Air fryers are becoming increasingly popular, and with good reason – they make it easy to whip up tasty, healthy meals in no time. Meal prep is even easier with an air fryer since it can quickly cook proteins and vegetables that comprise the foundation of many nutritious dishes.
Air fryer meal prep recipes are a great way to save time during the week while ensuring a balanced meal.
Beginners can prepare meals ahead of time using pantry staples like wheat flour, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. The air fryer makes cooking proteins like chicken, fish, or tofu fast and tasty with sauces or seasonings—air-fry veggies like Brussels sprouts, potatoes, and carrots for a crunchy and satisfying taste.
Air fryers can make sweet and savory snacks like doughnuts, French fries, and mini pizzas. Never run out of ideas for versatile dishes with these delicious recipes.
Here are 10 Make-Ahead Meals Using Air Fryer
1. Air Fryer Asian Beef and Veggies
Air Fryer Asian Beef and Veggies is a hearty, healthy make-ahead meal that you can prepare in the air fryer. The dish combines lean ground beef, colorful vegetables, and flavorful Asian spices to create an authentic and delicious meal that your family will love.
To make it even easier, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time so that all you need to do is throw everything together in the air fryer and enjoy.
Air Fryer Asian Beef and Veggies is a tasty make-ahead meal that can be prepared in the air fryer. This dish is packed with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and exotic spices to give it an authentic Asian flavor.
To make this meal even easier to prepare, you can do all the prep work ahead of time, so all you have to do is toss everything into the air fryer and enjoy.
2. Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas make a great make-ahead meal that you can whip up quickly in the air fryer. Simply marinate chicken strips with your favorite Mexican spices, assemble the fajita filling with peppers and onions, and cook it all together in the air fryer for a delicious and healthy meal in no time.
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas are a delicious and healthy make-ahead meal that you can whip up quickly using your air fryer.
With a few easy steps, you can have a flavorful dinner that will please the whole family in no time. Start by marinating chicken strips with your favorite Mexican spices such as cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano.
3. Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki Bowls
Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki Bowls are an easy make-ahead meal that you can prepare in the air fryer.
Simply marinate chicken strips with a flavorful teriyaki sauce and assemble with steamed vegetables and grains to create a flavorful, healthy meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki Bowls are a delicious and healthy make-ahead meal that you can whip up quickly using your air fryer. Marinated chicken strips, steamed vegetables, and grains create a balanced meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
4. Miso Garlic Chicken Wings
Miso Garlic Chicken Wings are a delicious make-ahead meal that can be made in an air fryer. This recipe is especially great for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want a yummy and healthy dinner.
The marinade is flavorful, with miso paste, garlic, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. It brings out the deliciousness of the chicken wings.
Miso Garlic Chicken Wings are an easy and flavorful make-ahead meal that you can prepare in your air fryer. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want a yummy and healthy dinner.
The marinade is flavorful, with miso paste, garlic, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. It brings out the deliciousness of the chicken wings.
5. Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Fish
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Fish is a delicious make-ahead meal that can be made in the air fryer. The delicate fish is coated with a crunchy crust of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese and then cooked in the air fryer until crispy. This makes for a delicious and healthy dinner that everyone will love.
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Fish is a tasty make-ahead meal that you can quickly prepare in your air fryer. The delicate fish is coated with a crunchy crust of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese and then cooked in the air fryer until crispy and golden. This makes for a delicious and healthy dinner that your family will love.
6. Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs
Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs are a delicious make-ahead meal that can be easily cooked in an air fryer. This dish takes less than 30 minutes to make and will surely please everyone at the table.
To begin, mix together ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper and salt in a large bowl until all ingredients are fully combined. Form the mixture into meatballs and place them in the air fryer.
Cook for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic cloves, and sesame oil in a separate bowl and pour over the cooked meatballs. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy.
7. Air Fryer Mexican Shrimp
Air Fryer Mexican Shrimp is a delicious, make-ahead meal you can whip up in a jiffy. This tasty dish combines succulent shrimp and zesty Mexican flavors for an easy weeknight meal to please the whole family. Plus, with the convenience of an air fryer, this meal comes together quickly and easily.
To prepare Air Fryer Mexican Shrimp, boil olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Toss the shrimp in the marinade until fully coated.
Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy.
8. Air Fryer Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Air Fryer Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus is a delicious make-ahead meal that you can quickly whip up in your air fryer. This dish combines prosciutto’s savory flavor with asparagus’s crunchy texture for a unique and flavorful meal.
To prepare Air Fryer Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus, start by wrapping each asparagus spear with strips of prosciutto.
Place the asparagus in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Drizzle with your favorite seasonings and serve.
9. Air Fryer Seafood
Air Fryer Seafood is the perfect make-ahead meal for busy households. This dish is packed with flavor and nutrition and takes just minutes to prepare. Plus, it’s easy to incorporate seafood into your weekly menu without feeling overwhelmed by complicated recipes or high prices.
Air Fryer Seafood can be made with various ingredients such as shrimp, scallops, salmon, and cod. The possibilities are endless.
Mix your favorite seafood ingredients with olive oil in a large bowl to prepare Air Fryer Seafood. Place the mixture in the air fryer basket, and cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy.
10. Air Fryer Chicken and Turkey
Air fryers make flavorful, healthy, and delicious make-ahead meals. And they’re perfect for creating quick weeknight dinners or preparing meals ahead of time.
One of the best things about using an air fryer is that you can quickly cook up a large batch of food. Chicken and turkey are proteins that work especially well in the air fryer.
Mix cubed or sliced chicken with your favorite seasonings in a large bowl to make air fryer chicken and turkey. Mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt if using turkey.
Place the chicken or turkey in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1: Can I Prepare Make-Ahead Meals Using An Air Fryer?
Yes, you can prepare make-ahead meals using an air fryer. Air fryers are versatile kitchen appliances that can cook various foods. Many dishes can be cooked in advance and reheated later without sacrificing taste or texture, making them convenient for meal prepping.
2: What Types Of Meals Can I Make Ahead Using An Air Fryer?
The options for make-ahead meals with an air fryer are diverse. You can prepare protein-rich dishes like grilled chicken, turkey meatballs, or marinated tofu.
Vegetables such as roasted Brussels sprouts, crispy cauliflower, or sweet potato fries can also be cooked in advance. Additionally, you can make breakfast items like frittatas or egg muffins and even reheat frozen foods like homemade chicken nuggets or spring rolls.
3: How Should I Store Make-Ahead Meals Cooked In An Air Fryer?
To store make-ahead meals cooked in an air fryer, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers or resealable bags. Label and date the containers for easy identification.
For optimal freshness, it’s advisable to store the meals in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze them for longer-term storage. Proper storage will help maintain the quality and taste of the dishes.
4: How Should I Reheat Make-Ahead Meals Prepared In An Air Fryer?
To reheat make-ahead meals prepared in an air fryer, it’s best to use the air fryer again. Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature (usually around 350°F/180°C), place the leftovers in the basket or tray, and heat them for a few minutes until they are warmed. This method helps retain the crispiness and texture of the food, providing a fresh-out-of-the-air-fryer experience.
5: Can I Freeze Make-Ahead Meals Cooked In An Air Fryer?
You can freeze make-ahead meals cooked in an air fryer. Freezing allows for longer storage and makes meal prepping even more convenient. Ensure the food is cooled completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags.
Properly sealed and labeled, these meals can be stored in the freezer for several weeks to a few months. When ready to eat, thaw the meals in the refrigerator overnight before reheating them in the air fryer or oven.
Conclusion
Air fryers are great appliances for making make-ahead meals. With an air fryer, you can quickly cook a large batch of food to be enjoyed later. Chicken and turkey are versatile proteins that can be cooked in the air fryer. Additionally, vegetables, breakfast items, and even frozen foods can be cooked in advance and reheated later.
Meet our air fryer recipe expert, Jenny J. Brown. Jenny is a culinary enthusiast with a passion for creating healthy, delicious meals using the latest kitchen appliances. As an experienced home cook and food blogger, Jenny has spent years experimenting with air fryer recipes and perfecting her techniques to create meals that are both nutritious and satisfying.
