Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of outstanding materials in Li–air batteries because of their high surface areas, tailorable pore sizes and diverse catalytic centers. However, MOF-based batteries are facing challenges such as poor electronic conductivity and inferior long-cycle stability that limit their further development. This review first summarizes the progress of pristine MOFs and MOF-derived materials in Li–air batteries in the past 5 years, then provides a perspective for subsequent development of MOFs and their derivatives in this emerging field.