29 Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make Cooking Your Meals Easier

I love how the air fryer makes cooking faster and easier without sacrificing flavor. Whether I’m short on time or just don’t feel like dealing with a sink full of dishes, it always comes through with quick, crispy, and delicious meals. These recipes take full advantage of its convenience, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your food.

Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

These ribs come out tender and full of flavor without the hassle of slow cooking or grilling. The air fryer locks in moisture while giving them a crispy finish that’s hard to beat. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, they cook faster than traditional methods. Using the air fryer keeps cleanup easy, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal. This is a great option when you want a home-cooked meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Cooking boneless chicken thighs in the air fryer gives you juicy, flavorful meat with a crispy exterior in no time. They make a great addition to salads, wraps, or a quick dinner plate. With minimal prep and short cooking time, this is a hassle-free way to get a home-cooked meal on the table. The air fryer does the work for you, making dinner simple and cleanup even easier. It’s a reliable choice when you need something quick without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

These bite-sized salmon pieces wrapped in bacon cook up fast in the air fryer, making them a great choice for busy nights or last-minute appetizers. The bacon adds a crispy texture that pairs well with the tender salmon. Using the air fryer keeps things simple while cutting down on grease and mess. They work well for a light meal or as a quick protein-packed snack. This is an easy way to bring bold flavors to your plate with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Chicken Nuggets

Air fryer chicken nuggets are a convenient way to serve up a family favorite without deep frying. They come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside in a fraction of the time. Great for a quick lunch, dinner, or snack, they work well with any dipping sauce. The air fryer helps cut down on oil while still delivering great texture. It’s a simple solution for an easy meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Cooking chicken legs in the air fryer ensures crispy skin and juicy meat with very little effort. They’re a great option for a no-fuss meal that still feels like comfort food. Whether you season them simply or add your favorite marinade, they cook quickly and evenly. The air fryer makes cleanup easy, so there’s less time spent washing dishes. It’s a reliable way to make a hearty meal without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air Fryer Cornish Hen

A Cornish hen in the air fryer cooks quickly and comes out with crispy skin and juicy meat. This is a great way to make a meal that feels a little special without extra effort. Since it’s smaller than a whole chicken, it’s perfect for a single meal or serving two people. The air fryer helps keep the meat tender while giving the skin a golden finish. It’s an easy way to cook something impressive with very little hands-on time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer gives you crispy skin and juicy meat in less time than in the oven. It’s a great way to get a homemade meal on the table with minimal effort. The air fryer locks in flavor while reducing the need for extra oil. Perfect for meal prep or a family dinner, it’s an easy way to cook once and have leftovers for the week. Cleanup is simple, making this a stress-free way to prepare a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

These chicken skewers cook quickly in the air fryer, making them a great option for a fast meal or appetizer. The air fryer ensures the chicken stays juicy while giving the edges a nice char. Whether served with rice, veggies or as a standalone snack, they’re versatile and easy to prepare. They require little clean up and can be made with different seasonings to switch up the flavors. It’s a simple way to enjoy a flavorful meal without standing over the grill.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

Pork belly bites in the air fryer turn out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside without the mess of deep frying. This method gives you great texture while cutting down on excess oil. They work well as a main dish or a shareable appetizer. The air fryer helps cook them evenly while keeping the meat juicy. This is an easy way to get rich flavor with much less effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Making a tuna melt-in-the-air fryer is a fast and mess-free way to enjoy a warm, crispy sandwich. The bread gets golden and crunchy while the cheese melts perfectly. It’s a great choice for a quick lunch or light dinner when you don’t want to spend much time cooking. The air fryer keeps it simple while cutting down on extra oil. This is a go-to option when you need something fast and filling.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air fryer chicken tenders cook up crispy and golden in no time, making them a great meal or snack. They’re perfect for dipping, wrapping in a tortilla, or serving with a simple side. The air fryer reduces the need for excess oil while keeping the chicken juicy. Quick to prepare and easy to clean up, they’re a great solution for busy days. This is a simple way to make a family-friendly meal without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers cook up quickly in the air fryer, making them a great choice for a fast meal or appetizer. They come out tender with a slight crisp on the edges, perfect for pairing with rice, pasta, or a salad. The air fryer keeps things simple, cutting down on both prep and cleanup. Season them however, you like to switch up the flavors without adding extra steps. It’s a great way to cook shrimp without needing a grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Lamb Rib Chops

Cooking lamb rib chops in the air fryer gives them a perfect sear while keeping the inside tender. They cook quickly, making them a great choice for a weeknight meal that still feels special. The air fryer locks in flavor and cuts down on excess oil. Whether served with vegetables or a side of potatoes, they’re a simple way to enjoy a hearty dish. Cleanup is minimal, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Rib Chops

Marinated Turkey Tenderloin

This turkey tenderloin cooks up juicy and full of flavor in the air fryer without much effort. The air fryer helps the outside get a nice crust while keeping the inside tender. It’s a great option when you want a protein-packed meal that doesn’t take long to prepare. Whether served with roasted veggies or sliced into sandwiches, it’s a versatile choice. Using the air fryer makes the cooking process easier and the cleanup quicker.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Turkey Tenderloin

Pork Roast

A pork roast in the air fryer comes out juicy on the inside with a crisp, flavorful crust. It’s a great way to make a home-cooked meal without heating up the oven. The air fryer cooks it evenly while locking in moisture, making it perfect for slicing and serving with sides. It works well for both weeknight dinners and meal prep. With minimal hands-on time, it’s an easy way to prepare a hearty dish.
Get the Recipe: Pork Roast

Honey Mustard Pork Chops

These pork chops cook up tender and flavorful in the air fryer, making dinner quick and simple. The honey mustard coating caramelizes perfectly, adding a little sweetness with every bite. The air fryer keeps the meat juicy while cutting down on oil and mess. It’s a great choice for a fuss-free meal that pairs well with almost any side. This is an easy way to get a flavorful dinner on the table without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Pork Chops

Chicken Tenders

Air fryer chicken tenders come out crispy and golden with minimal oil. They’re perfect for dipping, adding to wraps, or serving with a side of vegetables. The air fryer makes them quick to cook and easy to clean up. With simple ingredients and a short cooking time, they’re a reliable meal option for busy days. It’s a great way to make a homemade favorite without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders

Fried Chicken

Cooking fried chicken in the air fryer gives you crispy skin and juicy meat without deep frying. It’s a simple way to enjoy a classic dish without dealing with extra oil. The air fryer helps the coating turn golden and crunchy while keeping the inside moist. Whether for dinner or a casual gathering, it’s a great way to prepare a crowd-pleaser with less mess. This method makes fried chicken easier to cook and even easier to clean up.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken

Chicken Fajitas

Air fryer chicken fajitas cook quickly, making them a perfect choice for a fast and flavorful meal. The air fryer helps the chicken stay juicy while giving the peppers and onions a slight char. Everything cooks in one basket, cutting down on dishes and prep time. Serve them in tortillas, over rice, or on their own for a simple meal. It’s a hassle-free way to bring bold flavors to your table without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajitas

Dry-Rubbed Pork Roast

This pork roast cooks up juicy with a flavorful crust, thanks to the air fryer’s even heat. The dry rub gives it a rich seasoning without the need for extra sauces or marinades. It’s a great option for a hearty meal that doesn’t require a lot of hands-on work. Whether served fresh or used for leftovers, it’s an easy way to prepare a filling dish. The air fryer makes the process quicker while keeping cleanup simple.
Get the Recipe: Dry-Rubbed Pork Roast

Chuck Roast

Cooking chuck roast in the air fryer gives you tender, flavorful meat in less time than traditional methods. The high heat helps create a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside juicy. It’s a great option for a comforting meal that requires little effort. Whether sliced for dinner or shredded for sandwiches, it’s a versatile choice. The air fryer makes the cooking process faster and the cleanup easier.
Get the Recipe: Chuck Roast

Gochujang Chicken Wings

These chicken wings cook up crispy and packed with bold flavor in the air fryer. The gochujang glaze caramelizes perfectly, giving them a sticky coating with a little kick. The air fryer makes them simple to prepare while cutting down on oil and mess. They’re great for a quick snack, game-day spread, or easy dinner. This is a hassle-free way to enjoy flavorful wings without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken Wings

Rib Eye Steak

Cooking rib eye steak in the air fryer gives you a seared crust and juicy center in no time. It’s an easy way to get steakhouse-quality results without firing up the grill. The air fryer helps cook the steak evenly while keeping it tender. Whether served with roasted vegetables or a baked potato, it’s a quick way to enjoy a hearty meal. Cleanup is simple, making this a great option for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Rib Eye Steak

Teriyaki Salmon

Teriyaki salmon in the air fryer turns out flaky and flavorful with minimal effort. The sauce caramelizes perfectly, creating a slightly crispy coating. It’s a great way to make a healthy, protein-packed meal without a lot of prep. The air fryer keeps the cooking process simple and cuts down on dishes. This is an easy way to enjoy a flavorful salmon dish without much work.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Salmon

Salmon Bites

These salmon bites cook up fast in the air fryer, making them a great option for a quick meal or snack. The air fryer helps them stay tender on the inside with a crispy edge. They work well in bowls, salads, or as a simple main dish. Since they cook quickly, they’re perfect for busy nights. This is a simple way to enjoy salmon without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Bites

Chicken Thighs

Cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer gives you crispy skin and juicy meat in less time. It’s a reliable way to make a flavorful meal without needing to watch over the stove. The air fryer helps keep them moist while crisping the outside perfectly. Serve them with a side of vegetables or rice for an easy dinner. This is a simple way to cook chicken with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Thighs

Brats with Peppers and Onions

These brats cook up juicy in the air fryer while the peppers and onions soften perfectly. It’s a great way to prepare a hearty meal without turning on the stove. The air fryer helps the brats get a nice sear while keeping them tender. Whether served in buns or alongside a side dish, they make a satisfying meal. Cleanup is minimal, making this a stress-free option for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Brats with Peppers and Onions

BBQ Chicken

Air fryer BBQ chicken comes out juicy with a slightly crispy coating of sauce. It’s a simple way to get bold flavor without the hassle of grilling. The air fryer helps the sauce caramelize while keeping the meat tender. Whether served with classic sides or on its own, it’s an easy way to enjoy a barbecue-style meal indoors. The quick cooking time makes it perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken

Chicken Sausage

Cooking chicken sausage in the air fryer gives it a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. It’s a quick way to prepare a protein-packed meal without needing extra oil. Serve it with vegetables, in a bun, or alongside eggs for a simple meal. The air fryer makes the process quick and mess-free. It’s a great way to get a flavorful meal on the table without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage