluffy inside. Brian Bennett/CNETOK, so technically this one starts out in the microwave and then gets finished in the air fryer. The microwave softens the inside in under 8 minutes while the air fryer blasts the edges and skin to a crispy perfection. It's a restaurant-quality baked potato in under 12 minutes. Here's how to make the best air fryer baked potato ever. 
These Healthy Air Fryer Recipes Are Still So Satisfying
25 Healthy Recipes to Make in an Air Fryer Ralph Smith
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Some of the best air fryer recipes are the ones that produce crispy results—like French fries without the pot of oil. But the handy kitchen appliance is also great for whipping up other healthy dinner recipes, too. In fact, you can make so many different dishes using only an air fryer. And the best part is: you'll get dinner on the table quickly without having too much cleanup! Just look at the healthy air fryer recipes ahead.
Here, you'll find lightened up versions of crispy beef taquitos, healthy lunches, and quick cooking vegetable sides. "I was a little late to the air fryer party," Ree Drummond says, "but now I'm obsessed!" Looking for a dinner your family will love? Try a healthy twist on crispy pork chops, air fryer chicken recipes, or healthy fish recipes made entirely in the air fryer. Serve it up with air fryer veggies, like Brussels sprouts or green beans, for a meal that's both easy and good for you, too.
Of course, eating healthy is different for everyone, and we're not going to be the ones to say you need to cut out some of your favorite foods. That's why we've also included a few easy dinners that can be made *healthier* when using an air fryer. Ready to start using an air fryer for cooking? Check out these air fryer cookbooks for even more recipe ideas. Oh! And don't forget to check out how to clean an air fryer, too.
Air Fryer FalafelNot only is falafel so flavorful, but the herbaceous chickpea balls are packed with protein, too! After you get them perfectly golden in the air fryer, just serve with the tahini yogurt sauce.
Get the Air Fryer Falafel recipe.
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C.W. Newell
Air Fryer Snap PeasThis naturally sweet vegetable is made even more scrumptious with a little crunch and a sprinkle of parmesan. Make it as a side dish or snack that you'll always feel good about devouring.
Get Ree's Air Fryer Snap Peas recipe.
Ralph Smith
Air Fryer TaquitosFlavorful shredded beef stuffed inside crispy, crunchy tortillas? Count us in! This fun snack is perfect for serving with guacamole and salsa for a healthy game day spread or as a starter for taco Tuesday.
Get the Air Fryer Taquitos recipe.
Will Dickey
Air Fryer Baked PotatoThere are so many delicious ways to enjoy a baked potato. You can top it with hearty chili or cottage cheese, or serve it up alongside a piece of roasted salmon. The best part? Making it in the air fryer ensures perfect doneness every time.
Get the Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe.
Will Dickey
Air Fryer AsparagusGive this spring veggie some extra crunch by tossing the spears in paprika, onion powder, and breadcrumbs. It's a fun variation on a simple side.
Get the Air Fryer Asparagus recipe.
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David Malosh
Air Fryer Fried PicklesFried pickles are a state fair classic, but they're not necessarily "good for you." That is, until now! Here, you'll find out how to make them in the air fryer, so they're never greasy—just delicious.
Get the Air Fryer Fried Pickles recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Air Fryer Parmesan Steak FriesThese fries are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—just the way steak fries should be! Plus, they're loaded with flavor from the blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese.
Get the Air Fryer Parmesan Steak Fries recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Air Fryer Grilled CheeseYou only need a thin layer of butter to make this grilled cheese sandwich (or you can skip it and just use mayo). The air fryer does most of the work to make it crispy. It's one of those recipes that's comforting, simple, and delicious all at once.
Get the Air Fryer Grilled Cheese recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Air Fryer Onion RingsFried foods, like onion rings, are often a guilty pleasure. But now they can just be a pleasure—without the guilt! That's because you'll skip the hot pot of oil and make them in an air fryer instead.
Get the Air Fryer Onion Rings recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Air Fryer Pork ChopsWeeknight dinner doesn't need to be a chore. It can be healthy, easy, and crispy, too. Just look at these pork chops that only take about 12 minutes to cook.
Get the Air Fryer Pork Chops recipe.
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Will Dickey
Air Fryer SteakWho says you can't have steak for dinner? The hearty protein is great for keeping you fueled up on busy weekdays and you can even keep things light by slicing it up and serving it over a salad.
Get the Air Fryer Steak recipe.
Will Dickey
Air Fryer French FriesWe can't think of a better side dish to serve up with a healthy dinner, like chicken burgers or grilled fish. Not to mention they're ready in just 30 minutes flat.
Get the Air Fryer French Fries recipe.
Will Dickey
Air Fryer Brussels SproutsWhat's the best way to get your family to eat their Brussels sprouts? Make them in an air fryer! The tiny leaves get so crispy and delicious, especially when seasoned with soy sauce, Sriracha, and honey.
Get the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Will Dickey
Air Fryer Chicken ThighsThis foolproof chicken recipe comes out juicy and moist every time. Don't worry—you'll still get that crispy chicken skin by raising the air fryer's temperature after flipping. It's genius!
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe.
Will Dickey
Air Fryer Green BeansWhether you serve them for a holiday meal or just a weeknight dinner, green beans are a simple addition to any family table. Not to mention they only take 15 minutes from start to finish!
Get the Air Fryer Green Beans recipe.
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Caitlin Bensel
Air Fryer Sweet Potato FriesSweet potatoes are high in fiber and vitamin A so they make a great alternative to regular potatoes when it comes to fries. Plus, making them in the air fryer eliminates the mess of cooking with hot oil.
Get the Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries recipe.
Will Dickey
Air Fryer Chicken ParmesanThis classic Italian dinner is typically fried, but this air fryer version is just as delicious! The 30-minute meal is even easier, too! Serve it up with zucchini noodles for a healthier twist.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe.
Will Dickey
Air Fryer Turkey BreastUsing a bone-in turkey breast is the key to making sure this turkey recipe stays moist and juicy while the skin gets crispy from the air fryer. It doesn't have to be Thanksgiving to make it!
Get the Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe.
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Air Fryer FishEven those who are skeptical of fish will love this crispy fish recipe. Between the cornmeal crust and the homemade tartar sauce, it's hard to resist.
Get the Air Fryer Fish recipe.
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Air Fryer Chicken TendersSkip the freezer aisle and try making your own chicken tenders instead! The homemade version is so much better for you and it has that perfect golden coating.
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Will Dickey
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower BitesAnyone craving a healthy super bowl snack will want to add this cauliflower recipe to their list. It has all the buffalo flavor you know and love, plus it's vegetarian and super crispy.
Get the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites recipe.
Natalie Perry/The Pioneer Woman
Air Fryer Egg RollsThis lightened-up egg roll recipe doesn't require nearly as much oil (thanks to the air fryer) as the original, but it still has that satisfying crunch.
Get the Air Fryer Egg Rolls recipe.
Will Dickey
Air Fryer OkraOkra is low in calories and a great source of vitamin C, but many people are turned off by its texture. Well, not anymore! This version is extra crispy from the air fryer so everyone can enjoy.
Get the Air Fryer Okra recipe.
Will Dickey
Air Fryer Chicken WingsWhile wings might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to healthy eating, this air fryer version makes the popular game day food accessible to everyone. It's cooked first at a lower temperature, then at a higher temperature for that crispy perfection.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipe.
Will Dickey
Air Fryer Jalapeño PoppersThis healthier twist on the popular finger food will surprise your guests. Just beware, it does have a spicy kick!
Get the Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers recipe.
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Caitlin Bensel
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These 55 Recipes All Have The Perfect Balance Of Nutrients For Weight Loss
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