Oven who? 21 air fryer meals that make roasting a thing of the past

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Forget waiting around for the oven to preheat. These 21 air fryer meals are here to show you how fast and fabulous cooking can be. Offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying and roasting, this compact powerhouse can whip up everything from appetizers to main courses in no time. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when time is of the essence but compromising on taste is not an option.

Two flatbread pizzas on a tray.
Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs in a bowl.
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for a lighter take on a classic, Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs have got you covered. These meatballs come out juicy and flavorful, and the air fryer gives them a nice outer crust without any deep frying needed. Great for a healthy pasta topping or a tasty sub sandwich, they’re versatile and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

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

Turning pasta into a crunchy snack might sound odd, but Air Fryer Pasta Chips are a game changer. They’re tossed in spices and air fried until perfectly crispy, making for a unique and addictive snack. Ideal for dipping or just by themselves, these chips are a fun way to repurpose leftover pasta.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Air Fryer Breakfast Pockets

White plate with two breakfast pockets, a fork, and a glass of orange juice.
Air Fryer Breakfast Pockets. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

For those mornings when you’re in a rush but want something warm and satisfying, Air Fryer Breakfast Pockets come to the rescue. Filled with your favorite breakfast ingredients, these pockets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s like having a portable breakfast that’s made in minutes, perfect for on-the-go eating.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Breakfast Pockets

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A quick and easy way to get your Asian cuisine fix without the mess of frying. The beef turns out tender and flavorful, coated in a savory sauce that beats takeout any day. Air Fryer Mongolian Beef is a dish that pairs well with rice or noodles, making for a simple yet delightful meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu, you get all the classic flavors of this beloved dish but with less fuss. The chicken comes out juicy with a perfectly crispy coating, while the ham and cheese inside provide a savory surprise. It’s an elegant meal that’s surprisingly easy to pull off on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Some picking up a slice of cheese quesadilla.
Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you’ve got a cheese craving, Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla does the trick with minimal effort. The tortillas achieve a perfectly crispy edge while the cheese inside melts just right. It’s a quick snack or a light meal that’s ready in minutes, proving that simple ingredients can lead to big flavors.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

Chicken Caprese with tomato and basil on a blue plate.
Air Fryer Caprese Chicken. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Bringing together the fresh flavors of tomato, basil, and mozzarella, Air Fryer Caprese Chicken is a dish that speaks of summer. The chicken stays moist, and the toppings get nicely roasted, all without heating up your kitchen. It’s a quick, healthy meal that looks as good as it tastes, perfect for a fuss-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

Air Fryer Lumpia

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

Air Fryer Lumpia offers a crispy, lighter version of the traditional Filipino snack. Filled with a savory mixture of vegetables and meat, they’re perfect for dipping into your favorite sauce. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic appetizer or party snack without the oil from deep frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins

Pile of cornbread muffins on a white plate.
Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a quick side dish that’s full of comfort, Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins are just the thing. They come out golden and moist, with that perfect cornbread sweetness. Whether it’s chili night or you just want something to spread some butter on, these muffins are a great addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins

Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza

Two flatbread pizzas on a tray.
Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pizza night just got easier with Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza. You can customize it with all your favorite toppings and have a crispy crust pizza ready in minutes. It’s a fun way to get the whole family involved in dinner prep, and the results are deliciously satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza

Air Fryer Red Potatoes

Air fried red potatoes in an air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Red Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Say goodbye to oven roasting and hello to Air Fryer Red Potatoes. They come out crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, seasoned to perfection. Whether it’s a side dish for dinner or part of a hearty breakfast, these potatoes are a versatile and easy option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Red Potatoes

Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant

Crispy cubed eggplant roasted in the air fryer on a plate with a serving spoon.
Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Proves that delicious doesn’t have to mean difficult. Slices of eggplant become perfectly crispy, making for a great side dish or a vegetarian main course. Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant is a simple way to enjoy eggplant without the heaviness of frying, and it pairs well with almost anything.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant

Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A tasty and healthier alternative to traditional fries. The carrots get beautifully crispy and sweet, while the aioli dip adds a creamy, tangy contrast. Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip is a snack that feels indulgent without the guilt, ready to satisfy those crunchy cravings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Air Fryer Bananas with Cinnamon

Air fryer bananas on a white plate over a rustic wooden cutting board with a pink linen.
Air Fryer Bananas with Cinnamon. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

For a sweet treat that’s both simple and satisfying, try Air Fryer Bananas with Cinnamon. The bananas caramelize in the air fryer, turning soft and sweet, with a sprinkle of cinnamon adding warmth. It’s a dessert that’s ready in no time, perfect for when you need something quick and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bananas with Cinnamon

Air Fryer Panko Chicken

Panko chicken on a plate with tomato slices and fresh herbs.
Air Fryer Panko Chicken. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This dish is the answer when you’re craving something crispy. The chicken is coated in panko breadcrumbs and comes out with a crunch that’s hard to resist. Air Fryer Panko Chicken is a healthier alternative to fried chicken that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, making it a great option for a family meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Panko 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.

With Air Fryer Carnitas, you can enjoy the rich and tender flavors of this classic dish in a fraction of the time. The pork becomes incredibly juicy and falls apart easily, ready to be tucked into tacos or served over rice. It’s a shortcut to a delicious meal that usually takes hours to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Air Fryer Blueberries

Air fryer dehydrated blueberries on a white plate on a purple backdrop surrounded by fresh blueberries.
Air Fryer Blueberries. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Air Fryer Blueberries are a simple yet surprising treat. When air fried, they burst with sweetness, making for a great topping on ice cream or yogurt. It’s a quick and healthy way to enhance a dessert or breakfast, adding a pop of flavor and color.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blueberries

Football-Shaped Buffalo Chicken Pockets

A basket of football shaped buffalo chicken pockets on a table.
Football-Shaped Buffalo Chicken Pockets. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Just in time for game day, Football-Shaped Buffalo Chicken Pockets are a crowd-pleaser. They’re filled with spicy chicken and cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy crust. It’s a fun and tasty way to feed a hungry crowd, easy to make and even easier to eat.
Get the Recipe: Football-Shaped Buffalo Chicken Pockets

Air Fryer Tortellini

A bowl of tortellini in a white bowl.
Air Fryer Tortellini. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

Air Fryer Tortellini brings a new twist to pasta night. The tortellini get a little crispy on the outside but stay wonderfully cheesy and soft on the inside. It’s a novel way to enjoy pasta, whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course with your favorite sauce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortellini

Air Fryer Hand Pies

A tray of Sloppy Joe Hand Pies on a cooling rack with tomatoes and herbs.
Air Fryer Hand Pies. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

The perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth is by trying our Air Fryer Hand Pies. You can fill them with your favorite fruit or jam, and the air fryer makes the crust perfectly flaky and golden. It’s a quick and easy way to whip up a dessert that feels homemade and special.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hand Pies

Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich

Air fryer chicken pesto sandwich on a white plate.
Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

When you’re in the mood for something hearty but easy, the Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich fits the bill. The chicken comes out juicy and flavorful, topped with fresh pesto and your choice of fixings. It’s a simple gourmet sandwich, proving that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich

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