I Used My Air Fryer And Skipped The Oven Meltdown With 27 Recipes
Keeping dinner on track without overheating the house started with avoiding the oven altogether. The 27 air fryer meals that followed made the evenings smoother and gave back a little breathing room. No one missed the usual mess, and even the picky ones stopped hovering around the kitchen.

Air Fryer Maryland Crab Cake

Using the air fryer, Maryland crab cakes come out crisp on the outside while staying moist inside. They bring all the savory flavor without having to deal with greasing or flipping. Air Fryer Maryland Crab Cake is perfect for a quick appetizer or small meal. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make seafood without a mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Maryland Crab Cake
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Cooking glazed carrots is quicker and easier when you toss them in the air fryer. They turn out perfectly tender with a nice glaze that’s just right. Making Air Fryer Glazed Carrots this way saves time and cleanup. It’s a simple and reliable way to get veggies on the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Air Fryer German Chocolate Cake

Baking in the air fryer really changes the game when it comes to dessert, especially with Air Fryer German Chocolate Cake. The texture is rich without the need for constant checking in the oven. It fits small servings well for quicker sweet fixes. No need for a big bake when this does the job hassle-free.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer German Chocolate Cake
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

The air fryer makes chicken tenders crispy without the need for deep frying. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders come out golden and evenly cooked every time. It’s a great option for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. Plus, there’s no babysitting the oven needed.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins

Small and convenient, Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins are made to impress without much effort. The air fryer helps crisp up the edges while keeping everything warm inside. It’s a good choice for game nights or casual gatherings. You’ll spend less time waiting and more time enjoying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins
Air Fryer Rattlesnake Bites

For something with a bold kick, Air Fryer Rattlesnake Bites are quick to put together and turn out golden without the grease. The air fryer ensures they stay crispy throughout. They’re great for sharing or munching alone without a lot of work. You save yourself the effort of preheating an oven.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Rattlesnake Bites
Air Fryer White Chicken Chili

With Air Fryer White Chicken Chili, the air fryer speeds up the process and gives it a special touch. It’s comforting and hearty, with far less time standing over the stove. Everything comes together with less cleanup required. This is one of those recipes that’s great for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer White Chicken Chili
Air Fryer Cheesecake

Yes, cheesecake is possible in the air fryer, and Air Fryer Cheesecake makes dessert feel effortless. It cooks evenly with a velvety outcome that surprises every time. You no longer need to wait on a big oven or complicated baking setup. Small batches work perfectly, satisfying quick dessert needs.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheesecake
Air Fryer Beef Pot Pie

Making Air Fryer Beef Pot Pie cuts down the time while still delivering a comforting meal. The air fryer gives it a perfectly crisp top layer, while everything inside stays warm and tender. It’s great for small servings and quick dinners. Oven space is no longer a concern here.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Pot Pie
Air Fryer Lemon Cookies

Cookies in the air fryer? Yes, Air Fryer Lemon Cookies bake quicker, and each bite stays chewy with perfect flavor. Small-batch baking is a no-brainer with this approach. No oven preheating or guesswork required. It’s easy, quick, and effective when dessert cravings hit.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lemon Cookies
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

With Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, you get evenly cooked chicken without worrying about pans splattering. The skin crisps just right, making it hard to believe this isn’t deep-fried. It’s a quick option for any weeknight dinner or even meal prep. Air fryers make it easier without the fuss of the stove.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

Shrimp in the air fryer is a whole new level with Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp. The shrimp cooks evenly, paired with that unique sweetness in less time than usual. Perfect for weeknights or quick between-meal snacks. This air fryer meal cuts out the unnecessary hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp
Air Fryer Hash Browns

Breakfast gets an upgrade with Air Fryer Hash Browns that come out perfectly crisp in less time. You don’t need a skillet or constant flipping to get these just right. The even texture from the air fryer is hard to beat. Plus, it’s much easier to clean than a griddle or pan.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hash Browns
Air Fryer Asparagus

Getting Air Fryer Asparagus crunchy yet tender just takes minimal effort here. The air fryer delivers even cooking that doesn’t overdo it. This method means no stovetop splatters or overcooked results. Serving dinner is faster and more manageable.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus
Air Fryer Pig Shots

Making Air Fryer Pig Shots felt almost too simple with this device. This dish comes out crispy and flavorful every time without much babysitting. It’s a great starter or snack option for laid-back moments. Preparing them in large or small amounts is convenient with the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pig Shots
Air Fryer Black Bean Burger

Burgers like Air Fryer Black Bean Burger cook much faster in this setup while still turning out moist on the inside. The texture and consistency stay on point without needing to grill or fry outside. This quick method is perfect for an easy dinner or lunch. Who knew a burger could be handled this fast?
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Black Bean Burger
Air Fryer French Onion Soup

Even French onion soup is air-fryer-friendly with Air Fryer French Onion Soup becoming a unique option. The topping gets broiled just right, and the soup heats evenly with less hassle. You don’t have to worry about it spilling over in a pan. It lets you focus more on other things instead of watching it cook.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Onion Soup
Air Fryer Pizza

To make pizza your way, Air Fryer Pizza makes the process quick and without a messy oven. This works for smaller portions, with ingredients melting perfectly together. You can try all kinds of variations with less waiting. It’s a simple solution to quick pizza cravings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza
Air Fryer Eggplant

If you’ve only tried eggplant one way, Air Fryer Eggplant offers something a bit different. Quick, simple, and just the right balance of texture. Cooking it here avoids the sogginess and keeps it consistent. Perfect for pairing as a veggie side or tossing in something creative.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Eggplant
Air Fryer Bagel Bites

Making a smaller batch is no big deal with Air Fryer Bagel Bites, which cook evenly and in less than expected time. Each one turns out with a great texture—no uneven temperatures here. Snacks come together so fast this way. For a quick bite, it really handles the work effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bagel Bites
Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

You save time and mess cooking Air Fryer Twisted Bacon this way while still getting that crunch with each piece. Clever twists mean more texture and easier prep. Using the air fryer eliminates grease splatters that stovetop cooking can bring. It’s designed with ease and consistency in mind.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
Air Fryer Shrimp

Using an air fryer for shrimp, like with Air Fryer Shrimp, speeds up cooking and avoids overdoing it. The consistency ends up ideal, and it’s done in no time. Great for tossing into quick meals or appetizers. Cleanup feels way easier compared to other methods.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp
Air Fryer Homemade Fries

French fries get evenly crispy and quicker with Air Fryer Homemade Fries. There’s no need for deep frying or turning them constantly. It’s a great way to get snacks ready without much oil involved too. The air fryer helps you focus on other parts of the meal while it does the work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Homemade Fries
Air Fryer Peach Cobbler

Even dessert like Air Fryer Peach Cobbler fits into this device with no complicated process. The right balance of textures comes together without overbaking. It’s fast enough for a weeknight treat or something special. No waiting for large batches to finish slowly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peach Cobbler
Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Bacon in the air fryer hits perfect crispness without the greasy mess like Crispy Air Fryer Bacon. It saves time, cooks evenly, and means no standing over a pan. The cleanup process is a lot quicker, too. Making breakfast (or brunch) is more manageable than ever with this method.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

Chips in minutes with Air Fryer Tortilla Chips that are so easy to throw together. They come out crunchy and even without the need for layers of oil. Snacking gets simpler with this no-mess method. Perfect for pairing with dips or eating on their own, no oven time needed.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
Air Fryer Crack Chicken Casserole

With Air Fryer Crack Chicken Casserole, everything blends well and cooks just right without long wait times. The top gets a slight crisp while staying moist underneath. It handles smaller portions beautifully, making it perfect for busy nights. Pull it together faster and easier than the traditional way.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crack Chicken Casserole
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
