25 Easy Air Fryer High Protein Recipes

Looking for easy, protein-packed dinners that don't take hours to make? Our collection of 25 easy high protein air fryer recipes for dinner has you covered. From juicy chicken and flavorful fish to veggie-packed options, these dinner recipes are perfect for keeping you full and energized on busy weeknights.

I lean on my air fryer when I want delicious dinners fast. Whether I'm craving juicy chicken, flaky salmon, or bold-flavored shrimp, the air fryer helps me hit my protein goals without complicating dinner. It gives crisp edges with little oil, and cleanup is a breeze.

Why I Love Cooking High Protein Dinners in the Air Fryer

When I first started focusing on protein, I didn't realize how versatile the air fryer could be, especially now that we're empty nesters and I'm cooking for two.

The air fryer cooks meals quickly, keeps proteins juicy, and creates that perfect crispy finish. We also love using it on Sundays to meal prep for the week without spending hours in the kitchen.

1

Air Fryer Sausage and Veggies

Use kielbasa or chicken sausage for your protein and then add in some tasty vegetables to give you a filling meal that's all made in the air fryer.

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2

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs and Potatoes

With juicy chicken thighs and tender potatoes, this high protein dinner idea comes together in no time thanks to the air fryer.

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3

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Chicken fajitas are a delicious protein packed dinner that you can enjoy any night of the week. The seasoned chicken and veggies cook up easily in the air fryer.

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4

Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Enjoy tacos in a whole new way with these taco stuffed sweet potatoes. No need for a side, these stuffed sweet potatoes are a filling meal on their own.

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5

Air Fryer Taquitos Recipe

Make homemade taquitos in the air fryer for a light dinner idea and one kids will love. Just serve with a dipping sauce!

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6

Chili Garlic Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli

With a little spice and a whole lot of flavor, this air fryer meal is packed with 29 grams of protein, 9 grams of carbs, and 8 grams of fat per serving.

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7

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

A meal that's ready in just 30 minutes, thanks to the help of the air fryer, this chicken parmesan is a great weeknight dinner that you can make for the family.

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8

Air Fryer Quesadilla

A 10 minute meal idea that'll go great on busy days. These quesadillas are cooked in the air fryer until crispy on the outside and tender with gooey cheese on the inside.

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9

BBQ Chicken and Veggies Recipe

Enjoy a simply delicious dinner recipe with great flavors with this perfectly juicy bbq chicken and tender red potatoes.

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10

Easy Air Fryer Salmon and Vegetables

Air fryer salmon and vegetables is a healthy dish made with seasoned salmon fillets and fresh vegetables that are cooked in the air fryer for a quick high protein dinner the family will love.

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11

Air Fryer Steak Bites and Mushrooms

A simple dinner idea that's made with juicy steak cut into bite sized portions and tender mushrooms.

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12

Cheesy Zucchini and Squash Casserole

This cheesy zucchini and squash casserole is easy in the air fryer. A tasty low calorie, low carb & high protein meal for summer.

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13

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Made in less than 15 minutes, this easy Air Fryer Fish Tacos recipe is perfect if you need a healthy meal for a busy weeknight.

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14

Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Traybake

A quick and healthy meal for the family, this chicken and veggies dish gets spiced up with some Cajun seasoning for a little flavor and heat.

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15

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Make mini turkey burgers in the air fryer for a quick dinner idea. Add your favorite toppings and you have a delicious meal the family will enjoy.

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16

Air Fryer Pork Chops with Apples and Cabbage

An all in one dinner that brings together pork chops, cabbage, and apples. Everything gets cooked together in the air fryer for a simple and quick meal.

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17

Air Fryer Calzones

These air fryer calzones are gooey on the inside and filled with savory pepperoni. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners!

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18

Air Fryer Shrimp Po'Boy Sandwiches

Make up a batch of shrimp po'boy sandwiches quickly and easily in your air fryer. Crispy shrimp loaded into sandwiches with a flavorful sauce.

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19

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

These filling stuffed peppers make a quick weeknight meal that's packed with protein and flavor.

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20

Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza

A healthy pizza for days when you want a light meal that's packed with flavor and a whopping 33 grams of protein.

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21

Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken, is a delicious Asian recipe using air fryer chicken and flavor-packed stir fry veggies. A low-fat delicious meal that's loaded with flavor and protein.

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22

Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

Give your cottage cheese a makeover with this easy Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl recipe! It's packed with protein and has all the right flavors.

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23

Creamy and Fluffy Air Fryer Frittata with Spinach, Bacon and Cheese

This Air Fryer Frittata is creamy and fluffy and filled with spinach, bacon and Swiss cheese! It's quick to assemble and hands off as it cooks in the air fryer to give you a delicious meal.

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24

Air Fryer Tofu Stir Fry

This air fryer stir fry is packed with flavor and is so easy to make! It's made with a tasty stir fry sauce, tender veggies, and tofu. Serve with rice if you'd like, but it tastes just as amazing on its own.

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25

Air Fryer Pasta Bake

A delicious and comforting cheesy pasta bake cooked in a fraction of the time in the air fryer. Easy to adapt to suit your tastes and diet.

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FAQs About Air Fryer High Protein Dinners

Is cooking with an air fryer healthier?

Yes. Air fryers use circulating hot air to crisp food with little to no oil, reducing fat compared to traditional frying.

Can I cook vegetables with my protein in the air fryer?

Absolutely. Many air fryer recipes allow you to cook veggies alongside your protein for a full, balanced meal in one go.

How do I keep the protein juicy?

Don't overcook. Use a meat thermometer, marinate or brine when possible, and avoid overcrowding the basket so air circulation stays strong.

What kind of protein works best in an air fryer?

Chicken breast, thighs, fish fillets, shrimp, turkey, pork tenderloin, and even tofu or lean cuts all do great in the air fryer.