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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Air Fryer Recipes That Are Perfect for Busy Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on February 3, 2025, updated February 3, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Air fryers are a game changer for busy weeknights, making it easy to whip up quick and satisfying meals. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy crispy chicken, roasted veggies, and even desserts in no time. These 21 recipes will help you put dinner on the table fast, without sacrificing flavor.

    Air Fryer Flank Steak

    Sliced flank steak.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This steak is a quick and delicious choice that can impress even the fussiest eaters. A simple marinade ensures it comes out juicy and tender in just 8-10 minutes.

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    Air Fryer Cornish Hens

    A cornish hen on a plate.
    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    Cornish hens are an easy way to prepare an elegant dinner that everyone will love. They cook quickly in the air fryer, making them a great choice for any gathering.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Salmon Patties

    Air Fryer Salmon Patties.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Salmon Patties are a simple and tasty meal that cooks in just 6-8 minutes. With fresh salmon and tasty seasonings, they’re easy to make and sure to please even the fussiest eaters.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

    Air fried chicken cutlets.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fryer chicken cutlets are perfect for a quick and impressive dinner. Their crispy exterior and juicy interior make them a hit for any meal.

    Get the recipe

    French Onion Pork Chops

    French onion pork chops.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Boneless pork chops cooked in the air fryer turn out juicy and tender, making them a great option for a special dinner. A simple pan sauce adds a nice touch, perfect for a date night.

    Get the recipe

    Fish Tacos

    Fish tacos.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Crispy fish tacos are a hit, especially when served with zesty lime coleslaw and sweet mango salsa. This dish is a satisfying meal that even picky eaters will love.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Roast Beef

    Sliced roast beef.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This roast beef is a great option for a family dinner, ready in just 50 minutes. It features a tasty herby crust and a juicy, tender center, making it ideal for any special occasion.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Steak Tips

    Air Fryer Steak Tips.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Steak Tips are a simple and tasty meal that you can whip up in just 10 minutes. With some common seasonings, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas

    A plate full of quesadillas.
    Image credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Cheesy quesadillas are simple to whip up in the air fryer. They’re a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer T-Bone Steak with Homemade Garlic Butter

    T-bone steak with garlic butter.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    T-bone steaks turn out great in the air fryer, making dinner easy. Serve them with garlic butter or your favorite sauce for a delicious meal.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Shrimp

    A bowl of air fryer shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dinner is quick and tasty, ready in just 3-5 minutes. With garlic and paprika for flavor and fresh parsley on top, it pairs well with salads or your favorite sides.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Tacos

    Shrimp tacos.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Shrimp tacos are a fantastic choice to impress your partner or friends. With tasty shrimp and a zesty lime coleslaw, this is a delightful dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Teriyaki Tempura Cauliflower

    Tempura teriyaki cauliflower.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Crispy Teriyaki Tempura Cauliflower bites are a healthier choice thanks to the air fryer. Enjoy a tasty take on tempura without the mess of deep frying.

    Get the recipe

    Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    This dish is simple to prepare and brings a great addition to any dinner, especially on a special occasion. It's cooked just right, tender, and can be made in advance.

    Get the recipe

    Arancini

    Air fryer arancini.
    Image credit: Katie Trant

    Fried risotto balls are a delicious way to enjoy a bit of comfort food with a fancy twist. They're ideal for a cozy evening at home.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Rib Eye

    How To Cook A Rib Eye Steak
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    A rib eye steak cooked in the air fryer turns out juicy and full of flavor. Once you try it, you'll probably want to use the air fryer for all your steak dinners.

    Get the recipe

    Smoky Air Fryer Drumsticks

    Air fryer chicken drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    These drumsticks are full of flavor and remain juicy because of a delicious marinade. They’re great for impressing your partner on a special night.

    Get the recipe

    Mahi Mahi

    Mahi mahi.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This mahi mahi is easy to prepare and full of flavor, making it great for a special dinner. Pair it with your favorite sides for a meal that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Nachos With Tajin

    Air fryer nachos.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    These nachos are quick and easy to prepare in your air fryer, taking just 10 minutes. Loaded with layers of cheese and a sprinkle of Tajin seasoning, they’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a light dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Salmon

    Air Fryer Salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    You can have tasty skin-on salmon ready in just 20 minutes using your air fryer, perfect for a cozy dinner with someone special. A splash of lemon juice and a dash of lemon pepper add a nice touch that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Steak Bites

    Air fryer steak bites.
    Image credit: Sarah Cook

    These delicious steak bites are prepared in the air fryer and are bound to impress even the fussiest eaters. Ready in under 10 minutes, they are perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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