30 Air Fryer Recipes That Keep Weeknights Easy

Weeknights can be chaotic, and nobody wants to be stuck in the kitchen forever. That's where air fryer recipes come in to save the day with quick, low-effort meals. They're easy to pull together, need less cleanup, and still deliver on flavor. You don't have to fuss with complicated steps or a pile of dishes afterward. Air fryer recipes keep dinner simple, so you can eat well and still have time to actually relax.

Close-up of a crispy air fried chicken drumstick on a white plate garnished with parsley, with hot sauce in the background. — Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Salmon Bowl

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed salmon, sliced cucumbers, corn, tomato wedges, and a drizzle of orange sauce, with chopsticks picking up a piece of salmon. — Salmon Bowl. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Salmon cooks evenly in less than 15 minutes, giving you a quick dinner option. Pair it with rice and vegetables for a balanced meal that feels fresh but simple. Cleanup is fast, which makes this bowl a reliable choice for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Bowl

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers cook quickly and don't need much prep, so dinner comes together easily. The air fryer keeps them juicy with a light char that feels restaurant-quality. Serve them with salad, rice, or eat them as-is when you want seafood on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One

A plate of apple crisp with chunks of apple, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an oat crumble topping. — Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A single-serving dessert that's warm, golden, and ready in less time than baking in the oven. The topping crisps nicely while the apples soften underneath. It's the kind of recipe that makes a quiet evening feel a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One

Air Fryer Lumpia

Filipino spring rolls in a basket with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These rolls turn out crisp without needing a pot of oil, and they're done in minutes. The filling stays hot while the wrapper cooks to a crunch. Recipes like this show why air fryer recipes are such a win for quick appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Air Fryer S'mores

A s'more with melted marshmallow and chocolate between graham crackers on a white plate. — Air Fryer S’mores. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This shortcut dessert delivers gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate in just a few minutes. You only need pantry staples, so it works well for last-minute cravings. It's also easier to clean up than traditional methods, which is a nice bonus.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S'mores

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Roasted tomatoes seasoned with herbs and spices, served on a white plate garnished with parsley. — Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Juicy Roma tomatoes roast until tender and flavorful in only minutes. They're great as a topping for pasta, salads, or sandwiches. This is one of those air fryer recipes that proves side dishes can be simple yet impressive.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

Sweet pineapple wrapped in salty bacon turns crisp and caramelized in no time. The air fryer handles the job quickly, leaving you with a snack that's ready in minutes. It works just as well for gatherings as it does for weeknight cravings.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

Air Fried Ham with Keto Glaze

Sliced roasted ham garnished with sprigs of rosemary on a white plate. — Air Fried Ham with Keto Glaze. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A light glaze adds flavor while the air fryer ensures even cooking without heating your kitchen. It's easy enough for weekdays yet works for special meals too. Cleanup takes almost no effort, which helps keep dinner stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Air Fried Ham with Keto Glaze

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

A bowl of bacon-wrapped cocktail sausages served on a bed of fresh green herbs. — Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Smoky sausages wrapped in bacon cook fast and evenly in the air fryer. They're fun to serve at parties, yet simple enough to enjoy at home. You get crisp bacon without extra grease or complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Cabbage wrapped in bacon comes out crisp on the outside and tender inside. It's a quick side dish that doesn't require much effort. Recipes like this highlight how air fryer recipes can even make veggies exciting.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Crispy skin and juicy meat come together without a drop of deep frying. The air fryer keeps them flavorful yet light enough for weeknight meals. It's an easy way to enjoy chicken that doesn't feel repetitive.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air Fryer Pineapples

Sliced pinieapples sprinkled with cinnamon on a plate. — Air Fryer Pineapples. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Fresh pineapple caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, bringing out its natural sweetness. It works as a snack or even as a simple dessert. This is a fun way to add variety to meals without adding prep time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pineapples

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Pasta chips in a white bowl. — Air Fryer Pasta Chips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cooked pasta gets crisp in the air fryer until it's snack-worthy. Pair them with dips for a crunchy bite that feels a little unexpected. This is one of those air fryer recipes that turns basic ingredients into something new.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Close-up of a hand holding a seasoned chicken wing garnished with fresh herbs, with more pieces on a plate in the background. — Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These wings turn crisp with a bright lemon pepper coating in minutes. They're simple to prepare but still feel special for game day or casual dinners. The air fryer keeps cleanup easy and the texture just right.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

S'mores Dip

Chocolate melts smoothly while marshmallows toast on top for a warm, shareable dip. It comes together in minutes without needing a stovetop or campfire. Serve it with graham crackers for a dessert that feels easy yet fun.
Get the Recipe: S'mores Dip

Air Fryer Honey Spiced Walnuts

Bowl of glazed candied walnuts on a white surface. — Air Fryer Honey Spiced Walnuts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These walnuts turn crisp and sweet in under 10 minutes, which feels like a win on busy days. The spice blend sticks well, so you get flavor in every bite. I like snacking on them straight from the bowl, but they also work as a quick homemade gift. Cleanup takes no time at all.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Spiced Walnuts

Apple Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, air-fried apples, red onions, nuts, and crumbled cheese. — Apple Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This salad pulls together quickly with crisp apples and simple ingredients. No cooking means you can toss it together while other dishes finish. It's light enough for lunch but also works as a refreshing side. I use it whenever I need balance with a heavier main dish.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad

Frozen Pot Pie

Pot pie on plate with fork in middle. — Frozen Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

The air fryer bakes a frozen pot pie until the crust turns golden and flaky. The filling stays warm and hearty without needing the oven. It's an easy comfort option when you don't feel like cooking from scratch. I keep one on hand for nights when dinner needs to happen fast.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Pot Pie

Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Close-up of a pastry topped with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. — Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Puff pastry wraps around brie and cranberry for a snack that feels a little special. They cook fast in the air fryer and come out perfectly golden. I like setting them out for guests or pairing them with dinner. The best part is you don't have to fuss with the oven.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Onion rings wrapped in bacon hit that smoky-crunchy combo in minutes. They crisp evenly in the air fryer without much work. I serve them as a side with burgers, but they're fun enough to stand on their own. They always get attention at the table.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air-fried brussels sprouts with grated parmesan cheese on a white plate. — Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These sprouts cook until the edges are crisp while the centers stay tender. You can toss in bacon for extra flavor, but they're solid on their own too. I like using them as a quick side during the week. They beat soggy takeout veggies any day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A single barbecued chicken skewer on a white plate, with a small bowl of barbecue sauce and a parsley garnish, next to a plate of additional chicken skewers. — Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

The air fryer cooks chicken kabobs quickly and evenly, so dinner comes together without stress. Prep is simple, and you can match them with rice or veggies. They don't need much cleanup, which helps on busy nights. I like them as a weeknight swap for grilling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Two halves of baked sweet potato topped with butter and garnished with herbs on a white plate, with a red checkered napkin on the side. — Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sweet potatoes turn out with a soft inside and crisp edges in about 20 minutes. They're easy to season and pair with just about anything. The air fryer keeps the texture closer to fries without all the oil. I use them when I want a fast side that still feels a little fun.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

Cinnamon apple slices on a white plate. — Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These apples cook until soft on the inside while the outside keeps a light crisp. The cinnamon adds warmth without being overpowering. They work as a simple dessert or a quick weekend snack. I love that they're sweet but not heavy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

Chicken Nuggets

Hand dipping a chicken nugget into a bowl of ketchup, with a gray cloth background. — Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

The air fryer turns out nuggets with a crunchy coat and tender center in minutes. They're great for kids, but honestly I grab a plate too. No deep fryer means less mess and less oil. I keep them around for quick meals or even late-night snacking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

A plate of jalapeño poppers on a table. — Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Jalapeño poppers cook fast in the air fryer with a crisp shell and melty filling. They're easy to portion, so you can serve them as snacks or appetizers. I like that they don't need a ton of prep before cooking. They're my go-to when I want something fun at the last minute.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Brownie Bites

Close-up of a hand holding a half-eaten chocolate brownie with gooey chocolate chunks, with another partial brownie blurred in the background. — Brownie Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These brownie bites bake quickly with a set outside and soft center. They're perfect when you want dessert without making a full pan. The air fryer handles small batches in minutes. Cleanup stays simple, which always helps on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Bites

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Fried potato wedges with ketchup and parsley. — Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Potato wedges come out golden and crisp without the mess of frying. They're quick to prep and pair well with burgers, sandwiches, or even just a dip. I like that they taste indulgent but don't take much effort. They've become one of my regular sides on weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Maryland Crab Cakes

Close-up of a crab cake on a plate, topped with creamy sauce, partially cut to show the inside. Lemon wedges and parsley garnishes are nearby. — Maryland Crab Cakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crab cakes cook evenly in the air fryer and hold together without much oil. They turn golden outside while staying moist inside. Prep is quick, so they work for both dinners and appetizers. I reach for this recipe when I want seafood without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cakes

Apple Puff Pastry Tart

A dessert plate with apple slices, a pastry drizzled with icing, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with syrup. A checkered cloth is nearby. — Apple Puff Pastry Tart. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This tart layers apples over puff pastry for a dessert that feels homemade but doesn't eat up your night. The air fryer bakes the crust golden in minutes. It's a nice way to finish dinner without a long recipe. I like it best when I just want a little sweet bite after a meal.
Get the Recipe: Apple Puff Pastry Tart