17 Air Fryer Mains That Work When I Just Need to Get Dinner Done

There’s nothing like staring at the clock, hungry, and realizing dinner still isn’t made. That’s where these 17 air fryer mains step in and save the day. No oven preheating, no stove juggling, no drama. Just press a button, act like it’s all under control, and call it a win.

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.

Air Fryer Chicken Noodle Casserole

Baked pasta in a white dish, topped with golden breadcrumbs and garnished with parsley.
Air Fryer Chicken Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When it’s been a long day and you’re short on time, this one hits the spot. Air Fryer Chicken Noodle Casserole gives you an easy way to get something hearty and quick on the table. It’s cozy, filling, and doesn’t ask much from you prep-wise. Perfect when you just need a low-stress dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Noodle Casserole

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.

If you’re looking for something reliable, these are a go-to option. Air Fryer Pork Chops turn out tender and with just the right amount of crisp. They’re ideal when you want something simple but satisfying. Throw them together with a side and you’ve got dinner done.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Chops

Air Fryer White Chicken Chili

A bowl of creamy air fryer white chicken chili, topped with avocado slices, cilantro, and sliced chili peppers.
Air Fryer White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Some nights call for a warm bowl of something easy, and this hits just right. Air Fryer White Chicken Chili gives you a creamy, hearty dish to finish the day with. It’s a no-fuss option for when you don’t want to overthink dinner. Toss it together and let the air fryer do the heavy lifting.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer White Chicken Chili

Air Fryer Million Dollar Casserole

A plate of creamy chicken casserole topped with breadcrumbs and parsley, with a fork beside it.
Air Fryer Million Dollar Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When dinner needs to feel like it’s worth the effort, without actually being too much work, Air Fryer Million Dollar Casserole delivers. This dish brings a mix of comfort and practicality in one dish. Great for those weeknights when time is tight but you want to feel accomplished.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Million Dollar 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.

Want something hearty that comes together without a lot of effort? Air Fryer Beef Pot Pie is your answer when you don’t have the energy for anything overly complicated. It’s warm, filling, and handles itself in the air fryer. Pair it with a quick side and call it a day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Pot Pie

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.

This recipe is a dependable choice for those don’t-overthink-it nights. Air Fryer Tuna Casserole is quick to prep and makes for a solid, filling dinner. It’s one of those meals you can turn to when time is tight. Plus, it’s done in no time with the air fryer doing the heavy work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Casserole

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.

Need something fast but super convenient? Air Fryer Meatball Sliders are a lifesaver on the busiest of nights. They’re a one-hand kind of meal that’s still hearty enough to get everyone fed. Easy to throw together, and no one will guess how quick it was to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Meatball Sliders

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.

When shrimp is on the menu, this is an option worth trying. Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp offers a light crunch with just the right balance of sweet. It’s a simple way to make something that tastes a little unexpected. Comes together quickly, and cleanup’s a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Two stuffed peppers in a bowl with melted cheese on top.
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Looking for something that’s filling but effortless? Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers get a full meal into one simple dish. They’re low hassle and work great for a grab-and-go dinner. Bonus points for barely needing to clean up afterward.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

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.

Got ravioli but need a quick dinner idea? Air Fryer Ravioli Casserole makes things easy while still being all kinds of fulfilling. It’s quick to assemble and works perfectly for a busy night. You can toss it in and let the air fryer handle the hard stuff.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ravioli Casserole

Crispy Air Fryer Cod

Image of cooked air fryer cod fillets seasoned with herbs and garnished with lemon wedges and parsley on a plate.
Crispy Air Fryer Cod. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When seafood is for dinner, Crispy Air Fryer Cod is an easy win. This recipe gives you a crunchy outer layer while staying tender inside. It’s super simple to prepare and goes well with just about any side. An excellent option if you need dinner without too much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Cod

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.

This is a no-fuss option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Air Fryer Spaghetti Casserole combines simple ingredients into a one-dish meal. It handles itself, letting you focus on other things while dinner comes together. It’s reliable and always gets the job done.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spaghetti Casserole

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Some picking up a slice of cheese quesadilla.
Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re craving something easy and cheesy, this one’s for you. Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla brings simple to a whole new level. It’s quick to prepare and even quicker to devour. Keep it in your meal rotation for those nights you just want something familiar.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Close-up of cooked chicken thighs, seasoned with herbs and garnished with chopped parsley.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Need something reliable but with a nice crunch? Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs make it easy to whip up a fulfilling main in no time. They’re perfectly seasoned and work well with just about any side. Definitely a recipe to keep in your back pocket.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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.

When you want something hearty without a lot of prep, this is an easy pick. Air Fryer Hamburger Casserole is all about simple comfort in one dish. It’s filling, fast, and doesn’t make a mess. Pair it with a side salad or keep it as is for an easy dinner win.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hamburger Casserole

Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza

A tortilla pizza in an air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Short on time, but in the mood for pizza? Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza makes dinner a breeze without sacrificing what you’re craving. It’s easy to customize and comes together in minutes. Perfect for a laid-back dinner with no fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza

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.

Salmon nights get quicker and easier with this recipe. Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bowl puts a healthy, filling dinner in reach with little effort. It’s simple to assemble and cooks up fast in the air fryer. Great for nights when you want something light but fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bowl

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *