17 meaty mains that are better than bouquets

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Forget the flowers, because 17 meaty mains are here to steal the spotlight and leave bouquets in the dust! These dishes pack a punch with their rich flavors and hearty textures, making them the true stars of any meal. So, ditch the roses and opt for a dish that’s sure to satisfy—because when it comes to gifts, nothing beats the deliciousness of meaty mains!

Stack of air fryer pork belly strips in hoisin glaze.
Air Fryer Pork Belly. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A hand holding a crispy fried chicken drumstick.
Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Let’s kick things off with something that’ll really amaze you—crispy, juicy buttermilk fried chicken fresh out of the air fryer. It’s got that perfect crunch on the outside and stays tender and flavorful on the inside. And guess what? It’s a healthier alternative to deep-frying too. So, if you’re craving something savory, skip the flowers and go for this crowd-pleaser instead.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Carnitas

Low angle shot of 3 carnitas tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Who needs a bouquet of flowers when you can have a plate of tender, crispy pork carnitas cooked to perfection in the air fryer? These flavor-packed bites are a game-changer for any meal. They’re so easy to make and bursting with authentic Mexican flavors. Whether you’re stuffing them in tacos or just enjoying them solo, they beat flowers any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Say goodbye to boring flowers and hello to these mouthwatering chicken shawarma wraps made in the air fryer. The chicken comes out perfectly seasoned and charred just right. Wrap it up in some warm pita bread with your favorite toppings, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s way better than any bouquet.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Air Fryer Empanadas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Empanadas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Flowers are fleeting, but the satisfaction of biting into a crispy empanada from the air fryer? That’s here to stay. Whether you’re into meat or veggies, these little pockets of goodness are a hit. Crispy on the outside, flavorful on the inside—they’re perfect for any occasion. Ditch the flowers and go for these empanadas instead.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Stacked taquitos on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Roses are nice, but have you tried these crispy chicken taquitos from the air fryer? They’re like a party in your mouth with every bite—crunchy on the outside, juicy and flavorful inside. Plus, they’re a breeze to make. So, next time you’re contemplating a bouquet, consider these taquitos for a snack that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Air Fryer Enchiladas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Say goodbye to bouquets and hello to these mouthwatering enchiladas cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Filled with savory meat and cheese and baked to perfection, they’re a comfort food dream. Whether you’re serving them up for dinner or a gathering, they’re sure to please. Say goodbye to flowers and hello to these enchiladas for a meal that really hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Fried chicken in a basket lined with parchment paper.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

Flowers are pretty, but have you ever sunk your teeth into some crispy fried chicken from the air fryer? It’s the ultimate comfort food—crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside. And the best part? It’s healthier than the deep-fried stuff. So, next time someone offers you flowers, just ask for a plate of this fried chicken instead—it’s a winner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Bowl of jalapeno popper bites.
Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Let’s talk about something spicy—jalapeno popper bites from the air fryer. They’re like little flavor bombs—crispy on the outside, creamy and spicy on the inside. Plus, they’re super easy to make. So, forget the flowers and go for these popper bites at your next gathering. They’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Low angle shot of korean fried chicken with a hand holding a piece of the chicken.
Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Move over, flowers—air fryer Korean fried chicken is here to steal the spotlight. It’s got that perfect combination of crispy exterior and juicy interior, with a sweet and spicy glaze that’s downright addictive. So, next time you’re thinking about a bouquet, why not go for this finger-licking good chicken instead? It’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Bacon wrapped jalapenos on a white plate.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Flowers are nice, but have you ever tried jalapeno poppers from the air fryer? They’re like a flavor explosion in your mouth—spicy jalapenos stuffed with creamy cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon. And the best part? They’re so easy to make. Ditch the flowers and go for these poppers instead. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Overhead shot of a striped bowl with kung pao chicken.
Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Who needs flowers when you can have kung pao chicken from the air fryer? It’s got everything you want in a dish—tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a flavorful sauce that packs a punch. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make at home. So, forget the flowers and go for this kung pao chicken instead. It’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Lamb chop with fresh herbs.
Air Fryer Lamb Chops. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Flowers may be nice, but have you ever tried air fryer lamb chops? They’re tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection every time. Whether you’re serving them up for a special occasion or just a weeknight meal, they’re sure to impress. Say goodbye to flowers and hello to these lamb chops for a meal that really hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Fried chicken pieces in orange sauce garnished with sesame seeds in a black bowl with chopsticks and a green and white napkin.
Air Fryer Orange Chicken. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

Forget the bouquet—how about some air fryer orange chicken instead? It’s like takeout, but better—crispy chicken coated in a tangy, sweet sauce that’s downright addictive. Serve it up with some rice, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s way better than any bouquet. So, next time you’re thinking about flowers, consider this orange chicken—it’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Air Fryer Pork Belly

Stack of air fryer pork belly strips in hoisin glaze.
Air Fryer Pork Belly. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Roses are red, but have you ever tried air fryer pork belly? It’s crispy, it’s juicy, and it’s downright delicious. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, it’s sure to be a hit. So, forget the flowers and go for this pork belly instead—it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Fried salt and pepper chicken in a black bowl lined with parchment paper.
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

Have you ever tried air fryer salt and pepper chicken? It’s simple, it’s flavorful, and it’s downright delicious. With that perfect combination of crispy exterior and juicy interior, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. So, ditch the flowers and go for this chicken instead—it’s guaranteed to please.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Stacked spring rolls on a white plate.
Air Fryer Spring Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Flowers are nice, but have you ever tried air fryer spring rolls? They’re crispy, they’re flavorful, and they’re downright delicious. Whether you’re serving them as appetizers or a light meal, they’re sure to be a hit. So, forget the flowers and go for these spring rolls instead—they’re guaranteed to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Low angle shot of a plate of fried chicken with sesame sauce and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Move over, flowers—air fryer sesame chicken is where it’s at. It’s like takeout, but better—crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce that’s downright addictive. Serve it up with some rice, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s way better than any bouquet. So, next time you’re thinking about flowers, consider this sesame chicken—it’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

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