It’s mid-week, you’ve got three practices to be at right now, homework isn’t done, the laundry is piled on the couch, and your kids are starving. What’s a parent to do? First, forget the laundry. Second, nip all the “I’m hungry” pleas in the bud with an easy air fryer dinner recipe that will taste great and take less time than ordering takeout. Whether they like steak, pizza, chicken, or tacos, we’ve got simple solutions that’ll get food on the table in a flash and leave you time to do other things—like watching your new favorite show on Netflix. Priorities, amirite?
Air Fryer Cheeseburgers
A hamburger is always a favorite with families, but grilling on a weeknight is practically impossible with a busy schedule, which makes this air fryer dinner recipe for hamburgers (or cheeseburgers) from Well Plated perfect. You’ll get the same results in way less time. Just put out your buns and toppings, and dinner is done.
Air Fryer Pork Chops
Pork chops can be tricky to prepare, as you don’t want them too pink and you don’t want to dry them out. This air fryer version from Recipe Teacher takes just 12 minutes, is seasoned to perfection, and comes out perfectly cooked.
Air Fryer Whole Roasted Chicken
If there’s anything cozier than a roasted chicken for dinner, we haven’t found it. Cut down on your cooking time using your air fryer like this recipe from Spend with Pennies does, and don’t forget—your leftovers can be used in all sorts of different ways.
Classic Meatloaf
Mom’s meatloaf gets a modern upgrade when you make it in an air fryer. Urban Bliss Life has a recipe that’s short on time but not on flavor. This version is made with healthier ground turkey, and the glaze topping is a ‘chef’s kiss.’
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Strips
This kid-favorite gets a healthy makeover that you can whip up in minutes. There is a breading you need to make, but the good news is that you can prep a big batch and cook as many as you need during the week. Get this air fryer dinner recipe from Feel Good Foodie.
Air Fryer Dinner Recipe for Beef Empanadas
A tasty beef mixture stuff inside a yummy pizza dough-like shell? Yes, please. The filling is easy to prep, and you can find frozen empanada discs at the grocery store, so this is a no-brainer on a busy weeknight. And don’t stick to ground beef! You can use turkey or shredded chicken or make pizza pockets with cheese and pepperoni. Get the recipe from Skinny Taste.
Loaded Baked Potato
Is there anything more delicious than a loaded baked potato? We sure don’t think so. We also don’t love the time it takes to bake one in the oven, and with this version, you’ll get crispy, salty potatoes ready for savory toppings like cheese, bacon, sour cream, scallions, or even broccoli. Get this air fryer dinner recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen.
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Mini pizza, anyone? Kids will love this creative air fryer dinner idea because they can use whatever toppings they want, and you’ll love that the kids will be fed in under 15 minutes. Get ideas for toppings and what kind of tortillas work best from Oh Snap Marcos.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are one of the most versatile ingredients you can use because the flavor possibilities are endless. Using an air fryer doesn’t change that, but it does change your time in the kitchen. Check out this air fryer dinner recipe from Low Carb with Jennifer for chicken thighs—you might never use your oven again.
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
A gooey, warm cheese sandwich is the ultimate cold-weather meal for kids (and adults). And now, you can make one in your air fryer and save your skillet a wash. Add a bowl of soup, and you’ve got a delicious dinner. Kristine’s Kitchen has the ultimate explanation for how to get that bread to toast just right.
Air Fryer Fish & Chips
White fish fillets are a perfect protein for picky eaters. It has a plain flavor; you can make it in all sorts of ways, and now, with this air fryer recipe for fish and chips, you can create a proper English staple. Feel Good Foodie has tips to ensure your version comes out perfectly crispy.
Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie
Everyone knows Marie Calendar’s chicken pot pies are a perfect frozen meal when you just don’t want to cook. But the actual cooking time makes them too long when you’re in a rush. Thankfully, Everyday Family Cooking has an air fryer solution that takes less time and tastes like they spent an hour in the oven.
Air Fryer Steak
Imagine a crispy-seared steak with a juicy pink middle. You can have it without the hassle of a skillet or grill using this air fryer dinner recipe from The Recipe Critic. You can use a New York Strip, Rib Eye, or even Tri Tip, and don’t forget to make the decadent garlic butter to top it off.
Air Fryer Dinner Recipe for Meatballs
Who doesn’t love a meatball? This easy air fryer recipe from Spend with Pennies is homemade, but the cooking time in an air fryer takes the same amount of time as boiling pasta. The best part? You get that elusive crisp outside. Make a large batch and serve with marinara sauce or as a quick snack.
Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are one thing. Honey garlic chicken wings are entirely another. With a sauce that only has five ingredients, and an entire batch of wings done in under 25 minutes, serving these with a side of rice and veggies sounds like a perfect mid-week meal to us. Get the recipe from Real Food with Sarah.
Best Air Fryer Dinner Recipe for Salmon
Another popular seafood for families is salmon. This recipe from Feel Good Foodie only uses two spices, salt, pepper, and olive oil, and is air-fried to perfection in under 10 minutes.
Air Fryer Beef Tacos
Taco Tuesday, or any day really, just got a glow-up with this easy air fryer recipe for crispy tacos that will keep grease to a minimum and flavor at a maximum. You will have to brown your beef with this one, but it still cuts back on meal prep, which makes for a perfect weeknight dinner solution. Get the recipe from Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts.
