25 Quick Air Fryer Recipes for Weeknight Meals and Snacks

Are you looking to use the Air Fryer more? If so, here are 25 easy air fryer recipes — including gluten-free options — to get you started.

I’ll note which recipes are gluten-free. I’ve become obsessed with my air fryer and use it almost every night. It’s replaced so many time-consuming steps and makes weeknight meals quick and simple.

If you haven’t yet tried one, the air fryer is incredibly easy to use — toss ingredients in, set the time and temperature, and dinner is ready in minutes.

25 Air Fryer Recipes

The air fryer transforms quick weeknight meals. You can cook everything from whole chickens and stir-fries to breakfast favorites and even donuts.

Not sure which model to buy? Check out the post “How to Choose the Right Air Fryer” for tips on features to consider before purchasing.

How much can you fit in the air fryer?

Capacity varies by recipe and by air fryer model. Many recipes here serve four to six, and sometimes I run two batches to feed everyone when using a smaller basket. For dishes like teriyaki chicken or shrimp with vegetables, one batch often feeds 4–6 people. For large pieces of meat, like full-size chicken breasts or burgers, you may need multiple rounds.

Once I discovered how versatile the air fryer is, I realized you can cook almost anything in it. The possibilities are practically endless.

There are so many great recipes to try — and I’m always adding more to my list.

Can you use the Ninja Foodi?

I now use the Ninja Foodi, which combines pressure cooking and air frying in one appliance. It’s become my go-to because of its versatility, but most of these recipes will work in any quality air fryer with minor timing adjustments.

Ready to start using your air fryer? Below are 25 easy recipes — many with gluten-free versions — organized for quick reference.

25 Air Fryer Recipes

Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Looking for the best air fryer recipes? These easy recipes are simple to convert to gluten-free versions when needed.

1
Image for Air Fryer Bratwurst and Vegetables

Air Fryer Bratwurst and Vegetables

A quick, satisfying meal that pairs bratwurst with peppers, onions, and other fresh vegetables for an easy one-pan dinner.

2
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Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken

A restaurant-style honey garlic chicken that’s flavorful and can be made gluten-free and oil-free for a lighter version.

3
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Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki Bowls

Use the same method as the honey garlic chicken, but swap the sauce for teriyaki for a tasty gluten-free bowl option.

4
Image for Air Fryer Hard Cooked Eggs works and works well.

Air Fryer Hard Cooked Eggs

Hard-cooked eggs made in the air fryer are simple and reliable — you may never boil them again.

5
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Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes

Crisp roasted potatoes with rosemary make a perfect, easy side dish for any meal.

6
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Air Fryer Pizza Bagels

A kid-friendly lunch or snack — quick to assemble and crisp in the air fryer.

7
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Breadcrumbed or seasoned however you like, these tenders are crisp and perfect with any dipping sauce.

8
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Air Fryer Fried Pickles (Gluten-Free)

A crunchy, tangy snack that can be made gluten-free and tastes like the traditional fried version without the oil.

9
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Air Fryer Shrimp and Vegetables

A low-carb, quick meal that cooks in minutes — great for lunch or dinner.

10
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Air Fryer Chimichangas

A flavorful, crispy dinner option that’s lighter than deep-fried chimichangas but still delicious.

11
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Air Fryer Steak

Get a grilled flavor and great sear on steaks in the air fryer with minimal fuss.

12
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Air Fryer Roasted Corn

A quick way to get grilled-tasting corn without an outdoor grill — a great side for steak or burgers.

13
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Crisp-tender sprouts with caramelized edges — an ideal snack or side dish.

14
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How to Make Air Fryer Tacos

These tacos take less than five minutes to crisp the shells and heat the filling for a fast, fun meal.

15
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Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe

Baked potatoes in the air fryer cook quickly and come out perfectly tender with crisp skin.

16
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe: Weight Watchers

A lighter version of crispy chicken tenders that fits Weight Watchers plans and still delivers great texture.

17
Image for Air Fryer New York Style Egg Rolls (Shrimp & Pork)

Air Fryer New York Style Egg Rolls (Shrimp & Pork)

These egg rolls crisp up nicely without deep frying — a tasty app or main when paired with a dipping sauce.

18
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How to Make Air Fried Eggplant (Gluten-Free)

Air-fried eggplant tastes like the fried version but uses little to no oil and can be made gluten-free.

19
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Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

A takeout-style beef dish that can be adapted to be gluten-free while retaining big flavor.

20
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Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwiches

A copycat favorite cooked in the air fryer for a crisp, flavorful sandwich without deep frying.

21
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Perfect Air Fryer Salmon

Salmon cooks quickly in the air fryer and develops a lovely crust while staying moist inside.

22
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Air Fryer French Fries

Crispy fries from fresh potatoes or frozen — the air fryer makes them golden without excess oil.

23
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Air Fryer Monkey Bread

A sweet, pull-apart dessert that bakes beautifully in the air fryer — great for brunch or dessert.

24
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Air Fryer Churros

A delicious dessert option that crisps up without deep frying and is perfect with a dusting of cinnamon sugar.

25
Image for How to Make an Air Fried Blooming Onion (Gluten-Free)

How to Make an Air Fried Blooming Onion (Gluten-Free)

A show-stopping appetizer that can be made gluten-free and still delivers a satisfying crunch.

 

Are you inspired to start using an air fryer? Once you begin, it’s hard to stop — it makes cooking simpler and faster.

If you want these recipes at your fingertips, consider the e-book that features 15 easy air fryer recipes.

Follow along on Pinterest for an Air Fryer Recipe board or check the Air Fryer Fanatics community for more ideas and tips!

Air Fryer Recipes

I use a Ninja Foodi Air Fryer, but many of these recipes adapt well to a wide range of air fryer models. See “How to Choose the Right Air Fryer” for guidance on selecting the best one for you.

Each of these can be made in a Ninja Foodi or most other air fryer models.