An air fryer is a weeknight dinner lifesaver.

I'm Adriana, an NYC-based freelance writer who covers all things food for Tasty, whether it's testing viral food trends, interviewing chefs, or recommending products to home cooks.

You're telling me the air fried this rice? If you don't have leftover rice to use, buy some premade so you don't have to turn on the stove to cook it fresh.  

Like artichoke dip, but a full meal! Feel free to add white beans on top for more protein. 

Recipe: Air Fryer Spinach And Artichoke-Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Like ordering off the kids' menu without the coloring page. Serve with honey mustard, of course. 

The tofu is drenched in a sticky, mouthwatering sauce made with orange juice, maple syrup, and ginger. Another time to whip out ready-made rice!

That's right, folks: you can cook an entire chicken in the air fryer. This Chinese-inspired recipe puts a fresh take on the classic comfort meal. It even includes potatoes, so you don't have to make a separate side. 

Recipe: Air Fried Soy Chicken With Potatoes

This vegan empanada is filled with a meaty mushroom filling that would convert even a funghi-phobic. The recipe also includes instructions for a quick red pepper aioli to serve on the side. 

Meatloaf on a comfort food roundup? Groundbreaking. But seriously, there's a reason it's a classic. 

Talk about a cheese pull. Try variations like adding a thin layer of mayo or pimento cheese.

Easy to make than you may think, thanks to store-bought pizza dough and marinara sauce. If you can't find pizza dough at your supermarket, your local pizzeria should be able to sell some to you for a few dollars.

Not only can you make pot roast in the air fryer, but it actually takes less time than in the oven. The cranberry sauce makes this recipe extra special. 

The chicken is marinated in a homemade jerk marinade, so you can customize the level of spiciness. The fresh ginger and lime make this dish bright and zesty. 

This base recipe is a jumping-off point to make variations like banana nut, strawberries and cream, and birthday cake flavors. Mama, Papa, and Baby Bear will be pleased. 

Soft and fluffy, filled with cinnamon, brown sugar, cinnamon, and yogurt. Instead of the standard dozen, this recipe yields eight muffins that fit perfectly in your air fryer. 

Who knew you could cook macaroni in an air fryer? This recipe uses only a few core ingredients, meaning you won't have to scavenge to find three different types of cheese at the store. 

Bring the pub right into your own home. You won't believe an air fryer can make fish this crispy.

Crispy on the outside, warm on the inside. Use brioche to make this simple lunch even more comforting. 

Recipe: Air Fryer Peanut Butter and Jelly

This recipe uses silicone molds to make the perfect pancake shapes. No need to babysit the pancakes over the stove so they don't burn. 

Heat the pita up before stuffing to make this recipe even more comforting. Great for lunch or dinner!

No need to make in batches — just dump the chicken and vegetables in the air fryer at the same time. After 20 minutes, you can bite down into spicy, juicy, tender fajitas.