21 Air Fryer Dinners You’ll Want to Make Every Night

If you love fast, fuss-free dinners, these air fryer recipes are about to become your weeknight heroes. From crispy pork belly to juicy chicken and perfectly cooked seafood, each dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving something bold, comforting, or simply quick, these recipes prove your air fryer can handle far more than reheating leftovers.

Air fryer pork belly bites (lechon kawali)

A basket of crispy roasted pork belly chunks garnished with parsley, served in a white paper-lined wicker basket. — Air fryer pork belly bites (lechon kawali). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

These pork belly bites turn irresistibly crispy without deep frying or heavy prep. The air fryer locks in crunch while keeping things hands-off, making it a great pick when you want bold, savory comfort without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Air fryer pork belly bites (lechon kawali)

Frozen salmon in air fryer

Grilled salmon fillet on a white plate garnished with lemon slices and dill, next to a red checkered cloth and a fork. — Frozen salmon in air fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Pull dinner straight from the freezer with this no-thaw salmon method. The air fryer keeps the fish flaky and tender while saving you time and dishes. Ideal for nights when planning ahead just isn’t happening.
Get the Recipe: Frozen salmon in air fryer

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 yet still come out tender and satisfying. No grill or long oven time needed, just pop them in the air fryer and relax. A perfect shortcut for a familiar, comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air fryer baby back ribs

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.

Boneless chicken thighs turn juicy and evenly cooked in the air fryer. With quick seasoning and minimal cleanup, they’re a go-to option when you want a reliable, low-effort meal.
Get the Recipe: Air fryer boneless chicken thighs

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 come out crisp and golden without the extra oil. Quick to cook and easy to pair with sauces or sides, they’re a convenient choice for busy nights or simple meals.
Get the Recipe: Air fryer chicken tenders

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.

Air fryer chicken legs deliver crispy skin and juicy meat with barely any prep. They’re easy to season, require little cleanup, and make a homemade dinner feel effortless.
Get the Recipe: Air fryer chicken legs

Whole chicken in air fryer

Roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots on a white plate. — Whole chicken in air fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Skip the oven and roast a whole chicken right in the air fryer. It cooks evenly, turns out juicy, and leaves you with leftovers for easy meals. A weekday win that still feels like a full Sunday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Whole chicken in air fryer

Orange glazed air fryer ham

Sliced ham with orange slices and grapes, garnished with parsley on a platter. — Orange glazed air fryer ham. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This air fryer ham cooks quickly and stays tender while the orange glaze adds sweet, cozy flavor with minimal effort. It slices easily and makes dinner feel complete without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Orange glazed air fryer ham

Air fryer Cornish hen

Cornish hens cook fast and evenly in the air fryer, making them an easy way to serve a special-feeling dinner without extra work. Simple seasoning is all they need to shine.
Get the Recipe: Air fryer cornish hen

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 stay moist and flavorful in the air fryer. Prep them ahead or season last-minute, either way, the cook time is short and cleanup stays light.
Get the Recipe: Air fryer marinated chicken breasts

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.

Juicy BBQ chicken with crisp skin and caramelized sauce, no grill required. This recipe brings smoky flavor to the table fast for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

A person dipping fried shrimp into a bowl of dip. — Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce make a standout appetizer or fun main. Perfect for game days or anytime you’re craving that Bonefish Grill favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

A chicken drumsticks in a pan. — Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

These BBQ drumsticks come together quickly with just a few simple steps. They’re saucy, flavorful, and perfect when you want a fast dinner without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

Crispy chicken wings coated in tangy BBQ sauce come together quickly in the air fryer for a tasty meal or snack that won’t weigh you down. With simple seasoning, a quick air fry, and a final saucy crisp-up, this recipe is perfect when you want something satisfying without spending all evening in the kitchen. You get juicy inside and crispy outside wings with less oil and way less mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp

Air fried blackened shrimp in a plate. — Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Spiced, smoky, and done in minutes—these blackened shrimp are a flavorful option for quick dinners, bowls, or tacos.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Three air-fried, sesame-crusted chicken thighs with broccoli on a white plate. — Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

These juicy thighs get a flavor boost from Everything Bagel seasoning and cook in just 20 minutes. Budget-friendly, meal-prep-friendly, and weeknight-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Brats

Brats come out tender and juicy in under 15 minutes with this ultra-simple air fryer method. Even grilling fans will be impressed by the flavor and ease.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brats

Air Fryer Brats with Peppers and Onions

Dinner is on the table fast with these flavorful brats paired with sautéed peppers and onions—all made in the air fryer. A quick, hearty meal that feels complete with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brats with Peppers and Onions