20 effortless air fryer recipes for those who hate to cook

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If you’re someone who wants to enjoy delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen, you’re in the right place! I’ve rounded up some of my favorite effortless air fryer recipes that make cooking easy, even for those who aren’t fans of the process. These simple dishes not only save time but also deliver great flavors, making them perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a quick fix.

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.

These brownie bites are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the hassle of traditional baking. They’re easy to prepare and cook quickly, making them a fantastic treat for any occasion. With their rich chocolate flavor, they’re a sure hit at parties or as a simple dessert after dinner. You’ll love how quickly you can create these bites to enjoy with family or friends. They are a great option when you want a little something sweet without a big commitment.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Bites

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

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

Pasta chips bring a fun twist to snacking, offering a crunchy texture that’s perfect for dipping. They come together in minutes, making them a fantastic choice for impromptu gatherings or movie nights at home. The air fryer creates a satisfying crunch while keeping the cooking process simple. These chips are perfect for those who want to enjoy a snack without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll find yourself making these again and again.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

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.

Apple fritters are a wonderful way to enjoy a sweet treat with less mess than traditional frying. These are quick to prepare and cook, making them a delightful addition to breakfast or dessert. The air fryer gives them a light, crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and flavorful. You’ll find these fritters perfect for those busy mornings or as a quick snack. They’re sure to become a favorite in your household.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

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

These pork belly bites are a savory treat that cooks in the air fryer, making them easy to prepare. With a crispy exterior and tender interior, they’re perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer. The short cooking time means you can enjoy them without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. They make an excellent choice for gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends. Everyone will love the flavor and texture of these bites.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

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.

Smashed potatoes offer a twist on a classic side dish that’s quick and easy to make in the air fryer. They’re crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, providing a satisfying texture with every bite. Perfect for pairing with any main course, these potatoes can be on your table in no time. This dish is great for those who want an easy side that feels special without the extra effort. You’ll want to make them regularly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

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.

Chicken skewers are a fun and flavorful option that cooks quickly in the air fryer. They’re easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The skewers are perfect for serving with a variety of dips or sides, making them a versatile choice. You’ll love how quickly you can have these on the table, ready for everyone to enjoy. They’re sure to be a hit at your next meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Three bacon-wrapped pieces of chicken on a white plate with a sprig of parsley and a red and white checkered cloth on the side.
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These bacon-wrapped chicken bites are the perfect combination of flavors that everyone loves. They cook up fast in the air fryer, making them an ideal snack or appetizer for any gathering. The crispy bacon adds a wonderful crunch to the juicy chicken, making each bite enjoyable. You’ll appreciate how easy they are to prepare while still impressing your guests. They’ll disappear quickly from your platter!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Air Fryer Tuna Melt

A grilled cheese tuna sandwich is cut in half on a plate.
Air Fryer Tuna Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A tuna melt made in the air fryer is a simple yet satisfying meal that comes together quickly. This dish combines the classic flavors of tuna and cheese, perfect for lunch or a light dinner. The air fryer gives the sandwich a nice, crispy finish while keeping it easy to make. It’s an excellent option for anyone looking for a fast meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

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.

Chicken lollipops are a fun and unique way to enjoy chicken without a lot of fuss. They’re easy to cook in the air fryer, making them a fantastic choice for parties or family dinners. The playful presentation makes them appealing to both kids and adults alike. You’ll appreciate how quickly they can be made, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lollipops

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Two halves of baked sweet potato topped with butter and garnished with herbs on a white plate, with a red checkered napkin on the side.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer sweet potatoes are an easy side dish that brings natural sweetness and flavor to your table. They cook quickly, making them an ideal option for busy nights. You can enjoy them as a standalone side or add them to salads and bowls for extra nutrition. This simple preparation method ensures you can enjoy a comforting side without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. You’ll love how quickly they can complement any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Whole Chicken

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

Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer is a convenient way to prepare a hearty meal with minimal effort. The air fryer cooks it evenly, giving you tender, juicy meat with a crispy skin. This approach makes it easy to enjoy a flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a great option for family meals, allowing you to serve up something special without the work. You’ll appreciate the simplicity of this dish while enjoying a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken

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 and flavorful spring rolls that make for a quick snack or appetizer. They’re easy to prepare and cook in a fraction of the time compared to traditional frying methods. These tasty rolls are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces, making them great for gatherings. You’ll love how simple it is to enjoy this crowd-pleaser without a lot of fuss. They’re sure to be a favorite at your next get-together.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

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.

Bacon-wrapped shrimp are a savory treat that’s quick to prepare in the air fryer. The combination of crispy bacon and tender shrimp makes for an appealing appetizer or snack. These bites cook fast, making them a fantastic choice for last-minute entertaining. You’ll enjoy how effortlessly they come together, offering a burst of flavor in each bite. They’re sure to impress your guests at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

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.

Chicken legs cooked in the air fryer are an effortless way to enjoy a hearty meal. They’re juicy on the inside with a crispy skin on the outside, providing a satisfying texture. The cooking time is short, making them perfect for busy evenings or casual gatherings. This dish is great for those who want a flavorful meal without the hassle of complicated recipes. You’ll appreciate how quickly you can serve up a comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage on white plate.
Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This unique dish features cabbage wrapped in bacon, offering a savory flavor that’s easy to make in the air fryer. It cooks quickly, allowing you to enjoy a crunchy, satisfying side without a lot of fuss. This combination is perfect for anyone looking for a different take on side dishes. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare while still offering a bold taste. It’s a great addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Candied Almonds

A bowl of candied almonds on a wooden table, with a red and white checkered napkin partially visible.
Candied Almonds. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Candied almonds are a sweet snack that’s simple to make in the air fryer. They come together quickly, making them perfect for gatherings or as a treat for yourself. The crunchy texture and sweet flavor make them enjoyable to munch on any time. This quick recipe is ideal for those who want a snack without the hassle of complicated preparations. You’ll appreciate having these on hand for a satisfying crunch.
Get the Recipe: Candied Almonds

Ground Turkey Meatballs

Three glazed meatballs are arranged in a row on a white plate, each garnished with a stick and a small sprig of parsley. A red checkered cloth and some fresh parsley are in the background.
Ground Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground turkey meatballs are a quick and easy option for family dinners or meal prep. They cook fast in the air fryer, making them perfect for busy nights. These meatballs are versatile and can be served with pasta, in sandwiches, or on their own. You’ll appreciate how effortlessly they come together, providing a protein-packed meal without the fuss. They’re sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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

Chicken tenders made in the air fryer are a quick and popular meal option for the whole family. They cook up crispy and golden brown without the need for frying, making them an easy choice for busy evenings. You can pair them with a variety of dipping sauces for added flavor, ensuring everyone gets what they like. This dish is perfect for those who want a classic favorite without the hassle of traditional cooking methods. You’ll find these tenders are always a hit at mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

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

Frozen sweet potato fries are a convenient side that cooks perfectly in the air fryer. They become crispy in no time, making them an ideal option for quick meals or snacks. These fries offer a great alternative to traditional potatoes, providing a touch of sweetness. This dish is excellent for busy weeknights when you want a side that doesn’t require a lot of preparation. You’ll love how easy it is to add these to your table.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

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

Bacon-wrapped onion rings are a fun and tasty snack that cooks up quickly in the air fryer. They provide a satisfying crunch with every bite, making them perfect for sharing. This easy recipe is great for gatherings or movie nights when you want something special without the hassle. You’ll love how effortlessly these come together while delivering bold flavors. They are a unique addition to any appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

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