17 Quick and Tasty Air Fryer Meals for the Night Before Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Eve is all about survival. With tomorrow’s chaos looming, the last thing you need is another elaborate meal to worry about. That’s where these easy air fryer recipes come in—fast, low-maintenance, and just good enough to keep everyone out of the fridge. No extra dishes, no big mess, and definitely no stealing focus from the main event.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Ultra-crispy air fryer buffalo chicken tenders are a healthier knock-off recipe for the deep fried restaurant version. Perfect for an easy crave-worthy appetizer or main dish everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Scallops

Air fryer scallops come out perfectly in just minutes with a slightly seared exterior and tender bite. Served with a quick and simple chive, garlic and lemon butter sauce, it’s a restaurant quality dish you can easily make at home!
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Air Fryer Skirt Steak

Cooking skirt steak in the air fryer is a quick and simple way to prepare juicy steak when grilling isn’t an option.
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Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Making frozen salmon in the air fryer is quick, easy and delicious when paired with this simple maple mustard sauce. No need to defrost, cook straight from the freezer when you’re pressed for time!
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Air Fryer Brats

Cooking brats in the air fryer is so incredibly simple and quick you won’t believe it! Even the most die-hard grilling fans will be impressed with these tender and juicy air fryer brats. And best yet, they’re ready in under 15 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brats

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

These air fryer chicken leg quarters roast to perfection in under 25 minutes. With crispy skin, a mouthwatering spice rub and tender, juicy meat, you will love this easy dinner!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air Fryer Cod

Learn how to make air fryer cod with this easy recipe using lemon and simple spices for a tender, delicate and delicious cod fish dinner in under 20 minutes.
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Air Fryer Cornish Hens

This air fryer Cornish hen recipe is incredibly simple with stunning results. Whole roasted with crispy golden brown skin and tender juicy meat, these Cornish hens are the very definition of delicious comfort food.
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Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks

These crispy homemade air fryer fish sticks have just 6 ingredients including the fish! The recipe is gluten-free and eggless too with an easy dijon remoulade sauce for serving.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts

Forget to defrost dinner? No need to worry because you can cook these frozen chicken breasts right in the air fryer! Not only are they ready in less than 30 minutes but they’re incredibly tender and juicy too.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts

Air Fryer Garlic Ginger Shrimp

From freezer to your dinner plate in under 20 minutes, these air fryer frozen shrimp coated in a delicious garlic ginger sesame sauce make for a flavor-packed yet incredibly simple meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Ginger Shrimp

Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Air fryer lamb chops marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and fresh herbs are cooked to tender perfection in under 10 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Air Fryer Sausage

Cooking sausage in the air fryer is the easiest, quickest and most hands-off method there is for perfectly juicy, golden brown Italian sausages.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sausage

Air Fryer Tofu

Making tofu in the air fryer will be your new favorite method once you try this easy recipe. Much healthier and lower in fat than traditional frying with all the tasty benefits!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu

Air Fryer Ribeye

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 Salmon Bites

Marinated in a garlic, ginger soy sauce, air fryer salmon bites are cooked to tender perfection then served with the marinade transformed into a dip for extra flavor. It’s a simple salmon meal, perfect for weeknights that delivers big on taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Air Fryer Filet Mignon

Looking for a stunningly gourmet dinner at home without the effort? This air fryer filet mignon is it! Cooked to juicy tender perfection every time, this dinner is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Filet Mignon