Friday nights are the perfect time to relax and enjoy easy, flavorful meals.
These 15 Friday air fryer recipes make cooking fast, fun, and fuss-free.
From crispy vegetables and golden tofu to savory appetizers and indulgent snacks, each recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
The air fryer allows you to achieve crispy, delicious results without excess oil or time in the kitchen.
Whether you’re feeding the family or enjoying a solo dinner, these recipes are perfect for starting the weekend stress-free and tasty.
15 Easy Friday Air Fryer Recipes for Busy Weeknight
These 15 Friday air fryer recipes prove that delicious, effortless meals are possible even on busy evenings.
From crispy vegetables and protein-packed dishes to indulgent snacks and appetizers, there’s something for every taste.
Air frying creates quick, golden, and flavorful results without the hassle of traditional cooking methods.
With these recipes, you can enjoy easy, healthy, and satisfying meals while keeping your kitchen clean.
Kick off your weekend with these simple, tasty, and crowd-pleasing air fryer creations.
Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
These crispy air fryer cauliflower bites are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Tossed in a smoky paprika and garlic seasoning, they are perfect as a snack or appetizer for Friday night gatherings.
They’re quick, easy, and full of flavor without deep frying.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast.
- Place the cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.
- Check for tenderness and crispiness; adjust cooking time if needed.
These air fryer cauliflower bites are crunchy, flavorful, and satisfying.
They’re a healthy, easy-to-make option that adds excitement to any Friday evening snack or appetizer.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
These air fryer garlic parmesan potato wedges are crispy, golden, and packed with flavor.
The combination of garlic, olive oil, and parmesan creates a savory coating that complements the tender potato interior perfectly.
They’re ideal as a side dish or snack for casual Friday dinners.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium russet potatoes, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss potato wedges with olive oil, garlic, parmesan, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
These garlic parmesan potato wedges are golden, crispy, and flavorful.
They’re a perfect quick side dish or indulgent snack to enjoy on a Friday night.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
These buffalo cauliflower tacos are spicy, tangy, and bursting with flavor.
Air frying makes the cauliflower crispy without excess oil, while a simple slaw adds crunch and freshness.
They’re perfect for a fun and easy Friday night meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce
- Small corn or flour tortillas
- Coleslaw or shredded lettuce for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through until golden and crispy.
- Remove and toss cauliflower in buffalo sauce.
- Serve in tortillas with coleslaw or shredded lettuce.
These buffalo cauliflower tacos are crunchy, spicy, and tangy.
They’re an exciting plant-based Friday meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Nuggets
These air fryer crispy tofu nuggets are golden, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned.
They’re a healthy alternative to fried nuggets and make a fun, protein-packed Friday dinner or snack.
The air fryer gives them a satisfying crisp without excess oil.
Ingredients:
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss tofu cubes in soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Coat tofu with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place in air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
These crispy tofu nuggets are crunchy, savory, and satisfying.
They’re a simple, protein-rich air fryer recipe perfect for a Friday night dinner or snack.
Air Fryer Veggie Spring Rolls
These air fryer veggie spring rolls are crispy, light, and filled with flavorful vegetables.
Air frying achieves a golden exterior without deep frying, making them a healthier Friday appetizer or snack.
They’re quick, fun to prepare, and pair perfectly with dipping sauces.
Ingredients:
- 8 spring roll wrappers
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup thinly sliced bell peppers
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Place a portion of filling onto each wrapper and roll tightly, sealing edges with water.
- Lightly spray rolls with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
These veggie spring rolls are crispy, flavorful, and fresh.
They’re a perfect plant-based air fryer recipe for a fun and healthy Friday evening appetizer
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
These air fryer sweet potato fries are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Seasoned with smoked paprika and a touch of garlic, they make a healthy and flavorful Friday snack or side dish.
They cook quickly in the air fryer, requiring minimal oil.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss sweet potato fries with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and golden.
These sweet potato fries are crispy, flavorful, and addictive.
They’re a perfect plant-based side or snack for an easy and satisfying Friday evening treat.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
These buffalo cauliflower wings are spicy, tangy, and irresistibly crispy.
Air frying ensures they stay crunchy while coating them in a zesty buffalo sauce adds bold flavor.
They’re ideal for a fun Friday night appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Toss cooked cauliflower with buffalo sauce before serving.
These buffalo cauliflower wings are crunchy, spicy, and flavorful.
Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas
These air fryer crispy chickpeas are crunchy, savory, and highly addictive.
Seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic, they make a perfect snack or salad topping.
They’re quick, healthy, and protein-packed.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat chickpeas dry with a towel and toss with olive oil and seasonings.
- Spread chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through until crispy.
These crispy chickpeas are crunchy, flavorful, and satisfying.
They’re an easy, protein-rich snack that’s perfect for Friday evenings or anytime.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
These air fryer zucchini fries are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Lightly breaded and seasoned, they make a delicious and healthy Friday snack or side dish.
They’re easy to prepare and cook quickly in the air fryer.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into sticks
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss zucchini sticks with olive oil, then coat with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy, shaking halfway through.
These zucchini fries are crunchy, savory, and satisfying.
They’re a perfect plant-based air fryer snack or side dish for a fun Friday evening.
Air Fryer Veggie Egg Rolls
These air fryer veggie egg rolls are crispy, flavorful, and light.
Filled with shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, they’re perfect as an appetizer or snack for Friday nights.
Air frying creates a golden, crunchy exterior without deep frying.
Ingredients:
- 8 egg roll wrappers
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup thinly sliced bell peppers
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Mix cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl.
- Place a portion of filling in each wrapper and roll tightly, sealing edges with water.
- Lightly spray egg rolls with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy, turning halfway.
These veggie egg rolls are crispy, savory, and packed with flavor.
They’re a quick, healthy, and fun plant-based air fryer recipe for Friday night meals or snacks
Air Fryer BBQ Tofu Bites
These air fryer BBQ tofu bites are smoky, tangy, and crispy on the outside.
The tofu absorbs the barbecue sauce while the air fryer creates a golden, crunchy texture without excess oil.
They’re perfect as a main dish or finger food for Friday night.
Ingredients:
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss tofu cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Brush or toss with barbecue sauce, reserving a little for serving.
- Arrange in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and golden.
These BBQ tofu bites are flavorful, smoky, and crunchy.
They’re a versatile plant-based air fryer recipe perfect for Friday dinners or snack time.
Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts
These air fryer crispy Brussels sprouts are caramelized, golden, and full of flavor.
Tossed with olive oil, garlic, and a touch of balsamic vinegar, they make a delicious side dish for Friday dinners.
They cook quickly and retain a perfect crispness.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Place sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and golden.
These crispy Brussels sprouts are savory, caramelized, and addictive.
They’re a perfect plant-based side for Friday night meals or holiday dinners.
Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
These air fryer stuffed mushrooms are savory, cheesy, and bursting with flavor.
Filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs, they’re an elegant yet simple Friday appetizer.
Air frying ensures a golden, perfectly cooked texture.
Ingredients:
- 12 large mushrooms, stems removed
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each mushroom cap with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes until golden and cooked through.
These stuffed mushrooms are flavorful, savory, and tender.
They make a simple, impressive appetizer perfect for Friday evenings or gatherings.
Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Bites
These air fryer eggplant parmesan bites are crispy, cheesy, and delicious.
Air frying creates a crunchy exterior while keeping the eggplant tender inside, making them perfect for a Friday night snack or appetizer.
They’re quick to prepare and easy to serve.
Ingredients:
- 1 small eggplant, cut into cubes
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup grated parmesan or vegan alternative
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss eggplant cubes with olive oil, breadcrumbs, parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
These eggplant parmesan bites are crunchy, cheesy, and flavorful.
They’re a perfect plant-based air fryer snack or appetizer for Friday evenings.
Air Fryer Zesty Chickpea Patties
These air fryer zesty chickpea patties are savory, protein-packed, and golden brown.
Flavored with garlic, herbs, and spices, they’re a healthy and quick Friday dinner option.
Air frying ensures they remain crisp on the outside while tender inside.
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and mashed
- 2 tablespoons flour or chickpea flour
- 2 tablespoons chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix mashed chickpeas with flour, onion, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Form mixture into small patties and lightly spray with olive oil.
- Arrange in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
These zesty chickpea patties are flavorful, crunchy, and satisfying.
They make a perfect plant-based air fryer main dish or side for a Friday evening meal.
