40 Easy Air Fryer Recipes For Busy Weeknights

After a long day, the last thing I want is a complicated dinner that takes forever to cook and clean up. That’s why I lean on air fryer recipes—they’re quick, easy, and don’t leave a mess behind. These meals help me get something warm and satisfying on the table fast without sacrificing time or energy.

Spring rolls on a rectangular white plate with parsley garnish, accompanied by a small bowl of dipping sauce. A textured pink cloth is nearby.

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.

These chicken breasts cook quickly and come out juicy with the help of a simple marinade. You don’t need to watch over a pan or turn on the oven. They pair easily with any side, making them great for quick weeknight dinners. A dependable option when you want something fast that doesn’t feel thrown together.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

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.

These eggs cook with almost no mess and come out with crisp edges and soft centers. There’s no need to stand over a stove or heat up a skillet. You can make them in minutes as part of a bigger meal or a light dinner. A helpful shortcut when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Fried Eggs in Air Fryer

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Sliced grilled chicken breast in a white dish, with whole pieces on another plate in the background, next to a fork and dark cloth napkin. — Air Fryer BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This chicken gets a smoky flavor with minimal effort and no grill required. The air fryer cooks it fast while keeping the outside crisp. It’s easy to serve with whatever you have on hand. A smart go-to for nights when you want BBQ flavor without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

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 chicken cooks fast and gets coated in a sticky teriyaki glaze that works well over rice or noodles. You don’t need much prep or a long list of ingredients. It’s done in under 30 minutes and cleanup is simple. A solid option when you need dinner without the extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Wings

Three pieces of seasoned and grilled chicken are served on a white plate with sprigs of leafy green garnish. — Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

These wings are coated in Cajun seasoning and cooked until crisp in the air fryer. They’re quick to make and bring bold flavor without extra sauces. Perfect for busy nights when you want something with heat and crunch. A reliable choice for fast, hands-off cooking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Wings

Keto Air Fryer Spicy Sauced Tenders

Four seasoned and sauced chicken breast fillets garnished with chopped herbs on a white plate. — Keto Air Fryer Spicy Sauced Tenders. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

These tenders come out juicy with a bold, spicy coating that cooks fast in the air fryer. They’re done in less than 30 minutes and work well with almost any side dish. The recipe keeps things simple without losing flavor. Great for weeknights when you want a little kick.
Get the Recipe: Keto Air Fryer Spicy Sauced Tenders

Ground Turkey Air Fryer Spring Rolls

These rolls use ground turkey for a lighter twist on a takeout favorite and cook up crisp without deep frying. They’re quick to prep and make a great dinner or snack. You can serve them with sauce or just as-is. A smart pick when you want something crispy without the mess.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Air Fryer Spring Rolls

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 quickly in the air fryer, keeping them tender inside with a nice sear on the outside. There’s no need to fire up a grill or use a cast iron pan. They pair well with simple sides or over a salad. A fast way to serve up beef on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Tips

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

These salmon bites are wrapped in bacon and air fried for a crisp, rich finish in minutes. They’re quick to prepare and cook, with very little cleanup. They work great as a main or even as a heavier snack. A good option when you want something that feels special without a big time commitment.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

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

These wings go straight from freezer to air fryer and still turn out crisp and flavorful. No thawing needed, and they’re ready in under 30 minutes. They work for a quick dinner, late-night snack, or last-minute guest. An easy win when you need food fast with no planning.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

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.

These chicken legs come out juicy on the inside with crispy skin, all in under 30 minutes. There’s no need to preheat the oven or use extra oil. They pair well with any side and don’t take much effort. A reliable dinner option when you’re short on time but want something hot and filling.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air Fryer French Toast

This version of French toast cooks up golden and crisp in the air fryer, without needing a skillet or stove. It’s ready in minutes and great for breakfast-for-dinner nights. The texture turns out consistently well every time. A simple way to get a warm, satisfying meal on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Toast

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.

These ribs cook faster than traditional methods and still come out tender with a nice char. You don’t need a grill or oven, just a few basic steps. They’re ideal for busy nights when you’re craving something a bit heartier. A great choice when time is short but flavor still matters.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

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.

These apple fritters are ready in a fraction of the time it takes to bake or fry traditionally. The air fryer gives them crisp edges and a soft center. You can make them in small batches and enjoy them warm. A quick sweet treat when your day is full but you still want something homemade.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Air Fryer S’mores

A s'more with melted marshmallow and chocolate between graham crackers on a white plate. — Air Fryer S’mores. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These s’mores melt together perfectly in the air fryer without the need for a campfire. They’re quick to assemble and cook in just a few minutes. Great as a fast dessert or snack for the whole family. A fun way to end the day without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S’mores

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 sweet potatoes come out crisp on the outside and soft inside, ready in under 25 minutes. You can season them to match whatever you’re serving. They cook evenly without needing much oil. A useful side dish when dinner needs a little extra.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Dehydrated Strawberries

These strawberries dry out perfectly in the air fryer with a chewy texture and concentrated flavor. They store well and can be used for snacks, toppings, or packed lunches. The process is hands-off and simple. A practical make-ahead option when your week is busy.
Get the Recipe: Dehydrated Strawberries

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 cook up crisp without needing to deep fry or preheat an oven. They’re ready in less than 20 minutes and use simple ingredients. You can serve them with sauces or on their own. A fast, dependable choice for weeknight meals or snacks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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 turns golden and crisp in the air fryer in just a few minutes. It’s a great add-on for soups, pastas, or quick dinners. No oven time or long prep needed. A small extra that makes dinner feel more complete.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread

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 bites bake up warm and flaky in the air fryer, with melted brie and cranberry filling. They’re fast to make and feel a little more special than your average side. You can serve them as appetizers or alongside a light dinner. A solid option for when you want something quick 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 come out crispy outside and soft inside, with just a quick toss in the air fryer. You don’t need to soak or fry them to get good results. They’re done fast and work well as a side or snack. A simple way to add something warm and filling to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Air Fryer Home Fries

Air-fried potato cubes with diced green bell peppers on plate. — Air Fryer Home Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These home fries cook up with golden edges and a soft center, ready in under 20 minutes. They’re perfect with eggs or any main dish that needs a bit of crunch. You can adjust the seasoning to fit what you’re making. A quick fix when you need something hearty with little prep.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

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 small potatoes are smashed and crisped in the air fryer for great texture and fast results. They don’t take much prep and turn out with a nice crunch on the outside. You can dress them up with cheese or herbs. A good pick when you want a change from regular mashed or roasted potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Chicken Lollipops

A close-up of a hand holding a crispy breaded chicken drumstick, with more drumsticks on a white plate in the background. — Chicken Lollipops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These drumsticks are trimmed and seasoned, then cooked until crisp in the air fryer. They’re fun to eat and take less time than oven roasting. Serve them with dipping sauce or keep it simple. A crowd-friendly option when you want something quick and a little different.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lollipops

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 quickly in the air fryer and get a light glaze that adds a touch of sweetness. They’re warm, soft, and easy to pair with almost anything. You don’t need a lot of ingredients or time to make them work. A solid go-to for a veggie side that isn’t boring.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

These onion rings are wrapped in bacon and air fried until crisp on the outside and tender in the middle. They come together quickly and need just a few steps. They’re great as a side or even a fun snack. A creative way to add something bold without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

These shrimp cook fast in the air fryer and come out juicy with crisp bacon around each piece. You can serve them with a dip or just as they are. They feel a bit fancy but are ready in minutes. A helpful recipe when you want something quick that still makes an impression.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

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 small bites of chicken are wrapped in bacon and cook fast with crispy edges and a tender center. They’re easy to prep and make great finger food or a main dish. The air fryer gets them done without much cleanup. A flexible option for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

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.

This sandwich toasts up fast in the air fryer with melty cheese and crisp bread. It’s ready in minutes and doesn’t need flipping or babysitting. Good for nights when you want comfort food without spending too much time. A quick fix that still feels like a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

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.

These chicken skewers cook evenly in the air fryer and don’t take long to prep or cook. They’re great for pairing with rice, salad, or dipping sauces. You can mix up the seasoning depending on what you’re in the mood for. A solid pick when you want something quick and versatile.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Lumpia

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

These crisp spring rolls cook fast in the air fryer and don’t need a deep fryer or long prep. They’re great as a snack or part of a light dinner. You can use them straight from the freezer or freshly rolled. A reliable option when you want something crunchy and quick.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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

These poppers cook up with melty filling and crisp outer shells in under 15 minutes. They make a fun side or appetizer without much cleanup. You can prep them ahead and toss them in the fryer when needed. A fast way to add something bold to the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Candied Almonds

These almonds roast up sweet and crunchy in the air fryer, great for snacking or topping other dishes. They store well and don’t take much effort to make. The short cook time keeps things easy on busy evenings. A handy recipe when you want something sweet but not too messy.
Get the Recipe: Candied Almonds

Air Fryer Pineapples

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

These pineapple slices caramelize slightly in the air fryer and bring a warm, fruity twist to dinner or dessert. They’re fast, flavorful, and pair well with grilled meats or rice. You don’t need extra sugar or fancy ingredients. A fresh choice when you want a side that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pineapples

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Cabbage wedges wrapped in bacon cook quickly and turn out tender with crispy edges. It’s a simple idea that works surprisingly well for busy nights. You get flavor and texture with almost no prep. A quick fix for getting vegetables on the plate with a little more interest.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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.

These tomatoes roast in the air fryer in less than 15 minutes and bring rich flavor to any meal. They’re great on their own or added to pastas, sandwiches, or salads. No oven required and very little cleanup. A low-effort way to add something warm and flavorful to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air-fried brussels sprouts with grated parmesan cheese on a white plate. — Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These sprouts cook up with crisp edges and a soft center in the air fryer with minimal oil. They’re fast to make and easy to season. You can serve them as a main veggie or toss them into grain bowls or salads. A dependable go-to when you want something green on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Crab Melt

This sandwich cooks up warm and gooey in the air fryer, with crisp bread and creamy crab filling. It comes together fast and feels more filling than a plain sandwich. There’s no pan or flipping required. A quick dinner option when you want something more than the basics.
Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

These banana rolls cook up crisp and caramelized in the air fryer with minimal oil and mess. They’re a fast dessert or snack that only needs a few ingredients. You can prep them ahead and cook to order. A sweet finish that doesn’t take much time out of your evening.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

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 get a bold lemon pepper flavor and crisp skin, all done in under 30 minutes. The air fryer makes cleanup easy and keeps things moving fast. They’re great as a main or a party snack. A no-hassle option that always hits the mark.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings