10+ Air Fryer Dinner Recipes for Easy and Delicious Weeknight Meals

Air fryer dinner recipes make it so much easier to whip up quick, tasty meals without a pile of dirty dishes. You get that crispy outside and juicy inside, all with way less oil than usual.

Honestly, who doesn’t want less mess? This method saves time but still packs in some real flavor.

Using an air fryer lets you prepare dinners that are healthier and faster than traditional methods. Whether you’re cooking solo or feeding the whole crew, air fryer meals keep dinner simple and, yeah, pretty satisfying.

You’ll see that these recipes slide right into a busy weeknight—no sweat.

1) Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Herbs

Juicy, crispy chicken thighs in the air fryer? Yes, please. Just grab some bone-in, skin-on thighs and a handful of simple seasonings.

Mix together garlic, your favorite herbs (I go for thyme or rosemary), salt, and pepper. Rub it all over the chicken—don’t be shy.

Toss those thighs in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even crispiness.

Your kitchen will smell amazing, trust me.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
3. Rub mixture on chicken thighs.
4. Place thighs skin side down in air fryer basket.
5. Cook 9-11 minutes, flip, then cook 9-11 more minutes.
6. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

For more tips on chicken thighs, check this Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe.

2) Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops

Pork chops in the air fryer come out crispy on the outside, juicy inside—no fuss. Season or bread them, whatever you’re feeling.

I usually cook them at 400°F (205°C) for about 12 to 14 minutes. Flip halfway for that even browning.

Grab a meat thermometer and check for 140°F to 145°F (60°C to 63°C) in the center. That way, you don’t end up with dry chops.

You get a nice crispy finish, and barely any oil needed.

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional for breaded version)
• 1 egg (if breading)
• Cooking spray or oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (205°C).
2. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
3. For breaded pork chops, dip in beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
4. Place pork chops in air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Check that internal temperature reaches 140°F-145°F (60°C-63°C).
7. Remove and let rest a few minutes before serving.

3) Air Fryer Salmon Fillets with Lemon

Cooking salmon in the air fryer is almost too easy. The lemon gives it a fresh, bright kick that just works with fish.

Season salmon with salt, pepper, garlic, and lemon juice. Pop it in the air fryer at 390°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes.

Both thick and thin fillets come out great. Crispy edges, tender center—can’t really mess it up.

Serve with rice, salad, or whatever veggies you’ve got. It’s a healthy meal in no time, perfect for those nights you don’t want to think too hard.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
2. Pat salmon dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic.
3. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the fillets.
4. Place salmon in the air fryer basket skin-side down.
5. Cook for 15 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.

4) Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Buffalo cauliflower bites in the air fryer are a fun, spicy snack (or dinner, let’s be honest). They’re crispy outside, tender inside, and the buffalo sauce adds a little kick.

If you want a veggie option that doesn’t feel like a compromise, this is it. Ready in about 15 minutes—can’t beat that.

Air fry at 350ºF (175ºC) until golden, then toss in buffalo sauce. Simple and so good.

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 350ºF (175ºC).
2. Toss cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder.
3. Place cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and crispy.
5. Remove and toss cauliflower with buffalo sauce.
6. Serve immediately.

More details on this air fryer buffalo cauliflower recipe.

5) Air Fryer Crispy Tofu with Sesame Sauce

Crispy tofu in the air fryer? Absolutely doable. Press out the water, cut into cubes, and you’re halfway there.

Toss the tofu with soy sauce and sesame seeds. That’s all it needs for some crunch and saltiness.

Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. While it cooks, mix up a sauce with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and a touch of honey or sugar.

Toss the cooked tofu in the sauce right before serving. I love it with rice or just on its own.

Ingredients

• 1 block firm tofu
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp honey or sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Press tofu for 15 minutes and cut into cubes.
2. Toss tofu with soy sauce and sesame seeds.
3. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
4. Air fry tofu for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.
5. Mix sesame oil, garlic, and honey for sauce.
6. Toss tofu in sauce before serving.

6) Air Fryer Steak Frites

Steak frites in the air fryer is a weeknight win. The steak turns out juicy, and the fries get all crispy with barely any oil.

Season your steak with salt and pepper. Cook it in the air fryer to your liking—medium rare, well-done, whatever you want.

While that’s going, toss potato fries with oil and seasonings. Air fry until golden and crunchy.

I like to throw in some rosemary or parmesan on the fries. And a little honey Dijon aioli on the side is never a bad idea.

Ingredients

• 1 steak (your choice of cut)
• 2 large potatoes, cut into fries
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: rosemary, parmesan, honey Dijon aioli

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the steak with salt and pepper.
3. Place the steak in the air fryer and cook for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until done.
4. Toss fries in olive oil and salt.
5. Cook fries in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
6. Serve the steak with fries and your choice of sauce.

Get more steak frites ideas here: Air Fryer Steak Frites.

7) Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

BBQ chicken wings in the air fryer are a game-changer. You get that crispy skin without deep frying, and they soak up BBQ sauce like a dream.

Season your wings with salt, pepper, paprika, and maybe a little brown sugar. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) until golden and crispy.

Once they’re cooked, brush on the BBQ sauce while they’re still hot. That’s when the magic happens.

Ingredients:

• 2.5 to 3 lbs chicken wings
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Separate wings into drums and flats.
2. Toss wings with olive oil, brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Cook wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Brush wings with BBQ sauce when done.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

More tips for wings here.

8) Air Fryer Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts in the air fryer? They’re so much better than you’d expect. Trim and halve the sprouts first, so they cook evenly.

Toss with a bit of oil and salt—maybe some garlic or balsamic if you’re feeling fancy.

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spread the sprouts in a single layer.

Cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You want those crispy edges.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: minced garlic or balsamic vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts.
2. Toss them with olive oil and salt.
3. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
4. Place sprouts in the air fryer basket in one layer.
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.
6. Add garlic or balsamic vinegar if desired after cooking.

9) Air Fryer Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream

Baked potatoes in the air fryer? Absolutely. They come out with crisp skin and fluffy insides, and you don’t have to wait forever.

Wash and dry your potatoes first. I like to rub them with olive oil and a sprinkle of garlic salt for a little extra kick.

Toss them in the air fryer at 390°F (200°C). Let them cook for about 25-30 minutes.

Once they’re fork-tender, slice them open and top with a big spoonful of sour cream. Chives, cheese, or bacon bits—why not pile those on too?

Ingredients

• 2 large potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• Sour cream for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and dry the potatoes.
2. Rub potatoes with olive oil and garlic salt.
3. Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
4. Cook potatoes for 25-30 minutes until tender.
5. Cut a slit and add sour cream before serving.

You might want to check out this easy air fryer baked potatoes recipe for more ideas.

10) Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A grilled cheese in the air fryer is almost too easy. The bread gets crisp, the cheese melts just right, and you don’t need to stand over a stove.

Put your favorite cheese between two slices of bread. Add ham or tomato if you’re in the mood for something extra.

Pop the sandwich in the air fryer basket. Set it to 370°F (190°C) and cook for 3 minutes.

Flip the sandwich and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Watch it so the cheese gets gooey but doesn’t run everywhere.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• 2 slices of cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• Butter or margarine

Cooking Instructions

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.

2. Put cheese between the slices, with the buttered sides facing out.

3. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C).

4. Place the sandwich in the basket.

5. Air fry for 3 minutes. Flip it over, then air fry for another 3 to 4 minutes.

6. Take it out and let it cool for a bit before eating.