Nikole Stewart
Despite it being a popular appliance for snacks, the air fryer does an incredible job of recreating takeout-worthy meals. If you want to save a bit but still want that delicious comfort meal, then you need to try these air fryer meals that taste like takeout. From classic options like chicken wings to savory chicken shawarma wraps, these are our go-to air fryer meals that need to be on rotation.
7. Garlic Butter Shrimp
Need some seafood but don’t want to spend the extra delivery charge for takeout? Air fryers are the way to go. The appliance is well known for making delicious salmon, but have you tried garlic butter shrimp? It’s simple yet delicious, and only takes a few minutes to prepare and less than 10 minutes to cook. Follow Air Frying Foodie‘s recipe, which only includes shrimp, butter, and garlic.
6. Steak Bites
There’s never a bad time to grab some steak for an easy weeknight dinner. But instead of getting it delivered, just make this super easy air fryer meal. Just grab one of your favorite steaks, like a sirloin or a ribeye, and cut it into 1-inch pieces. Season them however you like best, and toss them in the air fryer. Cook in a preheated air fryer for about 4 to 8 minutes, depending on your doneness preferences.
5. Chicken Wings
One of the best air fryer meals that tastes like takeout is chicken wings. Like steak bites, they only take a few steps. Toss your chicken wings with some olive oil or avocado spray, then season them to your liking. Add them to your preheated air fryer and cook until crispy. The best way to cook them completely with a great skin is by cooking them for 10 minutes, flipping them, and then cooking them for an additional 10 minutes.
4. Pizza
Forget ordering pizza when you can just whip up a delicious and more affordable pizza at home. It does take a bit more work, but it’s truly worth it. Tastes Better From Scratch does an amazing job at making a homemade pizza with the appliance. All you need to do is grab pizza dough and pre-bake it in the air fryer for a minute or two. Then, add your toppings, starting with pizza sauce and cheese, then your other preferred additions, like pepperoni, sausage, beef, peppers, olives, and more. Bake for another two to three minutes, and enjoy. You can also do this with premade crusts, bagels, pita bread, and more.
3. Carne Asada
You can enjoy delicious carne asada in the air fryer in just a few simple steps. Just add your skirt steak to a preheated air fryer and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, then turn it over and cook for an additional about 4 to 6 minutes, depending on how you want your steak cooked. Serve with your favorite toppings on a tortilla, like guacamole, cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, pico de gallo, and more. If you want a delicious marinade, make sure to check out This Old Gal for a recipe.
2. Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Chicken shawarma wraps are one of the best air fryer meals all year round. All you need is to toss your chicken – though you can also do lamb or beef – and vegetables like onions and peppers with olive oil, garlic cloves, shawarma spice, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper. Then load it up in an air fryer. Cook for about 16 to 18 minutes and then top with Naan bread with your favorite toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, pickles, hummus, Tzatziki, Tahini, or even a savory garlic sauce.
1. Mongolian Beef
There’s nothing like a delicious, savory bowl of Mongolian Beef along with your rice or noodles. To make one of the best air fryer meals, simply cut thin slices of your steak, then coat with cornstarch. Place in your air fryer and coat with oil spray. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, then start working on heating up your prefered sauce. Toss your cooked steak in your sauce, and then serve alongside your favorite vegetables and noodles or rice.