The air fryer makes it easy to enjoy fried-style chicken with less fuss. Crispy coating and juicy meat come together in a shorter cooking time. These dinners are weeknight-friendly while still tasting indulgent and satisfying. Expect crunchy bites that keep cleanup simple and flavor high.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crispy breading surrounds juicy chicken, savory ham, and melty cheese for a comforting yet impressive dinner. The air fryer creates a golden crust while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. Shortcuts make preparation simple without sacrificing taste. Perfect for busy nights that still call for something special.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Three seasoned and baked crispy chicken drumsticks garnished with chopped herbs on a gray plate—perfect for easy chicken dinner ideas.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Golden, crackly skin gives way to juicy, well-seasoned meat in every bite. A quick air fryer cook time delivers big flavor with very little effort. Dinner comes together in about 25 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights. Even picky eaters love the crispy finish.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

A close-up of chopsticks holding a piece of glazed, grilled chicken. The chicken appears juicy and well-cooked.
Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Bold barbecue flavor clings to every crispy, juicy bite. Air fryer cooking means less splatter and faster cleanup. Drumsticks cook evenly while staying tender inside. A stress-free way to enjoy classic BBQ at home.
Get the Recipe: Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Three air-fried, sesame-crusted chicken thighs with broccoli on a white plate.
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Juicy, tender chicken gets a savory boost from olive oil and Everything Bagel seasoning. Air fryer cooking delivers big flavor in about 20 minutes. A budget-friendly option that works for weeknights or meal prep. Extra batches come together just as easily for larger crowds.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Two crispy, glazed and cooked chicken drumsticks on a small white plate, with another plate of chicken drumsticks partially visible in the background—perfect for a delicious chicken dinner.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Sweet and smoky barbecue flavor coats tender chicken with a sticky, caramelized finish. The air fryer keeps cooking neat and mess-free. Dinner is ready quickly without firing up a grill. Perfect for easy weeknight comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

Air fryer fried chicken legs and thighs in a pile on a wooden cutting board.
Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A crunchy coating wraps around moist, flavorful chicken without heavy oil. Air fryer cooking delivers that classic fried texture with less mess. Each bite stays tender and satisfying. Comfort food becomes easier and lighter to enjoy at home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

A plate with breaded chicken topped with tomato sauce and cheese on spaghetti, served with a green salad and croutons.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Crispy panko, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning coat tender chicken for a bold, savory bite. The air fryer creates golden crunch while keeping the inside juicy. Pantry staples make preparation easy and affordable. A fast way to enjoy classic comfort food on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

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.

Lightly breaded cutlets cook up crispy and golden with minimal oil. Air fryer heat delivers restaurant-style results at home. Each piece stays juicy while developing a crunchy exterior. A healthier twist on a familiar favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

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

Smoky bacon wraps around juicy chicken for rich, savory flavor. Air fryer cooking keeps everything crisp and ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for quick dinners, parties, or game-day snacks. Favorite dipping sauces make every bite even better.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Almond Crusted Chicken

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

Crunchy almond coating adds nutty flavor and subtle sweetness to tender chicken. Air fryer cooking creates crisp texture without deep-frying. A simple recipe works well for busy nights. Every bite balances savory and lightly sweet notes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Almond Crusted Chicken

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 come together with only a few simple ingredients. The air fryer delivers golden skin and juicy meat in minutes. Preparation stays fast and fuss-free. A great option for snacks, parties, or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings

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.

Crunchy chicken gets coated in a bold, sweet-and-spicy glaze. Air fryer cooking keeps the outside crisp while the inside stays juicy. Big flavor comes together without deep-frying. A fun way to switch up weeknight chicken.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Quarters

A white platter with four seasoned and cooked chicken quarters, garnished with fresh parsley.
Air Fryer Chicken Quarters. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Budget-friendly chicken cooks up juicy with perfectly crisp skin. The air fryer locks in moisture while browning the outside. Cooking stays quick and reliable for busy households. Extra batches work well for meal prep or big families.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Quarters

Air Fryer Panko Chicken

Panko chicken on a plate with tomato slices and fresh herbs.
Air Fryer Panko Chicken. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Light, crispy panko creates a crunchy coating over tender, juicy chicken. Air fryer heat delivers golden results without excess oil. Simple ingredients keep prep easy and affordable. A versatile dinner option that pairs well with any side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Panko Chicken

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

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