22+ Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Dinner Recipes

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by offering a fast, easy, and healthier way to prepare delicious meals.

Whether you’re craving crispy chicken, tender seafood, or vibrant vegetables, air fryer dinners deliver satisfying flavors with less oil and fuss.

In this collection of 22+ air fryer dinner recipes, you’ll discover a variety of dishes perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or casual entertaining.

These recipes showcase how versatile and convenient air frying can be, helping you create mouthwatering dinners with a crispy finish and tender inside every time.

22+ Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Dinner Recipes

Exploring these 22+ air fryer dinner recipes demonstrates how this versatile appliance can transform your cooking routine.

From crispy pork belly to flavorful shrimp and hearty stuffed vegetables, air fryers make it simple to enjoy healthier versions of your favorite dishes without compromising taste.

With quick cook times and minimal cleanup, these recipes are sure to inspire you to embrace air frying as a go-to method for delicious, fuss-free dinners.

air fryer chicken thighs

Air fryer chicken thighs are a quick and easy dinner option that delivers juicy, tender meat with a crispy skin.

Using the air fryer reduces oil usage while still creating that desirable crunch, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients:

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Dried herbs (thyme or rosemary optional)

Instructions:

1. Pat chicken thighs dry and rub with olive oil.
2. Season generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and herbs.
3. Preheat air fryer to medium-high heat.
4. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
5. Cook for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until skin is crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

This recipe transforms simple chicken thighs into a flavorful, crispy dish perfect for a quick dinner.

The air fryer ensures even cooking and a satisfying crunch without deep frying, making it a great choice for a healthier yet indulgent meal.

air fryer salmon

Air fryer salmon is a fast and healthy dinner that locks in moisture while giving the fish a slightly crispy exterior.

This method is ideal for a nutritious meal that requires minimal prep and cleanup, yet tastes fresh and delicious.

Ingredients:

• Salmon fillets
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh dill or parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and lemon juice.
2. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Preheat air fryer to medium heat.
4. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the basket.
5. Cook for about 8–12 minutes depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Air fryer salmon is a wonderfully light and flavorful dinner option that’s both simple and elegant.

The quick cooking time keeps the fish tender and juicy, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a healthy weekend meal.

air fryer stuffed peppers

Air fryer stuffed peppers are a delicious and colorful dinner packed with a savory filling of ground meat, rice, and vegetables.

Using the air fryer speeds up the cooking process while keeping the peppers tender and the filling perfectly cooked.

Ingredients:

• Bell peppers, tops removed and seeds discarded
• Ground beef or turkey
• Cooked rice
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Tomato sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
2. Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for a few minutes to combine flavors.
3. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture.
4. Preheat air fryer to medium heat.
5. Place stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket and cook for about 12–15 minutes until peppers are tender and filling is heated through.
6. Sprinkle cheese on top and air fry for an additional 2 minutes until melted and bubbly.

This recipe offers a comforting and nutritious dinner that’s both colorful and satisfying.

The air fryer cooks the stuffed peppers quickly while maintaining their texture, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome weeknight meal.

air fryer pork chops

Air fryer pork chops are a quick and flavorful dinner option that results in juicy, tender meat with a perfectly crispy crust.

The air fryer helps lock in moisture while giving the pork chops a golden exterior without deep frying.

Ingredients:

• Bone-in or boneless pork chops
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Dried thyme or rosemary (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rub pork chops with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and herbs.
2. Preheat the air fryer to medium-high heat.
3. Place pork chops in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
4. Cook for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

This air fryer pork chop recipe makes a delicious and healthy dinner that’s easy to prepare.

The result is a juicy interior with a flavorful, crispy crust—perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

air fryer shrimp

Air fryer shrimp is a fast and healthy dinner option with tender, succulent shrimp cooked to perfection.

The air fryer crisps the shrimp slightly without drying them out, making this recipe great for a quick and flavorful seafood meal.

Ingredients:

• Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat air fryer to medium heat.
3. Place shrimp in a single layer in the basket.
4. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until shrimp are pink and opaque.
5. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and garnish with parsley before serving.

This air fryer shrimp recipe is a perfect blend of speed and flavor, delivering a healthy and delicious dinner option that’s great served over rice, salad, or pasta.

air fryer stuffed mushrooms

Air fryer stuffed mushrooms are a savory and satisfying dinner appetizer or side dish.

Filled with a flavorful mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, these mushrooms cook quickly while developing a golden, crispy top.

Ingredients:

• Large button or cremini mushrooms, stems removed
• Cream cheese
• Garlic, minced
• Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Fresh parsley
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix cream cheese, minced garlic, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Stuff mushroom caps generously with the mixture.
3. Lightly brush mushrooms with olive oil.
4. Preheat air fryer to medium heat.
5. Place stuffed mushrooms in the basket and cook for about 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through.

These air fryer stuffed mushrooms offer a delightful combination of creamy filling and crispy topping, making them an excellent dinner accompaniment or a delicious appetizer to kick off any meal.

air fryer steak

Air fryer steak is a quick and easy way to achieve a perfectly cooked, juicy steak with a deliciously crisp crust.

This method locks in the steak’s natural flavors while cutting down on cooking time and cleanup.

Ingredients:

• Steak (ribeye, sirloin, or your favorite cut)
• Olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rub the steak with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Preheat the air fryer to high heat.
3. Place the steak in the air fryer basket, making sure it’s not crowded.
4. Cook for about 8–12 minutes depending on thickness and desired doneness, flipping halfway through.
5. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Air fryer steak offers an effortless way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.

The result is a tender, flavorful steak with a beautiful sear that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner.

air fryer crispy tofu

Air fryer crispy tofu is a fantastic plant-based dinner option that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside without excess oil.

It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and works great as a main dish or tossed into salads and stir-fries.

Ingredients:

• Firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Cornstarch
• Olive oil spray
• Garlic powder
• Optional spices: smoked paprika, chili powder

Instructions:

1. Toss tofu cubes in soy sauce, then coat evenly with cornstarch mixed with garlic powder and spices.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket and tofu with olive oil spray.
3. Preheat the air fryer to medium-high heat.
4. Cook tofu for about 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes until golden and crispy.

This crispy tofu is a delicious, protein-packed dinner option that satisfies cravings for crunchy textures while keeping things light and healthy.

It pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

air fryer stuffed chicken breast

Air fryer stuffed chicken breast is a flavorful and impressive dinner dish featuring juicy chicken breasts filled with cheese, herbs, and sometimes vegetables.

The air fryer ensures the chicken cooks evenly while sealing in the delicious stuffing.

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Cream cheese or mozzarella
• Spinach or sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Butterfly the chicken breasts to create pockets.
2. Mix cream cheese with spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, seasoning to taste.
3. Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the cheese mixture and secure with toothpicks.
4. Rub chicken with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Preheat air fryer to medium heat.
6. Cook stuffed chicken breasts for about 18–20 minutes until cooked through and golden.

This recipe elevates a simple chicken dinner with a creamy, flavorful filling while keeping the meal healthy and quick.

The air fryer makes preparation hassle-free and results consistently delicious.

air fryer buffalo wings

Air fryer buffalo wings are a healthier twist on the classic party favorite, delivering crispy, spicy wings without the need for deep frying.

This recipe makes for an easy, flavorful dinner that pairs perfectly with celery and blue cheese dressing.

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Buffalo sauce (hot sauce mixed with melted butter)

Instructions:

1. Pat chicken wings dry and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Preheat air fryer to medium-high heat.
3. Arrange wings in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
4. Cook for about 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until wings are crispy and cooked through.
5. Toss wings in buffalo sauce and serve immediately.

This recipe offers the perfect balance of heat and crispiness, making air fryer buffalo wings a crowd-pleasing dinner option that’s both satisfying and lighter than traditional fried versions.

air fryer zucchini fries

Air fryer zucchini fries are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional fries, perfect as a crispy side or light dinner snack.

They’re quick to prepare and come out tender on the inside with a crunchy, golden coating.

Ingredients:

• Zucchini, cut into sticks
• Olive oil
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss zucchini sticks with olive oil.
2. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Coat zucchini sticks evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Preheat air fryer to medium heat.
5. Place zucchini fries in the basket and cook for about 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and golden.

These zucchini fries provide a tasty way to enjoy vegetables with a satisfying crunch.

They’re perfect for a quick dinner side or a healthy snack that the whole family will love.

air fryer meatballs

Air fryer meatballs are a fast and easy dinner solution that yields juicy, perfectly browned meatballs without frying in oil.

They can be served on their own, with pasta, or in a sandwich for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef or turkey
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Garlic, minced
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Shape mixture into small meatballs.
3. Preheat air fryer to medium-high heat.
4. Place meatballs in the basket, spaced evenly.
5. Cook for about 10–12 minutes, shaking or turning halfway, until browned and cooked through.

Air fryer meatballs offer a healthier, hands-off way to prepare a classic comfort food.

Their crispy exterior and tender interior make them a versatile dinner favorite for any night of the week.

air fryer cauliflower bites

Air fryer cauliflower bites are a delicious and healthy dinner option that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Perfect for a vegetarian meal or a tasty side, these bites are easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• Cauliflower florets
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Hot sauce or buffalo sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat air fryer to medium heat.
3. Place cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Cook for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
5. Toss with hot sauce if desired and serve immediately.

These air fryer cauliflower bites are a flavorful and guilt-free way to enjoy a vegetable-packed dinner.

Their crispy texture and spicy kick make them a favorite for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

air fryer turkey burgers

Air fryer turkey burgers are a lean and flavorful dinner option that cooks quickly while staying juicy and tender.

This recipe is perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal that requires minimal oil and mess.

Ingredients:

• Ground turkey
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic powder
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper
• Burger buns and toppings

Instructions:

1. Mix ground turkey with onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the mixture into patties.
3. Preheat air fryer to medium-high heat.
4. Place patties in the basket and cook for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through.
5. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

These air fryer turkey burgers are a great way to enjoy a classic favorite with less fat and fewer calories, while still getting juicy, flavorful results every time.

air fryer vegetable stir-fry

Air fryer vegetable stir-fry is a quick and healthy dinner idea that delivers crisp-tender vegetables with minimal oil and fuss.

This method keeps veggies bright and flavorful, making it a great side or main dish.

Ingredients:

• Bell peppers, sliced
• Broccoli florets
• Snap peas
• Carrots, sliced
• Olive oil
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Garlic powder
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Toss vegetables with olive oil, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
2. Preheat air fryer to medium heat.
3. Place vegetables in the basket and cook for about 10–12 minutes, shaking occasionally for even cooking.
4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

This air fryer vegetable stir-fry is a colorful and nutritious dinner choice that’s easy to prepare and full of fresh flavors.

It pairs well with rice, noodles, or as a standalone dish for a light meal.

air fryer crispy pork belly

Air fryer crispy pork belly is a deliciously indulgent dinner option that delivers tender, juicy meat with irresistibly crispy skin.

The air fryer helps render the fat perfectly, giving you that coveted crackling texture without deep frying.

Ingredients:

• Pork belly, skin scored
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Five-spice powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pat the pork belly dry and rub olive oil all over.
2. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and five-spice powder if using.
3. Preheat the air fryer to medium-high heat.
4. Place pork belly skin-side up in the basket and cook for about 25–30 minutes until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.
5. Let rest a few minutes before slicing.

This air fryer pork belly recipe combines rich flavors with a satisfyingly crunchy texture, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for dinner that’s easier and less greasy than traditional methods.

air fryer falafel

Air fryer falafel offers a healthier take on the classic Middle Eastern chickpea fritters by using an air fryer instead of deep frying.

The result is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for a delicious vegetarian dinner.

Ingredients:

• Chickpeas (canned or soaked)
• Onion
• Garlic
• Fresh parsley and cilantro
• Ground cumin and coriander
• Salt and pepper
• Baking powder
• Olive oil spray

Instructions:

1. Blend chickpeas, onion, garlic, herbs, spices, baking powder, salt, and pepper until combined but slightly coarse.
2. Form the mixture into small balls or patties.
3. Lightly spray the air fryer basket and falafel with olive oil.
4. Preheat air fryer to medium heat.
5. Cook falafel for about 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.

These air fryer falafels are a fantastic vegetarian dinner choice, offering all the flavor and texture of traditional falafel with less oil and hassle, great served with pita and tahini sauce.

air fryer stuffed zucchini boats

Air fryer stuffed zucchini boats are a tasty and healthy dinner option featuring zucchini halved and filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, veggies, and cheese.

The air fryer cooks them quickly while keeping the zucchini tender and the filling perfectly cooked.

Ingredients:

• Zucchini, halved lengthwise and scooped out
• Ground beef or turkey
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Tomato sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic, then add ground meat and cook until browned.
2. Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; simmer briefly.
3. Fill zucchini halves with the meat mixture and top with cheese.
4. Preheat air fryer to medium heat.
5. Cook stuffed zucchini boats for about 12–15 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted and golden.

These stuffed zucchini boats offer a wholesome and flavorful dinner option that’s both comforting and nutritious, making great use of fresh vegetables and lean protein.

air fryer lemon garlic shrimp

Air fryer lemon garlic shrimp is a quick and flavorful dinner that combines succulent shrimp with zesty lemon and savory garlic.

This recipe is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal that cooks in minutes and requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:

• Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Lemon juice and zest
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat air fryer to medium heat.
3. Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

This air fryer lemon garlic shrimp dish is a vibrant and healthy dinner option that delivers bright flavors and a tender texture, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a light summer meal.

air fryer BBQ chicken wings

Air fryer BBQ chicken wings are a delicious and healthier version of a classic favorite, featuring tender wings coated in smoky barbecue sauce.

The air fryer crisps the skin perfectly while keeping the meat juicy inside.

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Toss wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Preheat air fryer to medium-high heat.
3. Place wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Cook for about 20 minutes, shaking halfway through until crispy.
5. Toss wings in BBQ sauce and air fry for an additional 2–3 minutes to caramelize the sauce.

These BBQ chicken wings are perfect for game day or casual dinners, offering smoky, tangy flavors with a crisp texture that rivals traditional fried wings but with less fat.

air fryer sweet potato fries

Air fryer sweet potato fries are a healthy and tasty dinner side or snack option with a crispy exterior and tender inside.

They’re quick to prepare and require less oil than traditional frying methods, making them a guilt-free indulgence.

Ingredients:

• Sweet potatoes, cut into fries
• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat air fryer to medium heat.
3. Spread fries in the basket in a single layer.
4. Cook for about 15–20 minutes, shaking basket occasionally for even crisping.

These sweet potato fries are a flavorful and nutritious alternative to regular fries, bringing a sweet and savory balance that pairs well with burgers, sandwiches, or as a standalone snack.

Conclusion

Air fryer cooking offers the perfect balance between convenience, health, and flavor, making it ideal for modern home kitchens. This collection of 22+ air fryer dinner recipes highlights how you can easily whip up everything from crispy wings to vegetarian delights with little effort. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, air fryer dinners deliver consistently tasty results that bring joy to the table while cutting down on grease and cooking time.