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    Home / Roundups

    12 air fryer meals that simplify weeknight cooking

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Mar 25, 2026 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    I rely on the air fryer when I need meals that come together quickly without adding extra steps to my evening. These kinds of dishes are great for busy weeknights, with shorter cook times and less cleanup to worry about. It's an easy way to keep dinner simple while still putting something solid on the table.

    Close-up of a grilled barbecue rib with shiny glaze on a white plate.Pin
    Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

    Three pieces of bacon-wrapped salmon bites garnished with parsley on a white plate.Pin
    Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These bite-sized pieces cook quickly in the air fryer and are easy to serve for dinner or snacks. The salmon stays tender while the bacon adds a crisp layer. Preparation is simple and works well even on busy evenings. It's a great option when you want a meal that keeps things quick and manageable during the week.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

    Air Fryer Cornish Hen

    Air fryer Cornish hen on a white plate with lemon wedges.Pin
    Air Fryer Cornish Hen. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This dish cooks evenly in the air fryer and is ready in less time than traditional roasting. It's a good choice for smaller portions or when cooking for a couple of people. The prep is straightforward and doesn't require much attention. It works well for weeknights when you want something simple but still complete.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hen

    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.Pin
    Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These pork belly bites turn crisp on the outside while staying tender inside. The air fryer cuts down cooking time and keeps things easy to manage. It's a great dish for sharing or serving as a main with simple sides. It fits well into busy evenings when you need something quick without extra steps.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

    Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Grilled shrimp skewers with red and green bell peppers, served with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce on a white plate.Pin
    Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These skewers cook quickly and are easy to prepare ahead of time. The shrimp cooks in minutes, making it ideal for fast meals. They are simple to serve and work well for both indoor and outdoor settings. It's a reliable choice when you want something quick that keeps dinner stress low.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

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

    These ribs cook faster in the air fryer while still turning tender. They require less hands-on time than traditional methods. The result is a full meal without a long wait. It's a good option for weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours cooking.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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

    These chicken tenders cook quickly and are easy to prepare in batches. They work well for both kids and adults as a main or snack. The air fryer keeps them crisp without much effort. It's a practical choice for busy evenings when time is limited.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Air Fryer Tuna Melt

    A grilled cheese tuna sandwich is cut in half on a plate.Pin
    Air Fryer Tuna Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This tuna melt comes together quickly and is ready in minutes. It's a simple meal that works well for lunch or dinner. The air fryer helps create a crisp finish without extra work. It's a solid option when you want something fast and easy during the week.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

    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.Pin
    Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These chicken legs cook quickly and come out with a crisp outer layer. They require minimal prep and are easy to handle. It's a dependable dish for everyday dinners. It works well when you need a no-fuss meal on a busy night.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    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.Pin
    Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These chicken thighs cook evenly and stay tender in the air fryer. They are quick to prepare and work well for different meals. The simple prep makes them easy to include in weekly plans. It's a great option when you want something reliable and quick for dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Chicken Nuggets

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

    These nuggets cook quickly and are easy to serve for both meals and snacks. They are simple to prepare and work well for all ages. The air fryer keeps them crisp with little effort. It's a practical choice when you want something fast and familiar on a busy evening.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

    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.Pin
    Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These skewers cook quickly and are easy to portion for meals. They are simple to prepare and work well for both dinners and gatherings. The air fryer helps cook everything evenly without much attention. It's a good pick when you want something quick that still feels like a full meal.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

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

    This whole chicken cooks faster than oven roasting and requires less monitoring. It's a great way to prepare a full meal in one go. The air fryer keeps the skin crisp while the meat stays tender. It's a reliable option when you want a complete dinner without extra work.
    Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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    A woman in a green shirt stands in a kitchen holding a bowl of strawberries.

    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

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