Looking to use your oven less over the warmer months? You’ve come to the right place. To help you expand your air fryer repertoire, we’ve shared our favourite summer-themed meals which you can make in this efficient mod-con, from classic fish & chips to corn on the cob and zingy fish tacos. These dishes celebrate the best of what summer has to offer in the comfort of your own kitchen, without the need to own a deep-fat fryer.
Air fryers use hot air instead of oil, so are healthier than deep-fat fryers, and because of their compact size and ability to heat up quickly, they’re also typically more energy efficient than a standard oven.
For more air fryer recipe inspiration, see our spring air fryer recipes, as well as our collection of air fryer recipes, vegetarian air fryer recipes and healthy air fryer recipes. We’ve also got our guide on air frying for beginners.
For more ideas on how to make the most of summer’s produce, check out our collection of summer recipes, healthy summer recipes and summer dinner ideas.
Find out what’s in season during the summer months: June, July, and August.
Dive into more Cook Smart content in our budget hub.
Summer air fryer recipes
Air fryer buffalo wings
These crispy, spicy buffalo wings are a summer crowd-pleaser, serving two to three people and ready in around 30 minutes. The wings are coated in a special baking powder and cornflour mix for extra crunch, then tossed in a classic buffalo sauce and served with a creamy ranch dip. Perfect for sharing outdoors or at a barbecue, they deliver big flavour and a satisfying crunch.
Check out more chicken wing recipes.
Air fryer patatas bravas
These Spanish-inspired patatas bravas are a brilliant addition to any summer tapas spread, featuring golden air-fried potato cubes topped with a fresh, smoky tomato sauce and basil. The recipe is easy to prepare, with potatoes simply soaked, tossed in oil and crisped up in the air fryer, while the sauce simmers on the hob. Perfect for al fresco dining in the sunshine.
Discover more tapas recipes.
Air fryer nachos
Serve up these loaded nachos for the ultimate family-friendly summer snack, with cheesy, crunchy layers ready in just 15 minutes. The recipe serves four and combines tortilla chips, black beans, cheddar, mozzarella and a fresh tomato salsa, making it a quick and satisfying option for gatherings. Ideal for sharing outdoors or as a speedy movie night treat.
Check out more nacho recipes.
Air fryer cheat’s fish fillet burgers with tartare sauce
These easy fish fillet burgers are a quick fakeaway for four, using frozen breaded fish fillets and a zingy homemade tartare sauce. The fillets are air-fried until crisp, topped with cheese if you wish, and served in soft buns with shredded lettuce, making them a fuss-free summer meal. Perfect for casual outdoor dining.
Discover more fish burger recipes.
Air fryer shawarma-spiced halloumi wraps
Pile up flatbreads with shawarma-spiced halloumi, crunchy homemade slaw and creamy hummus for these flavour-packed wraps. The halloumi is tossed in a shawarma spice mix and air-fried until golden, then wrapped up for a quick, high-fibre vegetarian lunch or dinner.
Take a browse through more halloumi recipes.
Air fryer miso aubergine
This vegetarian dish is packed with umami flavour, featuring aubergine halves brushed with a miso, soy, honey and lime glaze before being air-fried until soft and lightly charred. It’s a healthy, low-fat option that’s easy to prepare and ideal for serving on a bed of couscous or rice. Enjoy it as a light summer main.
Take a look at more aubergine recipes.
Air fryer Mediterranean-style chicken bowl
Inspired by fresh Mediterranean flavours, this easy chicken bowl is perfect for a healthy summer meal. Chicken thighs are marinated in yogurt, mint, garlic and spices, then air-fried with onions and served with giant couscous, cucumber, tomatoes and dill. It’s a vibrant, high-protein dish that’s great for al fresco suppers.
Discover more chicken thigh recipes.
Air fryer pizza
Skip the takeaway and whip up this air fryer pizza, which makes three individual pizzas with a crisp yogurt dough base. The recipe is simple and speedy, using passata, garlic, herbs, mozzarella, cheddar and your choice of toppings. Perfect for summer evenings, these pizzas are a fun, family-friendly option.
Take a look at more pizza recipes.
Air fryer spiced shrimp po’ boys with celeriac remoulade
These po’ boys are a fresh take on the classic sandwich, featuring crispy air-fried breaded prawns, zingy celeriac remoulade and cornichons packed into soft rolls. The recipe is easy to prepare and delivers a satisfying crunch with a tangy, herby filling. They’re a lighter, high-fibre option that feels indulgent but is surprisingly wholesome.
Check out more shrimp recipes.
Air fryer chicken drumsticks
These air fryer chicken drumsticks are quick and easy, flavoured with garlic, herbs and a hint of chilli. They cook in just 20-30 minutes, resulting in juicy, golden drumsticks that are perfect for summer barbecues or picnics.
See more chicken drumstick recipes.
Air fryer sticky pork tacos with plum & chilli salsa
Pair pork belly with plums for a deliciously summery taco, packed with sweet, tart and spicy flavours. The pork is marinated in cumin, coriander, chilli and lime, then air-fried until crisp and served in soft tacos with a vibrant plum, coriander and chilli salsa. These tacos are perfect for summer parties, bringing a taste of sunshine to your table.
Try more pork taco recipes.
Air fryer fish & chips
Fish and chips is a summer staple synonymous with the British seaside, and the good news is you don’t have to travel far (or own a deep-fat fryer) to enjoy them. Your air fryer will work just as well. Coated in panko breadcrumbs, the fish is cooked on the top shelf of the air fryer for 10-15 minutes until the fish is crisp on the outside and cooked through. We’ve served ours with homemade thick chips and minty peas as well as a simple DIY dill mayo.
If you like the look of this, you’ll love these Great British seaside recipes to enjoy at home.
Air fryer corn on the cob
Corn on the cob is a barbecue side staple, and the taste of warm, buttery corn is hard to beat on a summer’s day. Here it’s seasoned with smoked paprika and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, which is then made zingy with lime juice.
Find more corn on the cob recipes as well as our best barbecue recipes.
Air fryer garlic bread
A summery feast is not complete without a crunchy, garlicky baton. The best part is the method couldn’t be simpler: mix together the softened butter, garlic and parsley, spread the garlic butter into the cuts of the baguettes then sprinkle over the cheese. Transfer to the air-fryer basket and bake for 8-10 mins until golden and crunchy, and the cheese has browned. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of the basket.
See our garlic bread recipes for more inspiration.
Air fryer fish fingers
Make the most of your air fryer during the balmy weather to make a family favourite, fish finger sandwiches. Layered with crunchy lettuce and tangy tartare sauce, you can’t beat a homemade fish finger sandwich.
Discover more fish finger ideas.
Teriyaki & lime-glazed chicken wings
Chicken wings are budget-friendly and full of flavour, and here we’ve glazed in a sticky and zingy teriyaki and lime sauce for a real flavour punch. Cooking them in the air fryer is quicker than the oven, making them more energy-efficient, too.
Discover more exciting ways with chicken wings.
Air fryer sausages
Rustle up a plate of hot dogs for a family summer feast with the help of this easy air fryer recipe. Sausages will cook quickly and easily in the air fryer and without the need for additional oil.
For fun twists see our collection of hot dog recipes.
Air fryer halloumi
Halloumi is enjoyed all year round, but when it’s stuffed into burgers, flatbreads or layered in salads, it sings summer. Feel free to season with smoked paprika or mixed herbs for added flavour. Cooking halloumi in an air fryer instead of a grill or frying pan helps lower the fat content, too.
Air fryer potato wedges
Enjoy these chunky air-fried wedges outdoors when the sun is shining. Seasoned with paprika, oregano and onion powder, they work brilliantly with mayo, or alongside your favourite barbecue dishes.
Check out more potato wedge recipes.
Air fryer sweetcorn fritters
Rustle up these summery sweetcorn fritters in the air-fryer for easy, energy-efficient cooking. These would be perfect as a veggie lunch, starter or side.
Try more vegetarian air fryer recipes.
Air fryer chips
Whether you’re a fan of chunky, vinegar-soaked chips or thin and crispy french fries, this air fryer recipe for crispy, golden chips should be in everyone’s air fryer repertoire. This recipe is so simple: tip your chips into the bottom of an air fryer, add the oil, toss the chips in the oil so they are evenly coated and program to cook for 30 mins. Air-frying means you’ll use less oil than deep-frying, making it a healthier alternative.
Find more air fryer recipes for beginners.
Air fryer sausage rolls
A picnic is not complete without sausage rolls. This air fryer version is quicker than using an oven, and although the nigella seeds are optional, they add a pop of colour and subtle onion flavour. If you’ve got a larger machine or a couple of drawers, feel free to double the recipe.
Find more ideas to bring to a picnic in our best family picnic recipes.
Air fryer fish tacos
These vibrant air-fried tacos are bursting with summer flavours, with crunchy slaw, zingy salsa and creamy avocado. Bite-sized pieces of white fish are tossed in spices and oregano, cooked in the air fryer for 8-10 mins then divided between wraps and finished with a drizzle of chilli sauce. Add it to your summer rotation for an easy yet impressive meal which serves up to eight – perfect for parties.
Air fryer muffins
Fold juicy blueberries into these golden brown muffins, a brilliant (and tasty) way to use up this seasonal fruit. These beautifully golden muffins can be ready in just 25 minutes, plus you can even double the mixture to make more.
Find more air fryer dessert recipes.
Air fryer sponge cake
Looking for ways to use up a glut of blackberries? Add them to the filling of this light and fluffy air fryer victoria sponge cake. You can also keep it simple with cream and jam, if you like.
Check out more victoria sponge cake recipes.