Due to their quick food preparation times, ability to give a pleasing crisp finish, and minimization of kitchen heat, air fryers are perfect for mealtimes. They are excellent for obtaining the roasted or fried texture, requiring less oil and creating less mess. Here are 30 original concepts that you can pair with various proteins, vegetables, and sauces. Having a meat thermometer guarantees you lots of hassle-free weeknight dinners.
Contents
- 1) Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- 2) Air Fryer Salmon
- 3) Air Fryer Pork Chops
- 4) Turkey Burgers
- 5) Air Fryer Meatballs
- 6) BBQ Chicken
- 7) Shrimp Tacos
- 8) Chicken Tenders
- 9) Falafel
- 10) Stuffed Peppers
- 11) Steak Bites
- 12) Chicken Parmesan
- 13) Chicken Fajitas
- 14) Eggplant Cutlets
- 15) Tofu Nuggets
- 16) Veggie Bowls
- 17) Sausage And Peppers
- 18) Chicken Bowls
- 19) Mini Meatloaves
- 20) Pesto Chicken
- 21) Stuffed Mushrooms
- 22) Fish Tacos
- 23) Chicken Wings
- 24) Gnocchi
- 25) Veggie Quesadillas
- 26) Buffalo Cauliflower
- 27) Loaded Baked Potatoes
- 28) Rice Balls
- 29) Chicken And Broccoli
- 30) Nachos
1) Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Of all the possible air fryer dinner options, chicken thighs are the best. The skin becomes crispy while the meat stays juicy. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to taste. Cook until the thickest section of the meat is at a safe internal temperature. For additional crackling, dry the skin before applying seasoning. For a complete meal, add a bagged salad and a microwaveable grain pouch.
2) Air Fryer Salmon
The air fryer will make salmon flaky with lightly browned edges in just a few minutes. Prior to cooking, apply olive oil or butter and sprinkle with minced garlic. When finished, add a squeeze of lemon. Be cautious about the time so it doesn’t dry out, particularly with thinner fillets. You may pair this with steamed green beans or steamed asparagus and one scoop of rice.
3) Air Fryer Pork Chops
The outer crispiness of the pork chops, enhanced by the thin breadcrumb coating, is pure comfort food. For additional flavor, use panko mixed with dry herbs and some grated Parmesan. For tenderness, do not overcook chops and let them rest before cutting. A drizzle made with applesauce or dijon is also a nice pairing.
4) Turkey Burgers
Even though turkey burgers can become dry on the grill, you can put them in the air fryer so they can cook evenly and you don’t have to keep an eye on them. To increase moisture, you can add some grated onion or a spoonful of plain yogurt. Make certain the patties are thick enough to stay juicy. You can serve the burgers as they are or if you’d prefer, you can create a salad bowl dinner by skipping the bun.
5) Air Fryer Meatballs
Since circulating heat perfectly browns them, meatballs make an excellent batch dinner in the air fryer. Make them with beef, pork, turkey, or a blend, then finish in warmed marinara. You can also be flexible with them and serve them over spaghetti, put them in subs, or spoon them over polenta. Leftovers make excellent lunches.
6) BBQ Chicken
When combined with a dry spice rub, drumsticks produce a delightful crunch in the air fryer. Apply barbecue sauce towards the end to avoid burning and to achieve a glossy appearance. The results are perfect for weeknights, as they are sticky and crispy. To make it a classic combination, please add coleslaw and corn.
Stop following recipes. Start understanding them.
20 video cooking lessons from Nathaniel. $27 one-time, lifetime access.
7) Shrimp Tacos
Since shrimp cook so quickly, they allow tacos to be an easy “I’m tired” dinner option. After adding the oil, chili powder, and cumin to the shrimp, stir to coat evenly then air fry until they are curled and opaque. Prepare tacos with a swift lime crema and for the crunch use either cabbage or romaine. Wrap the clean towel around the tortillas to keep them warm.
8) Chicken Tenders
Homemade tenders are easy to keep on regular dinner rotation, and they’re not just for kids. Each layer will have real flavor if you season the flour and season the crumbs. Let the center cook and rest a bit to keep the crust nice and crispy. To complete the meal, include a tray of air-fried broccoli or sweet potato fries.
9) Falafel
Using an air fryer to make falafel gives a crunchy outer layer without having to do any deep frying. For a weeknight meal, especially if you cool the mixture so it holds together, use canned chickpeas. It can be accompanied by pita bread, cucumbers and tomatoes or you can serve it over a salad with tahini dressing. A hint of cumin and coriander enhance the flavor.
10) Stuffed Peppers
You can change the number of the stuffed peppers that you make, and they cook well in an air fryer. Mix together brown ground turkey and cooked rice (or cauliflower rice) and add salsa or tomato sauce. While the peppers soften, the top becomes slightly brown and bubbly. Top with avocado slices and a spoonful of yogurt or sour cream.
11) Steak Bites
Steak bites appear a little elevated and do not require a lot of time and effort to prepare. Evenly cube the steak so that all pieces cook at the same rate. Once cooked, toss the cubes in garlic butter. Do not steam the meat, and keep the batch size manageable. You could have it with either air-fried mushrooms or a simple Caesar salad.
12) Chicken Parmesan
The air fryer gets a breaded cutlet crisp, then you can add sauce and cheese to melt at the end. To prevent the coating from browning too much and delaying the cooking process of the chicken, use thin cutlets. A classic choice is a side of spaghetti, but roasted zucchini noodles are also great. If you have some, add basil at the end.
13) Chicken Fajitas
Fajitas are a great option for dinner because everything cooks at once and they can be made in the smart air-fryer. Slice chicken, peppers, and onions to similar thickness for even cooking. Combine with oil and a spice blend for cooking, then continue to prepare until the chicken is done and the vegetables start to burn on the edges. Serve with salsa, lime, and warm tortillas.
14) Eggplant Cutlets
Eggplant has a soft interior and a crunchy exterior, and with the air fryer, it stays light. Gently season the slices with salt, then pat them dry for improved adhesion of the breading. These cutlets can be served as a main dish along with pasta or else, can be used in sandwiches. For added flavor, incorporate a squeeze of lemon.
15) Tofu Nuggets
Tofu crisps up quite well in the air fryer if you press some moisture out and do a light coating. If you want a crunchy shell then cornstarch will work well. Mix with a simple soy-ginger glaze or combine with sweet chili sauce. Throw in some rice and cucumbers for an easy bowl dinner.
Free lesson · 3 min
Watch The Hot Pan Rule, free from the Technique Library
16) Veggie Bowls
Adding crispy chickpeas is a great way to boost both crunch and protein in your bowl without the need for any additional cooking equipment. For an effortless victory, be sure to season them liberally with garlic powder and smoked paprika. Place your preferred raw vegetables on top of the layer of quinoa or rice. Everything comes together with a lemon yogurt dressing.
17) Sausage And Peppers
Since kielbasa is pre-cooked, dinner can be prepared in no time. Chop and prepare them with peppers and onions until the edges become brown. You can have it in a bun, paired with rice, or even served with mashed potatoes. All you need is a small amount of mustard on the side.
18) Chicken Bowls
With just a few spices, you can easily prepare big-flavored chicken with shawarma-style seasoning. For more juiciness, use thigh meat. It will remain more moist, and slicing it after cooking will provide more tender strips. Get ready to prepare bowls containing rice, diced cucumber, and a quick yogurt-garlic sauce. Adding a squeeze of lemon or some pickled onions will brighten the flavor even more.
19) Mini Meatloaves
Individual mini meatloaves prepare faster than a single larger meatloaf, and they also create more of those delectable crusted edges that everyone seems to argue over. Mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, and finely chopped onion, then shape into small portions. Apply the glaze towards the end for a shiny and slightly sticky finish. Serve alongside green beans and mashed potatoes for a warm and satisfying meal.
20) Pesto Chicken
Pesto is a good choice since it adds instant flavor and complements the quick cooking time of the chicken breasts. Evenly pound out the chicken to ensure more even cooking. To prevent the pesto from burning, add it after you have finished cooking. Complement with pasta, roasted tomatoes, or a simple arugula salad.
21) Stuffed Mushrooms
Providing a salad or soup with a full tray of stuffed mushrooms could make for a dinner offering. First, cook the sausage until brown, and then mix it with the cream cheese or ricotta and some herbs for a decadent filling. The tops brown while the mushrooms remain juicy. They are also wonderful for weeknight meals styled like a party.
22) Fish Tacos
Cod is fast to cook and flakes easily which makes it a great option for taco filling. To prepare the fish, season it with a light spice blend and some oil. Then, cook it until it is opaque, and flakes easily. For added crunch along with a lime-based sauce for balance, include cabbage. It can be paired with a side of black beans or corn.
23) Chicken Wings
For extra crispiness when using an air fryer, pat the wings dry before cooking. A dry rub streamlines the effort and eliminates the likelihood of burning sugary sauces. Cook in a single layer so that air can flow around each wing. Serve classic and fun dinner with some celery sticks and a cool dip.
24) Gnocchi
When cooked in an air fryer, shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi can be transformed into a different kind of comfort food. Coat with a small amount of oil, then cook until the outsides are golden and the insides stay chewy. To enhance your experience even more, you can add cherry tomatoes or broccoli florets while cooking. Add some lemon and sprinkle Parmesan on top.
25) Veggie Quesadillas
Using leftover veggies? Quesadillas can be made using various ingredients based on your cravings. Most importantly, they can be prepared to be crispy using an air fryer. Keep the fillings modest so the tortillas seal easily and the cheese melts evenly. A light application of oil will turn the outside to a golden brown color. Salsa with yogurt or sour cream makes a great accompaniment.
26) Buffalo Cauliflower
An entire dinner can be centered around buffalo cauliflower and that can be considered a legitimate dinner. After sautéing the florets until golden brown, toss them in buffalo sauce. Briefly return to the heat to set the glaze. Celery and carrots can be added, and for a more substantial serving you may include chickpeas or grilled chicken. When placed in a wrap, it is equally amazing.
27) Loaded Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes prepared in an air fryer develop a distinct crunch on the outside and the insides are deliciously soft and fluffy. To make the skin good enough to eat, rub the potato with a little oil and some salt. You can add cheese, beans, broccoli, or leftover chili. Making dinner from items you already have in your pantry is easy.
28) Rice Balls
Making dinner feel different, rice balls use leftover rice. Stuff them with either a small mozzarella cube or a spoonful of meat sauce, and then top with breadcrumbs. They will become crispy deep fried style without the hassle of deep frying. Serve with marinara sauce and a large salad.
29) Chicken And Broccoli
Chicken and broccoli are a classic weeknight meal. With the air fryer, the broccoli stays crisp-tender, with a nice brown finish on the ends. If your pieces are larger, cook the chicken first, then add the broccoli so it doesn’t cook too much. Once you have finished cooking, combine everything with a simple blend of soy sauce, honey, and ginger. Serve alongside rice or noodles to absorb the sauce.
30) Nachos
Using an air fryer to cook nachos is a fast and easy method to make nachos. Plus they’re customizable for everyone’s hunger level. Stack some chips with cheese and beans, and bake until the cheese melts and the chip edges are lightly toasted. For cold toppings to remain crunchy and fresh, put them on after cooking. Dinner becomes especially relaxing with a tray placed in the center of the table. Here is a killer black bean version.
