Air fryers have redefined crispy dinners, and these recipes prove why they’re here to stay. From juicy chicken to perfectly cooked seafood and steak, they deliver bold flavors without the mess of deep frying. These dishes are quick, easy, and packed with the kind of crunch that feels effortless. If your air fryer’s been sitting on the counter collecting dust, now’s the time to put it to work.
Air Fryer Skirt Steak
Skirt steak in the air fryer comes out juicy and flavorful with just the right amount of crisp on the edges. It’s a great way to enjoy steak when grilling isn’t an option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Skirt Steak
Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer is quick and simple, and the maple mustard sauce brings bold, sweet, and tangy flavors. This is a great dinner option for busy nights when you don’t have time to thaw.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Air Fryer Brats
Brats in the air fryer are quick, juicy, and full of flavor. Even grilling enthusiasts will love how fast and simple this method is, making it great for busy nights or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brats
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
Chicken leg quarters cook to perfection in the air fryer, with crispy skin and juicy meat. With a flavorful spice rub, this is a great dinner option that’s ready in under 25 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
Air Fryer Cod
Cod cooked in the air fryer is flaky, tender, and lightly seasoned with lemon and herbs. It’s a great choice for an easy, no-mess seafood dinner that’s ready in 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cod
Air Fryer Lamb Chops
Lamb chops marinated in olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer. Perfect for a fancy dinner that’s ready in just 10 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lamb Chops
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts
Frozen chicken breasts go from freezer to plate in under 30 minutes with the air fryer. They’re juicy, tender, and great for last-minute meals when you forget to defrost.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts
Air Fryer Tofu
Tofu in the air fryer is crispy on the outside and soft inside, making it a great addition to any meal. It’s a quick and healthy way to enjoy crunchy tofu without frying in oil.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu
Air Fryer Ribeye
Making ribeye steak in the air fryer is an incredibly easy way to enjoy this classic dinner. Enjoy tender, juicy steak with flavorful, simple seasonings in just minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye
Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Ribeye steak cooked in the air fryer comes out perfectly tender and juicy with a crisp, flavorful crust. It’s a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality steak at home without the hassle of grilling.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Air Fryer Garlic Ginger Shrimp
Garlic ginger shrimp cooks quickly in the air fryer, delivering tender and flavorful bites in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy nights or as a quick appetizer, these shrimp pack a ton of flavor without the mess of frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Ginger Shrimp
Air Fryer Cornish Hens
These air fryer Cornish hens deliver crispy skin and juicy meat in a fraction of the time it takes to roast. This is a great choice for a dinner that feels special without requiring much effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Parmesan Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Cooking spaghetti squash in the air fryer makes it perfectly tender with just a hint of crisp. Topped with parmesan, it’s a great option for a quick and flavorful side or base for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks
Crispy fish sticks in the air fryer are a quick and easy way to enjoy a crunchy, homemade dinner. With just a few ingredients and no mess from frying, these are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even snacks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks
Mini Naan Pizzas in the Air Fryer
Mini naan pizzas crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, creating flatbread-style pizzas in under 10 minutes. These pizzas are a great choice for a semi-homemade meal that’s quick, simple, and fun to customize.
Get the Recipe: Mini Naan Pizzas in the Air Fryer
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
These air fryer buffalo chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Packed with bold buffalo flavor, they’re great for game days, snacks, or even a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Scallops
Scallops cooked in the air fryer come out tender and perfectly seared. Paired with a quick garlic, chive, and lemon butter sauce, they make a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Scallops
Air Fryer Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket
Bacon, jalapeños, and cheese wrapped in dough cook perfectly crispy in the air fryer. These pigs in a blanket are a great snack for game days or anytime you want a fun, flavorful bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bombs
Buffalo chicken bombs come out perfectly crisp in the air fryer. Each bite is packed with flavor, making them a great choice for appetizers or snacks that bring the crunch without the oil.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bombs
Air Fryer Pull Apart Jalapeño Popper Rolls
Jalapeño popper rolls stuffed with cheese cook up golden and crispy in the air fryer. These bite-sized rolls are perfect for a snack or appetizer that’s full of bold flavor and a little heat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pull Apart Jalapeño Popper Rolls
Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
Pizza bagels in the air fryer are the crunchy snack or quick dinner everyone can enjoy. Ready in under 15 minutes, they’re simple to make and a great go-to for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Air fryer chicken wings deliver crunch and flavor without needing oil. Toss them in your favorite sauce for a snack, appetizer, or dinner that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Pork Kebabs
Pork kebabs in the air fryer are made with marinated pork tenderloin, peppers, onions, and bacon for bold, juicy bites. They’re a great dinner option when you want something hearty and easy to prep.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Kebabs
Air Fryer Delmonico Steak
Cooking Delmonico steak in the air fryer creates a tender, flavorful steak with minimal effort. It’s a great way to enjoy a steakhouse-quality meal without firing up the grill.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Delmonico Steak
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Teriyaki chicken thighs come out juicy and packed with flavor in the air fryer. The perfect balance of crispy skin and tender meat makes these a great choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce
Duck breast in the air fryer comes out crispy and tender, topped with a bold cherry sauce that takes it to the next level. It’s a great choice for special dinners or holidays when you want something impressive yet easy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce
Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Bang bang chicken skewers cook quickly in the air fryer, delivering bold, tangy flavors in every bite. They’re a great option for weeknight dinners, parties, or game-day spreads.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Air Fryer Roast Beef and Potatoes
Roast beef and crispy potatoes come together perfectly in the air fryer for a hearty and flavorful meal. This is a great comfort food option that’s simple enough for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roast Beef and Potatoes
Air Fryer Marinated Turkey Tenderloin
Turkey tenderloin cooks to perfection in the air fryer, staying juicy and tender. Whether for dinner or a small holiday gathering, this is a great alternative to roasting an entire turkey.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Marinated Turkey Tenderloin
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
