10+ Easy Air Fryer Recipes for Quick and Tasty Meals

Air fryers are everywhere these days, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. They make cooking a breeze—fast, less greasy, and way less mess.

Easy air fryer recipes let you whip up tasty, healthier food without a lot of fuss.

New to air fryers? Or maybe you just want something quick for dinner? Either way, these recipes are for you.

You save time and still get delicious results—what’s not to love?

Ingredients

• Ingredients will change depending on the recipe.

Cooking Instructions

• Check each recipe for the step-by-step guide.
• Use the air fryer temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius as listed.

1) Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs in the air fryer? Super quick, super tasty. The skin gets crispy, the meat stays juicy, and dinner is on the table in about 15 minutes.

Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and whatever herbs you feel like. Put them skin side up in the basket for the crispiest skin.

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Flip the thighs halfway through so everything cooks evenly.

Use a meat thermometer to make sure the inside hits 165°F (74°C). Safety first.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry.
2. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and any extra spices.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Put the chicken skin side up in the basket.
5. Cook for 7 minutes, flip, then cook another 7 minutes.
6. Check the temperature; cook a bit longer if you need to reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest a couple minutes before digging in.

2) Crispy Air Fryer Pork Chops

Pork chops come out crispy and juicy in the air fryer, and you barely have to do anything. Just season them with salt and your favorite spices.

Lay the pork chops in a single layer in the basket. Give them a quick spray with cooking oil to help that golden crust along.

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 12–14 minutes. Flip them halfway so both sides get that nice crunch.

Check that the inside hits 140°F (60°C) before you take them out. The outside will be crisp, but the inside should stay juicy.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cooking oil spray
• Optional: garlic powder or paprika

Cooking Instructions

1. Sprinkle pork chops with salt, pepper, and any other spices.
2. Arrange them in the air fryer basket, single layer.
3. Spray with a bit of cooking oil.
4. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes.
5. Flip halfway through.
6. Make sure the inside reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Let them rest a couple minutes before serving.

Want more tips? Check out these crispy air fryer pork chops.

3) Air Fryer Salmon Fillets

Salmon fillets are a breeze in the air fryer. They cook up tender and flaky with a crisp edge in just 6–10 minutes.

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Sprinkle on salt, pepper, and maybe a little garlic or whatever you’re in the mood for.

Put the salmon skin-side down in the basket. Cook for about 7 minutes, then check if it flakes with a fork.

A squeeze of lemon after cooking really brightens things up.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
2. Season the fillets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Place them skin-side down in the basket.
4. Cook for 7 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily.
5. Serve with lemon wedges if you want.

Need more details? Here’s an air fryer salmon recipe.

4) Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders in the air fryer are a weeknight lifesaver. They’re crispy outside, juicy inside, and you hardly need any oil.

Go simple with just some spices, or coat them in breadcrumbs or Parmesan for a little extra crunch. They take about 8–12 minutes at 400°F (205°C).

Flip them halfway for even browning.

If you’re skipping breading, just season well and let the air fryer do its thing. You get simple, tasty chicken without much work.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or Parmesan (optional)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 egg (for coating, optional)
• Cooking spray or oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (205°C).
2. If you’re using breading, dip tenders in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs or Parmesan mixed with spices.
3. Spray the basket with oil.
4. Lay tenders in a single layer.
5. Cook 8–12 minutes, turning once.
6. Make sure the inside is at 165°F (74°C).

5) Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken

Parmesan crusted chicken in the air fryer? Yes, please. The outside gets golden and crunchy, while the inside stays juicy.

Coat your chicken with mayonnaise (or something similar) so the crust sticks. Press on the Parmesan and breadcrumb mix.

Set the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cook for about 12 minutes. You get a perfect crust without drowning anything in oil.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
• Mayonnaise
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread mayonnaise on the chicken.
3. Press on the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
5. Cook the chicken for 12 minutes.
6. Check if it’s done, and cook a bit longer if it needs it.

6) Air Fryer Meatloaf

Meatloaf in the air fryer is surprisingly easy. It cooks evenly and gets a nice crust, but the inside stays moist.

You don’t need a special pan—just shape the loaf to fit your basket.

It usually takes 20–35 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Add a glaze on top if you want extra flavor.

Try tossing in bell peppers or more spices if you’re feeling adventurous. The air fryer speeds things up and keeps the meatloaf juicy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup ketchup (plus extra for glaze)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix all the ingredients except the extra ketchup.
2. Shape into a loaf that fits your basket.
3. Place in the air fryer.
4. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 20–35 minutes.
5. Brush with ketchup and cook 3–5 minutes more if you want a glaze.

Find more tips on air fryer meatloaf here.

7) Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts get crispy and browned in the air fryer, never soggy. Start by trimming and halving them.

Toss with a little oil and salt for the best texture.

Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes. Shake the basket or stir halfway so they brown all over.

After cooking, try a sprinkle of Parmesan or a splash of balsamic vinegar. It really brings out the flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Optional: Parmesan cheese or balsamic vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss sprouts with olive oil and salt.
3. Put them in the basket in a single layer.
4. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway.
5. Add toppings before serving if you want.

Need more on crisp sprouts? Check Well Plated.

8) Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes in the air fryer are a game changer. The skin gets crisp, and the inside is fluffy—no need to turn on the oven.

They usually take 25–45 minutes, depending on how big your potatoes are.

Poke holes in them with a fork so steam can escape. A little oil and salt on the skin makes them extra good.

Air fry at 400°F (205°C). Check with a knife for doneness; it should slide in easily.

Top with whatever you like—cheese, sour cream, or just a bit of butter.

Ingredients

• 2 medium russet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and dry the potatoes.
2. Prick all over with a fork.
3. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
4. Put them in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook at 400°F (205°C) for 25–45 minutes.
6. Test with a knife; it should go in easily.
7. Add your favorite toppings.

Want more? Check this air fryer baked potato recipe.

9) Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

You can whip up crispy Southern fried chicken right in your air fryer. Honestly, it’s a solid way to get that crunch with way less oil.

The chicken turns out golden and crunchy outside, but stays juicy inside. Start by marinating your chicken in buttermilk for a few hours.

Next, coat the pieces in seasoned flour or breadcrumbs for a good crust. Pop the chicken in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) and let it go for about 15 minutes.

Flip the pieces halfway through for even cooking. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C)—no one wants undercooked chicken.

Ingredients:

• Chicken pieces
• Buttermilk
• Flour or panko breadcrumbs
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Cooking spray

Cooking Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk for 2-4 hours.
2. Mix flour and spices in a bowl.
3. Coat chicken pieces in the flour mix.
4. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
5. Spray chicken with cooking spray and place in the basket.
6. Cook 15 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying again.
7. Check internal temperature is 165°F (74°C) before serving.

10) Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers in the air fryer? Super easy and actually delicious. You just fill bell peppers with a mix of ground beef, rice, and spices.

Cook them until the peppers soften up and the filling gets piping hot. Air frying really speeds things up compared to the oven.

Just preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). After you stuff the peppers, cook them for about 10 minutes.

Toss some cheese on top and let it melt for another 2-3 minutes in the air fryer. You can swap out the filling for sausage, extra veggies, or beans if you’re feeling creative.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Give it about 3-5 minutes.

2. Slice the tops off your peppers. Scoop out those seeds.

3. In a bowl, mix together beef, rice, tomato sauce, and your favorite spices.

4. Stuff the peppers with that mixture.

5. Pop the filled peppers into the air fryer. Set the timer for 10 minutes.

6. Sprinkle cheese on top. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.