Meal prepping has become a popular strategy for individuals looking to save time, eat healthier, and streamline their cooking process. With the introduction of air fryers to the culinary scene, meal prepping has become even more convenient and efficient. Air fryers offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods by using hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in crispy and delicious meals with less oil.
In this article, we will explore 27 mouthwatering air fryer meal prep recipes that are perfect for busy individuals and families. These recipes are not only nutritious and flavorful but also easy to prepare in advance and store for later consumption. Whether you’re a seasoned meal prepper or new to the concept, these recipes will inspire you to make the most out of your air fryer and enjoy delicious meals throughout the week.
Top 27 Air Fryer Meal Prep Recipes
1. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender in beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
2. Crunchy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss sweet potato fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the seasoned fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
- Allow the fries to cool completely before transferring them to meal prep containers.
3. Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and season with lemon pepper seasoning and salt.
- Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, let the salmon cool before dividing into meal prep containers. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
4. Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
- Allow the Brussels sprouts to cool before storing them in meal prep containers.
5. Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Toss chicken wings in the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated.
- Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy and cooked through.
- Once cooked, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the wings before storing them in meal prep containers.
6. Air Fryer Falafel
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (185°C).
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky.
- Shape the mixture into small balls and flatten slightly to form falafel patties.
- Brush both sides of the falafel patties with olive oil.
- Place the falafel patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the falafel is crispy and golden brown.
- Allow the falafel to cool before storing them in meal prep containers.
7. Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground turkey or beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked ground meat, cooked quinoa, black beans, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each bell pepper half with the meat and quinoa mixture.
- Place the stuffed bell peppers in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the stuffed peppers during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Allow the stuffed peppers to cool before transferring them to meal prep containers.
8. Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu
Ingredients:
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch to make the teriyaki sauce.
- Place the cubed tofu in a bowl and toss with half of the teriyaki sauce until evenly coated.
- Arrange the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, drizzle the remaining teriyaki sauce over the tofu and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Allow the teriyaki tofu to cool before storing it in meal prep containers.
9. Air Fryer Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Marinara sauce for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce for dipping or over pasta.
10. Air Fryer Vegetable Spring Rolls
Ingredients:
- 8 spring roll wrappers
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup shredded cooked chicken or tofu
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
- Water for sealing wrappers
- Sweet chili sauce for serving
Instructions:
- In a skillet, sauté shredded cabbage, shredded carrot, sliced mushrooms, shredded chicken or tofu, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the vegetables are tender and the mixture is well combined. Let it cool.
- Place a spring roll wrapper on a clean surface and spoon some of the vegetable mixture onto the wrapper.
- Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, then roll it up tightly, sealing the edges with water.
- Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the spring rolls with cooking spray.
- Arrange the spring rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the spring rolls are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the spring rolls with sweet chili sauce for dipping.
11. Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Sweet chili sauce for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a shallow bowl, combine shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs, then coat with the coconut breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the coconut shrimp with sweet chili sauce for dipping.
12. Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken Breast
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with the lemon herb mixture.
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Allow the chicken breasts to cool before storing them in meal prep containers.
13. Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each zucchini slice into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Lightly spray the coated zucchini slices with cooking spray.
- Place the zucchini slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the zucchini chips are golden brown and crispy.
- Allow the zucchini chips to cool before storing them in meal prep containers.
14. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, toss chicken drumsticks with barbecue sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
- Once cooked, sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken drumsticks before storing them in meal prep containers.
15. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, melted butter or olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add cauliflower florets to the buffalo sauce mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Place the cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and crispy.
- Serve the buffalo cauliflower bites with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
16. Air Fryer Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and chopped cilantro for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the shrimp are cooked through and slightly charred.
- While the shrimp are cooking, warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
- Assemble the tacos by filling each tortilla with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, spicy shrimp, and chopped cilantro.
- Serve the tacos immediately or store them in meal prep containers for later consumption.
17. Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Brush both sides of the chicken thighs with pesto sauce.
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down.
- Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
- Once cooked, squeeze lemon juice over the chicken thighs before storing them in meal prep containers.
18. Air Fryer Asian Beef Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots)
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch to make the sauce.
- Marinate thinly sliced flank steak in half of the sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place marinated steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- In a skillet, stir-fry mixed vegetables until tender-crisp.
- Add cooked steak and the remaining sauce to the skillet and toss until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Serve the Asian beef stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles, or portion it into meal prep containers for later consumption.
19. Air Fryer Quinoa Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients:
- 12 large mushrooms, stems removed and chopped
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- In a skillet, sauté chopped mushroom stems, chopped onion, and minced garlic until softened.
- In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, sautéed mushroom mixture, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each mushroom cap with the quinoa mixture.
- Lightly spray the stuffed mushrooms with olive oil cooking spray.
- Place the stuffed mushrooms in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through.
- Allow the stuffed mushrooms to cool before storing them in meal prep containers.
20. Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Thread shrimp onto wooden skewers.
- Brush both sides of the shrimp skewers with the lemon garlic mixture.
- Place the shrimp skewers in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skewers and allow them to cool before storing them in meal prep containers.
21. Air Fryer Ratatouille
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 2 zucchinis, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, toss diced eggplant, zucchinis, bell peppers, onion, garlic, and tomatoes with olive oil, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Spread the vegetable mixture in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and slightly browned.
- Once cooked, garnish with fresh basil before storing the ratatouille in meal prep containers.
22. Air Fryer Beef And Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Cooked rice for serving
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch to make the sauce.
- Marinate thinly sliced flank steak in half of the sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place marinated steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- In a skillet, stir-fry broccoli florets until tender-crisp.
- Add cooked steak and the remaining sauce to the skillet and toss until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Serve the beef and broccoli over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds, or portion it into meal prep containers for later consumption.
23. Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf Cups
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Divide the turkey mixture into muffin cups, pressing down gently.
- Place the muffin cups in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the turkey meatloaf cups are cooked through and browned on the top.
- Allow the meatloaf cups to cool before storing them in meal prep containers.
24. Air Fryer Veggie Quesadillas
Ingredients:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup cooked black beans
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Cooking spray
- Sour cream and salsa for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place a tortilla on a clean surface and sprinkle shredded cheese over half of the tortilla.
- Top the cheese with black beans, diced bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.
- Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling, creating a quesadilla.
- Lightly spray both sides of the quesadilla with cooking spray.
- Place the quesadilla in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the quesadilla is golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Serve the veggie quesadillas with sour cream and salsa for dipping, or store them in meal prep containers for later consumption.
25. Air Fryer Lemon Herb Salmon
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with the lemon herb mixture.
- Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Allow the salmon fillets to cool before storing them in meal prep containers.
26. Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
Ingredients:
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, toss trimmed asparagus with olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Arrange the seasoned asparagus spears in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the asparagus is tender and slightly browned.
- Allow the garlic Parmesan asparagus to cool before storing it in meal prep containers.
27. Air Fryer Southwest Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked ground meat, cooked quinoa, black beans, corn kernels, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each bell pepper half with the meat and quinoa mixture.
- Place the stuffed bell peppers in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the stuffed peppers during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Allow the stuffed peppers to cool before transferring them to meal prep containers.
Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook and meal prep, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods without sacrificing taste or texture. These 27 air fryer meal prep recipes showcase the versatility and convenience of this kitchen appliance, allowing you to prepare delicious and nutritious meals in advance for easy weeknight dinners or on-the-go lunches. Whether you’re craving crispy chicken tenders, flavorful vegetable stir-fries, or succulent seafood dishes, there’s a recipe here to suit every taste and dietary preference. Incorporate these recipes into your meal prep routine and enjoy hassle-free cooking and satisfying meals throughout the week.
Top 10 Global Flavors
Meal prepping has become an essential part of many people’s lives, allowing them to save time, money, and effort while maintaining a healthy diet. With the rise of air fryers in modern kitchens, meal prepping has become even easier and more convenient. Air fryers offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, using little to no oil to achieve that crispy texture we all love.
1. Mediterranean Chicken Skewers
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast, cubed
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion, sliced
- Bell peppers, diced
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Marinate cubed chicken breast in olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers with cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and diced bell peppers.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook skewers for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
2. Asian-inspired Veggie Spring Rolls
Ingredients:
- Spring roll wrappers
- Shredded cabbage
- Carrots, julienned
- Bell peppers, thinly sliced
- Bean sprouts
- Cooked vermicelli noodles
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, bean sprouts, cooked vermicelli noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Place a portion of the mixture onto each spring roll wrapper and roll tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the spring rolls for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
3. Tex-Mex Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers, halved and deseeded
- Cooked quinoa or rice
- Black beans, drained and rinsed
- Corn kernels
- Diced tomatoes
- Onion, diced
- Jalapeño, diced (optional)
- Taco seasoning
- Shredded cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa or rice with black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, diced onion, diced jalapeño, and taco seasoning.
- Stuff each halved bell pepper with the quinoa mixture and top with shredded cheese.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the stuffed peppers for 15-20 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
4. Italian Parmesan Zucchini Chips
Ingredients:
- Zucchini, thinly sliced
- Egg, beaten
- Italian breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Dip zucchini slices into beaten egg, then coat with a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the zucchini chips for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Indian-inspired Tandoori Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients:
- Cauliflower florets
- Greek yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Tandoori masala spice blend
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Mint yogurt sauce (for dipping)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, tandoori masala spice blend, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create a marinade.
- Coat cauliflower florets in the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the cauliflower florets for 15-20 minutes, until tender and lightly charred.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with mint yogurt sauce for dipping.
6. Thai Coconut Shrimp
Ingredients:
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Coconut milk
- Thai red curry paste
- Lime juice
- Fish sauce
- Brown sugar
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Crushed peanuts (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, and chopped cilantro to create a marinade.
- Marinate shrimp in the mixture for 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, until pink and cooked through.
- Garnish with crushed peanuts before serving.
7. Greek-style Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Ingredients:
- Portobello mushrooms, stems removed
- Spinach, chopped
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Kalamata olives, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped Kalamata olives, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each portobello mushroom with the spinach mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the stuffed mushrooms for 12-15 minutes, until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
8. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Ingredients:
- Corn on the cob, husked
- Mayonnaise
- Mexican crema or sour cream
- Cotija cheese, crumbled
- Chili powder
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
- Brush corn on the cob with mayonnaise and Mexican crema or sour cream.
- Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and chili powder over the corn.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the corn for 12-15 minutes, until tender and lightly charred.
- Serve with lime wedges and chopped cilantro.
9. Japanese-inspired Teriyaki Salmon
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Teriyaki sauce
- Soy sauce
- Mirin
- Brown sugar
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create a marinade.
- Marinate salmon fillets in the mixture for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the salmon for 10-12 minutes, until flaky and cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
10. Middle Eastern Falafel
Ingredients:
- Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Cilantro, chopped
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Baking powder
- Flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a food processor, blend chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Form the mixture into small balls and flatten slightly to create falafel patties.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the falafel for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
My Favourite Air Fryer Recipe
One of my favorite air fryer recipes is the Tex-Mex Stuffed Peppers. Not only is it incredibly flavorful, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients and is easy to prepare. The combination of quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices creates a filling that is both satisfying and delicious. Plus, the vibrant colors of the bell peppers make for an appealing presentation. I love how versatile this recipe is – you can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients and adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or hosting a dinner party, these Tex-Mex Stuffed Peppers are sure to be a hit!
Tips And Tricks For Successful Air Fryer Cooking
1. Preheat The Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer ensures that it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking, resulting in crispier and more evenly cooked food.
2. Use Cooking Spray
To prevent food from sticking to the air fryer basket, lightly coat it with cooking spray before adding your ingredients.
3. Don’t Overcrowd The Basket
For the best results, arrange food in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation.
4. Shake Or Flip Halfway Through Cooking
To ensure even cooking, shake the air fryer basket or flip food halfway through the cooking time.
5. Experiment With Different Flavors
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your air fryer recipes! Experiment with different seasonings, marinades, and sauces to discover new and exciting flavor combinations.
6. Clean The Air Fryer Regularly
To maintain optimal performance and prevent lingering odors, clean your air fryer regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Time-Saving Strategies For Busy Cooks
1. Prep Ingredients In Advance
Spend some time chopping, slicing, and marinating ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
2. Double Or Triple Batch Recipes
When meal prepping, consider doubling or tripling batch recipes to stock your freezer with ready-to-cook meals for busy days.
3. Use Pre-made Sauces And Seasonings
Save time by using pre-made sauces, marinades, and seasonings to add flavor to your dishes without the hassle of making everything from scratch.
4. Cook Multiple Items Simultaneously
Maximize the capacity of your air fryer by cooking multiple items simultaneously, using accessories like racks or skewers to create layers.
5. Plan Your Meals Wisely
Take some time each week to plan your meals and create a grocery list, making sure to choose recipes that can be easily adapted for air fryer cooking.
Conclusion
Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods without sacrificing flavor or texture. With the right recipes and techniques, meal prepping with an air fryer can be convenient, efficient, and incredibly delicious. From Mediterranean chicken skewers to Japanese-inspired teriyaki salmon, the possibilities are endless when it comes to air fryer meal prep recipes. Whether you’re craving global flavors or looking for time-saving strategies for busy cooks, the air fryer has you covered. So fire up your air fryer and get ready to enjoy delicious, homemade meals that are sure to impress!