14 air fryer main dishes that skip the oven entirely

I love having dependable main dishes that don't require turning on the oven, especially on busy days or when the kitchen already feels warm. Air fryer meals make it easier to get dinner on the table faster, with less cleanup and no need to plan around long cook times. This collection is for anyone who wants practical, full-meal options that fit real life and still feel worth making again.

Sliced ham with orange slices and grapes, garnished with parsley on a platter. — Orange-Glazed Air Fryer Ham. 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.

This dish works well for busy weeknights because it cooks quickly without turning on the oven. The air fryer handles the skewers evenly, making them a reliable choice for a hands-off main dish. Prep is simple and doesn't require a long ingredient list or extra equipment. It's a practical option for lunch or dinner when you want something filling without extra cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

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 are a smart air fryer main dish since they cook through efficiently without heating the whole kitchen. The compact cooking space helps shorten the total cook time compared to traditional methods. Preparation is straightforward, making this a good option for weekends or casual dinners. It's a hearty meal that feels complete without needing the oven at all.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

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 are well suited for the air fryer because they cook evenly and finish in a reasonable amount of time. This recipe keeps prep minimal while delivering a reliable main dish for dinner. Skipping the oven makes it easier to cook any day of the week without planning ahead. It pairs well with simple sides for a no-stress meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

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 is helpful when starting with frozen fish and still wanting a dependable main dish. The air fryer cooks the salmon directly without requiring thawing or oven use. It keeps prep time low and works well for quick lunches or dinners. This is a practical option for busy days when planning ahead isn't possible.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

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 bites cook efficiently in the air fryer, making this a strong choice when you want to avoid oven cooking. The smaller portions help reduce total cook time while keeping preparation manageable. This recipe works well as a main dish or shared plate for dinner. It's a convenient way to prepare pork belly without extra equipment.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

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 recipe fits well in the air fryer, allowing you to skip the oven while still preparing a full main dish. The air fryer helps manage cooking time better than traditional methods. Preparation is simple and works well for holidays or family meals. It's a solid option when you want a warm centerpiece without using the oven.
Get the Recipe: Air Fried Ham with Keto Glaze

Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Cooking ham in the air fryer keeps the process more controlled and avoids heating up the kitchen. This recipe is easy to prep and works well for both special occasions and regular dinners. The air fryer shortens cooking time compared to oven baking. It's a dependable main dish when you want something familiar without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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

Chicken tenders are a natural fit for the air fryer because they cook quickly and evenly. This recipe keeps preparation simple, making it useful for weeknight dinners or casual meals. Skipping the oven helps reduce both time and cleanup. It's a flexible main dish that works for both adults and kids.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers cook fast in the air fryer, making them ideal when you want an oven-free meal. The short cook time keeps dinner moving without much effort. Prep is minimal and doesn't require advanced planning. This works well as a light main dish or paired with easy sides.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Air Fryer Cornish Hen

A Cornish hen fits comfortably in the air fryer, making it easy to skip the oven entirely. The compact size helps reduce cooking time while still feeling like a complete meal. Preparation is manageable without needing special tools. This is a good choice for a small dinner or special meal without extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Chicken Nuggets

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

Chicken nuggets cook evenly in the air fryer, making them a dependable oven-free option. This recipe keeps prep simple and works well for quick meals. The air fryer shortens cooking time and limits cleanup. It's an easy main dish for busy days or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

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.

The air fryer handles the salmon portion efficiently, keeping the oven out of the process. This recipe works well for quick lunches or light dinners with minimal prep. Cooking time stays reasonable and predictable. It's a practical main dish that fits easily into a busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Bowl

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, making them a reliable oven-free main dish. Prep is simple and doesn't take much time. The air fryer helps keep cooking consistent without constant attention. This works well for family dinners or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

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 fits well in the air fryer, allowing you to skip oven roasting completely. This recipe offers a shorter cooking time than traditional methods. Preparation stays straightforward without complicated steps. It's a complete main dish that works well for family meals.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer