Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance for making quick and tasty meals. These handy devices use hot air circulation to cook food, giving it a crispy texture without using much oil. Many home cooks are discovering how versatile air fryers can be for preparing dinners.
You can make a wide range of delicious dinner recipes in your air fryer, from chicken and fish to vegetables and even pasta dishes. Air fryer cooking often takes less time than traditional methods. This makes it great for busy weeknights when you want a hot meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With some simple recipes, you can create flavorful dinners for your family using mostly your air fryer.
You can make tasty honey garlic glazed salmon in your air fryer. This dish is quick and easy to prepare.
Start by marinating salmon pieces in a mix of honey, soy sauce, and garlic. The marinade adds a sweet and savory flavor to the fish.
Place the marinated salmon in your air fryer basket. Cook it for about 7-10 minutes at 400°F. The exact time may vary based on the size of your salmon pieces.
The air fryer cooks the salmon until it’s flaky and caramelized on the outside. The honey garlic glaze creates a delicious sticky coating.
This meal is both healthy and flavorful. It’s perfect for a fast weeknight dinner when you’re short on time.
Cook ground beef in a skillet until no longer pink. Mix in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings like Italian herbs and garlic powder.
Stuff the peppers with this mixture. Put them back in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for about 10 minutes until the peppers are tender.
For extra flavor, top with cheese in the last minute or two of cooking. The air fryer gives the peppers a nice texture while heating the filling through.
Air fryer teriyaki tofu is a tasty and easy dinner option. Start by cutting firm tofu into cubes and marinating it in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated tofu in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
While the tofu cooks, stir-fry your favorite vegetables in a pan. Mix in some cooked rice noodles for a complete meal.
When the tofu is golden and crispy, toss it with the vegetables and noodles. Drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce for more flavor. This quick and delicious meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Air fryer Korean chicken thighs are a tasty and simple dinner option. Start by marinating the chicken in a mix of soy sauce, gochujang, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 356°F (180°C). Place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the basket. Cook for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
While the chicken cooks, simmer the remaining marinade in a pan to create a thick sauce. Once the chicken is done, toss it in the sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
Air fryer blackened tilapia is a quick and tasty dinner option. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
Mix paprika, brown sugar, oregano, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Pat the tilapia fillets dry and rub the spice mix on both sides.
Spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the seasoned fish inside. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until done.
The result is a flavorful, crispy exterior with a tender, flaky interior. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and spices in a bowl. Coat your chicken breasts in this mixture.
Place the coated chicken in your air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
The air fryer creates a nice glaze on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Serve your maple Dijon chicken with a side of veggies for a quick and delicious meal.
Air fryer herb-crusted lamb chops are a tasty and quick dinner option. Start by mixing garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley with olive oil to create a flavorful herb paste.
Coat your lamb chops with the herb mixture and let them marinate for about 30 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place the lamb chops in the air fryer basket and cook for 18-22 minutes for medium-rare. Adjust the time based on your preferred doneness.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The result will be juicy, tender lamb chops with a delicious herb crust.
Air fryer Szechuan green beans are a tasty and quick side dish. You can make them in minutes with just a few ingredients.
To prepare, toss trimmed green beans with a bit of oil. Air fry them until tender-crisp. While cooking, mix up a sauce with soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic.
After air frying, toss the beans in the sauce. The result is spicy, garlicky green beans with a nice kick. Sprinkle on some sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
This dish goes well with many Chinese-inspired main courses. It’s a healthier take on the traditional stir-fried version.
Zucchini fries are a tasty and healthier alternative to regular fries. You can make them easily in your air fryer for a crispy snack or side dish.
To prepare, cut zucchini into thin sticks about 3 inches long. Dip them in flour seasoned with garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Then coat them in beaten egg and roll in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Place the coated zucchini sticks in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with cooking oil. Cook at 400°F for about 8-9 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Serve your zucchini fries hot with your favorite dipping sauce. They make a great appetizer or side for burgers and sandwiches.
Thai peanut noodles are a tasty dish you can make in your air fryer. Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions.
While the noodles cook, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and a touch of sriracha for the sauce. Add some ginger and garlic for extra flavor.
Toss the cooked noodles with your homemade peanut sauce in the air fryer basket. Air fry for a few minutes to heat everything through and create a slight crisp on the edges.
Top your noodles with chopped peanuts, green onions, and cilantro for added crunch and freshness. This quick and easy meal brings Thai flavors right to your dinner table.
BBQ tofu bites are a tasty vegetarian option for your air fryer. Start by pressing firm tofu to remove excess water. Cut it into bite-sized cubes.
Toss the tofu in a mix of oil and spices. Place the pieces in your air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
Cook at 400°F for about 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. The tofu should be crispy on the outside.
Brush your favorite BBQ sauce on the tofu bites before serving. They’re great with rice, corn, or a fresh salad. This easy recipe makes enough for 2-3 people.
Air fryer garlic parmesan broccoli is a quick and tasty side dish. Cut broccoli into equal-sized florets for even cooking. Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the broccoli. Make sure to coat each piece evenly. Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F.
Place the broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The broccoli is done when it’s crispy on the edges and tender when pierced with a fork.
Serve your garlic parmesan broccoli hot as a flavorful and healthy side dish.
Honey sriracha chicken bites are a tasty air fryer dinner option. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and coat them in a mixture of eggs and buttermilk.
Air fry the chicken at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This creates crispy, golden-brown bites.
While the chicken cooks, mix honey, sriracha sauce, lime juice, and soy sauce in a bowl. Adjust the amounts to get the right balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
When the chicken is done, toss it in the honey sriracha sauce. The result is juicy chicken with a flavorful, sticky coating that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Air fryers are great for cooking juicy, flavorful steaks. To make balsamic glazed steaks, start by marinating your steak tips in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and honey.
Let the steaks marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (205°C).
Place the marinated steaks in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time will depend on your desired doneness and steak thickness.
While cooking, the balsamic marinade will caramelize, creating a delicious glaze on the steaks. Serve your balsamic glazed steaks hot with your favorite sides for a quick and tasty dinner.
Air fryer buffalo drumsticks are a tasty twist on classic buffalo wings. You can make these spicy, flavorful chicken legs in under 30 minutes.
The air fryer cooks the drumsticks quickly, leaving them crispy on the outside and juicy inside. You’ll coat them in a zesty buffalo sauce for that signature tangy kick.
These drumsticks work great as an easy weeknight dinner or party appetizer. Pair them with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
To make them, season the drumsticks and air fry until cooked through. Then toss in buffalo sauce and serve. It’s a simple way to enjoy buffalo flavor without deep frying.
Air fryer stuffed mushrooms make a tasty and easy dinner option. Clean and remove the stems from your mushrooms. Mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and parmesan in a bowl.
Add some minced garlic, chopped herbs, and spices to the cheese mixture. Stuff this filling into the mushroom caps. Place them in your air fryer basket.
Cook at 350°F for about 8 minutes. The mushrooms will be tender and the cheese melty. Top with extra cheese in the last minute if you like. Serve hot as a main dish with a side salad.
Lemon garlic asparagus is a tasty and easy side dish you can make in your air fryer. Start by washing and trimming the tough ends off the asparagus spears.
Toss the asparagus with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Make sure the spears are evenly coated.
Place the seasoned asparagus in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for about 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
The asparagus is done when it’s tender but still crisp. Serve hot with extra lemon wedges on the side. This quick recipe gives you perfectly cooked asparagus with bright lemon and garlic flavors.
Teriyaki glazed tofu is a tasty and easy air fryer dinner option. Start by pressing firm tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut it into bite-sized cubes.
Mix soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and garlic to make the teriyaki sauce. Marinate the tofu cubes in this sauce for 15-30 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the marinated tofu in the basket and cook for 9-11 minutes. Shake the basket every few minutes to prevent sticking.
While the tofu cooks, simmer the remaining marinade in a pan until it thickens. Once the tofu is golden brown, toss it with the thickened sauce.
Serve your teriyaki glazed tofu over rice or with vegetables for a quick, flavorful meal.
Air fryer Cajun shrimp is a quick and tasty dinner option. Start by coating your shrimp with Cajun seasoning and a bit of oil.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the basket.
Cook for 4-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl slightly.
For a complete meal, add veggies like zucchini, squash, and bell peppers to the mix. Cook these alongside the shrimp for about 8 minutes.
Serve your Cajun shrimp hot with a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor. It’s a low-carb, protein-packed dinner you’ll love.
Health Benefits of Air Fryer Cooking
Air fryers offer a healthier way to enjoy crispy, flavorful foods. They use less oil and provide nutritional advantages over traditional frying methods.
Nutritional Advantages
Air fryers help keep more nutrients in your food. They cook quickly at high temperatures, which protects vitamins and minerals. Many veggies stay crisp on the outside but tender inside when air fried.
Air frying also creates fewer harmful compounds compared to deep frying. It produces less acrylamide, a chemical linked to cancer risk in fried foods.
You can easily cook lean proteins like chicken breast or fish fillets. The hot air circulation cooks meat evenly without adding extra fat.
Reduced Oil Consumption
Air fryers use up to 80% less oil than deep fryers. This cuts calories and fat in your meals. You only need a light spray or brush of oil on food before cooking.
Less oil means lower risk of heart disease and obesity. It’s easier to maintain a healthy weight when you reduce added fats in cooking.
Air frying allows you to enjoy crispy foods with a fraction of the oil. French fries, chicken wings, and breaded items come out crunchy without being greasy.
Cooking Tips and Techniques
Air fryers are easy to use, but a few simple techniques can make your meals even better. These tips will help you get the most out of your air fryer and create delicious dinners every time.
Preheating
Preheating your air fryer is key for crispy results. Turn on your air fryer 3-5 minutes before cooking. This helps food start cooking right away when you put it in. For most recipes, set the temperature to 375°F (190°C).
Some foods need higher heat. Frozen foods often do best at 400°F (200°C). Meats like chicken or steak may need 400°F too. Check your recipe for the right temperature.
Don’t put food in during preheating. Wait until it’s done. This ensures even cooking from start to finish.
Using Cooking Spray
Cooking spray helps prevent sticking and adds crispiness. Use a light coating on the basket before adding food. Don’t use aerosol sprays – they can damage the non-stick coating.
Get an oil mister instead. Fill it with your favorite cooking oil. Olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil all work well. Spray a thin layer on your food too. This helps it brown and crisp up nicely.
For breaded foods, spray after placing them in the basket. This helps the coating stick and turn golden brown. Re-spray halfway through cooking for extra crispiness.
Avoiding Overcrowding
Don’t overfill your air fryer basket. Food needs space for hot air to circulate. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and less crispy results.
Cook in batches if needed. It’s better to take a little extra time than to end up with soggy food. Leave about 1/2 inch of space between items.
For foods like fries or veggies, shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps everything cook evenly. Some air fryers have a “shake” reminder. If not, set a timer to remind yourself.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
