Family Favorites: 20 Main Dishes Kids Look Forward To
Finding meals that kids will love and parents will feel good about can sometimes be a challenge. Whether you’re dealing with picky eaters or looking for quick, nutritious options to fuel your family, having a collection of kid-friendly recipes is a lifesaver. These 20 main meal ideas are designed to make mealtime stress-free and enjoyable, offering a balance of flavors, simplicity, and ingredients that kids will actually eat.
Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken
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This crispy chicken is coated in a sweet and savory gochujang-based glaze that gives it a perfect balance of flavor. It’s a fun way to introduce kids to Korean-inspired dishes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Burger
Juicy, tender chicken patties cooked in the air fryer make for a healthier twist on a classic burger night. Top with your favorite fresh veggies, and you’ve got a meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Burger
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
These golden, crispy chicken cutlets are perfect for dipping into ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch. They’re quick to make and sure to vanish off the plate in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Coated in a smoky BBQ sauce and cooked to juicy perfection, these chicken drumsticks are an absolute crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Air Fryer Chicken
Simple and fuss-free, this air fryer chicken is juicy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside. It’s a quick staple dish that pairs well with just about any side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken
Air Fryer Almond Crusted Chicken
A nutty almond crust adds crunch and flavor to these perfectly cooked chicken fillets. It’s a creative twist on your usual chicken recipe that’s great for both kids and parents.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Almond Crusted Chicken
Air Fryer Skirt Steak
This quick and delicious skirt steak has a tender, juicy bite with a perfect sear. Serve it sliced thin for picky eaters or wrap it up in tortillas for steak night tacos.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Skirt Steak
25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger
Who could say no to a burger topped with creamy avocado and crispy bacon? This one packs a flavor punch and only takes 25 minutes to whip up!
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger
Air Fryer Ham Steak
Sweet and savory ham steaks cooked in the air fryer make for a fast weeknight dinner. Serve with some veggies or eggs for a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ham Steak
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Classic chicken wings with a crispy outside and juicy inside! Toss them in your favorite sauce, and you’ve got a dish the whole family can snack on.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
These zesty chicken fajitas are cooked to tender, seasoned perfection. Serve with warm tortillas, and let everyone build their own perfect fajita!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta
This one-pot creamy dish with tender chicken, sweet corn, and pasta is pure comfort food. It’s a kid-friendly meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta
Mac and Cheese Muffins with Ham
Mac and cheese, but make it portable! These cute little muffins are loaded with cheesy goodness and bits of ham. Perfect for little hands and big smiles.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese Muffins with Ham
12345 Chinese Spare Ribs (For Easy Home Cooking)
Tender, savory, and slightly sweet ribs that are so simple to make! This recipe makes it easy to bring the flavors of Chinese spare ribs right to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: 12345 Chinese Spare Ribs (For Easy Home Cooking)
30 Minute Mongolian Tenderloin
Enjoy tender, flavorful Mongolian tenderloin in just 30 minutes. Serve with rice for a quick, satisfying meal that even picky eaters will devour.
Get the Recipe: 30 Minute Mongolian Tenderloin
Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs
Juicy meatballs with a sweet and spicy glaze that packs a punch! Adjust the heat for younger palates, and they’ll still be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders get an upgrade with crispy bacon wrapped around each piece. A touch of seasoning takes these to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Meatloaf Muffins Recipe
Individual-sized meatloaf muffins are super convenient for serving and packed full of classic flavors. They cook faster than a traditional loaf and taste amazing.
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf Muffins Recipe
10-Minute Gochujang Noodles
Simple, spicy, and full of umami flavor, these noodles make for a quick and satisfying dinner. You can easily tone down the spice for younger eaters too.
Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Gochujang Noodles
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Crunchy sesame chicken cooked in the air fryer is a healthier take on a takeout favorite. Serve with rice and steamed veggies to round out the meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
