12 Easy Air Fryer Dinner Recipes You Can Make in Under 20 Minutes

Busy nights do not have to mean boring takeout or cereal for dinner. With these air fryer dinner recipes ready in under 20 minutes, you can get real food on the table fast. These recipes are simple, family-friendly, and use ingredients you probably already have. You will save time, eat better, and still get your evening back.

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Crispy, thin-cut chicken is always a reliable option for easy air fryer dinners. Air fryer chicken cutlets cook quickly, stay juicy, and develop that golden crust everyone expects from a good weeknight air fryer recipe. Pair them with pasta, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• ½ cup golden breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380℉ for about 3-5 minutes.
2. Slice each chicken breast horizontally in the middle, creating four thinner pieces in total.
3. In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. Place the flour in the second shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, golden breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper.
4. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place the breaded chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Spray the breaded chicken cutlets lightly with cooking spray.
6. Cook in the air fryer at 380℉ for 15 minutes. Carefully flip the chicken in the air fryer basket and spray oil on them. Put the basket back in the air fryer and cook for another 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked fully. Once cooked, remove the chicken cutlets from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

For nights when you want a deeper flavor, air fryer chicken thighs bring rich, even browning and tender meat in one simple step. The skin crisps beautifully while the inside stays moist, making this a dependable air fryer dinner that never feels boring.

Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon each od dried parsley, dried oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, dried parsley, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pat dry the chicken using paper towels. Add the chicken thighs and mix well. Let it marinate for 30 minutes to an hour. You can also marinate them overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380℉ for 3 minutes.
4. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down, in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
5. Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer at 380℉ for 12 minutes.
6. After 12 minutes, flip the chicken thighs over using tongs and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165℉ and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
7. Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

These air fryer chicken drumsticks turn out with that slow-roasted flavor without the long cooking time. They are ideal for easy air fryer meals because the seasoning clings to the skin, and the texture stays tender all the way through.

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks, skin on
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, and dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380℉ for 4-5 minutes.
2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the skin to become crispy.
3. Combine oil, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Add the chicken drumsticks to it. Mix well, making sure all the chicken pieces are well coated.
4. Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them for even cooking.
5. Cook the drumsticks in the air fryer at 380℉ for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165℉ to ensure they are fully cooked. Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

When you need something straightforward, air fryer chicken breast delivers a clean, balanced dinner that works with almost anything on the side. It picks up light caramelization in the air fryer, giving you a weeknight-friendly option that slices well for bowls, wraps, or simple plates.

Ingredients

• 3 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder

Instructions

1. Combine the smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and oil in a mixing bowl. Add the chicken breast and coat them well in the marinade. Let them marinate for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 380℉ for about 3 minutes.
3. After marinating, remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer (rounded side down).
4. Cook the chicken breasts in the air fryer at 380℉ for 22 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165℉.
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges, and serve with your favorite side dishes.

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Bright peppers and tender strips of chicken make this a colorful air fryer dinner that feels fun without extra work. Air fryer chicken fajitas get that lightly charred edge you’d expect from a hot skillet, just with far less cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, boneless, skinless, sliced into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
• 2 tablespoons oil
• ½ yellow bell pepper sliced
• ½ green bell pepper sliced
• ½ red bell pepper sliced
• ½ red onion sliced
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380℉ for 3 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oil, fajita seasoning, and salt. Add the chicken and vegetables. Toss until evenly coated.
3. Place the seasoned chicken and vegetables in the air fryer basket, spreading them out into a single layer. Cook in the air fryer at 380℉ for 10 minutes.
4. After 10 minutes, turn the chicken and veggies using tongs or shake the air fryer basket. Cook for an additional 7-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
5. Serve with warm tortillas, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and any other desired toppings.

Air Fryer Salmon

Flaky fillets with crisp edges make air fryer salmon one of the most reliable, easy air fryer meals you can put together. The texture stays buttery, and it works effortlessly with rice bowls, roasted vegetables, or a simple drizzle of lemon.

Ingredients

• 4 7-oz salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon zested
• Fresh lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400℉ for 5 minutes. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
2. Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with oil. Season the fillets with salt and black pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated. Grate the zest from the fresh lemon over the salmon fillets.
3. Place the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side down.
4. Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 7-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145℉ and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
5. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the air fryer salmon with fresh lemon wedges.

Air Fryer Shrimp

Shrimp cook fast and develop great color in the air fryer, making it perfect for quick air fryer dinners that still taste special. Air fryer shrimp stays plump, lightly caramelized, and ready for tacos, pastas, or grain bowls.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

For a bolder option, air fryer chicken wings bring crisp skin, golden color, and a satisfying bite without deep frying. They hold their texture well and easily become a full air fryer dinner with a simple side.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings.

Air Fryer Meatballs

These air fryer meatballs brown beautifully and stay soft inside, giving you an easy air fryer recipe that works across multiple dinners. They can go into pasta, sandwiches, or bowls, and they pick up flavor quickly from any sauce.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Meatballs.

Air Fryer Cornflakes Chicken

A crunchy, playful option for easy weeknight air-fryer dinners, this cornflake-coated chicken comes out golden and crisp with little effort. Air fryer cornflakes chicken keeps the coating crunchy while the meat stays juicy, making it an instant family favorite.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Cornflakes Chicken.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Sticky glaze and caramelized edges turn this into a standout air fryer dinner with classic backyard flavor. Air fryer BBQ chicken thickens beautifully as it cooks, giving you saucy, tender pieces that work with any simple side.

Ingredients

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• ½ cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon oil
• ½ teaspoon each of onion powder and oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380℉ for 4-5 minutes.
2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning adhere better. Combine oil, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano in a mixing bowl. Add the chicken and mix well to coat them evenly.
3. Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
4. Cook the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer at 380℉ for 18-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165℉ and the skin is crispy. Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
5. Brush the drumsticks with the barbecue sauce, coating them evenly on all sides. Return the drumsticks to the air fryer for an additional 2 minutes to caramelize the BBQ sauce.

Air Fryer Cod

Mild, flaky fish makes a welcome change from heavier weeknight options. Air fryer cod cooks into tender pieces with a light golden exterior, giving you a clean, uncomplicated air fryer dinner that pairs well with herbs, lemon, or simple seasoning.

Ingredients

• 2 cod fillets, about 10-12 oz
• 1 tablespoon oil
• ½ lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions

1. Combine the oil, lemon juice, salt, dried parsley, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
2. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Brush the seasoned oil mixture over both sides of the cod fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400℉ for 3 minutes. Once preheated, place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.
4. Cook the cod fillets in the air fryer at 400℉ for 8 minutes or until they are golden brown and flake easily with a fork. Once cooked, carefully remove the cod fillets from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate.
5. Once cooked, carefully remove the cod fillets from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate.