Ah, the air fryer—my kitchen’s most reliable sidekick. It’s like having a culinary wizard right on the countertop, turning the mundane into magic with a simple push of a button. From crispy chicken to sizzling veggies, these 15 easy air fryer dinners are not just meals; they’re little victories—perfect for those nights when time seems to slip away faster than a TikTok scroll.
Poached Shrimp
If you’re into seafood, here’s a quick tip: poaching shrimp is super easy and keeps them juicy. Just simmer them gently in a flavorful broth until pink and opaque. Perfect for salads, tacos, or eating straight from the pot. Give it a try next time you’re looking for a quick meal.
Steps
- Season bone-in chicken thighs with a dry brine and baking powder, allowing them to rest in the fridge for at least an hour to develop crispy skin.
- Prepare chicken breasts by dry-brining with baking powder and leaving them bone-in to retain moisture, then cook them at a high temperature for juicy results.
- For pork chops, dry-brine them and opt for a thicker bone-in cut. Start cooking at a low temperature and finish on high to achieve a perfect crust.
- To make Southern fried chicken, use a buttermilk-pickle brine and seasoned dredge, ensuring juicy meat with a crisp coating without the mess of deep frying.
- Grill barbecue chicken in the air fryer by spacing out the pieces for even cooking, and apply barbecue sauce halfway through for a delightful char.
- For chicken katsu, pound chicken into thin cutlets, dry-brine briefly, coat in panko breadcrumbs, and air fry for juicy, crispy results without deep frying.
- Cook salmon fillets in the air fryer by selecting appropriate thickness, preheating the fryer, and oiling the fish for tender meat with crispy skin.
- Use large shrimp for air frying, toss them in a dry brine of salt, baking soda, and sugar, and cook them quickly for plump, browned shrimp.
- To air fry chicken wings, coat them in baking powder, space them out for even airflow, and cook until golden and crispy with your choice of sauce.
- Achieve crispy bacon in the air fryer in about 10 minutes for a quick, mess-free alternative to traditional methods.
- Coat firm, ripe avocados in panko breadcrumbs, crush large flakes for even browning, and air fry for a crunchy, golden exterior.
- Roast Brussels sprouts in the air fryer for crisp, browned results, and serve with raw shaved sprouts, toasted breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing.
- For Sichuan-style green beans, air fry them until lightly blistered, and serve simply salted or with lemon zest and Parmesan.
- Roast potatoes in the air fryer after parboiling with baking soda for a crunchy exterior, completing the process in 20-25 minutes.
- Toss cauliflower florets in a mix of oil and water before air frying for a crispy exterior and tender interior with toasty flavors.
- Air fry broccoli for a crispy texture, then toss with breadcrumbs mixed with anchovy paste, garlic, and lemon zest for a Caesar-like flavor.
- Caramelize asparagus in the air fryer by cooking at high heat for a lightly browned exterior and tender-crisp interior within 10 minutes.
- Bake potatoes in the air fryer for about 40 minutes until they are fully tender inside and crispy outside, ready for your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- Bone-in chicken thighs
- Chicken breasts, bone-in
- Baking powder
- Pork chops, thick bone-in cut
- Buttermilk-pickle brine
- Barbecue sauce
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Salmon fillets, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2-inch thick
- Shrimp, size 16/20
- Salt
- Baking soda
- Sugar
- Chicken wings
- Buffalo sauce or sweet and spicy chile sauce
- Bacon
- Avocados, firm and ripe
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Brussels sprouts
- Shaved raw sprouts
- Toasted breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Creamy Caesar dressing flavored with preserved lemon
- Green beans
- Lemon zest
- Potatoes
- Cauliflower
- Oil
- Water
- Broccoli
- Breadcrumbs
- Anchovy paste
- Garlic
- Asparagus
- Baked potatoes
- Sour cream
- Chives
- Crumbled bacon
FAQ
- How do I prevent chicken breast from drying out in an air fryer?
- To keep chicken breast juicy in an air fryer, try dry-brining and using baking powder to season. It’s best to leave the breasts bone-in to protect them from drying, allowing for higher temperature cooking without losing moisture.
- What are some tips for achieving crispy skin on air-fried chicken thighs?
- For crispy skin on chicken thighs, season them with a dry brine and let them rest in the fridge for at least an hour. Adding a touch of baking powder can also help create a crunchy texture.
- Can you cook pork chops in an air fryer without them becoming dry?
- Yes, you can achieve juicy pork chops by dry-brining them and choosing a thicker, bone-in cut. Start cooking at a lower temperature and finish on high heat to ensure a tender inside with a crisp crust.
- Is it possible to make Southern fried chicken in an air fryer?
- Absolutely! Using a buttermilk-pickle brine and a well-seasoned dredge, you can create juicy, crispy Southern fried chicken in an air fryer with less mess compared to traditional frying methods.
- How can I ensure my air-fried salmon has crisp skin without sticking?
- To achieve crisp skin on salmon, make sure the fillets are properly dried and oiled before cooking. Preheating the air fryer and using the right thickness of fillets (1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches) will also help in getting the perfect result.
Tips
- For the crispiest chicken skin, season bone-in thighs with a dry brine and let them rest in the fridge for at least an hour. Adding a bit of baking powder can enhance the texture.
- When cooking pork chops, dry-brine them and choose a thicker bone-in cut. Start cooking them slowly and finish on high heat for tender meat with a perfect crust.
- To achieve crispy chicken wings, coat them in baking powder before air frying. This encourages browning and a crackly exterior. Ensure they are spaced out for even cooking.
- For perfectly roasted potatoes in an air fryer, parboil them with baking soda to create a starchy surface. This helps achieve a crunchy exterior in a shorter time compared to traditional roasting methods.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – Essential for all the recipes mentioned.
- Meat Thermometer – Useful for ensuring meat is cooked to the correct temperature without overcooking.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – While not equipment, this ingredient is specifically required for the katsu and avocado recipes and might be something not everyone has on hand.
- Baking Powder – Again, not equipment, but this ingredient is repeatedly mentioned for achieving crispy textures and might not be in every pantry.
