31 dinners to make in the air fryer that feel fast but taste legit

Dinners to make in the air fryer are perfect for nights when speed matters but flavor can't be skipped. They cook fast without sacrificing crispiness or texture. This method keeps the kitchen cooler and cleanup easier than traditional frying or roasting. Meals come out golden and satisfying, even with minimal effort.

A cooked steak partially sliced on a rectangular white plate, garnished with chopped parsley and fresh parsley on the side. — Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Want to save this post?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Air-fried Cornish hen served on a bed of kale garnished with lemon wedges. — Air Fryer Cornish Hen. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This Cornish hen cooks quickly in the air fryer, giving crisp skin and juicy meat. It works well for small family dinners or weeknight meals. Minimal hands-on time makes it practical for busy evenings. Serve with simple sides for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hen

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 evenly in the air fryer, saving time and prep work. The exterior develops light crisping while the inside remains tender. Pair with rice or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It's a convenient way to get protein on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots on a white platter, garnished with rosemary. — Whole Chicken in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A whole chicken cooks faster than traditional roasting while staying tender inside. The skin crisps nicely without extra effort. It's a practical option for a hearty, quick dinner. Leftovers reheat easily for the next day.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Three crispy breaded chicken tenders on a white plate with a side of honey mustard sauce and garnished with parsley. — Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken tenders cook quickly and stay juicy inside while crisping outside. Minimal preparation keeps weeknight dinners simple. They pair well with dipping sauces or veggies. This is one of the easiest dinners to make in the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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 fast while staying tender and flavorful. The short cook time keeps weeknight dinners stress-free. They pair with salads, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

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

Baby back ribs cook quickly while staying juicy and tender. The crisp exterior adds texture without extra effort. They work well for casual dinners or small gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Air Fried Ham with Keto Glaze

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.

Ham cooks evenly in the air fryer with caramelized edges and tender inside. It's ideal for weeknight dinners or small occasions. Minimal prep keeps cooking easy and hands-off.
Get the Recipe: Air Fried Ham with Keto Glaze

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 while staying tender inside with a light crisp outside. Pair with grains and vegetables for a balanced, fast meal. Prep is minimal, which makes it practical for busy nights.
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 while keeping the skin crispy and meat juicy. They pair easily with roasted vegetables or potatoes for a complete dinner. Minimal hands-on time keeps the meal quick.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

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 cooks quickly while the glaze caramelizes for bright, sweet flavor. The meat stays tender and juicy inside. It's simple enough for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A grilled chicken skewer on a white plate with barbecue sauce and fresh parsley, beside a plate of more chicken skewers. — Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Skewers cook evenly and stay juicy while the edges get lightly crisp. They pair well with rice or vegetables for a full meal. Prep is simple and fast. These are practical dinners to make in the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs 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 crisp outside while staying tender inside. The air fryer keeps cooking fast and hands-off. They're hearty and pair well with rice or simple sides.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

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 cook quickly while crisping outside and staying tender inside. Minimal prep keeps weeknight dinners easy. They pair perfectly with dipping sauces or sides.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp cooks quickly while staying tender and lightly charred. Skewers make portioning and serving simple. Pair with rice or salad for a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Easy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos

A plate of crispy rolled tacos topped with sour cream and garnished with chopped green onions and cilantro, placed on a colorful tiled table. — Easy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Beef taquitos come out crisp and flavorful in minutes. They're fun to dip and easy to serve. These are quick dinners to make in the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

BBQ chicken cooks fast while staying juicy with caramelized sauce. It pairs well with vegetables or rice for a complete meal. Minimal hands-on work keeps dinner simple.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Air Fryer London Broil

Sliced beef on a white platter. — Air Fryer London Broil. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

London broil cooks evenly in the air fryer with minimal attention. Slice thin and pair with simple sides for a filling dinner. Prep is quick and cleanup is easy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer London Broil

Air Fryer Chicken

Chicken wings on a plate. — Air Fryer Chicken. Photo credit: The Keto Option.

Chicken cooks evenly with crisp coating while staying juicy inside. They pair easily with dips, salads, or sides. This is one of the fast dinners to make in the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken

Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken

Close-up of a dish featuring pieces of chicken, red and yellow bell peppers, green onions, and brown sauce served over rice. — Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chicken cooks quickly while pineapple caramelizes and stays sweet. Minimal prep keeps dinner simple. It pairs well with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken

Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Skewers

Two grilled chicken and vegetable skewers with pineapple, red bell pepper, and red onion served over a bed of white rice on a gray plate. — Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Jerk chicken cooks fast while staying tender and flavorful. Pineapple adds a touch of sweetness without extra effort. These are fun dinners to make in the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Skewers

Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

Chicken Caprese with tomato and basil on a blue plate. — Air Fryer Caprese Chicken. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Chicken cooks quickly while melting mozzarella and warming tomatoes. Prep is simple, and the air fryer keeps cooking hands-off. It pairs well with light sides for a balanced dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Popcorn chicken cooks evenly while staying tender inside. Easy to portion for kids or casual dinners. Season lightly or boldly depending on taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Overhead shot of a striped bowl with kung pao chicken. — Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Kung pao chicken cooks quickly while keeping chicken crisp and vegetables tender. Peanuts and peppers add texture and flavor. Pair with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

A plate of air-fried chicken Parmesan rests on a bed of spaghetti, topped with marinara sauce and cheese, garnished with parsley. Next to it is a Caesar salad with lettuce, croutons, and dressing. — Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Chicken Parmesan cooks fast with golden, crispy coating and juicy meat inside. It pairs well with pasta or salad for a complete meal. Minimal prep keeps cleanup easy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Easy Air Fryer Tuna Steak

Perfectly air-fried ahi tuna steaks with greens and lemon slices on a plate. — Easy Air Fryer Tuna Steak. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Tuna steaks cook evenly in the air fryer while staying juicy inside. Brush lightly with oil and seasoning for a quick meal. Pair with salad or veggies for a balanced dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Tuna Steak

Air Fryer Cheeseburger

Cheeseburgers cook evenly with juicy centers and crisp edges. Minimal prep keeps dinner quick. Add favorite toppings for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheeseburger

Air Fryer Cornish Hens

Cornish hens cook golden and juicy in under an hour. Crisp skin and tender meat make them practical for weeknight dinners. Minimal prep keeps cleanup easy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hens

Easy Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings

A plate with sliced spring rolls filled with vegetables, garnished with chopped green onions, served with a bowl of soy dipping sauce topped with sesame seeds. Chopsticks rest beside the plate. — Easy Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Rice paper dumplings cook crisp outside while keeping the filling tender. Prep is simple and reheating is easy. They're perfect as an appetizer or light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings

Air Fryer Honey Glazed Salmon

Grilled salmon served with asparagus topped with melted cheese, two lemon slices, and greens on a white plate beside a fork on a red napkin. — Air Fryer Honey Glazed Salmon. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget.

Salmon cooks evenly, staying flaky and tender inside. Honey glaze adds subtle sweetness with minimal effort. Prep and cook time are short for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Glazed Salmon

Air Fryer Steak Bites

A plate of steak bites garnished with herbs and spices, with a fork holding one piece. — Air Fryer Steak Bites. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Steak bites cook quickly with garlic butter for extra flavor. Each bite stays juicy while the edges crisp. Cleanup is easy and prep is minimal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Bites

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Low angle shot of korean fried chicken with a hand holding a piece of the chicken. — Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Korean fried chicken cooks crisp while staying tender inside. The air fryer reduces mess and hands-on time. Every bite has bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Facebook X Pinterest Flipboard