23 air fryer recipe combos that take your weeknight meals from boring to brilliant

Photo of author

| Published:

Air fryers are the kitchen’s answer to quick and crispy meals — both the main course and the vegetable sides. Forget the oven and embrace the magic of air frying. Dive into these 23 proteins and tasty sides that you can whip up in your air fryer for dinner tonight.

A fork holds a piece of cooked steak, showing a pink interior. In the background, a plate is filled with more pieces of steak on a woven mat.
Air Fryer Steak Bites. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

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 deliver big flavor without all the mess. The hot air seals in the sauce and creates a sticky coating on the outside. These barbecue sauce chicken drumsticks in the air fryer are perfect for game days, quick dinners and casual parties.
Get the Recipe: Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

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 lets you decide how you want your steak cooked. Whether you prefer it rare or well-done, you can achieve your desired doneness with ease. The steady heat of the air fryer ensures you get the same great results each time.
Get the Recipe: Steak in the 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.

Chicken Drumsticks in the Air Fryer transform from raw to ready in just 30 minutes. You can keep your kitchen clean because there’s no oil splashing everywhere. These drumsticks deliver juicy meat and crispy skin. This recipe is a quick solution for those busy nights when dinner needs to be on the table fast.
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 turn golden brown in just 30 minutes. The hot air circulates to create a crispy outside while keeping the inside light and fluffy. These fries work great as a side dish or a snack during hangouts. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how they fit perfectly into any casual gathering.
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 makes cooking fish at home straightforward and stress-free. The fast cooking time ensures every bite stays moist and tender. With many air fryer models featuring preset fish settings, preparing dinner becomes a breeze. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a tasty meal without the hassle.
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.

Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer lets you bypass the store-bought rotisserie line. The skin browns to perfection while the meat remains tender and juicy. This recipe saves you both cash and time compared to picking one up at the store. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade meal without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie

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.

Once you make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Parmesan and Shredded Coconut, you’ll forget about baking them in the oven. If you have picky eaters at home — young or old — they will love how the blend of grated parmesan cheese and shredded coconut acts as the “breading” for these low carb chicken pieces.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With Parmesan and Shredded Coconut

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 together with just a handful of simple ingredients. The skin turns super crispy while all the juicy goodness stays trapped inside. These Air Fryer Chicken Wings disappear fast at parties and game nights. You might want to make extra if you’re serving a big group.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings

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.

This recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas brings the same Mexican restaurant aromas and flavors right to your kitchen. It’s a quick and simple meal to make that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
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 that gorgeous golden crust with hardly any oil. The meat stays juicy while forming a nice crispy outside. These air fryer chicken cutlets match perfectly with salads, pasta and roasted veggies for a quick main course.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Air Fryer Baked Potato

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

Baked Potatoes in the Air Fryer develop super crispy skins around light and fluffy insides. They cook quicker than traditional oven methods. These baked potatoes in the air fryer serve as a great base for toppings or a simple side dish for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baked Potato

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 crispy tips while the stems remain perfectly tender. The circulating heat cooks each piece quickly and evenly. This air fryer broccoli cleans up in no time and has both kids and adults going back for seconds.
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.

Corn on the Cob in the Air Fryer brings those summer vibes any time of the year. The fast cooking time seals in the natural sweetness of every kernel. This corn on the cob in the air fryer transforms both fresh and frozen corn into a side dish that tastes fresh off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

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: My Full Belly.

Air Fryer Halibut combines white fish with vibrant mango salsa for a tasty dish. The quick cooking keeps every bite moist and tender. This air fryer halibut brings restaurant vibes right to your dinner table without any complicated techniques or ingredients.
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.

Braided Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is sure to turn heads at dinner. The braiding helps cook the meat evenly while creating a neat pattern. This braided air fryer pork tenderloin impresses guests but remains simple enough for regular weeknight cooking.
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 grab attention with their ridges that catch seasonings. The unique cuts give them extra crispy edges. These crinkle-cut accordion potatoes in the air fryer become the highlight of any gathering with their fun shape.
Get the Recipe: Crinkle Cut Accordion Potatoes 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.

Air Fryer Salmon Bites cook up quickly with just a few basic seasonings. The small pieces stay moist and cook evenly all the way through. These air fryer salmon bites are perfect for lunch boxes, dinner plates or as protein-rich snacks.
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 soak up sweetness from brown sugar, butter and honey. The natural sugars create a rich glaze while maintaining their crunch. These air fryer carrots turn simple root vegetables into something special on any dinner plate.
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 give you perfect control over doneness. The small pieces develop a nice crust while staying pink inside. These air fryer steak bites allow you to manage portions and cooking time better than full steaks ever could.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Bites

Asparagus in the Air Fryer

Close-up of fresh asparagus spears being held by a white clip, with a blurred background.
Asparagus in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Air Fryer Asparagus strikes the perfect balance between tender and crisp. The quick cooking preserves the bright color and fresh taste. This air fryer asparagus makes eating vegetables something to look forward to rather than just endure.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus in the Air Fryer

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 outshine my old sautéed version every time. The edges turn crispy while the centers remain juicy. These air fryer mushrooms might just steal the spotlight from traditional holiday sides with their perfect texture.
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 cooked in an air fryer is a fantastic recipe for anyone wanting a tasty and sophisticated meal for a weeknight dinner. You work with simple ingredients and a cooking appliance that gets dinner ready in no time. The best part is that each serving has only one gram of carbs.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Rosemary Bone-In Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

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.

Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer turn basic spuds into something special with just four ingredients. The outside becomes crispy while the inside remains soft. These sweet potato fries in the air fryer require little oil and clean up quickly. They pair perfectly with burgers, sandwiches and main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer Recipe

Leave a Comment

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