11 Simple Air Fryer Chicken Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Are you looking for air fryer chicken recipes? Trying to whip up a tasty meal in minutes without sacrificing flavour or style? I’ve got you covered. As a busy mum of three and full-time blogger living my Soft Girl CEO era, I know the importance of quick, delicious dinners that feel a bit special—even on hectic school nights.
These air fryer chicken recipes are my go-tos for effortless family meals. They’re juicy, full of flavour, and ready in no time using simple ingredients. Whether you’re feeding your little ones or treating yourself after a long day, each recipe brings that elevated-yet-easy vibe I live for.
Here are my go-to favourite air fryer chicken recipes, enjoy!
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
These air fryer garlic parmesan chicken wings are a real treat for meal time. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they’re perfect for a family gathering or a cozy dinner at home. The image shows a delicious pile of golden-brown chicken wings, garnished with fresh parsley, making them look even more inviting.
To whip up these tasty wings, you’ll need simple ingredients like chicken wings, garlic powder, parmesan cheese, and a touch of olive oil. Start by seasoning the wings with garlic powder and parmesan before popping them into your air fryer. Cooking them in the Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Dual Air Fryer 10.4L ensures that they come out perfectly crispy every time.
The steps are quick and easy, making this a go-to recipe for any weeknight. Serve these wings with a side of dipping sauce for a fun twist on chicken dinners that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for game day or just a quick weeknight meal, these wings are sure to impress.
Charlotte Tip: Serve with a honey mustard dip and celery sticks for a pub-style dinner at home. Want them extra crispy? Add a pinch of baking powder to the seasoning!
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
If you’re looking for quick and easy air fryer chicken recipes, crispy air fryer chicken tenders are a fantastic choice. These juicy chicken cutlets are coated in a crunchy breading, perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces.
To make this dish, you’ll need some simple ingredients: chicken thighs or breasts, flour, breadcrumbs, and a few seasonings. The air fryer gives you that satisfying crisp without all the extra oil, making it a healthier option for family dinners.
Start by seasoning your chicken and coating it in flour, followed by egg wash, and finally breadcrumbs. Place the tenders in your Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Dual Air Fryer 10.4L and cook until golden brown. It’s that easy!
Serve these delicious tenders with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard. They make a perfect addition to meal time and are sure to please everyone at the table.
Charlotte Tip: Press crushed cornflakes into your breadcrumb mix for next-level crispiness! Add a mini dipping bar with ketchup, BBQ, and ranch.
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
These air fryer lemon pepper chicken thighs are a simple and quick meal that everyone will love. The juicy chicken paired with a zesty lemon pepper seasoning makes for a delicious dinner option. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a winner.
To make this dish, you’ll need a few basic ingredients: chicken thighs, lemon juice, olive oil, and lemon pepper seasoning. Start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice and olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning generously on top. The Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Dual Air Fryer 10.4L is perfect for this recipe, allowing you to cook multiple pieces at once for easy meal time.
After preheating your air fryer, place the chicken in the basket and cook until the skin is golden and crispy. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a burst of flavor in every bite. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal, or slice it up for salads or wraps throughout the week. This quick and easy air fryer dinner recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking routine!
Charlotte Tip: Add lemon slices to the air fryer basket for a burst of citrusy aroma while it cooks. Serve with air-fried baby potatoes or couscous.
Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites
These Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites are perfect for a quick meal or a fun appetizer. Juicy chicken cutlets are transformed into crispy, spicy bites in no time. The vibrant red color of the buffalo sauce makes them look as good as they taste!
To whip up this dish, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. Start with your chicken cutlets, a bit of flour, and your favorite buffalo sauce. The air fryer, like the Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Dual Air Fryer 10.4L, makes it easy to create that crispy texture without all the oil.
Simply coat the chicken bites in flour, toss them in buffalo sauce, and pop them in the air fryer. In under 15 minutes, you’ll have delicious bites ready to serve. Pair them with celery sticks and a side of ranch dressing for a classic touch. Perfect for meal time, these bites are sure to please the whole family.
If you’re looking for easy air fryer dinner recipes, these buffalo chicken bites fit the bill! You can also enjoy them alongside chicken drumsticks or chicken thighs for a complete meal. Whether it’s a game day snack or a family dinner, these easy bites are a winner!
Charlotte Tip: Add a light coating of flour before air frying to lock in juiciness and help the sauce stick. Serve with cooling ranch or blue cheese dip.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
This air fryer honey garlic chicken breast is a real treat for the family! The image shows a beautifully cooked chicken breast, perfectly browned and surrounded by vibrant vegetables. The combination of honey and garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that makes every bite delicious.
To make this simple recipe, start with boneless chicken breasts. Season them with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Then, mix honey and minced garlic together to create a tasty marinade. Let the chicken soak in that flavor for a while.
Once marinated, place the chicken breast in your air fryer, like the Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Dual Air Fryer 10.4L. Cook at a moderate temperature for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll end up with the juiciest chicken breasts you can imagine!
Serve this dish with some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It’s perfect for meal time, quick to prepare, and a great addition to your collection of easy air fryer dinner recipes.
Charlotte Tip: Double the honey garlic sauce and use the extra to drizzle over rice or noodles. It’s THAT good!
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
These air fryer chicken drumsticks are a hit for family meal times. They come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. A great choice for busy nights when you want something quick and easy.
To make these delicious drumsticks, start with the following ingredients: chicken drumsticks, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs like rosemary or thyme.
First, season the drumsticks with olive oil and spices. Make sure they’re nicely coated for that full flavor. Place them in the Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Dual Air Fryer 10.4L, setting it to the right temperature. Cooking in the air fryer cuts down on time and mess, making it a fantastic option for easy air fryer dinner recipes.
In about 25-30 minutes, you’ll have the juiciest chicken drumsticks ready to serve. Pair them with a dipping sauce for an extra treat. This recipe is not just simple; it’s also perfect for satisfying those cravings for chicken dinners any night of the week.
Charlotte Tip: Coat in seasoned flour and spritz with oil for an extra-crunchy fried chicken vibe—minus the grease. This is my favourite from my air fryer chicken recipes list
Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This quick air fryer stir-fry brings all the takeout flavour you love—without the fuss or the extra oil. Juicy bites of chicken are tossed with tender broccoli and coated in a simple soy-garlic sauce. It’s the perfect busy-night meal that still feels balanced and satisfying.
If you’re feeling extra, you can add a splash of sesame oil or a drizzle of honey to sweeten things up. This dish is also brilliant for batch cooking—double the portions and store leftovers in an airtight container for the next day’s lunch. Serve with fluffy rice or noodles and you’ve got a better-than-takeout dinner in under 20 minutes.
Charlotte Tip: Pre-marinate your chicken the night before to boost flavour and save time. Serve over jasmine rice or noodles for a full meal that tastes like a midweek win.
Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas
Cheesy, melty, golden quesadillas in the air fryer? Yes, please! These are stuffed with shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and a hint of fajita seasoning, then crisped to perfection. They’re ideal for when you want something warm and comforting, but don’t have time to hover over the stove.
You can customise them with extras like chopped red onion, sliced jalapeños, or black beans. Fold them in half, air fry until crisp, and slice into wedges for the easiest dinner or snack platter. Perfect with salsa, sour cream, or guac on the side—and you can even prep them ahead and freeze!
Charlotte Tip: Use leftover shredded chicken for this one! Add a sprinkle of fajita seasoning and pair with guac and salsa for a full fiesta—even if it’s just a Tuesday.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Sticky, sweet, and perfectly glazed—these air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs are a total dinnertime upgrade. The thighs stay super juicy inside while the teriyaki sauce caramelises into a glossy, delicious finish on the outside.
You can use homemade teriyaki sauce (just soy, honey, garlic, and ginger!) or your favourite bottled brand if you’re short on time. These are also great for meal prep—make extra, slice them up, and toss into wraps, bowls, or noodle salads the next day. They’re full of flavour and so simple to make.
Charlotte Tip: Add chopped green onions and sesame seeds just before serving for a takeaway-style finish. Pair with rice and edamame to keep things fresh, fast, and fabulous.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs
These air fryer BBQ chicken legs are everything you want them to be: crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and dripping with sweet, smoky BBQ sauce. They’re perfect for those nights when you need dinner to feel a little more fun.
You can change up the vibe depending on your BBQ sauce—honey, smoky chipotle, or Carolina gold all work beautifully. Serve with classic sides like coleslaw, air fryer potato wedges, or even mac and cheese for a full-on comfort feast. These are also perfect for picky eaters—everyone loves a good BBQ leg!
Charlotte Tip: Add the BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking to avoid burning and keep that glossy finish. Pair with coleslaw and corn for that summer BBQ vibe—even if you’re eating indoors.and corn.
Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Wraps
Fresh, fast, and satisfying, these air fryer chicken Caesar wraps are your answer to “What’s for dinner?” when you just can’t do another round of oven trays. Crispy chicken, crunchy romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing wrapped in a warm tortilla—what’s not to love?
You can use chicken tenders, thighs, or even nuggets for this one. Layer them into a wrap with crispy lettuce, shavings of parmesan, and a generous drizzle of dressing. Want to elevate it further? Add sliced avocado or a sprinkle of crushed croutons for added crunch. It’s a wrap that feels like a full-on meal.
This is my second favourite from my air fryer chicken recipes list
>> Full Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Wraps
Charlotte Tip: Use pre-washed bagged Caesar salad to speed up prep. Wrap in foil and air fry for 2 minutes to warm the tortilla slightly! It’s the little details that make it feel gourmet with zero stress.
Before You Go
There you go—11 mouthwatering air fryer chicken recipes that prove you can make simple meals feel special. From sticky-glazed bites to crispy drumsticks and zesty wraps, there’s something here for every craving and every type of busy day.
Whether you’re feeding the kids, your partner, or just yourself while watching your latest cosy show—you deserve a dinner that feels like a treat.
Let me know in the comments on Pinterest which one you’re trying first (or tag me on Instagram @adore.charlotte with your creations!).
With love, gratitude & soft girl CEO vibes.
