• 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

    18 Easy Dinners for Nights You Don't Feel Like Cooking

    Published: Jun 11, 2026 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

    • Facebook
    • Email

    After a long day, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours in the kitchen. These 15 easy dinner ideas are perfect for those lazy evenings when you want something simple yet satisfying. From quick stir-fries to one-pan meals, these recipes will help you whip up a delicious dinner without the fuss.

    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    Ravioli casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With only four ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it prepped in just 5 minutes and on the table in under 40.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Stir-fry

    Salmon stir-fry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This stir-fry is loaded with veggies and has a bright citrus flavor that makes it great to enjoy by itself or with some rice.

    Get the recipe

    Red Pesto Pasta with Roasted Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Red pesto pasta is a simple dish packed with vegetables and flavor, ready in just 30 minutes. You can use either homemade or store-bought pesto, and it's delicious served hot or cold.

    Get the recipe

    Sticky Tofu

    A plate of sticky tofu.
    Image credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This dinner is great for a relaxed night in with someone special. It's simple to prepare and enjoyable to share.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Skirt Steak

    Sliced air fryer skirt steak.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Thia a quick and easy meal that delivers great flavor with little hassle. A simple marinade helps keep the meat tender and juicy, making it perfect for a laid-back evening.

    Get the recipe

    Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes & Halloumi

    Zucchini and cherry tomato bowl.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This dish combines halloumi and cherry tomatoes in a simple noodle recipe that's great for a relaxed evening at home. It's a tasty option that makes for a cozy meal without much fuss.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A spicy twist on the classic Alfredo sauce. We only use powdered seasonings you probably already have at home, which makes this a great cheap option when money is low!

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make a simple and tasty Shrimp Scampi in just 10 minutes, and you won't need any wine. The mix of garlic, lemon, chili, and parsley will make your kitchen smell amazing.

    Get the recipe

    Steak Bites

    Air fryer steak bites.
    Image credit: Sarah Cook

    These steak bites are a great choice for a quick and tasty dinner. They come together easily and are ready in under 10 minutes, making them perfect for a laid-back evening.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Shrimp

    Buffalo shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This quick and tasty buffalo shrimp dish can be made in less than 10 minutes. With just a few ingredients, this healthy dish is packed with flavor and is perfect for a relaxed evening. Enjoy as an appetizer with bread, or serve over pasta for dinner!

    Get the recipe

    Roasted Sweet Potato & Feta Cheese Salad

    A plate of sweet potato salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sweet potato salad makes for a filling and easy dinner, ideal for a laid-back date night. It's also great for leftovers, so you can enjoy it again the next day.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Curry Pasta

    Creamy Curry Pasta.
    Photo credit: Plantbased on a Budget.

    A creamy curry pasta can be ready in just 35 minutes and is full of flavor. You can easily customize it with your favorite protein and vegetables, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Salmon Bites

    Air Fryer Salmon Bites.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Enjoy a deliciously citrusy dinner any night of the week. These well-seasoned salmon bites are a delight in every bite and will be a treat for your whole family!

    Get the recipe

    Caprese Salad with Spinach & Cashews

    Caprese salad with cashews.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A loaded caprese salad makes for a quick and enjoyable meal that's perfect for a laid-back dinner. It's fresh, easy to prepare, and always a crowd-pleaser.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Flank Steak

    sliced flank steak.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Air Fryer Flank Steak comes out tender and juicy in just 8-10 minutes. The marinade adds great flavor and does the work of tenderizing the meat.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops

    A pork chop on a small chopping board.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air-fried bone-in pork chops make for a tasty dinner that's easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and ready in under 25 minutes, it's a great choice for a relaxed evening at home.

    Get the recipe

    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies

    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This is quick potato stir-fry with halloumi and veggies makes for a great weeknight dinner that's done in just 25 minutes. This one-pan meal is healthy, easy to prepare, and has a refreshing touch of lemon.

    Get the recipe

    Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad

    Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This pasta salad combines orzo pasta with grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil for a light and easy meal. It's perfect for a quick dinner!

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Pesto pasta bake.
      22 Dinners So Satisfying They Feel Like a Splurge
    • Baked potato pizza.
      9 Loaded Baked Potato Ideas Worth Trying Tonight
    • Pasta salad.
      18 Simple Pasta Dishes That Keep Summer Dinners Easy
    • Sheet pan chicken and veggies.
      17 Easy Cheap Recipes That Are Perfect for Meal Prep
    • 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

    • Cranberry chicken with rice.
      17 Best Chicken Breast Slow Cooker Recipes Ever
    • 26 Kid-Approved Ground Beef Recipes That Will Change the Way You Cook
    • 20 Easy Weeknight Casseroles That Come Together Fast
    • Slow cooker tater tot casserole.
      22 Ground Beef Crockpot Dinners Guaranteed to Please Your Family

    Latest Articles

    • Caprese orzo pasta salad.
      18 Easy Dinners for Nights You Don't Feel Like Cooking
    • Pizza baked butter beans.
      23 Dump-and-Bake Dinners Worth Putting on This Week's Menu
    • Queso chicken tacos.
      31 Simple Chicken Dishes Anyone Can Make
    • Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
      32 Family Favorite Dump-and-Cook Dinners Even Picky Eaters Love

    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