14 air fryer main dishes that skip the oven drama

Air fryer main dishes have made weeknight cooking so much easier for me, saving time without sacrificing flavor. I love that I can get a perfectly cooked meal with minimal cleanup and zero oven hassle. Whether it's a quick dinner after work or a simple weekend lunch, these dishes make feeding the family stress-free and practical.

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

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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.

Skewers packed with seasoned chicken make for a quick and balanced meal. The air fryer keeps cooking simple while giving the chicken a lightly crisped exterior. It's a great choice for weekday dinners when you want minimal cleanup. The combination of speed and flavor makes this a practical option for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

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.

A whole chicken cooks faster than roasting in the oven and fills the kitchen with aroma. The air fryer handles it evenly without needing constant attention. It's perfect for family dinners with minimal prep and cleanup. Leftovers can easily be used in sandwiches or salads.
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 chicken thighs cook quickly and stay juicy thanks to the circulating heat. The air fryer makes it easy to get a lightly crisped finish without turning on the oven. This dish is flexible for dinner or meal prep. It pairs well with simple sides for a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

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.

Chicken legs cook evenly in the air fryer, producing crisp skin with little fuss. It saves time compared with baking in the oven. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights. You can serve them with vegetables or rice for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

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.

Ham comes out caramelized on the outside while staying tender inside. Using the air fryer reduces cooking time and keeps things tidy. It works well for a main dish at dinner or a special weekend meal. Minimal prep makes it approachable even on short notice.
Get the Recipe: Air Fried Ham with Keto Glaze

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.

Frozen salmon cooks straight from the freezer without sacrificing texture. The air fryer keeps it simple and consistent without heating the entire kitchen. It's quick enough for a weeknight meal. Serve with grains or greens for a balanced plate.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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

Chicken tenders cook in just a few minutes and get crisp without deep frying. The air fryer makes cleanup easy, and the results are reliable. They're a great choice for casual meals or lunches. Pair with a dipping sauce or a side of vegetables to complete the meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Chicken Nuggets

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

Nuggets come out golden and crunchy without sitting in hot oil. The air fryer reduces cooking time while keeping the kitchen cooler. This is a straightforward option for kids or busy evenings. Serve with sides like fries or a salad for a full plate.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Cornish hens cook evenly with a lightly crisped skin in a fraction of the oven time. The air fryer handles them without extra attention. This makes a simple, elegant dinner option for smaller households. It's easy to serve with roasted vegetables or grains.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hen

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.

Ribs cook faster than traditional oven methods and stay tender inside. The air fryer keeps preparation hands-off while still achieving a light crust. It's a practical choice for weekend dinners or entertaining. Serve with a side of vegetables or baked potatoes for a full meal.
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.

Bite-sized pork belly cooks evenly and crisps up nicely in the air fryer. It's a time-saving way to get the texture of traditional frying without the mess. Perfect for a main dish or appetizer-style sharing. Minimal prep makes it ideal for casual or festive meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

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.

Ham comes out sticky and caramelized with minimal effort. The air fryer keeps cooking efficiently while letting the glaze develop. This is convenient for a family dinner or holiday meal. The sweet-savory flavor pairs easily with simple sides.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp cook quickly and stay juicy with a lightly crisp finish. The air fryer handles them in minutes, freeing up the oven. It's a practical choice for a weeknight dinner or quick lunch. Pair with rice or salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

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 and retains moisture without needing a long oven bake. The air fryer makes it quick to put together. It's easy to combine with grains and vegetables for a full meal. Ideal for busy evenings when you want a healthy main without extra cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Bowl