• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Best Air fryer Recipes
    • Air Fryer Appetizers
    • Air fryer Frozen foods
    • Keto Air Fryer Recipes
    • Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Contact
    • About us
    • Privacy Policy

Air Fryer Yum logo

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Best Air fryer Recipes
    • Air Fryer Appetizers
    • Air fryer Frozen foods
    • Keto Air Fryer Recipes
    • Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Contact
    • About us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Best Air fryer Recipes

    Published: Jan 17, 2022 by Chichi. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our full disclosure here.

    Air fryer meal prep recipe ideas

    Sharing is caring!

    90 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    • Flipboard
    Jump to Recipe

    Do you love to plan ahead so you can save some time in your busy schedule? These Air fryer meal prep ideas are what you need to help you get started. It’s great to keep you on track to achieve your set goals. You’ll find easy recipes that are easily adaptable and suitable for beginners or veteran users alike!

    From chicken to pasta to vegetables and snacks, get ready to enjoy these tasty make ahead meals that use pantry staples and require minimal prep.

    vegetables including onions, zucchini, red bell peppers and broccoli
    Air fryer marinated vegetables

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below and we’ll send it to your inbox right away! Plus you’ll get amazing recipes & tips from us every week. Enjoy!

    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading

    Table of Contents

    • Planning your meals will help you
    • Join our Air fryer recipes group on Facebook!
    • What are the benefits of air fryer meal prep
    • Best Ingredients and tools for meal prep
    • How to meal prep for the week
    • 25+ foods you can meal prep in your air fryer
    • Storage instructions
    • Air frying Tips
    • Frequently asked questions
    • More air fryer recipe round ups!
    • Air fryer meal prep recipe ideas

    Planning your meals will help you

    • Save money and stick to your planned budget
    • Stay focused on your goals
    • Save time
    • Reduce food waste

    Join our Air fryer recipes group on Facebook!

    Sausage lifted up with a pair of red tipped kitchen tongs and more sausages in the air fryer basket at the background
    Air fryer breakfast sausages

    What are the benefits of air fryer meal prep

    Quick: Cooking meats in the air fryer saves time. You get the same delicious texture of fried meats with a fraction of the oil.

    Great for make ahead: The air fryer is a great kitchen appliance for cooking many meals ahead. Especially chicken and even vegetables.

    Reheating: You’d be surprised how well the air fryer reheats food. It turns left over pizza gold and fries and chicken are the best when reheated in the air fryer.

    Related: Air fryer keto and low carb recipes, Air fryer chicken recipes

    skewered beef on a white plate with some slices of tomatoes, cucumbers and onions on the side.
    Air fryer beef Suya

    Best Ingredients and tools for meal prep

    Ingredients:

    • Chicken
    • Spices and herbs
    • Ground Beef
    • Steak cuts
    • Eggs
    • Rice
    • Potatoes

    Tools:

    • Mixing bowls
    • Air fryer perforated parchment paper
    • Plastic Meal prep Bowls or these glass ones
    • Ziplock bags
    Air fryer green beans with bacon

    How to meal prep for the week

    Plan: Start planning your meals for a particular week on the previous week. Choose a meal plan you want to follow, select the recipes you want to make that are freezer or make ahead friendly. Proteins like meats are good candidates for meal planning.

    Look through your pantry: Now that you’ve decided what meals you want to make for the coming week, it’s time to look through your pantry to find what you already have available and what you need to buy or stock up on. You may need some herbs or spices or some complimentary canned foods. You need to also take stock of perishable goods you have in your refrigerator so you don’t go buying more zucchinis when you still have some from last week. Also make sure your have enough functional meal prep bowls to store the food.

    Create a shopping list & go shopping: After looking through your pantry, it’s time to create a shopping list to buy what you need for the week’s meal plan. To make things easier, you can break shopping into two. Buy the non perishable items like spices, dry herbs and canned foods earlier in the week and perishable goods like meats and vegetables as close to meal prep day as possible which for most people is usually on the weekends.

    Cook & store your food: Prepare your meals and store for the week in portioned containers enough for a meal. This will reduce the chances of having leftovers that need restoring and reheating.

    White eggs in air fryer basket

    25+ foods you can meal prep in your air fryer

    Whether you are meal prepping for weight loss or to stay healthy or even to save cost, these are easy meals to meal prep with air fryer machines. Hope you find them helpful

    Juicy Tender Air fryer Chicken breasts
    The air fryer makes tender juicy chicken breasts with or without brining. Chicken in all forms is great for most diets, therefore it’s a perfect side for people following a keto, low-carb, or Whole30 diet. This Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe is one of the best air fryer recipes to try.
    Get this recipe
    Air fried Boiled chicken thighs
    A Boiled chicken thighs recipe that gets finished up in the air fryer. You’ll get juicy, tender and flavorful chicken thighs with crispy skin that’s perfect for dinner or any time of the week and can be served with rice dishes, potatoes or vegetables.
    Get this recipe
    Air fryer frozen chicken wings
    Frozen chicken wings in air fryer! Yes you can make the best wings right in that counter top device popularly known as the air fryer. It comes out delicious and perfectly cooked, with juicy interior and crispy skin all that left is to decide the best dipping sauce to use for this easy side dish or appetizer.
    Get this recipe
    Crispy Air fryer chicken drumsticks
    Crispy air fryer chicken drumsticks that are tender, juicy on the inside and seasoned to perfection. These Chicken legs have no breading and yet have nice and crispy skin. Thanks to the addition of baking powder to the spice blend. This recipe is ready in 30 mins! Just in time for dinner.
    Get this recipe
    Chinese chicken on a stick (Chinese Skewers recipe)
    Here’s an easy Chinese chicken on a stick recipe that’s perfect for entertaining. These Chinese chicken skewers are quick, and packed full of Asian flavors.
    Get this recipe
    Air fryer boneless chicken thighs recipe
    Looking for a tasty air fryer chicken thighs recipe? Boneless chicken thighs in the air fryer is one of my favorite ways to meal prep and this air fryer boneless chicken thighs recipe is easy, quick and flavorful.  
    Get this recipe
    Air fryer Chicken legs
    Tender juicy Air fryer Chicken legs doused in a keto friendly Teriyaki sauce is a perfect side to any meal and a great addition to your collection of chicken recipes.
    Get this recipe
    Air fryer Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe
    This marinated chicken on a stick is one recipe you need to make. My Air fryer Greek chicken souvlaki recipe is easy to make, flavorful and fits right into most diets. It’s a perfect low carb or keto side to tomatoes, onions and lettuce.
    Get this recipe
    Air fryer chicken quarters
    This is a super easy air fryer chicken quarters recipe is for beginners and expert users alike. If you are wondering how to cook frozen chicken quarters in the air fryer, this fool proof recipe is right up your alley and all you need to make a quick, and flavorful side dish for dinner.
    Get this recipe
    Air fryer lemon pepper chicken thighs recipe
    Making Lemon Pepper chicken thighs in air fryer is our new favorite easy dinner recipe. With just a few ingredients, these Air fryer lemon pepper chicken thighs are ready in less than 20 mins. The lemon pepper marinade takes this boneless chicken to another level. It’s super easy, quick and flavorful. 
    Get this recipe
    Air fryer Brussel sprouts with bacon recipe
    Air fryer brussel sprouts with bacon is a great and easy recipe that’s perfect as a holiday side dish and all year round. These tiny cabbages are keto friendly and low carb making this a recipe that cuts across many diets.
    Get this recipe
    Air fryer Crack green beans recipe (Arkansas green beans)
    My favorite crack green beans recipe will be shared today. This delicious side dish of old fashioned green beans with bacon reminds me so much of our Air fryer Brussel sprouts and bacon recipe. Easy to make, quick, delicious and most importantly no need to turn on your stove or oven, are you sold on that yet?
    Get this recipe
    Air fryer vegetables
    Air fryer vegetables is a delicious and easy marinated vegetables recipe made right in the air fryer. I love how quick and tasty this roasted vegetables recipe turns out. Whether you are making fresh or frozen vegetable medley, this kitchen appliance is your go to and if you love grilled veggies, give this a try and let’s catch up.
    Get this recipe
    Air fryer Turkey Bacon
    Air fryer Turkey bacon is perfect for people that don’t like pig bacon. Cooking bacon in the air fryer ensures you get perfectly crispy bacon every time. Turkey bacon is not laden with as much fat as regular bacon so there’s little or no mess  and this recipe shows you all the tips and tricks needed to make the best air fryer Turkey bacon.
    Get this recipe
    Air fryer hard boiled eggs
    One of the easiest ways to cook easy peel eggs is in the air fryer. These air fryer hard boiled eggs are super easy to make and takes 15 mins of hands free cooking. Whether you need these as an appetizer or snack or to add to your favorite salads. You’ll love the yellow and fluffy yolks that come with well cooked eggs in the air fryer.
    Get this recipe
    Air fryer breakfast sausage recipe
    Can you cook breakfast sausage in air fryer? This a very common question I hear all the time in my Facebook group. Air fryer breakfast sausage is not only a thing but actually turns out very well. 
    Get this recipe
    Air fryer Kielbasa (Polish Sausages)
    Cooking Kielbasa sausages in the air fryer is my new favorite way. Whether I’m cooking these whole or cut up in slices, this Air Fryer Kielbasa recipe is quick and and easy to make and if you’ve been wondering how to cook Kielbasa, this easy semi hands free method will keep you away from standing over the stove top or heating up your house with an oven. 
    Get this recipe
    Crispy Air fryer Bacon
    Air fryer bacon is one recipe you need to try. Making bacon in the air fryer makes the crispiest bacon with literally no mess. The basket drains off the excess bacon fat that you can use in any keto or low carb recipe you want.
    Get this recipe
    Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs
    These juicy Air fryer meatballs are incredibly easy to make from scratch. A great way to whip up an easy dinner with no stress. Mix up the ground beef and the other ingredients, roll into balls and air fry. Toss in your favorite pasta sauce
    Get this recipe
    cooked meatballs in an air fryer basket
    Meatballs and potatoes in the Air fryer
    Meatballs and potatoes are one of our favorite dinner recipes. Juicy meatballs and fluffy cubed potatoes is an easy, quick and flavorful one pot meal made right in your air fryer.
    Get this recipe
    Air fryer meatball skewers (Kabobs)
    These are easy pineapple habanero sauce glazed meatball skewers or kabobs made in the air fryer using frozen fully cooked meatballs. Air fryer meatball skewers could serve as a party appetizer or an easy side dish to salads or dinner as a whole.
    Get this recipe
    Air fryer mushrooms (Air fried Mushrooms recipe)
    Air fryer mushrooms with no breading are the perfect side dish that fits into most diets including Keto, Low carb, Vegan and vegetarian. Air fried mushrooms are easy to make, flavorful and quick! It gets ready in less than 15 mins with minimal prep and a few pantry staples.
    Get this recipe
    Air fryer Sliced potatoes (Air fryer Potato slices)
    Making sliced potatoes in air fryer is one of the best ways to cook this versatile gluten free vegetable. These herby Air fryer sliced potatoes are quick, easy and packed full of flavor.  
    Get this recipe
    Air fryer Roasted Garlic Asiago Chicken sausages & sweet peppers
    Baking chicken sausages in the air fryer is fast becoming my favorite way to make them and these Amylu roasted garlic chicken sausages from Costco definitely check all the boxes. Pairing them with roasted sweet mini peppers was the best decision ever!
    Get this recipe
    Seasoned crispy Air fryer sweet potatoes from scratch
    Seasoned crispy Air fryer sweet potato fries are a perfect way to enjoy your favorite deep fried side dish guilt free. Making sweet potatoes in the air fryer is a healthy alternative without skimping on flavor. You are less than 15 mins away from enjoying this baked root vegetable with your favorite dipping sauce.
    Get this recipe
    Air Fryer Steak Fries recipe (fresh or frozen)
    Air fryer steak fries is like a walk in the park! Whether you are making steak fries in the air from fresh or frozen you will enjoy the crispy edges and fluffy interior that comes with well cooked and seasoned fries.
    Get this recipe
    Air fryer Beef Suya
    Making Beef Suya in the air fryer is my new favorite recipe because air fryer beef suya is super easy to make, quick and very tasty, you’ll get the same flavorful beef skewers in less time with no need to turn on your oven or outdoor grill. 
    Get this recipe

    Storage instructions

    • Let food cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.
    • Store in portioned containers.
    • Use microwave safe meal prep bowls for when it’s time to reheat the food.

    Air frying Tips

    • If you have more than one air fryer, using both at the same time will save you more time.
    • Don’t hesitate to employ the help of other kitchen appliances like the instant pot or microwave if needed. It will help with multitasking while making your meals.
    • Using perforated parchment paper when cooking greasy foods like steak or chicken will help with easy clean up.

    Frequently asked questions

    What day is the best day to meal prep?

    Most people choose Saturdays or Sundays to prep their meals because it’s a weekend and probably their most convenient days since they work Monday to Friday. There is no set day to meal prep. You have to choose a day based on your own schedule and do what withdrawals for you.

    How many times a week should I meal prep?

    In as much as it’s nice to prep for a whole week and not have to cook again till the next, it’s always good to plan and leave room for the possibility of cooking twice a week. So foods like veggies may not stay fresh for up to a week and may not be suitable for freezing so you might need to remake those in the middle of the week. Except you made sure during the planning stage to select only meals that would last through the week.

    Does meal prepping actually work?

    Nobody said it was going to be easy but it does work. If you take out the time to follow the steps discussed in this article and implement accordingly. You will find that it does work!

    More air fryer recipe round ups!

    • Air fryer New Year’s Eve recipes
    • Over 13 Air fryer Bacon recipes.
    • Air fryer game day recipes
    • Best frozen foods for the air fryer

    Check out all our >>>Air fryer Recipes!

    Did you find this recipe helpful? Leave me a comment about it or any recipe idea you would love Air fryer ‘yummed’ and don’t forget to share with family and friends.

    Happy Air frying!

    Love it? Pin it!

    Looking for more air fryer recipes? Sign up for our yummy newsletter and Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Tiktok for updates. Remember to Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for weekly videos.

    Loving your air fryer much? Join other Air Fryer Buddies in our exclusive free Easy Air Fryer Recipes Group on Facebook!

    New to the world of Air frying? We’ve got you covered. Check out our helpful >>> Air fryer Resources!

    Shop all air fryers and air fryer accessories at our Amazon store.

    Air Fryer Yum’s Pro Tip! Air fryer temperatures may vary depending on size, make and model. When making a recipe for the first time, start with less time, check for doneness then add more time as needed.

    Air fryer meal prep recipe ideas

    Chichi
    Do you love to plan ahead so you can save some time in your busy schedule? These Air fryer meal prep ideas are what you need to help you get started. We chose our breakfast sausage to feature in this collection of make ahead recipes because it’s so versatile. Hope you enjoy all the recipes here.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 1 minute min
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 170 kcal

    Equipment

    • Cosori Air fryer
    • Kitchen tongs

    Ingredients
      

    • 12 links Breakfast sausages (any brand or flavor)

    Serving suggestions

    • Scrambled eggs

    Instructions
     

    Fresh breakfast sausages

    • Place sausage links in air fryer. Set temperature to 400°F / 200°C and air fry for 8 to 10 mins.
    • Remember to shake the basket or flip the sausages half way through cooking time to ensure sausages brown and cook evenly on all sides.

    Fully cooked breakfast sausages

    • Place fully cooked sausages in air fryer basket. Set temperature to 400°F / 200°C and cook for 6 mins

    Frozen breakfast sausages

    • Arrange the frozen sausages in the basket without overcrowding. Cook at 400°F / 200°C for 10 to 12 mins

    Notes

    1. No need to preheat the oven. If you do,  cook sausages at less time. Start checking for doneness at 7 mins for fresh sausage links.
    2. If cooking with an air fryer oven like the instant pot vortex oven cook in the middle rack for a couple more minutes than with the air fryer basket.
    3. Do not over crowd the basket and be sure to flip the sausages half way through cooking time.
    📌 Be sure to check out all the other recipes in this collection in the blog post above
     
     
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 10gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4.5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 470mgPotassium: 90mgSugar: 1gCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.6mg
    Nutrition DisclaimerNutritional information is an estimate and may change based on products used. Please read our Nutrition disclaimer page.
    Subscribe to my YouTube ChannelSubscribe to Air Fryer Yum on YouTube for more detailed videos! Remember to click the bell icon to get notified when I upload new videos.
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @airfryeryumblog or tag #airfryeryumblog!
    Save this Recipe for later!Follow @AirFryerYum on Pinterest!

    Did you make this recipe? Awesome! Please rate it by clicking the stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ when you leave a comment below. Also be sure to Follow & Tag @AirFryerYumBlog on Instagram when you make any of our recipes. We are honored and would love to see your recreations of our recipes!

    Try these next!

    • Air fried cabbage with sausage
    • Ham and cheese ritz cracker sandwiches
    • Air fryer bacon wrapped onion rings
    • Air fryer bacon wrapped corn dogs

    Sharing is caring!

    90 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    • Flipboard

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

      Share your thoughts! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Heidi says

      November 22, 2022 at 2:48 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for making this so pleasant to read and pretty and savory pics to look forward to. trying to transition to a healthier lifestyle. one of our daughters fed us from cooking with her air fryer and has inspired us with how successful the food turns out.

      Reply
      • Air Fryer Yum says

        November 29, 2022 at 9:55 am

        Hi Heidi!

        Your kind words warmed my heart! Happy you found our website and that you enjoyed reading through. I agree with you the air fryer is an amazing kitchen appliance and I believe you’ll enjoy yours. Feel free to reach out anytime! Happy holidays!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to Air Fryer Yum! Where we share yummy air fryer recipes for everyone. We love using our air fryers and would love to share our tasty creations with you.

    More about us →

    Popular

    • Air fryer cinnamon roll bites
    • Air fryer chili cheese dogs
    • Air fryer Heart shaped cinnamon rolls
    • Air fryer Loaded fries

    Welcome to Air Fryer Yum! Where we share yummy air fryer recipes for everyone. We love using our air fryers and would love to share our tasty creations with you.

    More about us →

    Popular

    • Our Top 10 Recipes of 2023
    • Air fryer Christmas Cookies
    • Air fryer Santa Cinnamon rolls
    • Frozen Chicken wings in air fryer.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Helpful links

    • Air fryer conversion chart
    • Air fryer calculator
    • Air fryer frozen foods chart
    • Air fryer cooking chart

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Affiliate links disclosure

    Newsletter

    • We send yummy emails, Sign Up and never miss a Recipe!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • FAQ

    As an Associate of Amazon and other Affiliate programs this website earns from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2024 Air Fryer Yum

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.