29 air fryer meals that take the stress out of cooking

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If you’re tired of spending hours in the kitchen, air fryer meals are a game-changer. They save time, minimize mess, and still deliver delicious, crispy results that everyone will love. In this post, I’m sharing air fryer meals that take the stress out of cooking, so you can enjoy tasty dishes without all the hassle.

A hand dipping a bacon-wrapped shrimp into a small bowl of sauce, placed on a white surface with a green leaf garnish.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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 cook up quickly and have a crispy exterior without the need for deep frying. The air fryer takes care of most of the work, making it a stress-free meal option. You can have a flavorful, satisfying dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. The chicken legs turn out juicy inside with perfectly crisp skin, all while being easy to clean up after. It’s a great choice for those busy nights when you need a meal that comes together effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Brownie Bites

Close-up of a hand holding a half-eaten chocolate brownie with gooey chocolate chunks, with another partial brownie blurred in the background.
Brownie Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer brownie bites are a fast and easy treat that delivers all the rich flavor of traditional brownies. You’ll have a batch of warm, fudgy brownies ready in no time. The air fryer makes them perfect for smaller servings, so you don’t have to bake a full batch. These bite-sized treats are the ideal way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the stress of baking. It’s an easy dessert that you can whip up on a whim.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Bites

Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One

A plate of apple crisp with chunks of apple, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an oat crumble topping.
Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This air fryer apple crisp is a single-serving dessert that’s quick and simple to make. With tender apples and a crisp topping, it’s a warm, comforting treat without the hassle. The air fryer cuts down the cooking time, so you can enjoy it on a busy day. It’s a great option when you want a quick dessert without needing to make a whole batch. This single-serving version is a great way to enjoy a classic dessert in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One

Air Fryer French Toast

Air fryer french toast slices with syrup and blueberries on plate.
Air Fryer French Toast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer French toast is a quick, easy way to enjoy this classic breakfast dish. It’s ready in minutes and has a crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy inside. The air fryer makes it possible to cook multiple slices at once, so breakfast is ready in no time. It’s a simple and satisfying meal that doesn’t require much prep. Perfect for busy mornings, this French toast is an easy breakfast that will leave you feeling full.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Toast

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

A bowl of bacon-wrapped cocktail sausages served on a bed of fresh green herbs.
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon-wrapped little smokies are the ultimate quick appetizer for any occasion. They cook up perfectly in the air fryer, giving you crispy bacon and juicy smokies in no time. This easy recipe requires minimal prep but delivers plenty of flavor. It’s a great party snack or a simple meal when you need something fast and satisfying. The air fryer makes them easy to prepare and clean up afterward.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

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.

Air fryer grilled shrimp skewers are a fast and flavorful way to enjoy shrimp with minimal effort. The air fryer cooks them evenly and quickly, giving you perfectly tender shrimp every time. Skewers make them easy to serve and eat, making this dish a perfect option for a quick meal. It’s a great choice for a light lunch or dinner that doesn’t require much prep. These shrimp skewers are a stress-free option for seafood lovers.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

Bacon wrapped pineapple on a white plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon-wrapped pineapple in the air fryer is a sweet and savory snack that cooks in minutes. The air fryer makes it easy to get crispy bacon and caramelized pineapple without any hassle. It’s a simple treat that’s perfect for a quick appetizer or snack. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs wonderfully with the salty bacon, creating a flavorful bite every time. This is a quick recipe that takes no time at all to prepare and cook.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Three pieces of bacon-wrapped salmon bites garnished with parsley on a white plate.
Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon-wrapped salmon bites are a quick and easy seafood dish that’s full of flavor. The air fryer ensures the bacon gets crispy and the salmon stays tender, all in a short amount of time. These bites are perfect for a quick lunch or appetizer that doesn’t require much effort. They’re a great way to enjoy the combination of bacon and fish without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe makes it easy to prepare a flavorful seafood dish in just a few minutes.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Air Fryer Home Fries

Air-fried potato cubes with diced green bell peppers on plate.
Air Fryer Home Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer home fries are a simple, no-fuss way to enjoy crispy potatoes without deep frying. They cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer, with a crispy outside and tender inside. Home fries are a great side dish or even a light lunch, and they can be easily customized with your favorite seasonings. This recipe is easy to prepare, making it perfect for a stress-free meal. The air fryer ensures the potatoes are cooked to perfection in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Chicken Lollipops

A close-up of a hand holding a crispy breaded chicken drumstick, with more drumsticks on a white plate in the background.
Chicken Lollipops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air fryer chicken lollipops are a fun and easy way to serve chicken. The air fryer cooks them evenly, giving them a crispy texture that’s perfect for this finger-friendly dish. They’re quick to prepare and make a great meal for lunch or dinner. The lollipop shape makes them perfect for dipping, and the air fryer keeps the cleanup simple. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that’s fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lollipops

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 in the air fryer are an easy and quick way to enjoy a flavorful meal. The air fryer ensures the chicken is tender and juicy, with a crispy exterior. Skewers make this meal easy to serve and eat, making it perfect for a hassle-free lunch or dinner. You can customize the seasoning to your taste, making it a versatile meal. This recipe is a great way to enjoy grilled chicken without the stress of using an outdoor grill.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Apple Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, air-fried apples, red onions, nuts, and crumbled cheese.
Apple Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

An apple salad made in the air fryer is a simple, refreshing meal that’s quick to prepare. It combines crisp apples with a mix of fresh ingredients, making it a light and satisfying dish. The air fryer gives the nuts or seeds a nice crunch, adding texture to the salad. This salad is perfect for a fast lunch or a light side dish that requires little effort. It’s a healthy and easy choice for when you need a meal that comes together in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad

Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

A plate of freshly cooked Filipino banana turon lumpia spring rolls.
Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These Filipino banana turon lumpia are a sweet, crispy treat that’s easy to make in the air fryer. The air fryer cooks them to golden perfection, creating a crispy exterior and soft, sweet filling. It’s a great dessert or snack that takes just a few minutes to prepare. The combination of banana and caramelized sugar inside the lumpia wrapper is both sweet and satisfying. This recipe offers a quick way to enjoy a popular Filipino snack.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Close-up of a hand holding a seasoned chicken wing garnished with fresh herbs, with more pieces on a plate in the background.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer lemon pepper chicken wings cook up quickly and have a crisp, flavorful coating. The air fryer makes these wings easy to prepare, so you don’t have to wait long to enjoy them. The lemon pepper seasoning adds a refreshing, tangy flavor that complements the crispy skin. These wings are perfect for a quick meal or snack that requires little preparation. The air fryer ensures the wings cook evenly and are ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Glazed apple cinnamon fritters on a plate with front one broken in half.
Air Fryer Apple Fritters. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer apple fritters are a quick and easy treat that combines the sweetness of apples with a crispy exterior. They cook up fast in the air fryer, giving you a warm, comforting snack without much effort. These fritters are a great way to enjoy a classic dessert in a healthier, stress-free way. The air fryer helps create a golden crust while keeping the inside soft and delicious. It’s a perfect dessert for those times when you want something sweet without spending much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air-fried brussels sprouts with grated parmesan cheese on a white plate.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer Brussels sprouts are an easy and quick side dish that’s full of flavor. The air fryer makes them crispy on the outside while keeping the inside tender, perfect for any meal. It’s a no-fuss way to cook Brussels sprouts without worrying about turning on the oven. With just a few ingredients, this side dish comes together quickly and with minimal prep. This recipe proves that Brussels sprouts can be a simple, stress-free addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Lumpia

Filipino spring rolls in a basket with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer lumpia are crispy Filipino spring rolls that cook up quickly and easily. The air fryer ensures they turn out golden brown without the need for deep frying, making cleanup a breeze. These lumpia are perfect as a snack or appetizer and require very little prep. They’re a great choice when you want something crunchy and flavorful without all the hassle. The air fryer makes them quick and easy to prepare, with perfect results every time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

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.

These baby back ribs in the air fryer come out perfectly tender and juicy with a crispy finish. The air fryer ensures they cook quickly, so you don’t have to wait hours for a great meal. The ribs are easy to season and cook, making them a hassle-free dinner choice. They’re a great option for when you want a flavorful, hands-off meal that doesn’t take a lot of time. This recipe proves you don’t need to use the grill or oven to make great ribs.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

A hand holding a bacon-wrapped shrimp dipped in a small bowl of sauce, with a green leaf garnish on the side.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer bacon-wrapped shrimp are a fast and easy way to enjoy a flavorful, bite-sized meal. The air fryer ensures the bacon crisps up perfectly while the shrimp stays tender. These shrimp are perfect for a quick snack, appetizer, or meal that doesn’t require much effort. The bacon adds an extra layer of flavor, making this dish both simple and satisfying. It’s a great way to enjoy shrimp without the stress of traditional cooking methods.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Air Fryer Honey Spiced Walnuts

Bowl of glazed candied walnuts on a white surface.
Air Fryer Honey Spiced Walnuts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These honey-spiced walnuts cook up perfectly in the air fryer, giving you a crunchy snack in no time. The air fryer makes them quick to prepare with minimal cleanup required. The sweet and spicy coating adds a burst of flavor, making them a great snack or topping for salads. They’re easy to make and can be prepared in large batches for future snacks. This recipe offers a quick way to enjoy a flavorful treat with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Spiced Walnuts

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

A spoon lifting a smashed potato garnished with rosemary, with a festive table setting in the background.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air fryer smashed potatoes are a fun twist on a classic side dish, perfect for when you want something easy and flavorful. The air fryer makes them crispy on the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. They’re quick to prepare, and the minimal prep time makes them a great option for a stress-free meal. These potatoes are the perfect side for any meal and can be customized with your favorite seasonings. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ve got a satisfying side dish in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Frozen Pot Pie

Pot pie on plate with fork in middle.
Frozen Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Frozen pot pie in the air fryer cooks up quickly and gives you a crispy, golden crust with a warm filling. It’s a simple, no-fuss meal that’s perfect for busy nights. The air fryer heats it up evenly, ensuring a great texture without the long cook times of a traditional oven. This is a great way to enjoy a classic comfort meal without spending a lot of time preparing it. Just pop it in the air fryer and you’ve got a hot meal in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Pot Pie

Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Air fryer frozen sweet potato fries.
Frozen Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Frozen sweet potato fries cook up quickly in the air fryer, giving you a crispy snack or side dish with minimal effort. The air fryer ensures they’re evenly cooked, and you don’t need to deal with hot oil. They’re ready in no time and make a great side for any meal. These fries are the perfect balance of crispy and tender, making them a stress-free option. With no need for deep frying, these sweet potato fries are a healthier and quicker alternative.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

S’mores Dip

A hand holding a graham cracker dipped in s'mores dip with more crackers and dip in the background.
S’mores Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer s’mores dip is a quick and easy way to enjoy the classic flavor of s’mores without the campfire. The air fryer melts the chocolate and marshmallows perfectly, creating a warm, gooey dip. This recipe takes no time at all, making it ideal for a fast dessert or snack. Serve it with graham crackers for dipping, and you’ve got a simple yet satisfying treat. It’s a great choice when you want a quick sweet fix without much prep.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Dip

Maryland Crab Cakes

Close-up of a crab cake on a plate, topped with creamy sauce, partially cut to show the inside. Lemon wedges and parsley garnishes are nearby.
Maryland Crab Cakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer Maryland crab cakes cook up quickly with a golden, crispy crust and tender crab inside. The air fryer gives you perfectly cooked crab cakes without the mess of frying. These crab cakes are an easy, flavorful meal that’s great for lunch or dinner. With minimal prep and cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy days. It’s a simple way to enjoy crab cakes with minimal hassle.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cakes

Air Fryer Cornish Hen

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

Air fryer Cornish hen cooks up quickly, giving you tender meat with a crispy skin. The air fryer makes it easy to prepare without the long cooking times of roasting. You can have a flavorful meal in just under an hour, perfect for any night of the week. This recipe is ideal for those who want a simple, no-fuss dinner. The air fryer ensures your Cornish hen is cooked perfectly every time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

Air Fryer Chicken Wings on white plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer frozen chicken wings cook up crispy and juicy with minimal prep work required. The air fryer heats them evenly, so you can enjoy wings straight from the freezer in no time. They’re perfect for when you want a quick snack or meal without the need for thawing. These wings are easy to prepare, making them ideal for a fast dinner or party snack. With the air fryer, you get great results with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Pasta chips in a white bowl.
Air Fryer Pasta Chips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer pasta chips are a fun and unique snack that’s quick to make. The air fryer crisps them up perfectly, giving you a crunchy treat in minutes. They’re an easy snack that pairs well with your favorite dips. This recipe is simple to prepare and doesn’t require much cleanup. You’ll have a crispy, satisfying snack ready in no time with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Stack of bacon wrapped onion rings.
Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These bacon-wrapped onion rings in the air fryer cook up crispy with a flavorful bacon wrap. The air fryer ensures both the bacon and the onion rings are cooked to perfection. This snack is quick and easy to prepare, making it a great addition to any meal or party spread. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a savory treat in no time. It’s a simple recipe that delivers a satisfying crunch every time.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

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