21 Air Fryer Recipes for People That Hate Complicated Cooking

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If cooking feels like a chore, your air fryer is about to be your new best friend. These recipes skip the complicated steps but still deliver great meals with minimal effort. Whether you’re short on time or just not in the mood for a sink full of dishes, these easy air fryer recipes make dinner stress-free.

Ground Turkey Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Spring rolls on a rectangular white plate with parsley garnish, accompanied by a small bowl of dipping sauce. A textured pink cloth is nearby. — Ground Turkey Air Fryer Spring Rolls. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

These spring rolls turn a simple mix of ground turkey and vegetables into a crispy, flavorful snack without the hassle of deep frying. The air fryer makes them golden brown with minimal effort, keeping things easy and mess-free. Perfect for a quick appetizer or light meal, they come together fast and don’t require complicated steps. It’s a great option when you want something crisp and fresh without standing over a stove.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Plate of sliced teriyaki chicken over white rice, topped with sesame seeds, served with snap peas and carrot slices. — Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This teriyaki chicken cooks quickly in the air fryer, giving you tender, well-coated bites without extra work. The sauce caramelizes perfectly, creating a balanced mix of sweet and savory flavors. With no need for constant stirring or watching the stove, it’s an easy way to make a flavorful meal in less time. Serve it with rice or vegetables for a simple dinner that doesn’t feel like a chore.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Fried Eggs in Air Fryer

Plate with two sunny-side-up eggs, perfectly cooked like fried eggs in an air fryer, and two strips of crispy bacon, next to a fork and a dark cloth napkin. — Fried Eggs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Cooking fried eggs in the air fryer means no flipping, no babysitting the pan, and no extra oil. The yolks stay perfectly runny while the whites cook evenly, making breakfast effortless. This method keeps things simple, whether you’re making eggs for one or a whole family. It’s a great go-to when you want a quick and easy breakfast without extra dishes.
Get the Recipe: Fried Eggs in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

Sliced grilled chicken breast garnished with parsley on a white plate. — Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Marinated chicken breasts come out juicy and full of flavor without the need for constant attention. The air fryer locks in moisture while giving the outside a lightly crisp texture. It’s an easy way to make dinner without extra pans or long cooking times. Whether served on its own, sliced over a salad, or tucked into a wrap, it keeps meals simple.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

Air Fryer Steak Tips

A bowl of seasoned meat cubes garnished with chopped herbs, with a fork resting on the side. — Air Fryer Steak Tips. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Steak tips cook up fast in the air fryer, giving you tender, flavorful bites without a complicated cooking process. There’s no need to monitor a hot pan or deal with smoke from the stove. The high heat creates a nice sear while keeping the inside juicy, making it an easy way to prepare steak with minimal effort. Whether served with veggies, over rice, or as a protein-packed snack, it’s a reliable choice.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Tips

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Two halves of baked sweet potato topped with butter and garnished with herbs on a white plate, with a red checkered napkin on the side. — Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air fryer sweet potatoes turn out soft on the inside and crisp on the outside without the long bake time of a traditional oven. There’s no need to constantly check or flip them, making the process easy. They work as a side dish, snack, or even a base for a hearty bowl. It’s a simple way to add something warm and comforting to your meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

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.

Cooking chicken skewers in the air fryer means you get juicy, evenly cooked pieces without standing over a grill. The high heat gives them a nice charred look while keeping everything tender. They come together fast and work for dinner, meal prep, or even a party appetizer. It’s a great way to make something flavorful with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

A plate of jalapeño poppers on a table. — Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These jalapeño poppers come out hot and cheesy with a crisp coating, all without deep frying. The air fryer keeps things simple, letting you skip the hassle of oil while still getting great texture. Perfect for parties or a quick snack, they take little effort but feel like a fun treat. With a short cook time and easy cleanup, they make entertaining stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Crab Melt

This crab melt gets golden and bubbly in the air fryer, making it an easy way to enjoy a warm, cheesy seafood dish. There’s no need for long baking times or waiting by the stove. It works well as a quick lunch, snack, or even a light dinner when paired with a salad. The air fryer keeps things simple while still delivering plenty of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

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.

These puff pastry bites come out flaky and golden in the air fryer with barely any effort. The combination of creamy Brie and tart cranberry makes them feel a little more special without extra work. They’re great for holiday gatherings, parties, or even a quick appetizer before dinner. Since they cook quickly and require minimal prep, they’re perfect when you need something fast but impressive.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

These potato wedges turn out crisp on the outside and soft on the inside without the hassle of deep frying. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time while delivering the same crunchy texture you’d get from an oven. They make a great side for burgers, sandwiches, or just as a snack with your favorite dip. No flipping or babysitting required, making them a low-effort favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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 come out crispy on the outside and juicy inside, all without the hassle of frying or roasting. The air fryer takes care of the hard work, cooking them evenly with little effort. They make an easy dinner that pairs well with just about any side. With no need for turning or constant checking, they’re perfect for a no-fuss meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

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

These pasta chips turn cooked pasta into a crunchy, snackable bite with almost no effort. The air fryer gives them a crisp texture without the need for baking or frying in oil. Perfect for dipping or just eating on their own, they’re a fun alternative to traditional chips. Quick, easy, and made with ingredients you likely already have, they’re great when you want something different without much work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

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.

These chicken thighs come out juicy and well-seasoned without requiring constant attention. The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping up the outside, giving you a solid protein option with minimal effort. Great for meal prep, quick dinners, or adding to salads, they’re a versatile choice. With simple prep and a short cook time, they fit right into a busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

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.

This garlic bread gets crispy and golden in just minutes without needing to heat up the oven. The air fryer gives it the perfect crunch while keeping the inside soft. Whether served with pasta, soup, or as a quick snack, it comes together fast. With no long baking times or extra pans to wash, it’s an easy way to add something extra to a meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread

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 chicken bites turn simple ingredients into something special with almost no work. The air fryer crisps the bacon while keeping the chicken tender, creating a great balance of texture and flavor. They work well as an appetizer, snack, or even a protein-packed addition to a meal. Since they cook quickly and require little effort, they’re perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

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 brings all the flavors of classic crab rangoon without the hassle of stuffing and folding wontons. The air fryer makes it bubbly and warm in minutes, keeping prep and cooking time minimal. It’s a great addition to game days, parties, or just a cozy night in. Serve it with chips or crackers for a no-fuss appetizer that feels a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Maple Glazed Carrots

Sliced glazed carrots garnished with herbs on a fork, with more on a plate in the background. — Maple Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These carrots cook up tender with a lightly caramelized glaze, all without needing to stand over the stove. The air fryer makes them soft inside while keeping the edges slightly crisp. They make a great side dish for any meal and require almost no hands-on time. With a mix of sweet and savory flavors, they’re an easy way to add vegetables without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Close-up of a hand holding a seasoned chicken wing garnished with fresh herbs, with more pieces on a plate in the background. — Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These wings come out crispy and full of flavor without needing a deep fryer or long baking times. The air fryer handles the cooking while you wait, making them an easy option for game nights or quick dinners. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, making them a crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep and a short cook time, they’re a simple way to get crispy wings at home.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Close-up of an air-fried barbecued rib with charred edges over a white plate. — Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cooking baby back ribs in the air fryer means you get tender, flavorful meat in a fraction of the time. There’s no need for a grill or smoker, and they still come out with a nice crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving barbecue without the hassle. With simple seasoning and quick cooking, they’re a no-stress option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Brownie Bites

Close-up of a hand holding a half-eaten chocolate brownie with gooey chocolate chunks, with another partial brownie blurred in the background. — Brownie Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These brownie bites turn out rich and fudgy with a slightly crisp edge, all without heating up the oven. The air fryer makes them quick to bake and easy to clean up after. Perfect for portion-controlled desserts, they’re a great way to enjoy something sweet without much effort. They’re ready fast, making them ideal when you want a treat without waiting too long.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Bites