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9 Air Fryer Dinners for Busy Nights

Chicken breast, salmon, crispy chicken bites, burgers, pork chops, quesadillas and more, with times, temperatures and basket tips.

6 min read9 ideas

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A tray of crispy chicken pieces with lime wedges, chilies and a green dipping sauce
Photo: Peter Pham on Unsplash

An air fryer is a small, powerful convection oven, which makes it brilliant for weeknight dinners: it preheats in minutes and crisps food without a pot of oil.

Air fryer basics

  • One layer, with space. Crowding is the number one cause of soggy food. Cook in batches.
  • Shake or flip halfway.
  • A little oil helps browning. Avoid aerosol sprays, which can damage nonstick baskets.
  • Times vary between models. Use the times below as a starting point and check with a thermometer.

Converting an oven recipe? Use our oven to air fryer converter.

  1. Air fryer chicken breast

    • 2 boneless chicken breasts
    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • 1 teaspoon each paprika, garlic powder and salt

    Cook at 380°F for 16 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway, to 165°F.

    Full recipe

  2. Salmon with honey garlic glaze

    • 4 salmon fillets
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 garlic clove

    Cook at 390°F for 7 to 10 minutes, brushing with glaze near the end, until 145°F.

  3. Crispy chicken bites

    • 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cubed
    • 1 egg
    • 1 cup panko
    • 1/2 cup Parmesan

    Dip in egg, then crumbs, spray lightly with oil and cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway, to 165°F.

    Full recipe

  4. Air fryer burgers

    • 1 1/4 pounds ground beef
    • Salt and pepper
    • 4 buns and cheese

    Cook 4 patties at 370°F for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, to 160°F.

    Full recipe

  5. Boneless pork chops

    • 4 boneless pork chops, 1 inch thick
    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon each paprika and garlic powder

    Cook at 380°F for 10 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway, to 145°F, then rest 3 minutes.

  6. Sausage, peppers and onions

    • 5 Italian sausages
    • 2 bell peppers
    • 1 onion
    • Hoagie rolls

    Cook at 370°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway, until the sausage reaches 160°F.

  7. Crispy quesadillas

    • 4 tortillas
    • 2 cups shredded cheese
    • 1 cup cooked chicken or beans

    Fold, brush with oil and cook at 375°F for 4 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway. Hold the top down with a rack or toothpicks.

  8. Shrimp fajitas

    • 1 pound shrimp
    • 2 bell peppers
    • 1 onion
    • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning

    Cook the peppers and onion at 390°F for 6 minutes, add the shrimp and cook 5 to 7 more minutes until pink.

  9. Loaded potato skins

    • 4 baked potatoes
    • 1 cup cheddar
    • Bacon bits, sour cream, green onions

    Halve, scoop, fill with cheese and bacon and cook at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes.

Questions, answered

What temperature do you cook chicken breast in an air fryer?

Around 375 to 380°F for 16 to 22 minutes, depending on size, flipping halfway, until it reaches 165°F in the thickest part.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Many models heat in 2 to 3 minutes. A quick preheat gives better browning for breaded foods; check your manual.

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