Southern cuisine is famous for its bold flavors, crispy textures, and comforting classics. With the rise of air fryers, you can now enjoy many of these beloved dishes with less oil and more convenience—without sacrificing taste. From spicy Nashville hot chicken to inventive twists like air-fried green tomatoes and bourbon bacon cinnamon rolls, these 15 Southern air fryer dishes will surprise your taste buds and add a modern twist to your comfort food cravings. Get ready to discover new favorites and reimagine Southern cooking in your own kitchen!
1. Air-Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken
Experience the fiery, crispy delight of Nashville hot chicken—without the deep fryer. Chicken tenderloins are marinated in dill pickle juice and hot sauce, then dredged in seasoned flour and air-fried until golden and juicy. A spicy cayenne butter glaze is brushed over the top, giving every bite that signature Southern heat. Serve with pickles and white bread for the full Tennessee experience. Get the recipe: Air-Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken
2. Air-Fryer Green Tomatoes
A Southern staple gets a modern upgrade with air-fried green tomatoes. Slices of tart green tomatoes are coated in panko breadcrumbs and seasonings, then air-fried until they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside. Pair with a creamy garlic cilantro or tzatziki sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a healthier take on a classic appetizer or side. Get the recipe: Air Fryer Green Tomatoes
3. Air-Fryer Bourbon Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
This decadent treat combines the sweet, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls with smoky bourbon-soaked bacon. The bacon is marinated overnight in bourbon, then layered into pre-made cinnamon rolls and air-fried until golden and sticky. A maple-pecan-ginger topping adds crunch and spice, making this the ultimate sweet-and-savory Southern breakfast or dessert. Get the recipe: Air-Fryer Bourbon Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
4. Air-Fryer Chicken Legs with Homemade BBQ Sauce
Chicken drumsticks are coated in a homemade barbecue sauce made from ketchup, honey, spicy brown mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, then air-fried until the skin is crispy and caramelized. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy Southern flavors—ideal for a weeknight dinner or backyard picnic. Get the recipe: Air-Fryer Chicken Legs
5. Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a Southern favorite, and the air fryer makes them extra crispy without the grease. Fresh sweet potatoes are sliced, tossed with garlic powder and paprika, and air-fried to golden perfection. Serve them as a side for burgers, barbecue, or on their own with a spicy dipping sauce. Get the recipe: Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
6. Air-Fryer Pork Chops with Creole Seasoning
Boneless pork chops are dredged in a mixture of almond flour, Parmesan cheese, and Creole seasoning, then air-fried until golden and juicy. The breading locks in moisture and delivers a crunchy, flavorful crust that’s distinctly Southern. Pair with mashed potatoes or collard greens for a classic comfort meal. Get the recipe: Air-Fryer Pork Chops
7. Air-Fryer Meatballs with Sweet-and-Spicy Sauce
These Southern-inspired meatballs are made with ground beef, oats, crackers, and a hint of Louisiana hot sauce, then air-fried and tossed in a glaze of orange marmalade, honey, and brown sugar. The result is a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy bite that’s perfect as an appetizer or served over rice for a main dish.
Get the recipe: Air-Fryer Meatballs
8. Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp
A Southern coastal favorite, these shrimp are coated in coconut and panko, then air-fried until golden and crunchy. Serve with a sweet-and-spicy apricot dipping sauce for a taste of the Gulf Coast that’s lighter but just as delicious as the deep-fried version. Get the recipe: Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp
9. Air-Fryer Grilled Cheese with Bacon
Upgrade your classic grilled cheese by making it in the air fryer. Sourdough bread is layered with cheddar, Swiss, and crispy bacon, then air-fried until the bread is golden and the cheese is perfectly melted. The result is a gooey, crispy sandwich with a smoky Southern twist—perfect for lunch or a late-night snack.
Get the recipe: Air-Fryer Grilled Cheese
10. Air-Fryer Taquitos
These crispy rolled tacos are filled with seasoned ground beef or pulled pork, rolled in corn tortillas, and air-fried until crunchy. Serve them with salsa, guacamole, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a Southern-inspired snack or party appetizer that’s bursting with flavor. Get the recipe: Air-Fryer Taquitos
11. Air-Fryer Asparagus with Parmesan
Southern tables love fresh spring vegetables, and this air-fried asparagus is a quick, flavorful side. Spears are tossed with olive oil, lemon zest, and Parmesan, then air-fried until tender and slightly crispy. The cheese adds a salty, nutty finish that complements any main dish. Get the recipe: Air-Fryer Asparagus
12. Air-Fryer Eggplant Fries
Eggplant fries are a Southern twist on classic fries. Slices of eggplant are dipped in egg, coated in Parmesan and Italian seasoning, and air-fried until crisp and golden. Serve with ranch or marinara for dipping and enjoy a healthier, flavorful alternative to traditional fries. Get the recipe: Air-Fryer Eggplant Fries
13. Air-Fryer Steak with Garlic Butter
Southern steakhouses are famous for juicy, flavorful steaks, and the air fryer delivers that same restaurant quality at home. Flat-iron or sirloin steak is seasoned, air-fried to your preferred doneness, and finished with a dollop of garlic butter. Serve with mashed potatoes or green beans for a classic Southern plate. Get the recipe: Air-Fryer Steak
14. Air-Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
These spicy, cheesy bites are a Southern party favorite. Jalapeños are stuffed with a mixture of cheddar and cream cheese, then air-fried until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly. They’re perfect for game day, gatherings, or as a bold appetizer that will disappear fast. Get the recipe: Air-Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
15. Air-Fryer Burnt Basque Cheesecake
For a unique Southern dessert twist, try air-fried Basque cheesecake. This crustless cheesecake has a caramelized, “burnt” top and a creamy, custard-like center. It’s quick to make in the air fryer and offers a rich, decadent finish to any Southern-inspired meal. Get the recipe: Air-Fryer Burnt Basque Cheesecake
These 15 Southern air fryer dishes showcase the creativity and comfort of Southern cooking—made easier, lighter, and just as delicious with the air fryer. From spicy chicken and crispy veggies to inventive desserts, each recipe offers a fresh take on tradition. Try them all and bring a taste of the South to your kitchen, one air-fried bite at a time!
