Air fryers (like The Pioneer Woman’s highly rated one from her cookware line) are highly efficient little appliances that make mealtime such a breeze—and the benefits are tenfold in the warmer months. On sweltering summer nights, it’s so easy to heat up an entrée or a side dish and let the air fryer work its magic without having to break a sweat. But aside from keeping your kitchen as cool, skipping the oven in favor of air-fryer recipes will get dinner on the table pronto, which is a lifesaver on those busy weeknights or whenever you’re entertaining a crowd. Not to mention, because an air fryer uses less oil, you’ll get to enjoy lighter versions of your fried favorites without sacrificing that crispy texture.
This roundup of summer air-fryer recipes includes main entrées and side dishes alike. You’ll find salmon with a bright burst of citrus and steak seasoned with fresh herbs, both of which you can serve with seasonal produce like green beans or okra. To round out your plate with something a little heartier, there are lots of BBQ-friendly sides like French fries and onion rings that are great served with burgers. With this list, you can even whip up kid-friendly summer staples like chicken tenders or hot dogs. Heck, you may never need to fire up the deep fryer ever again!
Air Fryer Salmon
In the air fryer, salmon filets turn out perfectly crispy. With a few simple seasonings and a zesty lemon wedge, it pairs nicely with rice and salad greens.
Get the Air Fryer Salmon recipe.
Air Fryer Parmesan Steak Fries
Whether you’re grilling burgers or searing steak, these potato wedges are the upgrade every summer cookout needs. Don’t forget to dunk them in balsamic ketchup!
Get Ree’s Air Fryer Parmesan Steak Fries recipe.
Air Fryer Green Beans
Green beans are at their peak in the summer, so tossing them in the air fryer will give your meal a pop of color, freshness, and crunch. Best of all, they’re ready in 12 minutes tops!
Get the Air Fryer Green Beans recipe.
Air Fryer Ribs
After making these tender, smoky ribs in the air fryer, you’ll want to serve them at every summer cookout. The meat is incredibly moist, and the flavorful spice rub and tangy barbecue sauce give it a drool-worthy finish.
Get Ree’s Air Fryer Ribs recipe.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
If you’re looking for a meal to feed hungry kids, chicken tenders always do the trick! They’re marinated in a buttermilk mixture, covered in breadcrumbs and parmesan, and cooked to golden perfection.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
For a healthier alternative to French fries, coat sweet potato wedges in savory spices, and toss them in the air fryer. They’re great served with turkey burgers or chicken Caesar wraps.
Get the Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries recipe.
Air Fryer Okra
Summer okra just got even better! This air-fryer recipe includes an easy breading method and a super-fast cook time for the tastiest results.
Get the Air Fryer Okra recipe.
Air Fryer Steak
Yep, you can even cook steak in your air fryer! The zesty garlic-cilantro butter on top makes it restaurant-worthy.
Get the Air Fryer Steak recipe.
Air Fryer Fish
If you’re craving a seafood dinner without the coastal getaway, look to fish and chips. This dish has a crispy golden brown coating, yet no deep-frying is needed.
Get the Air Fryer Fish recipe.
Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Why settle on plain pickles with your burger or wrap when you could air-fry them? Dill pickle chips are breaded and air-fried until they form that irresistibly tasty crunch.
Get Ree’s Air Fryer Fried Pickles recipe.
Air Fryer Hot Dog
Hot dogs in the air fryer? Don’t knock it ‘til you try it! The powerful convection heat creates a juicy interior and perfectly charred exterior that both kids and adults will love.
Get the Air Fryer Hot Dog recipe.
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Wrapped in a smoky barbecue rub and popped in the air fryer, these chicken drumsticks make a great summer dinner. But no judgment if you decide to grab a few for a midday snack!
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks recipe.
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Onion rings are a breeze to make in the air fryer. With buttermilk, dried spices, and panko breadcrumbs, this dish has mouthwatering results without the piping hot oil.
Get Ree’s Air Fryer Onion Rings recipe.
Air Fryer Falafel
Switch up your summer dinner rotation with air fryer falafel. These light bites are packed with fresh, herby flavor, and they’ll taste amazing whether they’re tucked inside a pita, topped on a salad, or eaten plain.
Get the Air Fryer Falafel recipe.
Crab Rangoon
Cooking crab rangoon in the air fryer is a simple way to upgrade savory, creamy crab stuffed in wonton wrappers. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a casual dinner component, they’re sure to be gone in a flash!
Get the Crab Rangoon recipe.
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