Stuck in a dinner rut? We fix that fast with the air fryer, where hot air delivers crisp texture and tender bites without extra oil or extra pans. That speed matters when schedules are packed but we still want bold flavor on the plate. With straightforward steps and dependable cook times, these meals bring golden finishes and juicy results that keep weeknights interesting.

Close-up of a fork holding a piece of medium-rare cooked beef steak, with visible seasonings and a slice of lemon in the background.
Steak in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Air fryer orange chicken coated in sticky orange glaze with lightly crisped edges.
Air Fryer Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Air frying builds a crisp coating without deep-fry mess. Toss in glossy orange sauce for bold flavor on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Air Fryer Veal Parmesan

Air fryer veal Parmesan golden and topped with melted cheese and sauce.
Air Fryer Veal Parmesan. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Air frying builds a golden crust without skillet splatter. Tender cutlets stay juicy under melted cheese for easy timing.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Veal Parmesan

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air fryer chicken thighs crisped golden with visible seasoning across the skin.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

High heat crisps the skin while the inside stays juicy. These thighs deliver golden, reliable results with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Air fryer steak bites coated in garlic butter served hot with crispy browned edges.
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Seven minutes of high heat gives these steak bites crisp edges. Garlic butter melts over tender centers for reliable weeknight wins.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Air Fryer Filet Mignon

Air fryer filet mignon with sliced potatoes.
Air Fryer Filet Mignon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Even heat cooks filet mignon to a tender, rosy center. Let it rest briefly for juicy, consistent results.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Filet Mignon

Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

Two roasted chicken thighs on a white plate garnished with sprigs of thyme. A ceramic jar is partially visible in the background on the left.
Air Fryer Turkey Thighs. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Circulating heat crisps the skin while locking in juices. Steady timing keeps these turkey thighs tender and golden.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Air fryer bang bang shrimp tossed in spicy creamy sauce.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Quick air frying gives shrimp a crisp, light coating. Toss with sweet-spicy sauce for bold flavor without oil.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites With Sriracha-Lime Sauce

Air fryer salmon bites with crispy edges served with sriracha-lime dipping sauce.
Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites With Sriracha-Lime Sauce. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Fast air frying keeps salmon juicy while the outside turns crisp. Finish with punchy sriracha-lime for bold flavor that fits tight timing.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites With Sriracha-Lime Sauce

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Air fryer turkey burgers with browned exteriors stacked with lettuce and toppings on toasted buns.
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Even air fryer heat keeps these turkey burgers juicy. A quick rest locks in moisture for reliable, golden results.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Honey Garlic Chicken in the Air Fryer

Air fryer honey garlic chicken coated in sticky glaze with crisp caramelized edges.
Honey Garlic Chicken in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Sticky honey garlic caramelizes under high heat. Juicy chicken and crisp edges make this a steady 20-minute dinner.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Chicken in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air fryer chicken legs with browned skin arranged neatly for serving.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Circulating heat renders the skin crisp and golden. Juicy meat and simple prep make these perfect for packed evenings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

A bowl of white rice topped with stir-fried chicken pieces and chopped green onions, with chopsticks beside it.
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Bold pepper and high heat create a crisp coating fast. Juicy thighs stay tender without deep-fry cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air fryer chicken tenders crunchy and golden arranged beside dipping sauce.
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A light breading crisps fast in circulating heat. Juicy tenders stay golden and intact, making weeknights easy.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Duck Legs

Crispy air fryer duck legs with rendered skin served with fresh herbs.
Air Fryer Duck Legs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

High heat in the air fryer renders the fat fast. Crisp skin and juicy meat land on the table in 25 minutes with zero fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Duck Legs

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites

Air fryer bang bang chicken bites coated in creamy spicy sauce on a serving plate.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Air frying locks in juicy centers and builds a golden crust. Toss in bold Bang Bang sauce for big flavor without greasy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites

Air Fryer Pork Chops

Air fryer pork chops browned with juicy centers served beside fresh herbs.
Air Fryer Pork Chops. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Steady heat turns out golden pork chops with juicy centers. Watch the timing closely to avoid dry, overcooked meat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Chops

Lemon Air Fryer Salmon

Four grilled salmon fillets garnished with fresh dill and lemon slices are arranged on a white oval platter. The fillets are seasoned with herbs and pepper. The edge of a striped cloth and a serving of broccoli are partially visible.
Lemon Air Fryer Salmon. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Bright lemon hits as the salmon turns crisp outside. Juicy flakes cook in 15 minutes for dependable weeknight timing.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Air Fryer Salmon

Thick Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

Thick air fryer pork chops golden brown sliced to show juicy center.
Thick Pork Chops in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Thick-cut chops cook evenly with high, steady heat. A quick rest keeps the centers tender and reliably juicy.
Get the Recipe: Thick Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

Steak in the Air Fryer

Close-up of a fork holding a piece of medium-rare cooked beef steak, with visible seasonings and a slice of lemon in the background.
Steak in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

High heat sears the outside while keeping the center juicy. It’s a fast way to get charred flavor without firing up the grill.
Get the Recipe: Steak in the Air Fryer

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About the Author

Kita Roberts is the meat maven and award-winning recipe developer behind Girl Carnivore®, with 15+ years of grilling, smoking, and cooking experience. Her recipes are tested on everything from backyard grills to professional smokers – and always built for real home cooks.
As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivore®, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

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