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8 Fast Food Copycats to Make in Your Air Fryer

Caroline StankoUpdated: Dec. 10, 2020

Skip the drive-thru (and the extra calories) by whipping up these fast-food favorites at home.

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Inspired by: KFC Nashville Hot ChickenTaste of Home

Inspired by: KFC Nashville Hot Chicken

I live in Tennessee and absolutely love our state's famous Nashville hot chicken. To make cooking it easier, I thought I’d try air-frying. I’m so glad I did—this Nashville hot chicken recipe is almost better than the original. —April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee
Get Our Recipe for Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

Check out our complete guide to air fryers.

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Inspired by: Sonic Secret Menu Pickle-O'sTaste of Home

Inspired by: Sonic Secret Menu Pickle-O's

Like deep-fried pickles? You’ll love this version even more. Dill pickle slices are coated with panko bread crumbs and spices, then air-fried until crispy. Dip them in ranch dressing for an appetizer you won’t soon forget. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Get Our Recipe for Air-Fryer Pickles

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Inspired by: Long John Silver's Pacific Cod and FriesTaste of Home

Inspired by: Long John Silver's Pacific Cod and Fries

Looking for easy air fryer recipes? Try these simple fish and chips. The fish fillets have a fuss-free coating that's healthier but just as crunchy and golden as the deep-fried kind. Simply seasoned, the crispy fries are perfect on the side. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado
Get Our Recipe for Air Fryer Fish and Fries

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Inspired by: Popeyes Chicken TendersTaste of Home

Inspired by: Popeyes Chicken Tenders

Chicken fingers have long been a favorite of mine. Actually, almost any finger-shaped deep-fried goodie seldom escapes my reach. These air-fryer chicken fingers have taken a lot of the guilt out of my guilty pleasure. —Dianne DeGarmo-Carr, Alexander, Arkansas
Get Our Recipe for Air Fryer Fiesta Chicken Fingers

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Inspired by: Subway Chocolate Chip CookieTaste of Home

Inspired by: Subway Chocolate Chip Cookie

I am crazy about chocolate chips, and this chewy cookie has enough to satisfy me. My husband and kids love these cookies. This big batch is perfect for our family. —Diane Neth, Menno, South Dakota
Get Our Recipe for Air-Fryer Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

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Inspired by: Noodles and Company Korean BBQ MeatballsTaste of Home

Inspired by: Noodles and Company Korean BBQ Meatballs

I am always on a quest for meatballs that pack a sweet and savory punch. These are a snap to pull together and can be served over rice or buttered noodles.—Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
Get Our Recipe for Sweet and Spicy Air Fryer Meatballs

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Inspired by: KFC Original RecipeTaste of Home

Inspired by: KFC Original Recipe

I call this America’s best-loved air fryer chicken. The secret is in the breading, which makes the chicken super moist and flavorful, herby and golden brown. —Elaina Morgan, Rickman, Tennessee
Get Our Recipe for Air Fryer Southern-Style Chicken

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Inspired by: Popeyes Popcorn ShrimpTaste of Home

Inspired by: Popeyes Popcorn Shrimp

Coconut and panko crumbs give this spicy air-fryer shrimp its crunch. It’s perfect for an appetizer or for your main meal. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
Get Our Recipe for Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp and Apricot Sauce
Originally Published: October 10, 2019

Caroline Stanko
Caroline Stanko
As an Associate Digital Editor, Caroline writes and edits all things food-related and helps produce videos for Taste of Home. When she’s not at her desk, you can probably find Caroline cooking up a feast, planning her next trip abroad or daydreaming about her golden retriever, Mac.

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