Crux makes a variety of both manual and digital air fryers. The basket style models range from about 3.5 quarts to 6.5, while the larger oven-style model holds 9 quarts. Regardless of which type you have, these are some of the best Crux air fryer recipes to make!
Whether you just received one for the first time, or you’re wanting to try new recipes that make the Crux really shine, this list is for you!
Our Top Pick
What Can You Cook in a Crux Air Fryer?
A Crux air fryer is versatile and can cook a wide range of foods, from crispy snacks to full meals. Of course, depending on the size of your specific model, you may be limited or need to cook in batches (a whole turkey won’t fit in a 3.5-qt model for example).
Here are some of my favorite things to make in a Crux:
Proteins
- Chicken – Wings, tenders, thighs, drumsticks, or a whole spatchcocked chicken in larger models! How about some delicious Air Fryer Hooters Wings? Or, check out the classic recipe below
- Beef – Steak, meatballs, burgers, and even roast beef. Try some Meatloaf Burgers for a new spin on classic comfort, or check out the tasty steak recipe below!
- Pork – Pork chops, bacon, sausages, and pork belly
- Seafood – Salmon, shrimp, cod, and even crispy fish fillets! Try my Air Fryer Salmon Bites for a quick and easy recipe!
- Tofu – Perfectly crispy tofu bites for a vegetarian option
Vegetables & Sides
- French Fries – Classic, curly (how about some Air Fryer Arby’s Curly Fries), or sweet potato fries!
- Roasted Veggies – Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, and bell peppers.
- Potato Dishes – Baked potatoes (regular or sweet potatoes), hasselback potatoes (I love Hasselback Potatoes With Cheese), or smashed potatoes
- Cheese Sticks & Snacks – Mozzarella sticks, jalapeño poppers (Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are my favorite), or even crispy ravioli (try Air Fryer Frozen Ravioli for a quick option).
Frozen Foods
Chicken nuggets, pizza rolls (like air fryer Totinos pizza rolls), fish sticks, frozen onion rings, and tater tots all get extra crispy in an air fryer without extra oil!
Baked Goods & Breakfast
- Biscuits, Muffins, and Cinnamon Rolls – Air fryers can bake small batches quickly. Try my Air Fryer Pillsbury Orange Rolls!
- Eggs – Hard-boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, or egg cups
- French Toast Sticks & Pancakes – Crispy outside, soft inside. Air Fryer Frozen French Toast Sticks are so quick and easy!
Desserts
- Cookies & Brownies – Baked in ramekins or small pans
- Churros & Doughnuts – Air-fried for a lighter version
- Fruit Chips – Apple, banana, or pear chips for a healthy snack
Now, let’s get into some amazing Crux specific air fryer recipes to get you started!
Quick + Easy Recipes
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1. Crux Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Let’s start things off with a classic appetizer, snack, and tailgate favorite finger food. These Crux air fryer chicken wings cook up crispy on the outside, while staying tender and juicy on the inside.
They come out so much better in the air fryer versus the oven, and these wings are ready in about 30-40 minutes (depending on size). You can get back to watching the game that much sooner!
Toss them in a bowl with the garlic parmesan sauce recommended in the recipe, or go ahead and swap in your favorites. I love a classic buffalo sauce or a sweet and spicy honey sriracha in our house!
Katie’s tip
Looking to make a whole game day spread for a crowd? Try these easy and tasty air fryer turkey sliders too!
Then, grab your napkin and get the full recipe for Crux air fryer chicken wings here.
2. Crux Air Fryer Steak
This Crux air fryer steak recipe will deliver you a juicy, browned steak that’s perfectly cooked to your liking!
Simply rub your steak in some olive oil and your favorite steak seasonings and cook it in your Crux air fryer basket for 10 minutes or so.
It’s so simple and requires way less tending than the grill or stovetop, which is always a win in my book!
Serve alongside a baked potato cooked in the air fryer for the perfect steakhouse side!
Grab your steak knife and your appetite and dig into the full recipe for air fryer steak made perfectly in your Crux air fryer here.
3. Crux Air Fryer Chicken Recipe for Pickled Brined Chicken
The Crux air fryer is perfect for making chicken, and this pickle brined chicken is a must-try in my book.
Use your leftover pickle juice to brine your bird for super moist and well-seasoned meat. Coat it in crumbs and fry it up in the Crux air fryer for that irresistible crust on the outside!
You can use any cut of chicken you want honestly, but I like using chicken breast. Even though white meat dries out easily, you don’t have to worry here because of the brine.
I pound it thin and put it on a sandwich with some pickles, or even cut it into strips for chicken tenders!
However, it serves up well on its own too, no sandwich required. Pair your crispy air fryer pickle brined chicken with classic sides, such as this air fryer corn casserole.
Get the full recipe for pickle brined chicken made perfectly in your Crux air fryer here.
4. Air Fryer Broccoli With Parmesan Made in the Crux Air Fryer
Mom said we had to eat our veggies, so why not make some air fryer broccoli with parmesan cheese in your Crux air fryer?
It’s crispy, flavored with savory garlic, parmesan, and salt and pepper for a perfect bite. You’ll get that daily dose of green in, but might even enjoy it!
Not to mention, this air fryer broccoli pairs well with both chicken and steak, which I’ve already noted are great for your Crux.
Katie’s tip
Alternatively, you could try these air fryer Brussel sprouts with bacon. I mean, everything’s better with bacon, right? It’s still green I swear!
Try out this tasty air fryer broccoli, cooked to perfection in your Crux air fryer, here.
5. Air Fryer Churro Bites in the Crux Air Fryer
I’m glad we ate our veggies, because now we get to enjoy dessert! These air fryer churro bites are the perfect sweet ending that you can make in your Crux air fryer.
Sweet cinnamon sugar and caramel dipping sauce are all the things I love rolled into one bite-sized package.
By using pre-made puff pastry, you’re also able to cut down on prep, meaning dessert is ready in only about 10 minutes! I love it when things come together quickly!
Katie’s tip
For some other fast dessert options, make sure to check out our best microwave dessert recipes.
Get the full recipe for these air fryer cinnamon churro bites that are perfect for cooking in your Crux air fryer here.
Crux Air Fryer FAQs
Can You Put Aluminum Foil in the Crux Air Fryer?
Yes, you can put aluminum foil in a Crux air fryer. Just make sure not to entirely cover the bottom of the basket so that it still allows air flow. Otherwise, your food will cook unevenly.
Wrap it directly around the food, cut holes into it, or use a smaller piece for best results.
Can You Use Parchment Paper in a Crux Air Fryer?
Yes, you can also use parchment paper in a Crux air fryer. Parchment is, in general, oven safe, so it’s completely appropriate for an air fryer as well.
Like foil, you’ll want to ensure you don’t cover all the air holes in your basket, so that your food still cooks evenly.
Additionally, since parchment is so lightweight, make sure you’re setting food on top of it so that it’s secured. Otherwise, it can float up into the heating element where it can burn.
Do I Need to Preheat My Crux Air Fryer?
It is highly recommended to preheat your Crux air fryer. While you don’t technically have to, preheating your air fryer will help your food cook more evenly and crisp better. That’s kind of the point of the air fryer!
It only takes a couple minutes, so just set it while you’re busy putting your ingredients together, so it’s ready to go when you are.
Most Crux models don’t have an “official” preheat setting. Just program your air fryer to the temperature you want, and set the timer for 3-5 minutes (depending how hot you need it to get) and let it run.
Once the cycle finishes, your air fryer is preheated and ready to cook your food!
Must Know Tips For Crux Air Fryers
1. Preheat for Best Results
While Crux air fryers heat up quickly, preheating for 2-3 minutes ensures even cooking and crispier results, especially for proteins and frozen foods.
Katie’s tip
Learn more about preheating air fryers in general in my guides on how to preheat a Ninja air fryer and how to preheat a Pampered Chef air fryer.
2. Avoid Overcrowding the Basket
For the crispiest food, arrange items in a single layer and leave space between them. Overloading the basket blocks airflow and can result in uneven cooking.
3. Shake or Flip for Even Cooking
For foods like fries, chicken wings, or veggies, shake the basket or flip the food halfway through cooking to get a golden-brown finish on all sides.
4. Use the Right Temperature and Time Settings
If you’re new to air fryers (Crux or any brand), they cook much faster than conventional ovens. The temperature and time may seem low if you’re used to an oven, but follow the recipe recommendations!
5. Lightly Grease for Extra Crispiness
Although air fryers require little to no oil, lightly spraying food with avocado, olive, or canola oil enhances crispiness. Avoid aerosol sprays, as they can damage the nonstick coating.
6. Use Parchment Liners or Silicone Mats
For easier cleanup, use air fryer parchment liners or silicone mats, but make sure they don’t block airflow (perforated parchment is a great option for this that I use all the time). Never put parchment paper in an empty air fryer, as it can fly up and burn.
7. Know When to Use Foil
Aluminum foil can be used to line the basket or wrap delicate foods, but don’t fully cover the basket, as this can block airflow and affect cooking performance. It’s perfectly acceptable to wrap the food, though – I wrap my baked potatoes in foil all the time!
8. Clean After Every Use
To maintain performance, wash the basket, tray, and accessories with warm, soapy water after each use. Avoid using abrasive sponges to protect the nonstick coating.
9. Don’t Trust Cooking Presets
Many Crux air fryers have built-in presets for fries, chicken, fish, and more. While these are handy, manually adjusting time and temp can give even better results.
10. Use It for More Than Frying
Beyond crispy foods, Crux air fryers can bake, roast, reheat leftovers, and even dehydrate fruits or herbs (depending on the functions your model has)!
More Air Fryer Brand Recipes
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve discovered some of the best Crux air fryer recipes you can make with your newest kitchen appliance, I hope your taste buds are delighted!
Once you’ve made and conquered these, there are so many more great things out there to air fry! Just remember, most air fryer recipes can be made in any air fryer (sometimes you’ll need to adjust the time by a few minutes or change the amount to fit your unit).
Katie’s tip
Feel free to experiment with all sorts of delicious options. For example, check out some of these great air fryer Indian recipes for some global flavors to explore!
