10 ridiculously easy air fryer dinners for weeknight wins

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After a long day, the last thing anyone wants is a complicated dinner. These ridiculously easy air fryer dinners are perfect for when you want a quick, satisfying meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for one or the whole family, these meals deliver flavor without the hassle, making weeknight dinners easy.

Close-up of a crispy air fried chicken drumstick on a white plate garnished with parsley, with hot sauce in the background.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

A basket of crispy roasted pork belly chunks garnished with parsley, served in a white paper-lined wicker basket.
Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These crispy pork belly bites are a perfect choice for a simple weeknight dinner. The air fryer does all the work, turning the pork into golden, crunchy pieces that pair well with just about anything. With minimal prep and little cleanup, this dish is both easy and satisfying for busy evenings. Serve them up as a main or a side, and enjoy the crisp, flavorful result without much effort. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic favorite with a quick, hands-off approach.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

A piece of air fried chicken thigh on a fork, with a caramelized exterior and garnished with a small leaf, in focus against a blurred background of more chicken pieces.
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Boneless chicken thighs come out perfectly juicy and tender in the air fryer, making them ideal for a no-fuss dinner. This recipe requires just a few ingredients and is ready in a flash, perfect for when you need a quick, satisfying meal. You can easily serve them with your favorite sides or use them in wraps or salads. The air fryer locks in flavor while keeping the prep and clean-up time to a minimum. This is a go-to recipe for weeknights when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A single barbecued chicken skewer on a white plate, with a small bowl of barbecue sauce and a parsley garnish, next to a plate of additional chicken skewers.
Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These chicken skewers are quick, easy, and full of flavor, making them a great option for busy weeknight dinners. The air fryer ensures the chicken stays moist while the vegetables get a nice char. Whether you’re grilling outside or cooking inside, the air fryer brings the same smoky flavor without the hassle. These skewers cook up fast and are simple to assemble, making them a perfect choice for a stress-free meal. They’re versatile and can be paired with almost any side.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Close-up of a crispy air fried chicken drumstick on a white plate garnished with parsley, with hot sauce in the background.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer chicken legs are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a reliable dinner option for busy nights. The air fryer does an excellent job of cooking them evenly with minimal effort. You can season them however you like and have a filling meal in no time. With just a few steps and a little cleanup, this recipe is a go-to for anyone short on time but craving a hearty dish. It’s a hands-off dinner that delivers big on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots on a white plate.
Whole Chicken in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer gives you the crispy skin and juicy meat you crave with very little effort. This recipe simplifies roasting by reducing cooking time and cleanup. The air fryer ensures even cooking, so your chicken is always tender and flavorful. With only a handful of ingredients, this makes a perfect meal for any night of the week. It’s an easy and efficient way to cook a whole chicken without the fuss of a traditional oven.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Chicken Nuggets

Hand dipping a chicken nugget into a bowl of ketchup, with a gray cloth background.
Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air fryer chicken nuggets are a kid-friendly dinner option that’s quick and easy to make. Using simple ingredients, you can prepare them in no time and without much mess. The air fryer gives them a crispy outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy, just like the ones you’d get at a restaurant. These nuggets are perfect for dipping or serving with a side of veggies. It’s a straightforward recipe that’s sure to be a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer chicken tenders are crispy, tender, and super easy to make, making them a great choice for weeknight dinners. With a simple breading process and quick cook time, these tenders come out perfectly every time. They’re great served as a meal or in wraps, sandwiches, or salads. Plus, the air fryer keeps the mess to a minimum, and you won’t need to spend much time cleaning up afterward. This recipe is an easy win for those busy nights when you want something quick and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Air fryer Cornish hen on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Cornish Hen. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cooking a Cornish hen in the air fryer is a simple way to enjoy a flavorful and juicy bird with minimal effort. The air fryer helps the skin become crispy, while the meat stays moist and tender, making it an ideal choice for weeknight meals. This recipe is quick to prep and cooks faster than traditional methods, perfect for when you need a fuss-free dinner. Whether for a special occasion or a regular night, it’s a great way to mix things up. You’ll have a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled shrimp skewers with red and green bell peppers, served with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce on a white plate.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These grilled shrimp skewers are a fast, flavorful dinner option that’s easy to make in the air fryer. The shrimp cook quickly, making this recipe perfect for a last-minute dinner or light meal. With a simple marinade and a few skewers, you’ll have a meal that’s as tasty as it is easy to prepare. They’re great on their own or served with a side of veggies or rice. This recipe takes all the hassle out of grilling and gives you perfectly cooked shrimp in a fraction of the time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Close-up of an air-fried barbecued rib with charred edges over a white plate.
Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer baby back ribs are a great option for a quick, flavorful dinner without all the time spent on the grill. The air fryer delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs with a crispy exterior in much less time than traditional methods. With minimal prep and a few ingredients, you’ll have a meal that’s sure to please. This recipe gives you a restaurant-quality rib dinner right at home, with no need to spend hours cooking. It’s a hands-off option that brings big flavor and minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

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