7 Perfect-for-Fall Dishes You Should Cook in Your Air Fryer

You’ll never want to turn the oven on again.

October 07, 2021
Related To:

Food Network Kitchen's Air Fryer Gnocchi and Squash with Brown Butter and Sage.

Photo by: Matt

Matt

I’ll be honest, I’ve only broken out my air fryer a handful of times the past couple of years. I never really jumped on the air fryer bandwagon — I always thought it was just another appliance to set up on my countertop.

But recently, I whipped up homemade French fries and bread in my air fryer. Not only did they turn out amazingly delicious, but they were SO easy to make. I finally understood the hype. The air fryer is the secret to turning out effortless meals without the hassle of turning on the oven, using the stovetop or making a big mess.

After mastering the art of crispy fries and toasty bread I started wondering what else I could make in my air fryer. And, as we get further into fall I’m realizing that this is the perfect time of year to try my hand at a few cozy, comforting dishes — all full of seasonal ingredients and flavors. Here are 7 recipes that I’m sure will make you “fall” in love with your air fryer.

What’s more belly-filling than a heaping bowl of carbs? This dish serves up gnocchi in the best way possible: with a soft, pillowy center and a nice, golden exterior. Mix in roasted squash and toasted walnuts for extra flavor and texture.

Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds

Photo by: Teri Lyn Fisher

Teri Lyn Fisher

It wouldn’t be fall without pumpkin! Roast your own seeds in just 30 minutes with your air fryer and you’ve got an easy snack that’s ready to eat whenever you come back from your favorite autumn activity. You can even toss your seeds with ranch seasoning or spices before air frying them for an easy flavor upgrade.

Food Network Kitchen’s Air Fryer Chicken Wings, as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: KATE MATHIS

KATE MATHIS

This classic game-day dish is extra crispy on the outside (without all the extra oil and fat) thanks to the air fryer. While the wings are cooking, whisk up the hot sauce — and you’ll be snacking before you know it!

Air Fryer Acorn Squash with Brown Butter

The secret to getting crispy, caramelized squash with very little added oil is to cook it in the air fryer. Then, easily turn it into a crave-worthy seasonal side by adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of brown butter.

Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup

Photo by: Teri Lyn Fisher

Teri Lyn Fisher

A nice bowl of soup will always warm you up from head to toe, especially when it’s loaded with hearty butternut squash like this one!

FNK_AirFryerSpicyPorkBellyWithKabochaSquashAndRice_H

FNK_AirFryerSpicyPorkBellyWithKabochaSquashAndRice_H

Food Network Kitchen’s Air Fryer Spicy Pork Belly with Kabocha Squash and Rice, as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: Renee Comet

Renee Comet

Bored of weeknight cooking? Cozy up to this Korean-inspired dish in only one hour. The air fryer makes cleanup a breeze and cooks the pork belly perfectly: browned and crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Photo by: Teri Lyn Fisher

Teri Lyn Fisher

These bite-size “wings” make for a delicious appetizer for any fall gathering. The secret to their crunchy texture is in the double breading — which is seasoned with Pecorino cheese!

Related Content:

Next Up

How Sweet It Is: 7 Sweet Potato Dishes for Every Palate — Fall Fest

You'll forget starchy white potatoes in a heartbeat once you try these comforting fall sweet potato dishes.

5 Pumpkin-Centric Dishes to Make This Fall

Check out Food Network's top-five pumpkin recipes to find inspired ideas for using this fall ingredient in lunch, dinner and dessert dishes.

9 Easy, Kid-Tested Side Dishes for Fall

One mom shares the seasonal side dishes she relies on for family dinnertime.

7 Days of In-Season Squash — Fall Fest

When it comes to using fall's freshest farmers-market produce, in-season squash is one vegetable we just can't get enough of.

10 Fall Dishes FoodNetwork.com Staffers Can't Wait to Make

Find out which seasonal recipes FoodNetwork.com staffers are most-excited to cook this fall.

Our Top 5 Must-Make Thanksgiving Side Dishes — Fall Fest

It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the sides (and lots of them).

The Only 5 Brussels Sprouts Dishes You'll Need This Season — Fall Fest

Each of these top-rated, fan-favorite recipes is here to prove that Brussels sprouts can be addictively delicious when they're cooked with a little love, especially now that they're in season.

Related Pages