• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Air Fryer Mom
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Air Fryer Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Dinners Done Faster Than Ordering Takeout

    Published: May 30, 2026 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

    • Facebook
    • Email

    When you're craving a quick and satisfying meal but don't want to wait for delivery, these simple dinner ideas are perfect. They can be whipped up in no time, using ingredients you probably already have at home. From easy air fryer mains to hearty pastas, these recipes will have you enjoying a homemade dinner before your takeout even arrives.

    Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    Chicken legs marinated in Mexican chicken marinade.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Crispy-skinned and juicy chicken legs can be achieved quickly and easily with this simple method. Using an air fryer, you'll get perfectly cooked chicken with golden-brown skin and tender meat without much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry

    Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This ginger chicken stir-fry features tender chicken cooked in a tasty ginger garlic sauce. It's a one-pan meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights when you want something faster than ordering in.

    Get the recipe

    Black Bean Tacos with Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo

    Vegetarian Tacos with Black Beans, Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Vegetarian tacos packed with refried black beans and crumbled feta cheese, topped with fresh pico de gallo, make for a satisfying meal. This easy meatless option is great for a quick dinner on a busy weeknight.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

    Air fryer salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon is prepared with a bright lemon flavor that makes it just as tasty as if it were freshly cooked. This dish is quick and easy, perfect for a simple dinner that can be ready before your delivery arrives.

    Get the recipe

    Chili Oil Noodles

    Chili oil noodles with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
    Photo Credit: Serene Trail.

    These Chili Oil Noodles come together in just 15 minutes and are full of spicy, savory goodness from garlic and chili flakes. With just a few simple ingredients like garlic and green onions, you can whip up a satisfying meal before your delivery arrives.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Curry

    Shrimp curry in a skillet.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This Shrimp Curry is full of bold flavors from Thai red curry paste and rich coconut milk. It comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal option for a quick weeknight meal.

    Get the recipe

    Homemade Hamburgers

    An air fryer burger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for busy nights. It comes together easily and keeps everything neat and tidy.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Cavatappi

    Pesto Cavatappi.
    Photo credit: The Belly Rules the Mind.

    Pesto Cavatappi is a tasty homemade take on the well-loved dish from Noodles & Company. With fresh basil pesto sauce, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Croque Madame Sandwich

    Croque Madame Sandwich
    Photo Credit: The Foreign Fork.

    The Croque Madame takes a classic ham and cheese sandwich to the next level with a rich bechamel sauce and a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg on top. It's a delicious option for any meal that's quick and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Wraps

    A halloumi wrap.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi wraps are a favorite for everyone, whether they're picky eaters or food lovers. Stuffed with halloumi cheese, red pesto, avocado, and walnuts, they're full of flavor and can be made in just 20 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Kimchi Udon Noodle Stir Fry

    Kimchi Udon Noodle Stir Fry with chopsticks.
    Photo Credit: In the Kitch.

    This stir fry is full of tasty spices and a variety of textures that hit the spot when you're craving Asian food. The soft noodles go perfectly with the crunchy bell peppers and kimchi, and the sauce adds a nice salty and tangy flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Fries with Bacon & Blue Cheese

    Buffalo fries.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    These fries are loaded with all your buffalo favorites for an easy, cheesy, spicy dish that's super easy to make. A great snack for gameday or a side for your burgers!

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A quick vegetarian halloumi pasta can be made in just 20 minutes, loaded with fresh veggies. This light dish is ideal for a speedy weeknight meal that doesn't rely on heavy cream.

    Get the recipe

    Sesame Soba Noodle Bowl

    A bowl of sesame soba noodles with dried seaweed.
    Photo Credit: Beyond Kimchee.

    This sesame soba noodle dish makes for a quick and easy dinner during the week. With crumbled seaweed and fried dumplings on top, it's a simple meal that comes together in just 15 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Frozen Steak

    A sliced rib eye steak.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A quick and easy steak can be made in your air fryer in just 10-15 minutes, even from frozen. This is a great option for a fast weeknight dinner!

    Get the recipe

    Blackened Chicken Tenders

    Blackened chicken.
    Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

    Blackened chicken tenders are easy to whip up at home. You can either use the spice mix included or pick up a bottle of blackening spice from the store for a quicker option!

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Mei Fun

    Shrimp mei fun.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This is a classic noodle dish that's quick and simple to prepare. It's a great option for a satisfying meal that you can whip up in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Tuna Tostadas

    Tuna tostadas.
    Photo credit: Midwexican.

    Tuna tostadas are a great option for a fast dinner on hectic weeknights. They're light, flavorful, and really satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Vodka Pasta

    spicy vodka pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Vodka Pasta combines a nice kick with a creamy texture, making it a delicious choice for dinner. You can easily whip it up even if you want to skip the vodka.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles

    Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    A quick dinner can be made with instant ramen noodles mixed with peanut sauce, and it takes less than 20 minutes to prepare. This dish is perfect for those busy nights when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss.

    Get the recipe

    Ham Fried Rice

    Ham Fried Rice.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Ham Fried Rice is a quick and tasty meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. It's a great way to use up leftover ham and goes well with many other dishes.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Coconut Lentil Soup

    A bowl of lentil soup topped with chili flakes and cilantro.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple soup is creamy, warming, and ready in under 30 minutes - whether made on the stove top or in your instant pot. Despite being so simple to make, it has amazing flavor from coconut milk, ginger and garlic, and is perfect for quick and cozy weeknight dinners.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Baked gnocchi with frozen veggies.
      24 Quick Dinners So Good Everyone Always Asks for Seconds
    • Chicken barley pualo.
      19 Easy Chicken Dinners That Will Have Everyone Asking for Seconds
    • BBQ chicken wings.
      18 No-Fuss Summer Slow Cooker Dinners Ready When You Are
    • Ham fried rice.
      35 Easy Dinners That Set You Up to Succeed Every Single Time
    • Facebook
    • Email

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Readers Love These Recipes

    • Chicken and rice soup.
      22 Revolutionary Slow Cooker Chicken Dinners
    • Cauliflower beef taco skillet.
      17 Quick and Elegant Ground Beef Meals You Need to Try
    • Chicken adobo.
      23 Deliciously Simple Crockpot Meals for Stress-Free Cooking
    • Crockpot lasagna.
      14 Crockpot Dinners That Will Change Your Weeknight Routine

    Latest Articles

    • Ham fried rice.
      22 Dinners Done Faster Than Ordering Takeout
    • Cooked mahi mahi with salsa.
      18 Simple Seafood Recipes Made for Sunny Summer Days
    • Ground beef chili.
      24 Dump-And-Go Dinners That Will Save You Time
    • Slow cooker pot roast.
      22 Crockpot Recipes That Will Change Your Meal Prep Game Forever

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosure
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • [email protected]
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden

    Copyright © 2026 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB