30 Air Fryer Wins That Make Weeknights Effortless

I love how the air fryer takes the stress out of cooking, especially on nights when time feels tight. With quick prep and easy cleanup, these meals make it simple to get something warm and homemade on the table without extra effort. Once you try a few, you'll see how much easier weeknights can be.

Two crab cakes on a white plate garnished with lemon wedges and parsley, with a dollop of sauce on top. — Maryland Crab Cakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

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Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Fried potato wedges with ketchup and parsley. — Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These potato wedges come out golden and crisp without the hassle of deep frying. They're quick to prep and cook, making them a handy side dish on busy nights. You can pair them with burgers, sandwiches, or even just enjoy them with your favorite dip. The air fryer keeps the mess to a minimum and the cleanup easy. That's exactly the kind of weeknight win you'll be glad to have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Wrapping onion rings in bacon gives them a smoky, crunchy bite that feels fun and special. They take just a few minutes to put together before heading into the air fryer. Perfect for when you want a quick snack or side dish, these are easy to serve with burgers or on their own. The air fryer makes them crisp without needing a lot of effort. They're a simple way to make dinner at home feel like something extra.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Frozen Pot Pie

Pot pie on plate with fork in middle. — Frozen Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cooking a frozen pot pie in the air fryer means you get a warm, flaky meal without turning on the oven. It's a straightforward way to make comfort food happen fast. The crust comes out golden, and the filling stays hot and hearty. It's an easy option for nights when you just need something dependable. This is one of those meals that shows how much easier weeknights can be with the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Pot Pie

Air Fryer Pineapples

Sliced pinieapples sprinkled with cinnamon on a plate. — Air Fryer Pineapples. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Warm pineapple straight from the air fryer brings out its natural sweetness. It's simple to prepare and works as a quick snack or light dessert. The air fryer caramelizes the fruit perfectly without needing extra fuss. It's great when you want something a little different to add to dinner. Recipes like this prove how handy the air fryer is for making weeknights easier.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pineapples

Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Tossing frozen sweet potato fries into the air fryer is about as effortless as dinner prep gets. They cook quickly, turning crisp on the outside while staying tender inside. You can serve them as a side with just about any meal. The air fryer keeps them from getting soggy like they sometimes do in the oven. This is the kind of shortcut that makes evenings smoother.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

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 are a family favorite because they come out crispy without the oil and mess. They cook fast, making them perfect for a busy night. Pair them with dipping sauces and a simple side for a full meal. Cleanup stays easy since the air fryer does most of the work. It's a recipe that makes dinnertime feel less stressful.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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 ham with a simple orange glaze comes together beautifully in the air fryer. It's an easy option when you want something hearty without heating up the whole kitchen. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness while the air fryer handles the cooking evenly. It's a nice fit for both weeknight dinners and smaller gatherings. This is one of those meals that makes cooking at home feel more relaxed.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Apple Puff Pastry Tart

A dessert plate with apple slices, a pastry drizzled with icing, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with syrup. A checkered cloth is nearby. — Apple Puff Pastry Tart. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Puff pastry and apples make a simple dessert that feels homemade without much effort. The air fryer bakes it quickly, giving you a golden crust in no time. It's an easy way to end a meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The tart works well as a sweet treat for two or a small group. Recipes like this show how the air fryer makes special desserts easier to pull off on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Apple Puff Pastry Tart

Crab Rangoon Dip

A person dipping a piece of bread into a skillet of cheesy dip. — Crab Rangoon Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dip takes a restaurant favorite and makes it easy to enjoy at home. The air fryer helps keep it warm and ready to serve without much fuss. It's quick to make and works well for family nights or small get-togethers. Pair it with chips, crackers, or veggies for dipping. It's one of those recipes that makes casual nights feel more fun without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Pasta chips in a white bowl. — Air Fryer Pasta Chips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Pasta chips are a crunchy snack that the air fryer makes simple. They cook up quickly and pair well with dips or spreads. It's a creative way to use pantry ingredients while keeping things easy. Cleanup is minimal since everything happens in one basket. This recipe is proof of how the air fryer keeps weeknight snacks effortless.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

Air Fryer Chicken Wings on white plate. — Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Starting with frozen wings and ending with crisp, flavorful chicken is one of the air fryer's best tricks. There's no need to thaw, which makes dinner so much faster. They're great for a main meal or for game-night snacking. The air fryer keeps them crisp without extra work. That's the kind of shortcut that makes busy evenings easier.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

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.

Chicken kabobs cook evenly and quickly in the air fryer. They're easy to prep ahead and make a nice option for dinner without a lot of cleanup. You can serve them with rice, salad, or veggies for a full meal. The air fryer handles the cooking so you don't have to stand over a grill. This is a simple dinner idea that makes weeknights run smoothly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Egg White Frittata Muffins

These frittata muffins are a quick way to get a wholesome breakfast or light dinner ready. They cook evenly in the air fryer and can be prepped ahead of time. Perfect for busy mornings or evenings, they're easy to grab and go. The air fryer makes them cook faster than the oven. This recipe is a reminder of how the air fryer keeps meals stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Egg White Frittata Muffins

Air Fryer Lumpia

Filipino spring rolls in a basket with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Lumpia turns out crisp and golden in the air fryer without the need for deep frying. They're quick to cook and make a great snack or starter. The filling stays warm while the wrapper gets crunchy. They work well for family dinners or casual nights with friends. Recipes like this make the air fryer feel like a weeknight lifesaver.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Air Fryer Cornish Hen

A Cornish hen cooks evenly and quickly in the air fryer, giving you a nice option for dinner for two. The skin crisps up while the meat stays tender. It's an easy way to make something that feels special without hours in the kitchen. The air fryer takes care of the hard work with little cleanup. That's the kind of meal that makes weeknights less stressful.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Bacon wrapped shrimp come together fast in the air fryer, giving you a mix of smoky and savory. They work well as an appetizer or part of a light dinner. Prep is simple and cooking time is short. The air fryer makes sure the bacon is crisp without drying out the shrimp. This recipe is a great example of how to keep weeknight cooking easy.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Air Fryer Tuna Melt

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

A tuna melt in the air fryer cooks evenly with crisp bread and melty cheese. It's faster than heating up a pan or oven. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it's simple and filling. Cleanup stays minimal since everything cooks in one place. Recipes like this are exactly why the air fryer makes weeknights easier.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Ground Turkey Meatballs

Three glazed meatballs are arranged in a row on a white plate, each garnished with a stick and a small sprig of parsley. A red checkered cloth and some fresh parsley are in the background. — Ground Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These meatballs cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer without much mess. They work well for pairing with pasta, rice, or even on their own. Prep takes just a few minutes, and they're ready in no time. The air fryer helps keep them tender inside while crisp outside. This is the kind of meal that makes busy evenings easier to handle.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Glazed apple cinnamon fritters on a plate with front one broken in half. — Air Fryer Apple Fritters. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Apple fritters come out warm and golden in the air fryer without needing a deep fryer. They're quick to mix up and perfect for a weeknight treat. The air fryer makes the outside crisp while keeping the inside soft. They're easy to share or enjoy with a cup of coffee. Recipes like this prove dessert can be effortless at home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Fritters

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.

A simple glaze turns a ham into a flavorful main dish, and the air fryer makes it easy. The meat cooks evenly without heating the entire kitchen. It's quick enough for a weekday but also works for special dinners. Cleanup is simple, which makes it even better. This kind of recipe shows how stress-free air fryer meals can be.
Get the Recipe: Air Fried Ham with Keto Glaze

Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One

A plate of apple crisp with chunks of apple, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an oat crumble topping. — Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Apple crisp made in the air fryer is quick, easy, and perfect when you just want a small portion. It's ready in less time than using the oven. The topping gets golden while the apples soften underneath. It's a sweet option for a simple dessert without much effort. This is one of those recipes that makes evenings at home more enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One

Air Fryer French Toast

French toast cooks quickly in the air fryer with crisp edges and a soft middle. It's perfect for breakfast or even a quick dinner. Prep is minimal, and cleanup is just as easy. You don't need to stand at the stove flipping slices. That's why it's such a great pick for making weeknights feel effortless.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Toast

Maryland Crab Cakes

Close-up of a crab cake on a plate, topped with creamy sauce, partially cut to show the inside. Lemon wedges and parsley garnishes are nearby. — Maryland Crab Cakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crab cakes turn out golden and crisp in the air fryer without needing a lot of oil. They cook fast and make a nice main dish or appetizer. Prep is straightforward, which makes them doable even on busy nights. The air fryer keeps them from falling apart during cooking. Recipes like this keep dinner simple without giving up flavor.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cakes

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Three bacon-wrapped pieces of chicken on a white plate with a sprig of parsley and a red and white checkered cloth on the side. — Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These bites are quick to prep and cook in the air fryer, making them a great snack or dinner idea. The bacon crisps while the chicken stays tender. They work well for weeknight meals or as a game-day bite. Cleanup is simple thanks to the air fryer basket. This is the kind of recipe that keeps evenings easy.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Close-up of a pastry topped with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. — Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Puff pastry, brie, and cranberry come together quickly in the air fryer for a warm snack. They're easy to assemble and bake up golden. Perfect for serving guests or adding a small treat to dinner. The air fryer saves time compared to using the oven. Recipes like this are why the air fryer is a go-to for stress-free cooking.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Apple Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, air-fried apples, red onions, nuts, and crumbled cheese. — Apple Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This apple salad comes together in minutes and makes a fresh side dish or light meal. It doesn't require cooking, which keeps things simple. You can throw it together while other dishes are in the air fryer. It's a crisp, refreshing option to balance a heavier dinner. This recipe is another example of keeping weeknight meals easy.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Close-up of a garlic bread slice topped with melted cheese and herbs held over a plate. — Air Fryer Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic bread cooks quickly in the air fryer with crisp edges and soft centers. It's a simple side to go with pasta, soup, or salad. Prep takes almost no time at all. The air fryer keeps it from burning and makes cleanup easy. Recipes like this show how helpful the air fryer is on busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

A spoon lifting a smashed potato garnished with rosemary, with a festive table setting in the background. — Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These smashed potatoes crisp up nicely in the air fryer without much effort. They're easy to prep and cook faster than in the oven. You can serve them as a side with chicken, beef, or fish. Cleanup is quick since it all happens in one basket. This is the kind of recipe that makes dinners come together without stress.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Roasted tomatoes seasoned with herbs and spices, served on a white plate garnished with parsley. — Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Roasted tomatoes come out soft and flavorful in the air fryer with minimal work. They're ready in just minutes and make a great side or topping. Perfect for adding to pasta, salads, or sandwiches. The air fryer gives them a roasted texture without needing the oven. Recipes like this keep weeknight meals simple and quick.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

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.

A salmon bowl is quick to prepare and makes a balanced meal with little fuss. The salmon cooks evenly in the air fryer in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven. Pair it with rice and veggies for an easy dinner. Cleanup is simple and quick. This recipe is a perfect example of keeping weeknight cooking effortless.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Bowl