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17 Air Fryer Recipes That Save You Money and Are Perfect for Last Minute Meal and Snack Ideas

ByLeah Ingram

Running low on time and cash but still want to eat like a champ? These 17 air fryer recipes save money and turn last minute meal and snack panic into a crispy win. Your wallet and taste buds will thank you and so will your family, in between bites.

A close-up of a cooked, seasoned shrimp on a fork with a blurred dipping sauce in the background.
Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

Close-up of a pair of white tongs holding a glazed and cooked chicken drumstick with a blurred background.
Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer get crispy skin and sticky sauce that sticks well. They cook quickly and bring bold flavor to your meal with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

A plate of seasoned and cooked chicken drumsticks garnished with fresh herbs and accompanied by lemon slices and pickled onions.
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks turn out crispy on the outside and juicy inside. They’re a fast fix for dinner that everyone will want to dig into right away.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Salmon in the Air Fryer

Four seasoned salmon fillets placed in a black air fryer basket, seen from above.
Salmon in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Salmon in the Air Fryer cooks evenly and stays moist with a nice finish. It’s a simple way to get a healthy meal on the table fast with little cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Salmon in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Close-up of a seasoned air fryer chicken wing garnished with herbs, held by a fork.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings come out crispy and tender with less mess. They cook fast and are perfect for game day or a quick snack that everyone will reach for.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Three soft tacos filled with air fryer chicken fajitas: seasoned strips of chicken, bell peppers, and onions, all topped with a dollop of sour cream.
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas cook chicken and veggies fast with great flavor. They’re an easy meal to toss together that feels fresh and tasty without much work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Close-up of sliced, golden-brown breaded chicken pieces on a wooden board, garnished with herbs, with lemon slices in the background.
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets get crispy on the outside and stay juicy inside. They cook quicker than frying and make a great main dish or sandwich filling.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Shrimp in the Air Fryer

A plate of spicy, seasoned shrimp garnished with parsley, with lemon slices in the background.
Shrimp in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Shrimp in the Air Fryer cooks fast and stays tender with a nice touch of char. It’s a quick way to add seafood to your meals without the hassle of the stove or grill.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks

A plate with a grilled steak topped with herbs and black pepper, served with asparagus spears and lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks cook juicy and tender with a nice crust. This method cuts down cooking time and keeps the steak flavorful and ready fast for a last-minute dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks

Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie

Close-up of a whole chicken roasted in an air fryer with crispy, golden-brown skin, seasoned with herbs and spices on a wooden board.
Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie makes juicy, flavorful chicken with crispy skin. It’s a fast way to get that rotisserie taste without leaving your house or waiting long.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie

Steak in the Air Fryer

Two cooked steaks in an air fryer basket, accompanied by a side salad, a whole lemon, fresh thyme, and baked potatoes with butter on the side.
Steak in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Steak in the Air Fryer comes out tender and juicy every time. It’s a quick way to get a great steak without heating up the whole kitchen or waiting long for it to cook.
Get the Recipe: Steak in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Halibut

A plated dish of cooked fish topped with mango salsa, accompanied by a side of microgreens. Nearby are a bowl of salsa, two peppers, garlic, cilantro, and a yellow cloth.
Air Fryer Halibut. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Air Fryer Halibut cooks flaky and moist with a lightly crisp outside. It’s a simple way to get a tasty fish dinner ready fast and without extra oil or mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Halibut

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With Parmesan and Shredded Coconut

Close-up of golden-brown fried chicken tenders on a speckled gray surface.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With Parmesan and Shredded Coconut. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With Parmesan and Shredded Coconut get a crunchy coating that’s full of flavor. They cook fast and are perfect for a tasty meal or snack anytime.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With Parmesan and Shredded Coconut

Lemon-Rosemary Bone-In Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

Grilled chicken thighs with various roasted potatoes and rosemary sprigs.
Lemon-Rosemary Bone-In Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Lemon-Rosemary Bone-In Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer come out juicy with a fresh herb kick. They cook quickly and make a great dinner that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Rosemary Bone-In Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Steak Bites

Cooked beef pieces infused with herbs, perfectly crisped as air fryer steak bites on a grill.
Air Fryer Steak Bites. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Air Fryer Steak Bites cook fast and stay tender with a great sear. They’re perfect for snacking or tossing into salads or bowls for a quick protein boost.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Bites

Air Fryer Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders

Three crispy chicken tenders on a white plate, drizzled with honey.
Air Fryer Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders get a crunchy, golden crust without frying. They’re a fun twist on chicken tenders that cook quickly and taste great. Try them with hot honey.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders

Low Carb Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Baked salmon pieces topped with lemon slices, seasoned and served on parchment paper.
Low Carb Air Fryer Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Pink When.

Low Carb Air Fryer Salmon Bites cook up tender and flaky with a crisp outside. They’re a quick snack or meal addition that fits low carb plans without losing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings in the Air Fryer

A bowl of sesame-coated cauliflower topped with sliced green onions.
Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings in the Air Fryer get crispy and sticky with sauce. They’re a tasty plant-based snack or side that cooks fast and packs a punch of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings in the Air Fryer