Air fryers have become a popular kitchen gadget for making quick and tasty meals. These devices use hot air to cook food, giving it a crispy texture without the need for lots of oil.
Many people like air fryers because they can make healthier versions of fried foods.
You can cook a wide range of dinners in an air fryer. From crispy chicken and fish to roasted vegetables and even some baked goods, air fryers offer many options for easy meals.
Air fryer recipes often take less time to cook than traditional oven methods. This makes them great for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
1. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Buffalo cauliflower bites are a tasty vegetarian twist on classic buffalo wings. You can easily make them in your air fryer for a crispy, spicy snack.
To prepare, cut a head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Mix flour with spices like garlic powder and paprika to coat the cauliflower.
Air fry the coated florets at 370°F for about 10 minutes.
While they cook, make a sauce by combining melted butter with hot sauce.
Toss the crispy cauliflower in the buffalo sauce. For extra crispiness, you can air fry them again briefly. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
This recipe is perfect for game day snacks or as a side dish. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional wings but still packs a flavorful punch.
2. Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Air fryer honey garlic chicken wings are a tasty dinner option. They cook up crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
To make them, season the wings and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
While the wings cook, prepare a sauce with honey, garlic, and other seasonings.
When the wings are done, toss them in the hot sauce to coat.
These wings come out perfectly crispy without deep frying. The honey garlic sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor that’s hard to resist.
Serve the wings hot as a main dish or appetizer. They pair well with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce.
3. Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Air fryer parmesan crusted pork chops are a tasty dinner option. You can make them in about 15 minutes for a quick meal.
Start by coating the pork chops in olive oil.
Mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and spices like paprika and garlic powder in a bowl. Dip each chop in this mixture to coat it.
Place the coated pork chops in your air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for about 7 minutes total, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 145-160°F.
These pork chops come out juicy and flavorful. The parmesan crust adds a nice crunch.
Serve with mashed potatoes or your favorite sides for a satisfying dinner.
4. Lemon Garlic Salmon
Air fryer lemon garlic salmon is a quick and tasty dinner option. You can have this dish ready in about 15 minutes. The air fryer cooks the salmon to flaky perfection while keeping it moist.
To make this recipe, brush melted butter and lemon juice on the salmon fillets. Then sprinkle a mix of garlic powder, herbs, and spices on top. Place the seasoned salmon in your air fryer basket.
Cook the salmon at 400°F for 6-8 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets. For best results, use center-cut pieces about 1-inch thick.
This method works well for both whole fillets and salmon bites. The air fryer gives the fish a nice texture without drying it out.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Air fryer stuffed bell peppers are a tasty and quick dinner option. You can fill them with ground beef, rice, and veggies for a complete meal.
To make them, cut bell peppers in half and remove the seeds. Cook the peppers in the air fryer for a few minutes to soften them.
Mix your filling ingredients in a bowl. Stuff the peppers with the mixture and place them back in the air fryer basket.
Cook the stuffed peppers at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. Top with cheese in the last few minutes if desired.
These peppers are easy to customize with different fillings and flavors. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
6. Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs are a tasty and easy dinner option. You can make them with just a few ingredients from your pantry.
To prepare, mix teriyaki sauce with chicken thighs and marinate for 20 minutes. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook at 375°F for about 16 minutes total. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking. Brush with extra sauce for more flavor.
This dish works well with both boneless and bone-in chicken thighs. Pair it with rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
7. Spicy Korean BBQ Beef
Spicy Korean BBQ beef is a tasty and quick meal you can make in your air fryer. This dish combines tender beef with a flavorful, spicy Korean-inspired sauce.
To make it, you’ll need thinly sliced beef, Korean BBQ sauce, and some basic seasonings. Mix the beef with the sauce and spices, then cook it in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes.
The air fryer gives the beef a nice crispy exterior while keeping it juicy inside. It’s much faster than traditional grilling or stovetop cooking.
Serve your spicy Korean BBQ beef over rice with some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste by adding more or less hot sauce.
8. Garlic Butter Shrimp
Air fryer garlic butter shrimp is a quick and tasty dinner option. You can make it in about 15 minutes. The shrimp comes out tender and full of flavor.
To make this dish, season the shrimp with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook them in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
While the shrimp cooks, make a garlic butter sauce on the stove. Melt butter, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant. Mix in lemon juice and parsley for extra taste.
When the shrimp is done, toss it in the garlic butter sauce. You can serve this as a main dish or appetizer.
9. Eggplant Parmesan
Air fryer eggplant parmesan is a tasty vegetarian dinner option. It’s crispy and crunchy without using much oil.
To make it, slice eggplant into rounds and coat them with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese.
Cook the breaded eggplant slices in your air fryer at 375°F for about 10 minutes. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
This dish is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic Italian meal with less fat than traditional frying methods.
10. Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Air fryer maple glazed Brussels sprouts are a quick and delicious side dish. You can make them in about 15-20 minutes.
Start by coating your Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook at 400°F for 17-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. This ensures they cook evenly and become crispy.
While cooking, mix maple syrup with a bit of mustard or lemon juice for a tangy glaze. When the sprouts are golden brown and tender, toss them in the glaze.
The result is crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. They make a great addition to any meal.
11. Cajun Spiced Sweet Potato Fries
Cajun sweet potato fries make a tasty side dish for your air fryer dinners. They pair well with spicy chicken or burgers.
To make them, wash and peel sweet potatoes. Cut them into fries or wedges. Mix the fries with oil and Cajun spices in a bowl.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Cook the fries for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through. The fries may not get super crispy, but they’ll have lots of flavor.
You can adjust the spices to your taste. Try paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne for extra kick. These fries are a healthier option than regular fries.
12. Honey Sriracha Chicken
Air fryer honey sriracha chicken is a tasty dish that combines sweet and spicy flavors. You can make it using chicken thighs or bite-sized pieces of chicken.
To prepare, coat the chicken with a mix of honey, sriracha sauce, and vinegar. This creates a flavorful glaze that caramelizes in the air fryer.
Cook the chicken in the air fryer at 425°F for about 10-15 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of your chicken pieces.
The result is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. You can serve this dish with rice or vegetables for a quick and delicious meal.
13. BBQ Drumsticks
Air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks are a quick and tasty dinner option. You’ll need chicken legs, oil, BBQ sauce, and seasoning.
Start by coating the drumsticks with a small amount of olive or avocado oil. Then apply your favorite BBQ seasoning mix.
Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6 minutes.
Brush BBQ sauce on all sides of the chicken. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce caramelizes and the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
This method creates juicy chicken with a deliciously crispy, saucy exterior. It’s an easy way to enjoy BBQ flavor without firing up the grill.
14. Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops
Herb-crusted lamb chops make a tasty air fryer dinner. Mix chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Coat your lamb chops evenly with this flavorful herb mixture. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place the seasoned chops in the fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for about 12 minutes for medium-rare.
The air fryer creates a crispy herb crust while keeping the inside juicy. Serve your lamb chops with roasted vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.
15. Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini fritters are a tasty way to use your air fryer for dinner. You can make these crispy treats with just a few simple ingredients.
Start by shredding zucchini and squeezing out excess moisture. Mix the zucchini with egg, flour, cheese, and seasonings to form a batter.
Shape the mixture into small patties and place them in your air fryer basket. Cook at 370°F for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Your zucchini fritters will come out golden brown and crispy. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a light and delicious meal.
16. Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken
This tasty dish brings Mediterranean flavors to your air fryer.
Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pat them dry and season with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cut a pocket in each breast. Stuff with a mix of spinach and feta cheese. The spinach adds color and nutrients, while feta brings tangy flavor.
Air fry the stuffed chicken for about 15 minutes at 375°F. Flip halfway through cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
The result is juicy chicken with a crispy exterior. The Mediterranean filling stays moist and flavorful. Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
17. Tandoori Tofu Skewers
Tandoori tofu skewers are a tasty vegetarian option for your air fryer.
Start by marinating tofu cubes in a mixture of yogurt and spices like chaat masala, chili powder, and turmeric.
Thread the marinated tofu onto skewers with chunks of bell pepper and onion. Place the skewers in your air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
Cook at 390°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tofu will become crispy on the outside while staying tender inside.
Serve your tandoori tofu skewers with mint yogurt chutney for dipping. This protein-rich dish makes a great appetizer or main course for your next meal.
18. Lemon Herb Tilapia
You can make tasty lemon herb tilapia in your air fryer.
Start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F.
Season tilapia fillets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, and dried dill. Drizzle with olive oil and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
Place the seasoned fillets in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
For extra flavor, add lemon slices on top of the fillets before cooking. Serve your lemon herb tilapia with quinoa or brown rice for a quick and healthy dinner.
19. Balsamic Glazed Carrots
Air fryer balsamic glazed carrots are a tasty and easy side dish.
Cut carrots into evenly sized pieces and place them in the air fryer basket.
Cook at 390°F for about 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The carrots should be tender when done.
Transfer the warm carrots to a bowl and toss with balsamic glaze and a bit of butter. This coating gives them a rich, tangy flavor.
For extra seasoning, you can add garlic powder, salt, and pepper before air frying. The high heat caramelizes the balsamic glaze, creating a delicious balance of sweet and savory.
20. Panko Crusted Cod
Panko crusted cod is a tasty and easy dinner option for your air fryer.
Start by patting dry your cod fillets and seasoning them with salt and pepper.
Set up a dredging station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with paprika and garlic powder.
Coat each fillet in flour, then egg, and finally the seasoned panko.
Place the coated fillets in your preheated air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes. The result is crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside.
Serve your panko crusted cod with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce for a quick and delicious meal.
21. Miso Glazed Eggplant
Miso glazed eggplant is a tasty air fryer dish you can make in about 15 minutes.
You’ll need eggplant, miso paste, and a few other simple ingredients.
Start by slicing the eggplant in half and scoring the flesh. Brush both sides with oil and sprinkle salt on the skin.
Air fry the eggplant at 375°F for 6 minutes per side. While it cooks, mix miso paste with sake to make a glaze.
Brush the cooked eggplant with the miso glaze. Air fry for a few more minutes until golden and crispy.
Top with chopped scallions and sesame seeds before serving. This makes a great side dish or vegetarian main course.
22. Mango Chili Chicken
Mango chili chicken is a tasty air fryer dinner that combines sweet and spicy flavors.
You’ll need chicken cutlets, mango, and chili sauce for this dish.
Start by marinating the chicken in a mix of mango puree and chili sauce. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Place the marinated chicken in your air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For extra flavor, brush more mango chili sauce on the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking. Serve your mango chili chicken with rice or a fresh salad.
23. Coconut Shrimp
Air fryer coconut shrimp is a tasty and healthier take on the classic fried dish.
You can make this appetizer or main course easily at home.
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Dip peeled and deveined shrimp in beaten eggs, then coat them in a mixture of coconut and breadcrumbs.
Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 6 minutes, flipping halfway through. The shrimp are done when they turn golden brown and crispy.
This method uses less oil than deep frying, but still gives you crunchy, flavorful shrimp. Serve your coconut shrimp with a dipping sauce for a delicious meal.
24. Crispy Ravioli
Air fryer ravioli is a tasty and easy dinner option.
Start by coating store-bought ravioli in egg wash and bread crumbs. Mix in some grated Parmesan and Italian herbs for extra flavor.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Spray the breaded ravioli lightly with cooking oil. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve your crispy ravioli with warm marinara sauce for dipping. This dish makes a great appetizer or main course. It’s quick to prepare and sure to please both kids and adults.
25. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms
Spinach and feta stuffed mushrooms are a tasty air fryer dinner option.
Start by removing the stems from large button or cremini mushrooms.
Mix chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and minced garlic for the filling. Stuff this mixture into the mushroom caps.
Place the stuffed mushrooms in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for about 10 minutes.
The result is tender mushrooms with a flavorful, cheesy filling. This dish works well as a main course or appetizer.
For extra flavor, try adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the filling. You can also use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available.
26. Ranch Chicken Tenders
Ranch chicken tenders are a tasty and easy meal you can make in your air fryer. They come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
To make them, you’ll need chicken tenders, ranch seasoning, and breadcrumbs.
Coat the chicken in egg, then dip in a mixture of breadcrumbs and ranch seasoning.
Place the coated tenders in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
These tenders are great for a quick dinner or lunch. You can serve them with dipping sauces like extra ranch or barbecue sauce. Add some veggies on the side for a complete meal.
27. Teriyaki Tofu Bites
Teriyaki tofu bites are a tasty vegan dinner option you can make in your air fryer.
Cut firm tofu into cubes and marinate them in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Spray the basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the tofu cubes in a single layer.
Cook for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The tofu should turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve your teriyaki tofu bites hot. You can garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
28. Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
Air fryer garlic parmesan asparagus is a tasty and simple side dish. You can make it in just a few minutes with only four ingredients.
Start by washing the asparagus and cutting off the tough ends. Toss the spears with olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Place the asparagus in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top. Cook at 400°F for 7-10 minutes until tender.
The result is crispy, flavorful asparagus with a delicious garlic parmesan crust. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
29. Ratatouille
Air fryer ratatouille is a tasty veggie dish you can make easily. You’ll need eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions.
Chop the veggies into small pieces. Mix them with olive oil, salt, and garlic. Put the mix in your air fryer basket.
Cook for about 20-25 minutes at 375°F. Stir the veggies every 5-8 minutes. This helps them cook evenly and get a nice crisp.
The result is a colorful, flavorful side dish. It’s perfect with bread or as a topping for pasta. You can also enjoy it on its own for a light meal.
30. Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Prosciutto wrapped asparagus is a tasty and elegant air fryer dinner option. You only need asparagus spears and prosciutto slices to make this simple dish.
Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of prosciutto. Place the wrapped spears in your air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook at 350°F for 7-10 minutes. The prosciutto will become crispy while the asparagus cooks to tender perfection.
This dish works great as a side or appetizer. You can add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor if you like.
Leftover asparagus can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
31. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Buffalo chicken meatballs are a tasty air fryer dinner option. You can whip them up quickly using ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and buffalo sauce. Mix these ingredients with some spices in a bowl.
Form the mixture into small balls. Place them in your air fryer basket. Cook for about 8 minutes at 375°F. You don’t need to flip them, but you can for even browning if you want.
These meatballs are juicy and packed with flavor. Serve them as a main dish or appetizer. They go great with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer is key for crispy food.
Turn on your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding food. This helps cook food evenly and gives it a nice crunch.
For frozen foods, preheat to about 400°F. Fresh foods may need a lower temp, around 350°F.
Check your recipe or air fryer manual for the best temperature.
Don’t overcrowd the basket when cooking.
Leave space between food items so hot air can flow. This helps everything cook evenly and get crispy.
Using the Right Amount of Oil
Air fryers need less oil than deep frying, but a little oil helps food get crispy.
Use about 1-2 teaspoons of oil for most recipes. You can brush it on or use a spray bottle.
Choose oils with high smoke points like avocado, grapeseed, or light olive oil. These work well at high temps without burning.
Toss food in a bowl with oil before putting it in the fryer. This coats food evenly.
For breaded items, spray a light coat of oil on top before cooking.
Fatty foods like chicken wings may not need extra oil. The fat that cooks off will help crisp the skin.