14 Air Fryer Mains That Keep Dinner Easy but Exciting

Air fryer mains are the kind of meals that hit the sweet spot between easy and impressive. They let you skip the stress of long prep while still bringing something exciting to the table. With minimal mess and quicker cooking, you get more time to actually enjoy dinner. They're also a fun way to switch up the usual weeknight routine without feeling like extra work. Air fryer mains prove that convenience doesn't have to mean boring.

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.

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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.

This ham cooks quickly in the air fryer and caramelizes nicely with the glaze. The texture stays tender, and the outside takes on a light crisp. It's a practical way to serve a centerpiece dish without using the oven. Dinner comes together faster, with less mess and effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fried Ham with Keto Glaze

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These chicken tenders come out golden and crisp with far less oil than pan frying. They cook in minutes and are easy to portion for any meal. You can season them simply or add your favorite spices for variety. A dependable choice for air fryer mains on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Juicy shrimp cook evenly in the air fryer and keep their texture without drying out. The skewers are quick to assemble and don't require much cleanup. They work well for a light dinner or as part of a larger spread. It's a recipe that feels effortless but still fresh.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

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.

These kabobs char lightly in the air fryer, creating a grilled feel without the grill. You can marinate them ahead of time or season them right before cooking. They're quick to prepare and need little attention while cooking. A great pick for nights when you want something easy yet different from the usual.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Chicken Nuggets

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

These nuggets crisp up fast and stay tender inside, giving you a kid-friendly option without extra effort. The short cook time means dinner is on the table quickly. Cleanup is simple, and you can cook just the amount you need. It's the kind of recipe that proves why the air fryer is so handy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

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.

Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, these chicken legs are ready in less time than the oven. They're easy to scale for a single serving or a family dinner. The air fryer handles the work without heating up the kitchen. This recipe shows how air fryer mains can keep weeknight cooking simple.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Close-up of an air-fried barbecued rib with charred edges over a white plate. — Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These ribs develop a crisp outside while staying tender in the middle. You can skip the grill or long oven time and still enjoy a hearty dinner. The portion is easy to manage, and cleanup is minimal. It's a good way to enjoy ribs even on a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

A basket of crispy roasted pork belly chunks garnished with parsley, served in a white paper-lined wicker basket. — Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Pork belly turns crisp in the air fryer without the need for deep frying. The pieces cook evenly, holding their texture while staying rich and flavorful. The recipe doesn't require a long ingredient list or heavy prep. It's a bold option that feels low effort once it's cooking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

Salmon Bowl

Flaky salmon, rice, and fresh vegetables come together in this quick air fryer bowl. The salmon cooks evenly and develops a nice crisp edge. A drizzle of spicy mayo ties everything together in minutes. It's a balanced meal that works well for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Bowl

Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Sliced ham with orange slices and grapes, garnished with parsley on a platter. — Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A simple orange glaze caramelizes beautifully on this ham while the air fryer keeps it tender. It's a smaller-scale option that saves time compared to oven baking. You don't need much prep, and the texture comes out just right. A reliable addition to your list of air fryer mains.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

Grilled salmon fillet on a white plate garnished with lemon slices and dill, next to a red checkered cloth and a fork. — Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This recipe takes salmon straight from freezer to plate without extra thawing. The fish cooks evenly and keeps a pleasant texture throughout. You can serve it with salad, rice, or vegetables for a complete dinner. It's a smart way to lean on the air fryer when you're short on time.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Cooking a Cornish hen in the air fryer keeps the meat juicy while crisping the skin. The portion size is perfect for one or two people. It cooks faster than using the oven and doesn't require constant attention. Pair it with simple sides for an easy yet put-together meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots on a white plate. — Whole Chicken in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This whole chicken comes out evenly cooked with crisp skin in less time than the oven. It's a practical option for small gatherings or meal prep. The air fryer handles the work without heating up the entire kitchen. A simple way to get a full dinner done with less effort.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

A piece of air fried chicken thigh on a fork, with a caramelized exterior and garnished with a small leaf, in focus against a blurred background of more chicken pieces. — Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Boneless thighs stay juicy and cook through evenly in the air fryer. The process is quick, low effort, and cleanup is minimal. You can season them however you like, from simple salt and pepper to bold marinades. They're a flexible choice for air fryer mains during busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs