18 Air Fryer Recipes

If you’re aiming for simple meals that still deliver on flavor, these 18 air fryer recipes are a great way to get dinner on the table fast. Each one skips complicated steps and keeps things easy from prep to cleanup. Whether you’re making a main course or a snack, these dishes use the air fryer to do the heavy lifting. No long cook times, no messy frying—just quick, flavorful food.

Air Fryer Pork Chops

Grilled spiced pork chops with sliced pieces on a white plate, served with mashed potatoes garnished with parsley. — Air Fryer Pork Chops. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

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These chops are brushed with barbecue sauce and crisped up in the air fryer. They stay tender inside with a slight char on the outside. You get that smoky taste without a grill. Great for when you’re craving BBQ with less mess.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Chops

BBQ Air Fryer Pork Chops

A fork holds a piece of grilled, seasoned meat with more pieces blurred in the background on a plate. — BBQ Air Fryer Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Enjoy tender pork chops coated in barbecue sauce with a slightly crispy outer layer. This recipe brings the smoky flavor of BBQ straight to your air fryer with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Air Fryer Pork Chops

Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Grilled zucchini slices arranged on a blue plate, next to a fork and a white cloth. — Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Zucchini and squash are sliced and air-fried until just crisp on the edges. This dish is quick to throw together and works with almost any meal. Light seasoning keeps the vegetables front and center. A simple side with fresh flavor.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

A platter of jalapeño poppers filled with cheese and bacon pieces, garnished with herbs, next to a bowl of dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cream cheese-stuffed jalapeños are wrapped in bacon and crisped in the air fryer. The filling turns creamy while the bacon gets crispy. It’s a bold snack with just the right kick. Easy to make and always a hit.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

Air Fryer Ham Steak

A plate with two slices of grilled ham, a serving of mashed potatoes, and roasted asparagus, with a red cloth in the background. — Air Fryer Ham Steak. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Ham steak caramelizes slightly in the air fryer, locking in flavor. The outside gets a light crust while the inside stays juicy. It’s quick to make and goes well with any side. Ideal when you want something hearty without much work.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ham Steak

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

A chicken gyro wrapped in pita bread with cucumbers and tomatoes on a plate, alongside cucumber slices and a lemon wedge. — Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Marinated chicken cooks up juicy in the air fryer, with spices that pack a punch. Wrap it in flatbread with toppings of your choice. It’s easy to prep ahead and assemble fast. A flavorful meal you can build your way.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Two seasoned and cooked chicken legs on a black plate, with a side dish of broccoli and cauliflower in the background. — Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These leg quarters come out with crispy skin and juicy meat inside. Seasoned well, they cook evenly in the air fryer without much effort. They’re filling, flavorful, and easy to pair with sides. A dependable option for dinner any day of the week.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air Fryer BBQ Wings

Grilled chicken wings arranged on a white plate, accompanied by a small dish of creamy dipping sauce. Dried red chili peppers, an onion slice, and a garlic bulb are nearby. — Air Fryer BBQ Wings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Wings coated in barbecue sauce turn crispy in the air fryer with less mess than deep frying. The sauce thickens slightly while the skin crisps up. They’re quick to make and easy to eat. Serve with extra sauce on the side.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Wings

Air Fryer Sourdough Blueberry Bread

Slices of blueberry bread on a teal plate, with a jar of blueberries and a container of brown sugar in the background. — Air Fryer Sourdough Blueberry Bread. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Blueberries and sourdough come together in this slightly sweet loaf. The air fryer bakes it evenly with a golden crust. It’s soft, flavorful, and great for breakfast or snacking. A nice twist on regular banana or zucchini bread.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sourdough Blueberry Bread

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Open-faced sandwiches with ham, melted cheese, and herbs on white toast, served on a rectangular plate. A floral cloth and salt and pepper shakers are nearby on a textured surface. — Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken is stuffed with ham and cheese, then coated in breadcrumbs and air-fried. The outside turns crispy while the cheese melts inside. It’s a classic dish made easier and less messy. Great when you want something a little special without extra steps.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Best Air Fryer Cabbage Steak

Plate of stuffed cabbage leaves topped with herbs, surrounded by sliced tomatoes, green peppers, lemon half, and dipping sauces. — Best Air Fryer Cabbage Steak. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Thick slices of cabbage are seasoned and crisped in the air fryer. The edges brown nicely while the center stays tender. It’s a simple way to turn cabbage into something bold. Serve with your favorite sauce or protein.

Get the Recipe: Best Air Fryer Cabbage Steak

Air Fryer Empanadas

A hand holding a half-eaten pastry filled with minced meat, showing a flaky texture and savory filling. — Air Fryer Empanadas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Empanadas get a golden, flaky crust in the air fryer with no deep frying required. Fill them with meat, cheese, or veggies. They’re easy to customize and cook fast. Great for a snack or handheld meal.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

A plate of crispy taquitos garnished with cilantro, accompanied by lime wedges. — Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Rolled tortillas filled with chicken crisp up quickly in the air fryer. The outside is crunchy while the inside stays moist. Dip in salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. It’s a fun, fast meal the whole table will enjoy.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Mini Meatloaf in the Air Fryer

Four meatloaves topped with ketchup on a white plate, with sides of roasted potatoes and Brussels sprouts in the background. — Mini Meatloaf in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

These single-serve meatloaves cook through evenly and stay juicy. The outside gets a nice crust while the inside stays tender. Pair with mashed potatoes or vegetables. A comfort food favorite made easy.

Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Carnitas

Three tacos filled with shredded meat, chopped onions, and cilantro are on a white plate, with a green chili pepper and lime half beside them. A checkered cloth is partially visible. — Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Shredded pork cooks up with crispy edges and tender centers in the air fryer. It’s seasoned well and perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls. You get great texture without long oven roasting. Use leftovers for quick lunches.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Crispy Air Fryer Cod

Close-up of a piece of crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken on a white plate. — Crispy Air Fryer Cod. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Lightly coated cod fillets cook up flaky inside with a crisp outside. The air fryer gives them a great texture without overcooking. It’s an easy dish for seafood fans. Serve with lemon wedges or tartar sauce.

Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Cod

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

A grilled burger with lettuce, red onion, and sauce on a golden bun sits on a light blue plate. — Air Fryer Turkey Burgers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These turkey burgers stay moist inside and get a slight crust on the outside. They’re seasoned well and cook quickly. Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings. A fast dinner that doesn’t skip on flavor.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

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.

Chicken is marinated in soy sauce and spices, then air-fried until glazed and tender. The outside gets a rich color and deep flavor. It’s simple to prep and doesn’t need much else on the plate. Works well with rice or noodles.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken