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21 Dinner Ideas Made Easy In The Air Fryer

This roundup proves your air fryer is more than a sidekick—it’s a full-on meal machine. From crispy chicken and juicy seafood to creative pizzas and stuffed mains, these recipes keep things exciting and easy.

Most come together in under 30 minutes and rely on everyday ingredients, making them perfect for fast weeknight dinners or last-minute cravings. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, these dishes offer bold flavor with less fuss.

So scroll, pick, and press start—your next favorite air fryer recipe is just a few minutes away.

15-Minute Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

15-Minute Air Fryer BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Get all the flavor of grilled BBQ chicken without the grill. This air fryer version is saucy, crispy, and ready in just 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: 15-Minute Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Air Fryer Ratatouille Gnocchi

Air Fryer Ratatouille Gnocchi . Photo credit: Life Currents.

Roasted vegetables meet crispy gnocchi in this fast, healthy air fryer meal. Serve as a veggie main or side dish—easy oven option included.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ratatouille Gnocchi

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Juicy, flavorful chicken thighs cooked quickly in the air fryer with minimal cleanup. A solid weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

These crispy tenders come out golden and juicy with a breading that actually stays on. A family-friendly recipe that’s way better than frozen nuggets.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Thick Pork Chops

Air Fryer Thick Pork Chops. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

These thick-cut pork chops are tender inside, golden outside, and full of flavor thanks to the air fryer’s quick, even cooking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Thick Pork Chops

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Smoky bacon and crisp-tender asparagus make this side dish feel extra special. Fast enough for weeknights, fancy enough for guests.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Air Fryer Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Stuffed with cheese, bacon, and veggies, this chicken breast recipe is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Air Fryer Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs

Air Fryer Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Sweet and savory teriyaki chicken skewers with pineapple, bell pepper, and onion—air-fried for easy flavor-packed kabobs.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs

Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi

Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A quick and lighter version of shrimp scampi using the air fryer. Juicy shrimp and garlicky lemon sauce make this a weeknight winner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi

Air Fryer French Fries

Air Fryer French Fries. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Crispy, golden, and way less greasy than fast food—these air fryer fries are a foolproof favorite. Bonus: cooking chart included.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Fries

Air Fryer Chicken Wrapped in Bacon

Air Fryer Chicken Wrapped in Bacon. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Juicy chicken wrapped in crispy bacon for a low-effort, high-flavor meal. Great for weeknights or easy entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wrapped in Bacon

Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer

Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Crispy outside, fluffy inside, and full of natural sweetness. These air fryer sweet potato fries are a better-for-you side done right.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza

Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Thin, crispy pizza in under 10 minutes using a tortilla base. Customizable, fast, and great for solo meals or quick lunches.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza

Air Fryer Garlic Bread Recipe

Air Fryer Garlic Bread Recipe. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Toasty, buttery garlic bread made in minutes with the help of your air fryer. Perfect with pasta, soup, or as a standalone snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread Recipe

Air Fryer Halibut Scampi

Air Fryer Halibut Scampi. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This lightened-up halibut scampi is air-fried instead of pan-seared. A quick, elegant seafood dinner with less oil.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Halibut Scampi

Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Skip the frying—this crispy eggplant parmesan comes together in the air fryer for a lighter version of a classic comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

Homemade French Fries in the Air Fryer

Homemade French Fries in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Just a few ingredients and the air fryer turn fresh potatoes into crispy fries. A simple, guilt-free side that works with any meal.
Get the Recipe: Homemade French Fries in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Cheeseburgers

Air Fryer Cheeseburgers. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Make juicy, flavorful cheeseburgers in your air fryer. A quick and healthier way to get that classic burger fix.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheeseburgers

Air Fryer Ham With Garlic Herb Butter

Air Fryer Ham With Garlic Herb Butter. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This air fryer ham is tender and flavorful with a garlic herb butter finish. Great for holidays or an easy weeknight upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ham With Garlic Herb Butter

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Coated in a crisp coconut crust, these shrimp are sweet, savory, and air-fried to golden perfection. Serve with dipping sauce for a tropical treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu (Easy Sauce Recipe)

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu (Easy Sauce Recipe). Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Classic chicken cordon bleu made simpler with the air fryer. Crispy outside, melty inside, and served with an easy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu (Easy Sauce Recipe)