Top 27 Easy Air Fryer Dinner Recipes [NOT TO MISS]

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods while still delivering the crispy texture and delicious taste we crave. These countertop appliances use hot air circulation to cook food quickly and evenly, requiring little to no oil compared to deep frying. With their versatility and convenience, air fryers have become a staple in many kitchens, especially for those looking to whip up quick and easy dinners. In this article, we’ll explore 27 mouthwatering air fryer dinner recipes that are not only simple to make but also guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Top 27 Easy Air Fryer Dinner Recipes

1. Crispy Chicken Wings

• Ingredients: Chicken wings, salt, pepper, garlic powder, baking powder.
• Instructions: Season chicken wings with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss with baking powder to coat evenly. Air fry at 380°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.

2. Air Fryer Salmon

• Ingredients: Salmon fillets, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, dill.
• Instructions: Drizzle salmon fillets with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dill. Air fry at 360°F for 10-12 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.

3. Vegetable Stir-Fry

• Ingredients: Mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas), soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil.
• Instructions: Toss vegetables with soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until vegetables are tender-crisp.

4. Crispy Tofu

• Ingredients: Extra-firm tofu, soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder.
• Instructions: Press tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into cubes. Toss tofu with soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic powder, and onion powder. Air fry at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.

5. Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

• Ingredients: Chicken breasts, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning.
• Instructions: Coat chicken breasts in breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning. Air fry at 370°F for 10 minutes. Top with marinara sauce and cheese, then air fry for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Sweet Potato Fries

• Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper.
• Instructions: Cut sweet potatoes into fries and toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 380°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.

7. Honey Garlic Shrimp

• Ingredients: Shrimp, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, olive oil, sesame seeds.
• Instructions: Marinate shrimp in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and olive oil. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

8. Air Fryer Meatballs

• Ingredients: Ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning.
• Instructions: Mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Roll into meatballs and air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.

9. Crispy Brussels Sprouts

• Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, pepper.
• Instructions: Halve Brussels sprouts and toss with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy and caramelized.

10. Air Fryer Pork Chops

• Ingredients: Pork chops, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper.
• Instructions: Rub pork chops with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.

11. Crispy Coconut Shrimp

• Ingredients: Shrimp, shredded coconut, flour, egg, salt, pepper.
• Instructions: Dredge shrimp in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat with shredded coconut seasoned with salt and pepper. Air fry at 380°F for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

12. Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Ingredients: Bell peppers, ground beef or turkey, rice, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, cheese.
• Instructions: Cook rice according to package instructions. Brown ground meat with onion and garlic, then mix with cooked rice and tomato sauce. Stuff mixture into halved bell peppers, top with cheese, and air fry at 370°F for 20-25 minutes until peppers are tender.

13. Air Fryer Fish Tacos

• Ingredients: White fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia), flour tortillas, cabbage slaw, avocado, lime, cilantro.
• Instructions: Season fish fillets with salt and pepper. Air fry at 380°F for 8-10 minutes until cooked through and flaky. Serve in warm tortillas with cabbage slaw, sliced avocado, a squeeze of lime, and fresh cilantro.

14. Garlic Parmesan French Fries

• Ingredients: Potatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, pepper.
• Instructions: Cut potatoes into fries and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.

15. Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas

• Ingredients: Cooked chicken, flour tortillas, shredded cheese, bell peppers, onions, salsa, sour cream.
• Instructions: Place a tortilla in the air fryer basket and top with cooked chicken, shredded cheese, bell peppers, onions, and salsa. Top with another tortilla and air fry at 370°F for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and tortillas are crispy. Serve with sour cream for dipping.

16. Crispy Coconut Chicken

• Ingredients: Chicken breast strips, coconut milk, shredded coconut, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper.
• Instructions: Dip chicken breast strips in coconut milk, then coat with a mixture of shredded coconut, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 380°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

17. Air Fryer Veggie Burgers

• Ingredients: Veggie burger patties, burger buns, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, condiments.
• Instructions: Place veggie burger patties in the air fryer basket and air fry at 370°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through. Serve on toasted burger buns with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and your favorite condiments.

18. Cajun Shrimp And Sausage

• Ingredients: Shrimp, sausage (such as Andouille), bell peppers, onion, Cajun seasoning, olive oil.
• Instructions: Toss shrimp, sliced sausage, bell peppers, and onion with Cajun seasoning and olive oil. Air fry at 380°F for 10-12 minutes until shrimp are pink and sausage is cooked through.

19. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

• Ingredients: Chicken drumsticks or thighs, BBQ sauce, olive oil, salt, pepper.
• Instructions: Rub chicken drumsticks or thighs with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, brushing with BBQ sauce halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and skin is crispy.

20. Mushroom Risotto

• Ingredients: Arborio rice, mushrooms, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, Parmesan cheese, butter, white wine.
• Instructions: Sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic in butter until softened. Add Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in white wine and cook until evaporated. Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring frequently, until rice is creamy and tender. Stir in Parmesan cheese before serving.

21. Air Fryer Beef Kebabs

• Ingredients: Beef sirloin or tenderloin, bell peppers, onion, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper.
• Instructions: Cut beef into cubes and thread onto skewers with bell peppers, onion, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 380°F for 10-12 minutes until beef is cooked to your desired doneness.

22. Crispy Eggplant Parmesan

• Ingredients: Eggplant slices, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning.
• Instructions: Coat eggplant slices in breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning. Air fry at 370°F for 10 minutes. Top with marinara sauce and cheese, then air fry for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

23. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

• Ingredients: Cauliflower florets, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, buffalo sauce.
• Instructions: Toss cauliflower florets in a mixture of flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Toss in buffalo sauce before serving.

24. Air Fryer Sausage And Peppers

• Ingredients: Italian sausage, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper.
• Instructions: Slice sausage, bell peppers, and onion. Toss with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 380°F for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until sausage is browned and peppers are tender.

25. Crispy Chicken Tenders

• Ingredients: Chicken tenders, flour, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper.
• Instructions: Dredge chicken tenders in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 380°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

26. Air Fryer Ratatouille

• Ingredients: Eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, olive oil, thyme, basil, salt, pepper.
• Instructions: Slice eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and onion. Layer vegetables in the air fryer basket, seasoning each layer with minced garlic, tomato sauce, olive oil, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 370°F for 25-30 minutes until vegetables are tender.

27. Spinach And Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Ingredients: Chicken breasts, spinach, feta cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper.
• Instructions: Butterfly chicken breasts and stuff with a mixture of cooked spinach, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Secure with toothpicks and brush with olive oil. Air fry at 380°F for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

With these 27 easy air fryer dinner recipes, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying meals without spending hours in the kitchen. From crispy chicken wings to flavorful vegetable stir-fry and succulent salmon, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to customize these recipes to your liking. With the versatility and convenience of air frying, dinner has never been easier or more delicious. So dust off your air fryer and get cooking!

Top 10 Global Flavors

Cooking dinner can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially after a long day. Fortunately, air fryers provide a solution by simplifying the cooking process and reducing the need for extensive prep work and cleanup. By harnessing the power of hot air circulation, air fryers can achieve that coveted crispy texture without the excess oil. This makes them perfect for preparing a wide range of dishes, from appetizers to main courses and even desserts.

One of the great things about air fryers is their versatility, allowing you to experiment with flavors from around the world. Here are ten globally inspired dinner recipes that you can easily prepare using your air fryer:

1. Crispy Asian Chicken Wings

Marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, these crispy chicken wings are sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Simply toss the wings in the marinade, air fry until golden brown and crispy, and serve with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping.

2. Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers

Filled with a mixture of couscous, tomatoes, feta cheese, and fresh herbs, these stuffed bell peppers are bursting with Mediterranean flavors. After stuffing the peppers, place them in the air fryer and cook until tender and lightly charred.

3. Mexican Street Corn

A popular street food in Mexico, elote is made by grilling corn on the cob and then slathering it with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. With an air fryer, you can achieve similar results by air frying the corn until charred and then brushing it with the creamy sauce.

4. Italian Eggplant Parmesan

Layers of crispy breaded eggplant slices, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese come together to create this classic Italian dish. In the air fryer, you can achieve the same crispy texture as traditional frying with just a fraction of the oil.

5. Greek-style Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Marinated in a tangy blend of lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, these succulent shrimp are packed with Mediterranean flavor. Simply thread the shrimp onto skewers, air fry until pink and opaque, and serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

6. Indian Chicken Tikka Masala

Tender chunks of chicken are marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture and then cooked in a creamy tomato sauce, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect served over rice or with naan bread. In the air fryer, you can quickly cook the marinated chicken until charred and then simmer it in the sauce until cooked through.

7. Thai Peanut Tofu

Crispy cubes of tofu are tossed in a sticky peanut sauce and then air fried until golden brown and crunchy. Serve over rice or noodles with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for a delicious and satisfying meal.

8. Japanese-style Teriyaki Salmon

Salmon fillets are marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce and then air fried until flaky and tender. Serve with steamed rice and a side of sautéed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

9. Brazilian-style Picanha Steak

Picanha steak, a popular cut of beef in Brazil, is seasoned with coarse salt and then air fried until juicy and tender. Serve with chimichurri sauce and traditional Brazilian sides like rice, beans, and farofa for an authentic dining experience.

10. Moroccan Spiced Cauliflower

Cauliflower florets are tossed in a fragrant blend of Moroccan spices, including cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, and then air fried until golden and crispy. Serve with a dollop of creamy tahini sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a flavorful and nutritious side dish.

My Favourite Air Fryer Recipe

While all of the above recipes are delicious in their own right, one of my personal favorites is Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs. This recipe combines the tangy brightness of lemon with aromatic herbs to create juicy and flavorful chicken thighs with a perfectly crispy skin. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and then brush them generously with the lemon herb mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
4. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down, and cook for 12 minutes.
5. Flip the chicken thighs over, skin side up, and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve the chicken thighs hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Tips And Tricks For Successful Air Fryer Cooking

To get the most out of your air fryer and ensure consistently delicious results, consider the following tips and tricks:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Just like with traditional ovens, preheating your air fryer helps ensure that your food cooks evenly and achieves that desirable crispy texture.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: To allow for proper air circulation, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook food in a single layer whenever possible, and if you need to cook multiple batches, keep cooked food warm in a low oven while you finish cooking the rest.

• Use Oil Sparingly: While air fryers require less oil than traditional frying methods, using a light coating of oil can help enhance the flavor and texture of your food. Invest in a good quality oil mister or brush to evenly coat your ingredients with oil before air frying.

• Shake or Flip Halfway Through Cooking: For more even browning, shake the air fryer basket or flip your food halfway through the cooking time. This helps ensure that all sides of your food cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.

• Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings and flavorings. Experiment with different herbs, spices, marinades, and sauces to customize your dishes to your taste preferences.

• Clean Regularly: To prevent buildup of grease and residue, clean your air fryer regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help maintain optimal performance and extend the lifespan of your appliance.

Time-Saving Strategies For Busy Cooks

For busy individuals looking to streamline their meal preparation process, here are some time-saving strategies specifically tailored for air fryer cooking:

• Prep Ingredients in Advance: Spend some time on the weekend prepping ingredients such as chopping vegetables, marinating meats, or assembling freezer-friendly meals. This way, you can quickly assemble meals during the week and save time on busy weeknights.

• Batch Cooking: Take advantage of the air fryer’s large capacity by batch cooking multiple servings of your favorite dishes at once. Portion out leftovers into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

• Use Pre-made Ingredients: Don’t hesitate to use pre-made ingredients such as store-bought marinades, sauces, or pre-cut vegetables to save time on prep work. Just be sure to read labels carefully and choose options that align with your dietary preferences and restrictions.

• Repurpose Leftovers: Transform leftover proteins and vegetables into new dishes by incorporating them into salads, stir-fries, wraps, or grain bowls. This not only reduces food waste but also saves you time and effort in the kitchen.

• Invest in Accessories: Consider investing in accessories such as silicone baking cups, skewers, or racks designed specifically for air fryers. These accessories can help maximize the versatility of your air fryer and expand the range of dishes you can prepare.

Conclusion

In conclusion, air fryers are a valuable tool for simplifying dinner preparation and creating delicious and nutritious meals with ease. Whether you’re craving classic comfort foods or want to explore global flavors, there’s no shortage of recipes to try in your air fryer. By following the tips, tricks, and time-saving strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most out of your air fryer cooking experience. So dust off your air fryer, get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy the convenience and versatility that air frying has to offer!