Finding meals that kids will actually enjoy can be a challenge, but these 20 kid-friendly main dish recipes are here to make dinnertime easier. From comforting classics to creative twists, these dishes are packed with flavors kids love while keeping things simple for busy parents. Perfect for picky eaters and growing appetites alike, these recipes are sure to become family favorites.

Mac and Cheese Muffins with Ham

Mac and Cheese Muffins with Ham. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? These muffins combine cheesy goodness with chunks of ham for extra flavor and protein. Bonus? They’re easy to grab and perfect for little hands.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese Muffins with Ham

Meatloaf Muffins Recipe

Meatloaf Muffins Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Miniature versions of a dinner classic! These meatloaf muffins have a savory flavor your kids will love, and they cook faster than traditional meatloaf. Pair them with veggies or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf Muffins Recipe

10-Minute Gochujang Noodles

10-Minute Gochujang Noodles. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Spice up your dinner game with these quick and tangy noodles! They’re loaded with delicious flavor, and you can adjust the spice level to keep them kid-friendly.
Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Gochujang Noodles

12345 Chinese Spare Ribs (For Easy Home Cooking)

Cooked spare ribs with a dark glaze, sprinkled with sesame seeds, served on a white plate.
12345 Chinese Spare Ribs (For Easy Home Cooking). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

These deeply flavorful ribs are slow-cooked to tender perfection. They’re sticky, sweet, and a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: 12345 Chinese Spare Ribs (For Easy Home Cooking)

25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

An up-close shot of bacon-avocado ground beef burger on a flat white surface.
25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Burgers don’t get much better than this! Juicy ground beef meets crispy bacon and creamy avocado for a combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

30 Minute Mongolian Tenderloin

30 Minute Mongolian Tenderloin on a plate.
30 Minute Mongolian Tenderloin. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

A sweet-and-savory dish that’s straight-up delicious. The tender beef cooks quickly, making it a simple option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: 30 Minute Mongolian Tenderloin

30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta

Creamy Chicken And Corn Pasta closeup partial of finished dish cropped horizontal.
30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Creamy, cozy, and bursting with flavor, this chicken and corn pasta is a family favorite. It’s kid-approved comfort food at its best!
Get the Recipe: 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta

Air Fryer Almond Crusted Chicken

Air Fryer Almond Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Crunchy and nutty on the outside, juicy on the inside! These almond-crusted chicken pieces are a healthy and tasty alternative to fried chicken.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Almond Crusted Chicken

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Chicken tenders wrapped in crispy bacon? Yes, please! These are fun to eat and packed with incredible flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

A chicken drumsticks in a pan.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

These drumsticks have that smoky BBQ taste with a crispy texture. Perfect for family dinners or getting a little messy!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Air Fryer Chicken

Chicken wings on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

A super simple way to make crispy, juicy chicken that’s perfect every time. Serve it with your kids’ favorite sides for a winning meal!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Burger

Air Fryer Chicken Burger. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Juicy chicken patties paired with your favorite toppings in a soft bun. Fast, easy, and loved by kids and adults alike!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Burger

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Sliced breaded and fried chicken breast on a wooden board, garnished with herbs and accompanied by lemon slices.
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Crispy, golden chicken cutlets that are healthier thanks to the air fryer. These are perfect for dipping in your kid’s favorite sauces.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Close-up of a dish featuring seasoned strips of chicken, red and yellow bell peppers, green peppers, and onions.
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Bring a Tex-Mex favorite to the table! These fajitas are full of bold flavors and are fun for everyone to assemble.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

A wooden board with seasoned chicken wings, a bowl of white dipping sauce with lemon slices, and celery and carrot sticks.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Crispy wings coated in your favorite sauce make for a tasty and fun dinner. Plus, the air fryer makes cleanup easy!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs

Golden meatballs with a sprinkle of herbs on a white plate, with marinara sauce.
Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Little bites of spice and sweetness! These meatballs pack just enough heat while staying kid-friendly and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs

Air Fryer Ham Steak

air fryer ham steak on a white plate with asparagus and mashed potatoes.
Air Fryer Ham Steak. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty! These ham steaks are juicy and perfect for pairing with eggs, rice, or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ham Steak

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Low angle shot of korean fried chicken with a hand holding a piece of the chicken.
Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Get that crunchy and flavorful Korean fried chicken experience right at home. Add a mild sauce to keep it kid-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Low angle shot of a plate of fried chicken with sesame sauce and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This sesame chicken strikes the perfect balance of sweet and savory, all while staying crispy. It’s better than takeout!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Air Fryer Skirt Steak

Air fryer skirt steak sliced on a cutting board.
Air Fryer Skirt Steak. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tender, juicy steak with a perfect sear made right in your air fryer. Slice it thin and serve it with rice or veggies for a quick and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Skirt Steak

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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