19 lightning fast air fryer recipes for busy nights

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Busy nights don’t have to mean boring dinners. Enter the air fryer: your secret weapon for whipping up quick and tasty meals. We’ve got 19 air fryer recipes that are not just fast but also packed with flavor. Whether you’re craving something crispy, savory, or a bit on the lighter side, there’s something here to make your evening mealtime a breeze.

Air fryer fish sticks with remoulade dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Buffalo chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Whip up these air fryer buffalo chicken tenders in a flash. They’re the perfect pick for when you need something exciting and fast. Crispy, juicy, and ready before you know it, they’re great for munching on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Scallops

Air fryer scallops with green beans and rice on a plate.
Air Fryer Scallops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Got a few minutes? That’s all you need for these air fryer scallops. They cook up with a nice sear outside and a tender bite inside. Paired with a simple chive, garlic, and lemon butter sauce, it’s like bringing a bit of the fancy seafood restaurant right to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Scallops

Air Fryer Skirt Steak

Air fryer skirt steak sliced on a cutting board.
Air Fryer Skirt Steak. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer skirt steak is your quick fix for a meaty, satisfying meal. No grill? No problem. This steak comes out juicy and flavorful, ideal for those days when you need a hearty dinner without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Skirt Steak

Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Maple mustard air fryer frozen salmon filet with broccolini on a plate.
Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Need dinner pronto? Try maple mustard air fryer frozen salmon. It’s a no-fuss, straight-from-the-freezer solution that’s big on flavor. With a simple maple mustard sauce, it turns an ordinary night into something a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Golden roasted air fryer baby potatoes on a serving plate with a wooden and metal spoon.
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle, air fryer baby potatoes are a side dish winner. They roast up quickly, perfect for adding a little pizzazz to your plate on a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage

Purple cabbage steaks roasted until crispy in the air fryer on a plate.
Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Discover a new favorite with air fryer crispy cabbage. Simple seasonings like garlic and onion turn these cabbage steaks into a quick, flavorful side. They’re tender with crispy edges – just the thing to change up your veggie routine.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage

Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Frozen broccoli florets roasted on an air fryer tray.
Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer frozen broccoli is a game-changer. Forget mushy sides; this recipe delivers crispy, seasoned broccoli florets in no time. It’s a fast, easy way to jazz up your meal and get everyone loving their greens.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Air Fryer Brats

Air fryer brats on buns with potato chips on the side.
Air Fryer Brats. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer brats are the ultimate quick meal. In under 15 minutes, you get tender, juicy brats that’ll impress even the most devoted grill fans. Perfect for a no-stress, tasty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brats

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air fryer chicken leg quarters on a plate with broccoli and purple sweet potato fries.
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

In less than 25 minutes, you can have air fryer chicken leg quarters with crispy skin and juicy meat. This mouthwatering meal is a fuss-free way to serve up something really enjoyable on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air Fryer Cod

Air fryer cod on a plate with green beans and rice.
Air Fryer Cod. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Learn to make air fryer cod in a snap. With lemon and simple spices, this cod comes out tender and delicate. It’s a great choice for a light, quick dinner, ready in under 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cod

Air Fryer Cornish Hens

Air fryer Cornish hens on a cutting board with carving knife.
Air Fryer Cornish Hens. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These air fryer Cornish hens cook up quickly and easily. You’ll get whole roasted hens with crispy, golden brown skin and juicy meat. It’s a simple way to make a meal feel special without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hens

Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks

Air fryer fish sticks with remoulade dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Homemade air fryer fish sticks are a fun and fast meal. With just 6 ingredients, they cook up crispy and pair perfectly with an easy dijon remoulade sauce. A great way to shake up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts

Air fryer frozen chicken breast sliced on a plate with rice and a fork.
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cooking frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer is a lifesaver. They turn out incredibly tender and juicy in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you forget to plan ahead.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts

Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Air fryer lamb chops sliced on a plate with fresh rosemary sprigs.
Air Fryer Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer lamb chops are a quick path to a fantastic meal. Marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, they cook up tender in under 10 minutes. It’s a straightforward way to enjoy a classic dinner fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Air Fryer Sausage

Air fryer sausage on a white plate with sauteed peppers and onions.
Air Fryer Sausage. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

For perfectly juicy, golden brown Italian sausages, the air fryer is your go-to. Cooking sausage this way is the easiest, quickest method out there. A great pick for a no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sausage

Air Fryer Ribeye

Air fryer ribeye on a plate with potatoes and butter.
Air Fryer Ribeye. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Whip up a ribeye steak in the air fryer for a classic dinner in a jiffy. Enjoy tender, juicy steak with just a few simple seasonings. It’s a foolproof way to get a great meal on the table quickly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye

Air Fryer Red Potatoes

Air fryer red potatoes on a white plate with fresh rosemary sprigs.
Air Fryer Red Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer red potatoes are your answer to a quick, crispy potato side. Ready in 30 minutes and customizable with your favorite seasonings, they’re a versatile companion to any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Red Potatoes

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

A plate with air fryer salmon bites, rice, broccoli and sauce on it.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer salmon bites are a quick and flavorful dinner option. Marinated in garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, they cook up tender and are served with a dip for extra zing. A simple yet impressive way to enjoy salmon on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Air Fryer Mushrooms

Air fryer shiitake and cremini mushrooms on a plate with lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Mushrooms. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Try air fryer mushrooms for a quick and easy side. A mix of baby portobello and shiitake, coated in a garlic soy sauce and air fried to perfection in just 20 minutes. A hassle-free way to add some oomph to your sides.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mushrooms

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