Air fryers have redefined crispy dinners, and these recipes prove why they’re here to stay. From juicy chicken to perfectly cooked seafood and steak, they deliver bold flavors without the mess of deep frying. These dishes are quick, easy, and packed with the kind of crunch that feels effortless. If your air fryer’s been sitting on the counter collecting dust, now’s the time to put it to work.

Chicken teriyaki thighs.
Photo credi: Food Exit Recipes.
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Air Fryer Skirt Steak

Air fryer skirt steak sliced on a cutting board.
Air Fryer Skirt Steak. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Skirt steak in the air fryer comes out juicy and flavorful with just the right amount of crisp on the edges. It’s a great way to enjoy steak when grilling isn’t an option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Skirt Steak

Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Maple mustard air fryer frozen salmon filet with broccolini on a plate.
Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer is quick and simple, and the maple mustard sauce brings bold, sweet, and tangy flavors. This is a great dinner option for busy nights when you don’t have time to thaw.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Air Fryer Brats

Air fryer brats on buns with potato chips on the side.
Air Fryer Brats. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Brats in the air fryer are quick, juicy, and full of flavor. Even grilling enthusiasts will love how fast and simple this method is, making it great for busy nights or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brats

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air fryer chicken leg quarters on a plate with broccoli and purple sweet potato fries.
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken leg quarters cook to perfection in the air fryer, with crispy skin and juicy meat. With a flavorful spice rub, this is a great dinner option that’s ready in under 25 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air Fryer Cod

Air fryer cod on a plate with green beans and rice.
Air Fryer Cod. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cod cooked in the air fryer is flaky, tender, and lightly seasoned with lemon and herbs. It’s a great choice for an easy, no-mess seafood dinner that’s ready in 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cod

Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Air fryer lamb chops sliced on a plate with fresh rosemary sprigs.
Air Fryer Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb chops marinated in olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer. Perfect for a fancy dinner that’s ready in just 10 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts

Air fryer frozen chicken breast sliced on a plate with rice and a fork.
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Frozen chicken breasts go from freezer to plate in under 30 minutes with the air fryer. They’re juicy, tender, and great for last-minute meals when you forget to defrost.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts

Air Fryer Tofu

Air fryer tofu on baking rack.
Air Fryer Tofu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tofu in the air fryer is crispy on the outside and soft inside, making it a great addition to any meal. It’s a quick and healthy way to enjoy crunchy tofu without frying in oil.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu

Air Fryer Ribeye

Air fryer ribeye on a plate with potatoes and butter.
Air Fryer Ribeye. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Making ribeye steak in the air fryer is an incredibly easy way to enjoy this classic dinner. Enjoy tender, juicy steak with flavorful, simple seasonings in just minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye

Air Fryer Filet Mignon

Air fryer filet mignon with sliced potatoes.
Air Fryer Filet Mignon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ribeye steak cooked in the air fryer comes out perfectly tender and juicy with a crisp, flavorful crust. It’s a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality steak at home without the hassle of grilling.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Filet Mignon

Air Fryer Garlic Ginger Shrimp

Garlic ginger shrimp on air fryer tray.
Air Fryer Garlic Ginger Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Garlic ginger shrimp cooks quickly in the air fryer, delivering tender and flavorful bites in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy nights or as a quick appetizer, these shrimp pack a ton of flavor without the mess of frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Ginger Shrimp

Air Fryer Cornish Hens

Air fryer Cornish hens on a cutting board with carving knife.
Air Fryer Cornish Hens. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These air fryer Cornish hens deliver crispy skin and juicy meat in a fraction of the time it takes to roast. This is a great choice for a dinner that feels special without requiring much effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hens

Parmesan Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air fryer spaghetti squash with parmesan on a white plate with parsley garnish.
Parmesan Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cooking spaghetti squash in the air fryer makes it perfectly tender with just a hint of crisp. Topped with parmesan, it’s a great option for a quick and flavorful side or base for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks

Air fryer fish sticks with remoulade dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crispy fish sticks in the air fryer are a quick and easy way to enjoy a crunchy, homemade dinner. With just a few ingredients and no mess from frying, these are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even snacks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks

Mini Naan Pizzas in the Air Fryer

Mini Naan Pizzas in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Midwexican.

Mini naan pizzas crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, creating flatbread-style pizzas in under 10 minutes. These pizzas are a great choice for a semi-homemade meal that’s quick, simple, and fun to customize.
Get the Recipe: Mini Naan Pizzas in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Buffalo chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These air fryer buffalo chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Packed with bold buffalo flavor, they’re great for game days, snacks, or even a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Scallops

Air fryer scallops with green beans and rice on a plate.
Air Fryer Scallops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Scallops cooked in the air fryer come out tender and perfectly seared. Paired with a quick garlic, chive, and lemon butter sauce, they make a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Scallops

Air Fryer Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket

Air Fryer Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Bacon, jalapeños, and cheese wrapped in dough cook perfectly crispy in the air fryer. These pigs in a blanket are a great snack for game days or anytime you want a fun, flavorful bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Pigs in a Blanket

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bombs

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bombs. Photo credit: Two Kids and a Coupon.

Buffalo chicken bombs come out perfectly crisp in the air fryer. Each bite is packed with flavor, making them a great choice for appetizers or snacks that bring the crunch without the oil.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bombs

Air Fryer Pull Apart Jalapeño Popper Rolls

Air Fryer Pull Apart Jalapeño Popper Rolls. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Jalapeño popper rolls stuffed with cheese cook up golden and crispy in the air fryer. These bite-sized rolls are perfect for a snack or appetizer that’s full of bold flavor and a little heat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pull Apart Jalapeño Popper Rolls

Air Fryer Pizza Bagels

Air Fryer Pizza Bagels. Photo credit: Corrie Cooks.

Pizza bagels in the air fryer are the crunchy snack or quick dinner everyone can enjoy. Ready in under 15 minutes, they’re simple to make and a great go-to for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza Bagels

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Air fryer chicken wings deliver crunch and flavor without needing oil. Toss them in your favorite sauce for a snack, appetizer, or dinner that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Pork Kebabs

Air Fryer Pork Kebabs. Photo credit: Wholly Tasteful.

Pork kebabs in the air fryer are made with marinated pork tenderloin, peppers, onions, and bacon for bold, juicy bites. They’re a great dinner option when you want something hearty and easy to prep.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Kebabs

Air Fryer Delmonico Steak

Air Fryer Delmonico Steak. Photo credit: Two Kids and a Coupon.

Cooking Delmonico steak in the air fryer creates a tender, flavorful steak with minimal effort. It’s a great way to enjoy a steakhouse-quality meal without firing up the grill.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Delmonico Steak

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Food Exit Recipes.

Teriyaki chicken thighs come out juicy and packed with flavor in the air fryer. The perfect balance of crispy skin and tender meat makes these a great choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce

Air Fryer Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce. Photo credit: The Seaside Calls.

Duck breast in the air fryer comes out crispy and tender, topped with a bold cherry sauce that takes it to the next level. It’s a great choice for special dinners or holidays when you want something impressive yet easy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Deliciously Home Cooked.

Bang bang chicken skewers cook quickly in the air fryer, delivering bold, tangy flavors in every bite. They’re a great option for weeknight dinners, parties, or game-day spreads.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Air Fryer Roast Beef and Potatoes

Air Fryer Roast Beef and Potatoes. Photo credit: Kitchen Divas.

Roast beef and crispy potatoes come together perfectly in the air fryer for a hearty and flavorful meal. This is a great comfort food option that’s simple enough for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roast Beef and Potatoes

Air Fryer Marinated Turkey Tenderloin

Air Fryer Marinated Turkey Tenderloin. Photo credit: Dinners Done Quick.

Turkey tenderloin cooks to perfection in the air fryer, staying juicy and tender. Whether for dinner or a small holiday gathering, this is a great alternative to roasting an entire turkey.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Marinated Turkey Tenderloin

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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