21 Air Fryer Recipes to Make Tonight That Are Simple and Easy

From tender meats to crispy seafood and even satisfying vegetarian options, the air fryer delivers flavor and texture in record time. It simplifies the cooking process and cuts down on cleanup, making weeknight meals less of a chore. Each dish on this list brings something different to the table, with bold seasonings, satisfying textures, and enough variety to keep dinner interesting all month long.

Salmon in the Air Fryer

A fork holding a piece of cooked salmon, with more salmon fillets, lemon slices, and seasoning shakers in the background. — Salmon in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

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This salmon cooks up with a tender center and crisp edges, locking in flavor without the mess. It’s fast enough for weeknights but still feels special. A quick seasoning blend enhances the fish without overpowering it. Serve it with a wedge of lemon and your favorite side.
Get the Recipe: Salmon in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Pork Belly

Pork belly turns irresistibly crispy on the outside while staying rich and juicy inside. The air fryer renders the fat beautifully in a short time. Each bite has a satisfying crunch followed by melt-in-your-mouth texture. Pair it with rice or steamed buns.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

These meatballs are lightly browned and hold together beautifully in the air fryer. They stay moist and are easy to serve over pasta or with a dipping sauce. Great for meal prep or quick appetizers. They’re also freezer-friendly for batch cooking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

BBQ Air Fryer Pork Chops

A bite of bbq pork chop on a fork. — BBQ Air Fryer Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Pork chops get coated in a sticky BBQ glaze and come out juicy every time. The high heat of the air fryer gives them a caramelized crust. They cook quickly and go well with roasted veggies or slaw. You can brush on extra sauce just before serving.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Air Fryer Pork Chops

Mini Meatloaf in the Air Fryer

Mini Meatloaves line up on a platter with a glaze on top. — Mini Meatloaf in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

These mini meatloaves are hearty and cook faster than traditional ones. They’re crisp on the outside with a soft center, ideal for a weeknight dinner. You can customize the filling with cheese, onions, or bell peppers. They reheat well for leftovers too.
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp

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

Spiced shrimp cooks in minutes and gets slightly charred for extra flavor. The air fryer helps lock in their natural juices. These are great for tacos, salads, or serving over grits. Add a squeeze of lime right before eating.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp

Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken

Chicken thighs and steamed vegetables on a white plate, placed on a gray tablecloth with a fork and napkin nearby. — Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Soy sauce brings a deep umami flavor that seeps into every bite. The skin turns golden and crisp, while the meat stays moist. This dish pairs well with rice and stir-fried veggies. It’s also great cold for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken

Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks

Close-up of a stack of medium-rare, seasoned steak slices, showcasing a pink and juicy interior with a seared crust. — Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Thick-cut ribeye turns out with a seared crust and tender center. The air fryer gives it a steakhouse-style result without the hassle. You can season it simply with salt and pepper or add a garlic butter on top. Rest it before slicing for best results.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Low angle shot of a plate of fried chicken with sesame sauce and sesame seeds. — Air Fryer Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Crispy pieces of chicken get tossed in a sticky sesame glaze. This dish is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s quick, bold, and great served over rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a little crunch.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Air Fryer Black Bean Burger

Two homemade black bean burgers in buns ready to eat. — Air Fryer Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This burger has a firm texture that holds up nicely without drying out. It’s full of flavor from spices, beans, and vegetables. The air fryer gives it a slightly crispy outside. Serve on a bun or wrapped in lettuce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Black Bean Burger

Air Fryer Street Tacos

White plate with one taco. — Air Fryer Street Tacos. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Small tortillas get filled with seasoned meat or seafood, all cooked in the air fryer. They’re quick to assemble and fun to customize. Add toppings like onion, cilantro, or crema. Great for weeknight dinners or game day snacks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Street Tacos

Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts

An air fryer basket with stuffed chicken breasts. — Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Chicken breasts get filled with cheese, spinach, or other fillings and stay juicy inside. The air fryer gives them a nice crust on the outside. You can prep them ahead and cook when ready. They’re good with a side salad or roasted potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and sour chicken chunks in a glossy sauce, served on a white plate with garnish. — Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This dish balances tangy sauce with crispy chicken bites. It’s fast and tastes like takeout. Pineapple chunks and bell peppers complete the meal. Best served over rice to soak up the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

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

These drumsticks cook evenly and get a sticky glaze that clings to the skin. They’re messy in the best way. Serve them with corn, salad, or coleslaw. They’re always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers Recipe

Turkey burgers turn out moist with a golden crust on the outside. The air fryer keeps them from drying out. You can add cheese, pickles, or your favorite toppings. Serve with sweet potato fries or salad.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Burgers Recipe

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds. — Air Fryer Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Thinly sliced beef gets crispy edges and a glossy sauce with sweet and savory notes. The texture is just right without deep frying. Pair it with rice and steamed vegetables. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Best Air Fryer Cabbage Steak

A plate of grilled cabbage wedges topped with herbs. — Best Air Fryer Cabbage Steak. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Cabbage slices get golden brown edges and tender centers. The air fryer gives them great texture without turning mushy. A simple seasoning blend brings out the flavor. These are great as a main or hearty side.
Get the Recipe: Best Air Fryer Cabbage Steak

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

This lean cut stays juicy and flavorful when cooked in the air fryer. It gets a nice sear without drying out. Slice it thin and serve with vegetables or grains. You can marinate it ahead for more flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Air Fryer Nashville Hot Wings

These wings have a fiery coating and a crispy bite. They cook fast and soak up the hot oil blend without being greasy. Serve with ranch or blue cheese on the side. Perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Nashville Hot Wings

Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe (Frozen or Fresh)

Tilapia fillets cook quickly and flake apart easily. The air fryer handles both fresh and frozen fish without trouble. Season simply or use a breading for extra crunch. It’s a versatile option for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe (Frozen or Fresh)

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Low angle shot of korean fried chicken with a hand holding a piece of the chicken. — Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These crispy bites are coated in a sticky spicy sauce that clings to every piece. The texture is crunchy without deep frying. They’re bold, flavorful, and highly addictive. Top with scallions for extra bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken