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11 Air Fryer Mains I Make on Repeat Because They Never Fail Me

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The air fryer doesn’t ask for much—just a little counter space and some trust. These mains prove why it earns both. Crispy, juicy, and consistently reliable, they’re the kind of dishes you make once and then keep making because they never let you down.

A hand holding a crispy fried chicken drumstick.

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Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Enchiladas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Enchiladas are my weeknight win when the fridge looks bare. The tortillas get just crisp enough around the edges while the filling stays rich and cheesy inside. It’s fast, reliable, and always feels like more effort than it really is. No matter how many times I make them, they still come out right every single time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Low angle shot of korean fried chicken with a hand holding a piece of the chicken.
Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken gives you everything you want from the deep-fried version without the grease or the mess. The skin turns perfectly crisp, and the sticky gochujang glaze adds a balance of heat and sweetness. It’s the kind of dish that disappears faster than you expect. This one never fails to deliver the crunch and flavor that keeps it on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Carnitas

Low angle shot of 3 carnitas tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Carnitas are proof that crispy, juicy pork doesn’t need hours on the stove. The air fryer gives you golden edges and tender meat in a fraction of the time. It’s the kind of meal that works just as well for tacos as it does over rice. Every batch comes out like you planned it all day, even when you didn’t.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Lamb chop with fresh herbs.
Air Fryer Lamb Chops. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Lamb Chops make me look like I tried harder than I did. The outside sears beautifully while the inside stays tender and pink. A quick rub of herbs and garlic is all it takes. When I need a reliable main that feels special but not complicated, this is the one.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps are my no-fail lunch or dinner when I’m short on time. The chicken comes out juicy and flavorful with just a handful of spices, no grill required. Wrapped in pita with yogurt sauce and vegetables, it’s balanced and filling without the fuss. It’s one of those meals that always earns a repeat performance.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

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Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A hand holding a crispy fried chicken drumstick.
Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken nails the golden crust every time without the oil splatter. The buttermilk marinade keeps the meat juicy while the coating crisps perfectly in the air fryer. It’s comfort food that behaves like weeknight food. Every piece comes out like the best version of itself, no luck required.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Fish tacos on a small baking sheet with limes.
Air Fryer Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Fish Tacos are my go-to when I want something light but still satisfying. The fish turns flaky and crisp without falling apart, and a quick squeeze of lime finishes it off right. Add a few toppings and it feels like summer dinner any night of the year. This one has never let me down.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Air Fryer Salmon

Air fryer salmon on a plate with sauteed zucchini and lemon.
Air Fryer Salmon. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Salmon always turns out exactly how I want it—crispy at the edges and tender inside. It takes less than 15 minutes and needs almost no cleanup. The flavor stays clean and bright, whether I add soy glaze or a sprinkle of herbs. It’s the definition of reliable dinner energy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon

Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Overhead shot of a striped bowl with kung pao chicken.
Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken keeps all the flavor and skips the greasy wok cleanup. The sauce hits sweet, salty, and spicy notes perfectly, coating the crisp chicken pieces in just enough glaze. Toss it with peanuts and vegetables, and it’s dinner done right every time. This one always delivers the stir-fry fix without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Air Fryer Pork Belly

Stack of air fryer pork belly strips in hoisin glaze.
Air Fryer Pork Belly. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Pork Belly gives you crisp, crackly skin and tender meat with almost no effort. The fat renders perfectly, leaving a balance of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s rich, simple, and oddly foolproof. Every batch reminds me why the air fryer earns its counter space.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Low angle shot of a plate of fried chicken with sesame sauce and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is the shortcut I trust the most. The chicken turns golden and crisp while the sesame sauce clings to every bite without going soggy. It’s takeout comfort without the wait or the oil. This one works every time, and that’s reason enough to keep making it.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

By on October 11th, 2025
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About Robin Donovan

Robin Donovan is the creative force behind Eggs All Ways. She's a writer, recipe developer, photographer, and cookbook author with more than 40 books to her name, including the bestselling Ramen for Beginners, Ramen Obsession, and Campfire Cuisine. Her work has been featured in major publications, both print and digital, including MSN, Cooking Light, Fitness, Buzzfeed, and Eating Well.

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