10+ Easy Air Fryer Recipes for Delicious Weeknight Meals

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance because they make cooking quick and easy. You can whip up meals in a fraction of the time it takes using traditional methods.

With an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy and flavorful dishes without using too much oil. From snacks to full meals, the possibilities are endless.

Whether you want to impress guests or prepare a simple weeknight dinner, easy air fryer recipes help you create delicious food with minimal effort.

1) Crispy Chicken Tenders

Crispy chicken tenders are a tasty treat you can make easily in your air fryer. They come out golden brown and juicy.

You’ll love how quickly they cook! For this recipe, you’ll need chicken tenders, panko bread crumbs, eggs, and seasonings.

The air fryer gives them a nice crunch without deep frying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Beat the egg in a bowl and season it.
3. Dip each chicken tender in the egg, then coat with panko.
4. Arrange tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 8 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes until golden.

2) Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon

Air fryer salmon with lemon is a quick and tasty meal. The lemon adds a fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with the fish.

You can have this dish ready in about 10 minutes. Drizzle lemon juice over the salmon before cooking.

Slice a lemon into thin rounds for extra flavor. You can marinate your salmon for more taste if you have time.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 lemon
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Drizzle olive oil on the salmon.
3. Squeeze lemon juice over the fillets.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Place salmon in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes until done.

3) Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a tasty and healthy side dish. They turn out crispy and flavorful in an air fryer.

You can customize them with different seasonings to suit your taste. Wash and trim the Brussels sprouts, then cut them in half for even cooking.

Drizzle with oil and sprinkle some salt for simple flavor. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Place the sprouts in the basket and cook for about 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to get them nice and crispy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and trim the Brussels sprouts.
2. Cut them in half.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
5. Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

4) Breakfast Potatoes

Breakfast potatoes are a tasty way to start your day. They are easy to make in an air fryer and come out crispy and delicious.

You can season them to match your taste. Cut your favorite potatoes into small cubes.

Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can add other spices or herbs if you like.

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the potatoes for about 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Optional spices (paprika, garlic powder, etc.)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut potatoes into small cubes.
2. In a bowl, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Cook potatoes for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

5) Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Air fryer baked potatoes are a delicious and easy side dish. They become crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

You can cook them in about 40 to 50 minutes, depending on the potato size. Wash the potatoes thoroughly and prick them with a fork several times.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Cook for 40-50 minutes until they are tender. Add your favorite toppings like butter, sour cream, chives, or cheese.

Ingredients

• 2-4 medium russet potatoes
• Olive oil (optional)
• Salt (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and dry the potatoes.
2. Prick the potatoes with a fork.
3. Optional: Rub with olive oil and sprinkle salt.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Place potatoes in the basket.
6. Cook for 40-50 minutes until soft.

6) Garlic Paprika Cod

Garlic paprika cod is a tasty and simple dish you can make in your air fryer. This recipe highlights the flaky texture and mild flavor of cod with a savory twist from garlic and paprika.

Season the cod fillets with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use fresh cod for the best results.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat the fillets with olive oil to help them crisp up as they cook.

Place the seasoned cod in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the fish is flaky and tender.

Ingredients

• 2 fresh cod fillets (about 1 inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the cod fillets with olive oil and rub the spice mixture on both sides.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 10 minutes, until the fish is flaky.

7) Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Crispy air fryer tofu is a simple and tasty dish. It’s a great option for dinner or as a snack.

You can enjoy it with rice or veggies. Press and cube your tofu to remove excess water and get a crispier texture.

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the tofu for about 10 minutes.

Shake the basket after 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. Toss your tofu in your favorite sauce before serving for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 14 oz firm tofu
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Your favorite sauce (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Press and cube the tofu.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
3. Toss tofu with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Place tofu in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

8) Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Buffalo cauliflower bites are a tasty and spicy snack. They are perfect for game day or as a healthy appetizer.

You get the crunch from the air fryer and a kick from the buffalo sauce. You need just a few simple ingredients.

The air fryer cooks them quickly, so they are ready in no time. Enjoy the crispy texture and bold flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup of buffalo sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, water, salt, and pepper to make a batter.
3. Dip the cauliflower florets in the batter until fully coated.
4. Place the florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Toss the cooked cauliflower in buffalo sauce.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

9) Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers

Air fryer shrimp skewers are a quick and tasty option for any meal. You can have them ready in just minutes.

Season your shrimp with your favorite spices. Lemon pepper or chili lime are great choices for extra flavor.

Skewer the shrimp and place them in the air fryer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes.

You will get juicy and delicious shrimp that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper or chili lime seasoning
• Skewers (wooden or metal)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil and seasoning.
3. Thread the shrimp onto skewers.
4. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

10) Crispy Chickpeas Snack

Crispy chickpeas are a quick and healthy snack you can make in your air fryer. They are crunchy and flavorful, perfect for munching on their own or adding to salads.

You only need canned chickpeas, olive oil, and your favorite seasonings. Try different spices to switch up the flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 can of chickpeas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Optional: garlic powder
• Optional: cumin
• Optional: paprika
• Optional: any seasoning you like

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly.

2. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

3. Toss the chickpeas in olive oil.

4. Add your chosen seasonings.

5. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).

6. Place the chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

7. Cook for 14-17 minutes.

8. Shake the basket halfway through cooking.

9. Enjoy your crispy chickpeas when they turn golden brown!