18 Quick and Delicious Air Fryer Recipes for Busy Nights

Discover 18 mouth-watering air fryer recipes perfect for busy nights. These recipes are quick, easy, and delicious, making them ideal for anyone short on time but eager for a tasty meal.

1. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

First, marinate your chicken wings in your favorite sauce. Then, preheat the air fryer. When ready, place the wings in the basket, ensuring none overlap. Cook at 400°F for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll achieve a perfect crispy texture without the need for excess oil. In one bite, you’ll taste the juicy inside contrasting the crunchy exterior. Consider serving these with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing. The ease of preparation makes these wings a go-to for any night when time is of the essence.

2. Air Fryer French Fries

Start by slicing potatoes into even strips. Soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Pat dry thoroughly before cooking. Preheat your air fryer and set it to 375°F. Toss the fries lightly in olive oil and arrange them in the fryer basket. Cook for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The end result is crispy, golden fries without the grease. Perfect for a quick snack or a side dish. Enjoy them with a sprinkle of sea salt and your favorite dipping sauce.

3. Air Fryer Salmon

Brush salmon fillets with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon. Preheat the air fryer and set it to 390°F. Place the salmon fillets inside and cook for 8-10 minutes. The result is a tender, flaky fish that retains all its moisture. It’s an effortless way to cook salmon on busy nights. Pair it with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. The simplicity and speed of this recipe make it a favorite for health-conscious individuals.

4. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Prepare mozzarella sticks by coating them in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. Freeze until solid to prevent melting in the air fryer. Preheat the fryer to 390°F. Cook the sticks for 6-8 minutes or until crispy. They come out golden and crunchy, with gooey cheese inside. It’s a delightful snack or appetizer that’s quick to prepare. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping. A crowd-pleaser for sure, these mozzarella sticks are perfect for entertaining or indulging yourself on a cozy night in.

5. Air Fryer Shrimp

Season shrimp with olive oil, garlic, and your choice of herbs. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning once halfway through. The shrimp turn out juicy and flavorful with a slight char. They’re perfect for a quick dinner or as part of a surf and turf. Serve with lemon wedges to enhance the flavors. This method of cooking shrimp ensures they remain tender and full of taste without any hassle.

6. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Trim and halve Brussels sprouts, then toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Cook the sprouts for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. They develop a crispy outside and tender inside, with a delicious caramelization. Add cooked bacon bits for extra flavor. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving. This dish transforms Brussels sprouts into a savory delight, sure to win over even the skeptics. It’s a simple side dish that pairs well with any main course.

7. Air Fryer Pork Chops

Season pork chops with your favorite spices and let them sit for a few minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the chops in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is juicy pork chops with a deliciously seasoned crust. It’s a quick, satisfying dinner option. Pair them with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. This recipe is perfect for busy nights, delivering flavorsome results without much effort.

8. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

Thinly slice sweet potatoes and soak in cold water to remove starch. Pat dry and toss with olive oil, salt, and rosemary. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Arrange the slices in a single layer and cook for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through. The chips turn out crispy and flavorful, a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. These chips make a great snack or side dish. Enjoy the natural sweetness of the potatoes enhanced by the aromatic rosemary, providing a satisfying crunch.

9. Air Fryer Meatballs

Mix ground meat with bread crumbs, parmesan, and spices. Form into balls and preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the meatballs in the basket, spacing them out. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking once. They emerge juicy and flavorful, perfect for a quick dinner. Serve with marinara sauce and spaghetti for a classic combo. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy meatballs without the hassle of frying. It’s quick, easy, and keeps the meatballs tender and delicious.

10. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Cut zucchini into sticks and coat with flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the coated sticks in a single layer and cook for 12 minutes. The fries come out crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside. They’re a healthier alternative to regular fries and a great way to enjoy vegetables. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious snack. Zucchini fries are both tasty and nutritious, making them a go-to for health-conscious snackers.

11. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Coat chicken tenders in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Arrange the tenders in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway. They come out crispy and golden, perfect for a quick meal. The inside remains tender and juicy, providing a delightful contrast. Serve with honey mustard or barbecue sauce for dipping. These chicken tenders make for a fast and satisfying dinner or lunch. Ideal for families, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

12. Air Fryer Veggie Burgers

Prepare your favorite veggie burger mix and form patties. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Place the patties in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes. The result is a crispy outside with a soft, flavorful inside. It’s a great vegetarian option for a quick meal. Serve with your choice of toppings and a side of air fryer sweet potato fries. Veggie burgers in the air fryer are convenient and delicious, making them a perfect option for busy nights when you want something hearty yet healthy.

13. Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Halve peppers and remove seeds. Stuff with a mixture of cooked rice, ground meat, and spices. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F and place the stuffed peppers inside. Cook for 12-15 minutes, topping with cheese halfway through. They come out perfectly cooked with a melty cheese topping. This dish is a complete meal on its own, packed with flavors and nutrients. It’s a handy recipe when you want something filling yet quick to prepare. Stuffed peppers are a classic comfort food made easy with the air fryer.

14. Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings

Cut cauliflower into florets and coat with batter. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Arrange the florets in a single layer and cook for 15 minutes, shaking halfway. Toss the cooked cauliflower in buffalo sauce and serve with celery sticks. These cauliflower wings offer a spicy, satisfying crunch, appealing to both vegetarians and meat-lovers. They’re a healthier alternative to traditional wings, providing all the flavor without the guilt. The air fryer makes this dish incredibly easy to prepare, ideal for a quick snack.

15. Air Fryer Falafel

Blend chickpeas with herbs and spices, then form into balls. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Arrange the falafel balls in the basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through. They come out crispy on the outside and tender inside. These falafel balls are perfect for a healthy snack or meal. Serve with hummus and a fresh salad for a complete dish. The air fryer makes preparing falafel easy and mess-free, delivering authentic flavors without deep frying.

16. Air Fryer Apple Chips

Slice apples thinly and sprinkle with cinnamon. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F. Arrange the slices in a single layer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway. The apple chips become crispy with a sweet and spicy flavor profile. They’re a healthy, delicious snack option for any time of the day. Enjoy them on their own or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. Making apple chips in the air fryer is simple and rewarding, providing a delightful treat without added sugar.

17. Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Season fish fillets with spices and coat in breadcrumbs. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the fillets in the basket and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway. Serve the crispy fish in tortillas with slaw and lime. These tacos are flavorful and quick to make, offering a fresh take on a classic dish. Ideal for a light dinner, they’re sure to impress with their vibrant flavors and textures. The air fryer makes it easy to enjoy fish tacos without the mess of traditional frying.

18. Air Fryer Onion Rings

Slice onions into rings and coat with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the rings in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning once. The onion rings come out crispy and delicious. They’re a fun, easy snack or side dish that doesn’t require deep frying. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce. These onion rings are quick to prepare, making them perfect for spontaneous gatherings or a treat for yourself. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and savory taste.