29 air fryer dishes that fit your crazy schedule and taste like you spent hours cooking even though you did not

Photo of author

| Published:

These 29 air fryer dishes — mains, sides and snacks — fit your crazy schedule and taste like you spent hours cooking even though you didn’t. Get big flavor fast and impress your family with minimal effort and maximum taste. Cooking smart never tasted this good.

Close-up of a roasted chicken with crispy, golden-brown skin, seasoned with herbs, served with lemon slices.
Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Easy Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer Recipe

A plate of cooked sweet potato fries with black pepper seasoning is arranged on parchment paper beside a small container of ketchup.
Easy Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer Recipe. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Easy Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer Recipe makes crispy fries with just a little oil and seasoning. Perfect for a quick snack or side and it cooks up so fast.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer Recipe

Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks

Close-up of a stack of medium-rare, seasoned steak slices, showcasing a pink and juicy interior with a seared crust.
Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks cook fast and stay juicy with a nice sear. Great for when you want a steak but you don’t want to spend time firing up the grill.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks

Steak in the Air Fryer

Close-up of a fork holding a piece of medium-rare cooked beef steak, with visible seasonings and a slice of lemon in the background.
Steak in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Steak in the Air Fryer cooks evenly and fast — some might say better than on the grill. You get a tasty crust and tender inside without much mess or wait.
Get the Recipe: Steak in the Air Fryer

Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

A close-up of chopsticks holding a piece of glazed, grilled chicken. The chicken appears juicy and well-cooked.
Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in the Air Fryer come out sticky and packed with flavor. A great way to enjoy drumsticks any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Close-up of a stack of seasoned, grilled chicken drumsticks, with one drumstick partially eaten, revealing moist, cooked meat inside. A lemon wedge and herbs are visible in the background.
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks turn out crispy outside and juicy inside. They cook quickly and make dinner a breeze when you want to serve chicken drumsticks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Homemade French Fries in the Air Fryer

A basket of golden, crispy potato fries seasoned with pepper, accompanied by a small cup of ketchup on the side, presented on white parchment paper.
Homemade French Fries in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Homemade French Fries in the Air Fryer get golden and crunchy without deep frying. Fresh potatoes make these fries a real treat. However, you can also warm up frozen fries this way, too.
Get the Recipe: Homemade French Fries in the Air Fryer

Salmon in the Air Fryer

A fork holding a piece of cooked salmon, with more salmon filets, lemon slices, and seasoning shakers in the background.
Salmon in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Salmon in the Air Fryer cooks fast and stays tender. It never dries out like in the oven. You get a nice crust and flaky fish without heating up the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Salmon in the Air Fryer

Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie

Close-up of a roasted chicken with crispy, golden-brown skin seasoned with herbs and coarse salt, on a wooden cutting board.
Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie tastes just like the store-bought version. Juicy chicken with crispy skin in less time. Plus, you’ll save money in the long run.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

A wooden board with seasoned chicken wings, a bowl of white dipping sauce with lemon slices, and celery and carrot sticks.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings come out crispy and juicy. Toss them in your favorite sauce and get ready for a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy as a snack or as bar food that you make at home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Bacon in the Air Fryer

Cooking bacon strips in an air fryer. One strip held by tongs is shown above other strips inside the air fryer basket.
Bacon in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Bacon in the Air Fryer crisps up perfectly with less mess. It’s a quick way to get your breakfast or BLT sandwich fix without wrecking the whole kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Bacon in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Close-up of a dish featuring seasoned strips of chicken, red and yellow bell peppers, green peppers, and onions.
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Bring the Mexican restaurant home with these Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas, which cooks tender chicken and peppers fast. Serve with tortillas for a tasty, no-fuss meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Sliced breaded and fried chicken breast on a wooden board, garnished with herbs and accompanied by lemon slices.
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets get crispy on the outside and stay juicy inside. They make a great quick dinner or sandwich filling. Picky eaters are guaranteed to love them.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs

Halved hard-boiled eggs seasoned with salt and pepper on a plate.
Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs peel easily and cook just right. A simple way to get your protein fix without boiling water. Great for breakfast, a snack or lunch on the go.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs

Air Fryer Baked Potato

Three baked potatoes with seasoned skin in an air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Baked Potato. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Baked Potato comes out fluffy inside with a crispy skin. It’s a fast way to get a classic side or snack. Who would have thought about making baked potatoes in the air fryer?
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baked Potato

Air Fryer Asparagus

A plate of cooked asparagus spears garnished with sea salt and a lemon wedge.
Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Asparagus roasts up tender with a slight crisp. It’s a quick side that pairs well with many meals and is the perfect way to cook this finicky vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

Air Fryer Broccoli

Broccoli florets with seasoning in an air fryer basket, some lemon slices and a striped cloth nearby.
Air Fryer Broccoli. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Broccoli gets a bit crispy and stays bright green. A fast way to make veggies that won’t get soggy. Perfect for a stir fry or a sidekick to your main course.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Four ears of corn in an air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob cooks sweet corn with a slight char. It’s a quick way to enjoy summer flavor any time of the year without having to boil a pot of water.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With Parmesan and Shredded Coconut

Close-up of golden-brown fried chicken tenders on a speckled gray surface.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With Parmesan and Shredded Coconut. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With Parmesan and Shredded Coconut get crunchy and flavorful without frying. Great for a fun dinner that, believe it or not, is low in carbs, too.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With Parmesan and Shredded Coconut

Air Fryer Halibut

Grilled fish topped with mango salsa, served with mixed greens on a ceramic plate next to colorful peppers and a bowl of salsa.
Air Fryer Halibut. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Air Fryer Halibut cooks gently and stays flaky. It’s a quick way to enjoy fish without having to worry that you’re going to overcook it into a rubbery mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Halibut

Braided Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Grilled pork tenderloin with sesame seeds on a plate garnished with parsley and red berries, with garlic, cutlery, salt and pepper shakers, and a small gravy boat of sauce nearby.
Braided Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Save this recipe for Braided Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin for a special occasion. Your guests will be so impressed how juicy and tender it is. You’ll be impressed at how quickly it cooks.
Get the Recipe: Braided Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Crinkle Cut Accordion Potatoes in the Air Fryer

A plate of crinkle-cut fried potatoes garnished with chopped parsley.
Crinkle Cut Accordion Potatoes in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Crinkle Cut Accordion Potatoes in the Air Fryer get crispy edges and soft centers. They make a fun and tasty side dish when you want something a step up from French fries.
Get the Recipe: Crinkle Cut Accordion Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Avocado Fries in the Air Fryer

A plate of breaded avocado wedges next to halved avocados and a bowl of ketchup.
Avocado Fries in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Avocado Fries in the Air Fryer turn out crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. A great snack or appetizer to try when you’re craving fries but want something a little healthier.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Fries in the Air Fryer

Low Carb Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Baked salmon pieces topped with lemon slices, seasoned and served on parchment paper.
Low Carb Air Fryer Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Pink When.

Low Carb Air Fryer Salmon Bites cook quickly and stay tender. They make a tasty, protein-packed snack or meal addition when you want to add more fish to your menu.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Air Fryer Carrots

Diced and whole carrots in an air fryer basket on a wooden surface.
Air Fryer Carrots. Photo credit: Pink When.

Air Fryer Carrots roast up sweet and tender with a bit of crisp. They make a simple and healthy side in no time. Plus, they’re naturally sweet and so delicious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrots

Air Fryer Steak Bites

https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/pair-of-tongs-holding-piece-of-bacon-above-air-fryer-hor.jpg
Air Fryer Steak Bites. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Air Fryer Steak Bites cook fast with a great sear. It’s the perfect way to enjoy steak without having to wait for a whole side of beef to cook. These are great for snacking or adding to salads and bowls.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Bites

Air Fryer Mushrooms with Garlic

A white plate filled with sautéed mushrooms garnished with herbs and sprinkled with cheese, placed on a white and gray striped cloth.
Air Fryer Mushrooms with Garlic. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Air Fryer Mushrooms with Garlic cook juicy and tender with a touch of garlic flavor. They make a tasty side or topping for your burgers.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mushrooms with Garlic

Lemon-Rosemary Bone-In Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

Roasted chicken thighs with crispy skin, surrounded by roasted potatoes, lemon wedges, and rosemary on a white platter.
Lemon-Rosemary Bone-In Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Lemon-Rosemary Bone-In Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer cook juicy with crispy skin and fresh herb flavor. Great for dinner any night or for a special occasion meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Rosemary Bone-In Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders

Three cornflake-crusted chicken tenders on a white plate with a drizzle of honey.
Air Fryer Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders get extra crunchy and flavorful without deep frying. Perfect for a fun and quick meal and guaranteed to be a kid-pleasing dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders

Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings in the Air Fryer

A bowl of sesame-coated cauliflower topped with sliced green onions.
Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings in the Air Fryer get crispy and sticky with sweet sauce. A tasty plant-based snack or appetizer to serve on game night at home.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings in the Air Fryer

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.