21 Air Fryer Mains That Make Me Feel Like I Tried, Even When I Didn’t

There’s a certain smugness that comes from pulling off air fryer mains like these 21. You look like you really tried, but your sink is still clean, your feet don’t hurt, and there’s no mystery sauce on the stove. These recipes are the kind that make you feel like a responsible adult without needing to be one. It’s the kind of dinner that says, “I showed up,” even if your brain clocked out an hour ago.

Roasted air fryer whole chicken served on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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.

A meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s all air fryer magic. Air Fryer Beef Pot Pie combines comfort food and convenience in one easy-to-make dish. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something hearty without the hassle. This recipe makes a fulfilling meal that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Pot Pie

Air Fryer Shrimp

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

Skip the frying mess and enjoy a quick, crispy treat with Air Fryer Shrimp. This dish is great for those nights when you want seafood without all the effort. No deep fryer needed—just pop the shrimp in the air fryer for a crunchy, tender bite. You’ll get all the flavor with none of the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

Air Fryer Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

A slice of cheesy casserole with ground meat is being lifted from a baking dish, topped with chopped green onions.
Air Fryer Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Need a breakfast that’s filling and easy? Air Fryer Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole hits the spot every time. It combines all your favorite breakfast ingredients into a simple, no-fuss meal that cooks up quickly. This recipe will make you feel like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, even when you haven’t.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tater Tot Breakfast 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.

Air Fryer Pork Chops are a perfect balance of crispy and juicy, with minimal effort. You get the same results as a traditional oven, but in half the time. They’re a great option for weeknight dinners when you need something that’s both quick and fulfilling. No need to stand over a hot stove, just air fry and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Chops

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.

This casserole gives you a hearty, comforting dish with just a little bit of prep. It’s a perfect way to turn frozen ravioli into a tasty, filling meal in no time. Pop it into the air fryer, and you’ll be surprised by how quickly it comes together. Air Fryer Ravioli Casserole is a dish that’ll make you feel like you tried a lot harder than you did.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ravioli Casserole

Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich

Tuna burger with lettuce, tomato, and onion on a bun, served on a white plate.
Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you want a quick yet tasty meal, Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich is a great go-to. This sandwich gives you crispy, toasted bread without the mess of a pan. It’s ready in minutes and packs a punch of flavor. You’ll feel like you put more effort into this than just tossing it in the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich

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.

Air Fryer Spaghetti Casserole is an easy, no-fuss meal that feels like a big accomplishment. Just toss everything into the air fryer, and let it work its magic. This is a great dinner idea for when you want comfort food without all the cooking time. It’s simple, but it feels like a special treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spaghetti 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.

If you’re craving crispy fish but don’t want to deal with the frying mess, Crispy Air Fryer Cod is your answer. It’s quick, easy, and gives you perfectly cooked cod every time. The air fryer makes it crispy on the outside, but still tender on the inside. It’s the kind of dish that looks impressive, even though it’s simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Cod

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.

Air Fryer Million Dollar Casserole lives up to its name with a rich and creamy texture. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but requires minimal effort to prepare. You get all the satisfaction of a casserole with the ease of air frying. It’s a simple yet impressive dish for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Million Dollar 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.

This dish offers the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch in every bite. It’s a great way to get that crispy shrimp without all the extra oil. Quick, easy, and full of flavor, Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp is perfect for busy nights when you want something special. It feels fancy, but it’s really just a few ingredients and the air fryer doing the work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

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.

Looking for comfort food that comes together effortlessly? Air Fryer Tuna Casserole is a great option. With minimal prep time, it’s a simple, filling dish that feels like it took much longer. The air fryer cooks it to perfection, making it both crispy and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Casserole

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

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

Stuffed peppers in the air fryer are perfect when you want something that looks like you spent hours but didn’t. The air fryer cooks them quickly, leaving a crispy exterior with a tender filling inside. You can easily prep them ahead of time and just pop them in when you’re ready. Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers is a straightforward, no-fuss meal that makes you feel like you really nailed it.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Pizza

A pizza is being cooked in an air fryer.
Air Fryer Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving pizza but don’t want to spend too much time? Air Fryer Pizza gets the job done fast, giving you a crispy crust and melty cheese. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, especially when you’re not in the mood to deal with a bunch of prep work. A quick way to satisfy your pizza cravings without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza

Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs

A bowl of meatballs covered in creamy gravy and garnished with chopped parsley, with a gravy boat to the side.
Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you need a hearty meal that feels like you put in effort, Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs is the answer. The air fryer makes them crispy on the outside, keeping them juicy and tender inside. They’re simple to prep, and the result is a dish that looks like it took a lot of work. Perfect for days when you want something comforting but don’t have hours to spare.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs

Air Fryer Chicken Casserole

Close-up of a casserole dish with a cheesy pasta bake, topped with crispy bacon bits and green onions. A serving spoon is lifting a portion, showing melted cheese strands.
Air Fryer Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Air Fryer Chicken Casserole is your go-to for when you want to impress without going overboard. This dish combines all the elements of a hearty casserole but cooks in a fraction of the time. You can throw it together easily and let the air fryer do the hard part. It’s a no-stress meal that will make it look like you spent all day cooking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Casserole

Air Fryer Black Bean Burger

Two homemade black bean burgers in buns ready to eat.
Air Fryer Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re looking for a quick and filling meal, Air Fryer Black Bean Burger is a solid choice. These burgers are cooked to crispy perfection, making them just as fulfilling as traditional ones. The air fryer brings them together in no time, so you get a delicious meal without the effort. It’s perfect for days when you want a plant-based option that still hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Black Bean Burger

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.

For those nights when you just want crispy, juicy chicken, Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs has you covered. The air fryer locks in the moisture while giving the skin that perfect crisp. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require much prep, but the result is impressive. You’ll feel like a pro without putting in a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

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

When you want something easy yet fulfilling, Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla is a go-to. It’s quick, cheesy, and crispy with minimal effort involved. You can toss it in the air fryer, and it’ll come out golden brown with melted cheese inside. It’s perfect for when you want a snack or a light meal in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

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.

Air Fryer Hamburger Casserole is a one-pan meal that feels like a big accomplishment with barely any work. The air fryer cooks everything evenly, making the casserole creamy and comforting. It’s a dish that looks like it took time, but in reality, it’s super quick to make. Great for when you want a homey, filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
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.

This recipe is the easiest way to enjoy pizza without the fuss. The tortilla crisps up nicely in the air fryer, creating a crunchy base that holds your favorite toppings. Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza is quick, customizable, and gives you a pizza fix when you’re short on time. Perfect for when you want pizza but don’t feel like dealing with dough.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!)

Roasted air fryer whole chicken served on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you want a whole roasted chicken without hours of prep, Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!) is the way to go. It cooks in a fraction of the time, giving you that tender, juicy chicken with crispy skin. You don’t need any special skills to get it right. Just pop it in the air fryer and let it work its magic.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!)

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