21 Air Fryer Mains That Help Me Cook Once and Breathe a Bit

The secret to staying sane on a packed weeknight might just be hidden in those 21 air fryer mains. They knock out dinner without knocking the cook out too. Things go from chaos to calm faster than anyone expects. Even reheating doesn’t feel like work when the air fryer’s doing all the heavy lifting.

Close-up of several wrapped burritos on a table, with some cut open showing a filling of ground meat and sauce. Pieces of roasted potato and cilantro are scattered around.
Air Fryer Beef and Potato Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Air Fryer Chocolate Cake

A slice of rich chocolate cake with textured, dark chocolate layers and smooth chocolate frosting, sitting on a beige plate.
Air Fryer Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Few desserts feel as rewarding as making dessert in one go. Air Fryer Chocolate Cake simplifies baking with its fast, hassle-free process. It’s a convenient way to enjoy a homemade sweet without much cleanup. Perfect for when you want a treat that makes you breathe a little easier at the end of a long day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chocolate Cake

Air Fryer Crack Chicken Casserole

A plate of creamy macaroni and cheese topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, with a fork and knife resting on the plate.
Air Fryer Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you need something rich and filling, this one hits the spot. Air Fryer Crack Chicken Casserole brings everything together in a single dish, cutting down kitchen chaos. It’s great for feeding a group without spending hours prepping. A straightforward choice for a quick yet hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crack Chicken Casserole

Air Fryer Lemon Cookies

A stack of lemon cookies on a cooling rack.
Air Fryer Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Baking doesn’t have to mean turning your kitchen into a mess. Air Fryer Lemon Cookies make whipping up fresh treats easy and fast. They’re ideal for craving something sweet but don’t want an oven taking up your time. Great option for quick cleanup after baking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lemon Cookies

Air Fryer Meatball Sliders

Close-up of cheese-stuffed sliders topped with herbs and crumbs, with one slider being lifted to reveal melted cheese stretching from the tray.
Air Fryer Meatball Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Small bites don’t have to come from a giant grill or stovetop. Air Fryer Meatball Sliders pack flavor and are ready in less time than you’d think. These are quick and handy for parties, snacks, or a dinner with variety. Great when you don’t want everything coming out of one pot.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Meatball Sliders

Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins

Baked potato skins topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions on parchment paper.
Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sometimes, minimal effort can yield maximum flavor. Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins let you easily enjoy something rich with less grease and fuss. It’s a solid choice for a starter or side that keeps cleanup simple. Definitely makes snack time or small meals feel less demanding.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins

Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bowl

A bowl with rice, glazed chicken pieces, sliced avocado, edamame, shredded carrots, seaweed, and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bowl. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Healthy options don’t need to eat up your time. Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bowl serves as a protein-packed, hassle-free meal. It’s great for days when you want something balanced without dealing with pots and pans everywhere. This one keeps things simple yet effective.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bowl

Air Fryer German Chocolate Cake

A chocolate layer cake with a slice removed, showing a caramel and coconut filling, and covered with chocolate frosting.
Air Fryer German Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If homemade desserts feel time-consuming, this speeds things up. Air Fryer German Chocolate Cake takes the work out of classic baking while keeping the richness you expect. It’s a smarter route for those moments when you’re juggling tasks but crave something decadent. A nice option for dessert without the hours.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer German Chocolate Cake

Air Fryer Shrimp

A close-up shot of seasoned, air fryer shrimp garnished with fresh herbs.
Air Fryer Shrimp. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Making seafood doesn’t need complicated seasoning or equipment. Air Fryer Shrimp gets you a flavorful result in less time and mess. It works well for quick protein-based meals with minimal cleanup. Perfect for fitting into your day without much work in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

Air Fryer Peach Cobbler

A slice of peach cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a white plate.
Air Fryer Peach Cobbler. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fruit desserts don’t have to come with all-day prep. Air Fryer Peach Cobbler makes dessert simpler while still giving you a satisfying end to a meal. It works well when you need a quick fix for something sweet without the slow baking process. Definitely handy for hassle-free treats.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peach Cobbler

Air Fryer Hamburger Casserole

An air fryer hamburger casserole emerges from the kitchen, a baked dish topped with melted cheese, lettuce, pickles, and sauce in a round baking dish gracing the table.
Air Fryer Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For a hearty dinner, you don’t need to spend hours at the stove. Air Fryer Hamburger Casserole combines everything into one dish and gets it done fast. It’s ideal to feed a group or family without too much cleanup. Great option when you want full flavor with less effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hamburger Casserole

Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

A plate of honey walnut shrimp topped with green onions.
Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sweet and savory meals don’t have to mean long prep times. Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp gets the balance right without taking up your whole evening. It’s perfect for when you want something flavorful but easy to make. Definitely a neat choice for low-hassle, tasty seafood.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

Air Fryer Mississippi Mud Potatoes

A baked casserole dish filled with cheesy potatoes and crispy bacon, garnished with chopped green onions, with a portion missing from the dish.
Air Fryer Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Comfort food can be simple if you let it. Air Fryer Mississippi Mud Potatoes load up flavor without needing a complicated recipe or oven time. They’re fast to make and easier to clean up afterward. A great side dish that keeps things straightforward in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Air Fryer Pork Chops

Close-up of seasoned and cooked air fryer pork chops, garnished with herbs and cracked black pepper.
Air Fryer Pork Chops. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Quick protein options can save you a ton of kitchen time. Air Fryer Pork Chops cook faster and with less grease, making them a cleaner choice. Perfect for a no-fuss dinner when you don’t want to scrub pots. It’s a sensible pick for faster evening meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Chops

Air Fryer Tuna Casserole

A close-up of a baked dish topped with golden bread crumbs and chopped chives.
Air Fryer Tuna Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Traditional casseroles often feel demanding, but not this one. Air Fryer Tuna Casserole makes prepping a hearty dish simpler. It’s practical for weekday dinners with less hassle in the cleanup department. A helpful option when you want a comforting dish without a full stovetop commitment.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Casserole

Air Fryer Beef Pot Pie

A freshly baked pie with a golden crust, a slice being served, revealing a filling of mixed vegetables and meat. A sprig of rosemary is nearby.
Air Fryer Beef Pot Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Pie dishes don’t always need to bake for an entire hour. Air Fryer Beef Pot Pie cuts down on cook time without losing the heartiness you love. It’s great for when you need a fast, filling meal. Ideal for those evenings when you need a warm dish but keep it simple.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Pot Pie

Air Fryer Egg Casserole

A white casserole dish with an egg casserole in it.
Air Fryer Egg Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Whether it’s brunch or something quick, faster prep helps a lot. Air Fryer Egg Casserole delivers a versatile dish with far less fuss. Easier to handle and clean up compared to stovetop options. Great if you want to enjoy a wholesome dish without much kitchen overhead.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Egg Casserole

Air Fryer Pig Shots

Close-up of shrimp wrapped in bacon secured with toothpicks, on a parchment-lined surface, seasoned with spices.
Air Fryer Pig Shots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fun bite-sized foods can come together easily with this. Air Fryer Pig Shots bring snack-style dishes into quicker, manageable prep. Perfect for making appetizers or party food without a ton of frying. A great way to save effort while still serving something memorable.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pig Shots

Air Fryer Spaghetti Casserole

A bowl of spaghetti topped with meat sauce, melted cheese, and chopped parsley, with a fork resting inside.
Air Fryer Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Combining classics into one dish has never felt more convenient. Air Fryer Spaghetti Casserole simplifies pasta dinners without boiling pots everywhere. It’s an easier way to make something filling and avoid a messy cleanup. Perfect for families craving quick yet satisfying dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spaghetti Casserole

Air Fryer French Onion Soup

A close-up of baked French onion soup topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh thyme in a rustic bowl.
Air Fryer French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Getting a comforting soup doesn’t need hours on a stovetop. Air Fryer French Onion Soup turns rich flavors into a quicker prep experience. It’s great for making a side or starter while saving time and cleanup. Ideal choice for skipping traditional long-cooking methods.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Onion Soup

Air Fryer Ravioli Casserole

Baked dish with layered pasta, mushrooms, asparagus, and nuts in a creamy sauce, topped with a golden-brown crust, in a rectangular white baking dish.
Air Fryer Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Pasta dishes often take time, but that’s not the case here. Air Fryer Ravioli Casserole is ready without multiple pots or pans. It works well for fast, layered meals with less cleanup afterward. Great way to enjoy dinner without drawing out the cooking period.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ravioli Casserole

Air Fryer Beef and Potato Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat)

Close-up of several wrapped burritos on a table, with some cut open showing a filling of ground meat and sauce. Pieces of roasted potato and cilantro are scattered around.
Air Fryer Beef and Potato Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Favorite fast-food flavors can come together faster than you think. Air Fryer Beef and Potato Burrito recreates that comfort without the long prep. Makes it easy to bring Taco Bell-inspired flavors into your home quickly. Perfect for when you need something fast that doesn’t feel boring to eat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef and Potato Burrito (Taco Bell Copycat)

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