8 quick and easy air fryer recipes for weekly menu

Monday 9 March 2026 15:30 - Daniele Mainieri
8 quick and easy air fryer recipes for weekly menu

If your air fryer lives permanently on your kitchen counter, this is the perfect time to make the most of it. Planning your weekly menu with quick, light, and crispy recipes saves time, reduces cleanup, and helps you bring dishes to the table that everyone genuinely enjoys.


I’ve selected 8 air fryer recipes to help you organize this week’s menu, from tasty appetizers to easy meals and smart side dishes. Each one is designed to simplify your life in the kitchen, because cooking well isn’t about making things complicated. It’s about knowing the right tricks to create dishes that are both light and delicious.

Fire up your air fryer and get ready to serve recipes that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and guaranteed to make your week easier, faster, and absolutely irresistible.

1. Shrimp spring rolls in air fryer

Want to start the week with something special yet light? These air fryer shrimp spring rolls are the perfect choice. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they come together in minutes and have that instant “wow” factor.

The secret? Arrange them in a single layer, well spaced in the basket, and brush them lightly with oil for perfectly even browning.

They’re ideal as a flavorful appetizer. Try them once, and you’ll turn an ordinary dinner into something memorable.

Air fryer shrimp spring rollsRecipe Air fryer shrimp spring rolls

Hard to stop at just one, we warn you... These air-fried shrimp spring rolls are crispy on the outside, with a tasty filling flavored with garlic, ginger and sesame oil! Air-frying produces golden spring rolls without deep-frying , while retaining...

2. Sweet potatoes in air fryer

Air fryer sweet potatoes are the kind of healthy side dish you’ll never get tired of. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a slightly caramelized flavor that’s completely addictive.

For extra crispiness, soak them in water for 20 minutes before cooking and dry them thoroughly.

They pair beautifully with meat, fish, or veggie burgers. If you’re looking for a lighter yet satisfying side dish, this one deserves a spot on your weekly menu.

How to cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer? the simple and effective method!Recipe How to cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer? the simple and effective method!

No need to cut them to get the perfect texture ! Whole sweet potatoes in the air fryer become tender through and through, with slightly crispy skin. This simple, hands-off cooking method is ideal when you want an easy side dish. Simply wash and...

3. Falafel in air fryer

When you’re craving something vegetarian, protein-rich, and full of flavor, air fryer falafel is the answer. Crispy without deep frying, they keep all the warmth and fragrance of traditional spices.

Add cumin and fresh parsley for a deeper, more aromatic taste.

Serve them in warm pita bread or alongside a yogurt sauce for a complete and satisfying dinner. It’s an easy way to bring a Middle Eastern twist to your week.

Air fryer falafels for a crispy result without deep-frying!Recipe Air fryer falafels for a crispy result without deep-frying!

Lovers of Middle Eastern cuisine are bound to know falafel . These little vegetarian balls, made from chickpeas , are packed with flavor and are usually deep-fried. But today, we’ve decided to make a healthier version that’s just as delicious,...

4. Puff pastry rolls stuffed with pesto

Short on time but still want something impressive? These air fryer puff pastry rolls are ready in just 15 minutes. Golden, flaky, and infused with pesto, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.

Brush the tops with a little milk before cooking for an extra glossy, inviting finish.

Perfect for appetizers, savory snacks, or last-minute gatherings, they’re the kind of quick recipe that always delivers big results with minimal effort.

Pesto mozzarella puff pastries in the air fryer, ready in 15 minutes!Recipe Pesto mozzarella puff pastries in the air fryer, ready in 15 minutes!

When you're short on time but still want something tasty, these puff pastries are a sure bet. A little pesto, some mozzarella, puff pastry ... and the air fryer does the rest. In just a few minutes, the puff pastries are golden brown on the...

5. Beef meatballs in air fryer

A classic made lighter: air fryer beef meatballs stay incredibly tender inside and slightly crispy outside... and all without frying in oil.

Add a tablespoon of milk to the mixture to keep them extra soft and juicy.

They’re perfect for family dinners or weekly meal prep, and they’re always a hit with everyone at the table. Practical, flavorful, and easy—exactly what weeknight cooking should be.

Extra-tender air fryer meatballs: an easy, quick recipe with beefRecipe Extra-tender air fryer meatballs: an easy, quick recipe with beef

Air fryer meatballs are among the most searched-for recipes right now because they make it easy to serve a tasty , light meal in just a few minutes. Perfect as a main course for the whole family, they’re also ideal as a tasty appetizer or finger...

6. Homemade fish sticks

These homemade air fryer fish sticks are on another level. Crispy, light, and made with fresh fish fillets, they’re great even for those who usually aren’t big fans of fish.

For extra flavor, mix herbs into the breadcrumbs.

They’re ideal for a quick dinner and especially helpful when you want kids to eat fish without complaints. One bite, and you’ll taste the difference.

Fish fingers in the air fryer: crispy, light and easy to make!Recipe Fish fingers in the air fryer: crispy, light and easy to make!

If you love fish fingers but want a lighter, crispier version without having to fry them in oil, this recipe is for you. Thanks to the air fryer, you'll get a golden and flavorful result with very little oil, perfect for a healthy and tasty meal....

7. Potato gratin in air fryer

Potato gratin in the air fryer is comfort food made faster. Thin layers of potatoes, béchamel, and cheese turn creamy inside and beautifully golden on top.

Slice the potatoes very thinly to ensure even cooking.

It’s perfect when you want something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. A simple way to treat yourself to a cozy, satisfying dish.

Air fryer potato gratinRecipe Air fryer potato gratin

Looking for a super-easy-to-make side dish that's both delicious and crispy? This potato gratin in the Air Fryer will delight you! With melt-in-the-mouth potatoes on the inside and a golden crust on the outside, this gratin, a cousin of Gratin...

8. Pea and feta meatballs

Colorful, fresh, and ready in no time, these pea and feta patties are a delicious vegetarian option. The sweetness of the peas balances perfectly with the salty richness of feta.

A squeeze of lemon before serving brightens everything up.

Serve them as finger food, a light lunch, or a vegetarian meal. They’re simple, different, and surprisingly satisfying.

Pea and feta meatballs in the air fryer: tasty and super quick to prepare!Recipe Pea and feta meatballs in the air fryer: tasty and super quick to prepare!

Simple ingredients, just a few minutes of preparation, and you’ll have a delicious dish to serve: pea, feta and mint meatballs cooked in an air fryer are a great vegetarian alternative to traditional meatballs . They are very versatile and can be...

Why choose these recipes this week?

From experience (and many last-minute dinner saves), having a simple but smart plan completely changes how you approach cooking. With these easy air fryer recipes, you can organize your week without stress, eat lighter without sacrificing flavor, and serve crispy dishes that make everyone happy.

Bottom line:

  • More time every day
  • Less fat and fewer cooking odors
  • Greater variety in your weekly menu
  • Better use of your air fryer

And the best part? Opening the basket to that perfect golden crispness and that irresistible homemade aroma.

Now it’s your turn. Choose the recipe that inspires you most, switch on your air fryer, and get started. This week won’t just be more organized, it’ll be even tastier.

Daniele MainieriDaniele Mainieri
Every day, I dive into the world of food and wine with curiosity, always looking for new flavours, recipes and inspiring discoveries to share. From traditional family dishes to the latest food trends, including pairings that make all the difference. I’ve been working in food & wine communication for over 10 years and I’m currently the Editorial Manager for the Italian edition of Petitchef.

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