Finding time to cook a delicious dinner every night can be a real challenge. Between work, family commitments, and trying to carve out some personal time, who has hours to spend in the kitchen? Luckily, that’s where easy air fryer dinner recipes come to the rescue, making meal prep quick and easy.
Here are some of our favorite air fryer dinner recipes that are perfect for those busy weeknights. These recipes are quick, tasty, and hassle-free that can offer both nutritious and delicious dinner for everyone!
Great Easy Air Fryer Dinner Recipes and Ideas
1. Chicken Parmesan
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2 skinless boneless chicken breasts large
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kosher salt
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freshly ground black pepper
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0.33 c all purpose flour
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2 eggs large
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1 c panko bread crumbs
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0.25 c parmesan freshly grated
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1 tsp dried oregano
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0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
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0.5 tsp garlic powder
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1 c marinara
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1 c shredded mozzarella
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parsley freshly chopped, for garnish
Chicken Parmesan is a beloved classic, and the air fryer makes it even better by achieving a crispy, golden crust without all the oil. Imagine juicy chicken breasts coated in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, air-fried to perfection, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Serve it with a side of pasta or a fresh garden salad, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Plus, it’s so quick to whip up, making it perfect for those nights when you want something comforting yet not too time-consuming.
2. Garlic and Herb Salmon
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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3 garlic cloves minced
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2 teaspoons thyme minced
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2 teaspoons chives thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
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1 teaspoon dill minced
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1 lemon zest and juice of
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3 X 6 ounce boneless salmon fillets skin on or off depending on preference
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salt to taste
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pepper to taste
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crushed red pepper flakes
With a simple garlic and herb marinade, you can have a gourmet air fryer dinner ready in no time. The air fryer ensures the salmon is cooked to perfection—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Pair it with steamed veggies or a fresh salad for a healthy, satisfying meal that feels indulgent without being heavy. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The marinade infuses the salmon with rich flavors, and the air fryer locks in moisture while giving the fish a beautiful, crisp finish. It’s a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal that doesn’t feel like a compromise!
3. Veggie-Packed Chicken Fajitas
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1 lb chicken breast thinly sliced
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1 red pepper stem and seeds removed and thinly sliced
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1 green pepper stem and seeds removed and thinly sliced
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0.5 cup red onion sliced
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1 tbsp fajita seasoning
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1 tbsp olive oil or avocado
These fajitas are full of veggies and packed with nutrients! Loaded with colorful bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. This air fryer dinner recipe works perfectly because brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables while giving them a slight char, making them taste like they came straight off the grill. You can easily switch up the veggies based on what you have on hand, and they always turn out great. The air fryer does an excellent job of caramelizing the vegetables, making every bite bursting with flavor. Wrap them up in a warm tortilla with your favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa, and dinner is served.
4. Crispy Fish Tacos
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1.5 lb tilapia fish or white, mahi mahi, cod, etc
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1 tsp chili powder
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0.5 tsp oregano
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0.5 tsp garlic powder
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0.5 tsp paprika
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0.25 tsp cayenne more or less for spiciness
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0.25 tsp onion powder
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0.25 tsp cumin
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0.5 tsp sea salt
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0.5 tsp cracked pepper
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2.5 c cole slaw mix
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3 t mayonnaise
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1 t lime juice
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1 garlic clove minced
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0.33 c cilantro chopped
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0.5 tsp sugar optional
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0.25 sea salt more or less to taste
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0.25 tsp cracked pepper
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tortillas
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lime juice extra
Sticking with the theme of Mexican air fryer dinner recipes, who doesn’t love a good taco? These crispy fish tacos are bursting with flavor and come together in just minutes. The air fryer makes it easy to get that perfect crunch without deep frying. Top them with crunchy coleslaw and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing contrast, and you’ve got a fiesta on your plate! These tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal.
But why stop there? You can take these tacos to the next level with some simple yet delicious accompaniments. A homemade coleslaw, made with finely shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing, adds a fresh and crunchy element that complements the fish perfectly.
And don’t forget the salsa! Whether you go for a classic tomato salsa, a zesty mango salsa, or a spicy jalapeño salsa, it will add a burst of flavor that enhances the tacos even more.
5. Cheesy Stuffed Peppers
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4 green bell peppers tops and seeds removed
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1 pound ground italian sausage
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8 ounces Mushrooms finely chopped, I use baby bella mushrooms
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2 cloves garlic minced
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12 ounces cauliflower rice
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1.5 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
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kosher salt
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pepper to taste
The air fryer works its magic on these peppers, cooking them to absolute perfection. They come out tender but still firm enough to hold their shape, which is exactly what you want. The filling, which you can totally customize with your favorite herbs and spices, turns out juicy and packed with flavor. And let’s not forget the gooey cheese topping – it melts beautifully and gets that perfect crispy edge. The combination of textures is what makes this dish a standout. You get a slight crunch from the peppers, a hearty and flavorful filling, and that deliciously melted cheese on top.
6. Beef Meatballs
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1 lb ground beef
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0.5 c bread crumbs
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0.25 c parmesan freshly grated
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0.25 c parsley freshly chopped
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1 egg large
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2 cloves garlic minced
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1 tsp dried oregano
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kosher salt
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freshly ground black pepper
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3 oz fresh mozzarella cut into 16 cubes
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marinara for serving
Meatballs are a versatile and family-friendly option. Though they’re normally done on the stove top, this easy air fryer recipe version is a real winner. They can be served over pasta with marinara sauce, in a sub sandwich, or with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy. They’re perfect for meal prep and can be used in a variety of dishes. For a different twist, serve your air-fried meatballs with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and savory gravy. This combination makes for a hearty meal that’s perfect for those days when you need a little extra warmth and comfort.
7. Sweet and Sour Cauliflower
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700 g cauliflower florets
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons cornflour
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1 tablespoon oil
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1 onion cut into wedges
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1 red capsicum sliced
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440 g pineapple pieces in natural juice can
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0.5 cup Rosella Tomato Sauce Organic
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0.33 cup soy sauce
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0.33 cup white vinegar
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0.5 cup water
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white rice steamed, to serve
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2 teaspoons sesame seeds
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green onions sliced, to garnish
For a delicious vegetarian option, try sweet and sour cauliflower. This dish is not only easy to make but also packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Start by air frying cauliflower florets until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The air fryer works wonders here, giving the cauliflower a perfect texture without the need for excessive oil. Once the cauliflower is beautifully crisp, toss it in a tangy sweet and sour sauce that you can whip up in no time. The sauce, with its balance of sweetness from ingredients like pineapple juice or sugar, and tanginess from vinegar, coats each floret beautifully, turning a simple vegetable into a flavorful meal! See, air fryer dinners don’t have to mean meat!
8. Crispy Fish and Chips
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1 pound fresh cod cut into 4 filets
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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0.5 teaspoon onion powder
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0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
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0.5 teaspoon salt
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0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
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12 ounces beer I like to use a light wheat beer
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pickled onions for serving
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lemon wedges for serving
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0.75 cup mayonnaise
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0.5 cup sweet relish
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0.5 lemon juiced
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pinch salt
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pinch pepper
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4 cups green cabbage shredded
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0.5 red onion thinly sliced
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0.33 cup fresh cilantro chopped
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2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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kosher salt
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pepper
Recreate a beloved pub favorite right in your own kitchen with this simple yet delicious air fryer dinner recipe. Start by coating white fish fillets in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they’re evenly covered for that perfect crispy exterior. Then, pop them into the air fryer and let it work its magic until they turn beautifully golden and crunchy. What’s great about using the air fryer for fish and chips is that you get all the texture and flavor of traditional deep-frying without the need for excessive oil. The air fryer crisps up the breadcrumb coating to perfection, giving you that satisfying crunch with a fraction of the calories and fat. It’s a healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice on taste or texture.
Tips for Air Fryer Dinner Success
To get the most out of your air fryer dinner recipes and ensure your meals turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
Don’t Overcrowd: Give your food space to breathe! Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and prevent that coveted crispy texture. If you have a lot of food to cook, it’s better to do it in batches.
Shake It Up: For items like fries or veggies, shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure everything cooks evenly. This little step can make a big difference in achieving uniform crispiness.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer can help with even cooking. It only takes a few minutes but can significantly impact the final result.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new things! The air fryer is incredibly versatile, so have fun experimenting with different recipes and ingredients. Whether it’s trying out a new spice blend or using the air fryer for baking, the possibilities are endless.
Reheat: If you have leftovers, the air fryer is perfect for reheating anything from steak to chicken wings and everything in between.