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9 Air Fryer Mains That Prove You Don’t Need a Stove to Be a Pro

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Turns out, the air fryer can handle more than fries and frozen snacks. These mains prove it’s just as good at crispy lamb chops and saucy chicken as any pan on the stove. They’re fast, foolproof, and a little addictive once you realize how easy real dinner can be. Think less cleanup, more flavor, and zero regret about skipping the burners.

Low angle shot of a plate of fried chicken with sesame sauce and sesame seeds.

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Air Fryer Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Lamb Chops

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

Air Fryer Lamb Chops turn out as juicy and flavorful as anything you’d sear on a stovetop. The air fryer gives them a crisp, golden crust while keeping the inside tender. A quick rub of garlic, herbs, and olive oil does most of the heavy lifting. They’re ready in minutes and taste like you spent all evening cooking. This is proof that you don’t need a skillet to pull off something impressive.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lamb Chops

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 delivers all the crunch and sticky glaze you expect—without a pot of hot oil. The chicken crisps up beautifully, and the gochujang sauce coats each piece in that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. It’s bold, messy in the best way, and totally addictive. You’ll want to make extra because leftovers never last. This recipe shows that “fried” doesn’t have to mean “fried.”
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

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 might be the easiest way to cook fish perfectly every time. The outside gets just a hint of crisp while the inside stays tender and flaky. A drizzle of soy sauce or a quick brush of teriyaki gives it a restaurant-level finish. It cooks in under 10 minutes, which makes it hard to mess up even on a busy night. This is weeknight cooking without the stress—or the fish smell.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon

Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas

Close-up of a cheesy enchilada topped with diced tomatoes and chopped green onions, served on a white plate with a side of vegetables.
Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas take a Tex-Mex favorite and make it weeknight-friendly. The tortillas crisp at the edges, the cheese melts perfectly, and the filling stays juicy. It’s everything you love about the oven version, just faster and easier. A quick salsa drizzle at the end pulls it all together. You’ll start wondering why you ever preheated your oven.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas

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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 brings the takeout classic home without losing any of its bite. The chicken cooks fast and evenly while the sauce clings to every piece, balancing heat and sweetness just right. Peppers and peanuts keep it crunchy and satisfying. It’s bold but not complicated, spicy but not punishing. This one belongs in your regular dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

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 keeps the familiar sweet, sticky flavor you love but trades deep-frying for crisp, light air-fried coating. The sauce caramelizes perfectly while the chicken stays tender inside. A sprinkle of sesame seeds gives it a little texture and shine. It’s fast, flavorful, and surprisingly hands-off. You won’t miss your usual takeout order after this one.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame 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 prove that seafood doesn’t have to be delicate or complicated. The fish turns golden and crisp without falling apart, while the toppings—slaw, lime, and a quick sauce—add freshness and crunch. Everything comes together in less time than it takes to heat a skillet. The texture is spot-on, and the flavor is clean and bright. These tacos make taco night feel a little more grown-up.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tacos

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 that perfect balance of crispy skin and tender meat without the mess of roasting. The air fryer does all the work, rendering the fat until it bubbles and crackles. The inside stays juicy and full of flavor, whether you season it sweet, spicy, or simple. Slice it thin for rice bowls or thick for a main dish. This one’s proof that good pork doesn’t need a stovetop.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly

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 delivers that classic crunch and juiciness without a vat of oil. The buttermilk marinade keeps the meat tender, while a seasoned flour coating crisps beautifully in the fryer. It’s golden, flavorful, and a little lighter than the traditional version. You can eat it hot, cold, or straight from the basket. This is fried chicken made easy—and it still tastes like the real deal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

By on October 16th, 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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