17 air fryer recipes that make ordering takeout easy to skip

Ordering takeout is easy, but it is not always worth the wait or the cost. These 17 air fryer recipes make it easy to skip takeout while still getting dinners that feel satisfying and familiar. They are built for busy nights when you want something quick without settling for another delivery order. As you scroll, expect meals that feel comforting, practical, and surprisingly doable with what you already have.

Plate of bacon-wrapped peppers filled with cheese, garnished with parsley, next to a grated cheese block and grater on a wooden board. — Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese with pieces of chicken, topped with a drizzle of brown sauce, sits on a white surface beside a fork and sprigs of parsley. — Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese brings creamy pasta and sauced chicken together using the air fryer for a fast, hands-off dinner. This air fryer recipe cooks in about 20 minutes, making it a practical swap for boxed takeout meals. The air fryer keeps the texture rich without long stovetop steps or extra dishes. It feels like comfort food made on purpose, not something rushed in at the last minute.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Easy Gluten Free Samosas

Golden-brown triangular samosas on a white plate. — Easy Gluten Free Samosas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Easy Gluten Free Samosas use the air fryer to turn filled pastry pockets crisp without deep oil or long prep. This air fryer recipe finishes in under 25 minutes, which makes skipping takeout an easy choice on busy nights. The air fryer handles the crunch while the filling stays hearty and balanced. Each bite feels like a planned snack plate rather than a delivery order.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gluten Free Samosas

Air Fryer Cheese Bites

Air Fryer Cheese Bites cook quickly in the air fryer with a crisp exterior and soft center. This air fryer recipe takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, keeping snack cravings from turning into a takeout run. The air fryer method keeps prep simple and cleanup light. They disappear fast, usually before anyone asks what else is for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Bites

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes rely on the air fryer to brown seasoned potatoes evenly in under 20 minutes. This air fryer recipe recreates a familiar fast-food favorite without leaving the kitchen. The air fryer gives the potatoes structure while warming the cheese through. It works as a quick dinner side that replaces a drive-thru stop.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings cook fully in the air fryer while the onions soften and the bacon firms up. This air fryer recipe takes about 20 minutes, making it easier than ordering appetizer platters. The air fryer handles everything in one batch with no flipping stress. They feel like a planned snack spread instead of a last-minute add-on.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma

Two grilled wraps with visible grill marks are placed on a green plate with a yellow cloth underneath. Shredded cheese and a small bowl of sauce are seen nearby on a white surface. — Grilled Chicken Shawarma Wrap (Air Fryer or Pan Fried). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma uses the air fryer to cook marinated chicken evenly in about 18 minutes. This air fryer recipe makes skipping restaurant wraps an easy decision. The air fryer locks in texture while keeping the process simple. It works well for quick dinners that still feel intentional.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef cooks sliced beef quickly in the air fryer for a crisp edge and sauced finish. This air fryer recipe is ready in roughly 20 minutes, cutting out delivery wait times. The air fryer keeps the beef structured without stovetop splatter. It feels like a complete meal without the takeout bag.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets cook evenly in the air fryer with a crisp coating and juicy center. This air fryer recipe takes less than 30 minutes, making it easier than placing an order. The air fryer keeps portions consistent and cleanup quick. It turns a familiar favorite into a weeknight solution.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer BBQ Wings

Air Fryer BBQ Wings cook through in the air fryer with crisp skin and sticky sauce. This air fryer recipe takes about 25 minutes, replacing wing delivery nights. The air fryer keeps the wings evenly cooked without constant attention. They land on the table ready to share without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Wings

Fried Marinated Tofu

A bowl of soup with a spoon in it. — Fried Marinated Tofu. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Fried Marinated Tofu uses the air fryer to cook marinated cubes until firm and golden. This air fryer recipe finishes in about 20 minutes and works well for bowls or wraps. The air fryer keeps the tofu structured without pan watching. It fits easily into meals that would normally call for takeout sides.
Get the Recipe: Fried Marinated Tofu

Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli

A hand dips a crispy, breaded zucchini chip into a bowl of marinara sauce. — Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli cooks stuffed pasta crisp in the air fryer without deep oil. This air fryer recipe takes about 12 minutes, making it a fast alternative to ordering appetizers. The air fryer keeps the coating firm while the filling warms through. It works as a quick dinner add-on that feels planned.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers cook evenly in the air fryer with minimal prep. This air fryer recipe takes around 15 minutes, helping weeknight dinners stay on track. The air fryer keeps the patties juicy without stovetop monitoring. It feels like a full meal without delivery delays.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning

Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning cook fast in the air fryer with crisp skin and balanced seasoning. This air fryer recipe finishes in under 20 minutes, replacing wing takeout easily. The air fryer keeps the wings evenly cooked with little effort. They land on the plate ready to serve without extra sauces or sides.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

A bowl of white rice topped with stir-fried chicken pieces and chopped green onions, with chopsticks beside it. — Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken cooks bite-sized chicken pieces evenly in the air fryer. This air fryer recipe takes about 18 minutes, making it faster than ordering delivery. The air fryer creates a light crunch while keeping the inside juicy. It works well as a main dish that feels complete on its own.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

A black plate holding several pieces of golden-brown, crispy fried chicken tenders garnished with chopped parsley, set on a rust-colored cloth with sauce and herbs visible in the background. — Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders cook quickly in the air fryer with a crisp coating. This air fryer recipe takes roughly 20 minutes, helping dinner stay simple. The air fryer keeps the tenders consistent without pan frying. They disappear fast, usually replacing the need for takeout boxes.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Brats

Air Fryer Brats cook evenly in the air fryer with little prep. This air fryer recipe finishes in under 15 minutes, making it a fast dinner solution. The air fryer keeps the brats firm and juicy without a grill. It feels like a complete meal without leaving the house.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brats

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers cook quickly in the air fryer with crisp bacon and warm filling. This air fryer recipe takes about 10 minutes, making snack cravings easy to handle at home. The air fryer keeps everything contained with minimal cleanup. They hit the table fast, usually before delivery would even arrive.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers