Hot summer days are the worst time to turn on the oven. Your air fryer cooks dinner fast without heating up the whole house. These 10 air fryer summer recipes include brats, bacon wrapped shrimp, Greek chicken, elote, halloumi burgers, and fresh tacos. Each recipe comes from a trusted food creator and is ready in 30 minutes or less.
Backyard Style Favorites
1. Brats
Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking
Everyday Family Cooking cooks bratwursts in the air fryer in about 8 minutes, then toasts the buns. They taste like they came off the grill. No charcoal or propane needed.
Top them with sauerkraut, onions, and mustard. Make a few at once for a backyard party. They pair well with corn and coleslaw.
For recipe: Brats
2. Maple Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking
Everyday Family Cooking wraps jumbo shrimp in bacon and brushes them with maple syrup and soy sauce. They come out sweet, salty, and crispy. It is a summer party favorite.
Each serving packs about 66 grams of protein. Secure the bacon with toothpicks. Serve them as an appetizer or main dish.
For recipe: Maple Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
3. Salmon Nuggets
Photo credit: Low Carb with Jennifer
Low Carb with Jennifer coats salmon chunks in crushed pork rinds and seasonings. They turn crispy in about 20 minutes with no frying. Kids love them dipped in sauce.
Each serving has about 57 grams of protein. Serve with a lemony yogurt dip. They are light enough for a summer dinner.
For recipe: Salmon Nuggets
4. Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Skins
Photo credit: Skinnytaste
Skinnytaste hollows out zucchini and fills it with buffalo chicken and cheese. It tastes like potato skins but lighter. Summer zucchini never tasted so good.
Use large zucchini so the skins hold their shape. Top with ranch and green onions. It is a fun way to use up garden zucchini.
For recipe: Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Skins
Light Summer Dinners
5. Greek Chicken
Photo credit: Skinnytaste
Skinnytaste marinates chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, and Dijon. It cooks juicy in about 25 minutes. Bright lemon flavor is a summer classic.
Each serving packs about 45 grams of protein. Serve it with tzatziki, cucumber salad, and pita. Leftovers are great on salads.
For recipe: Greek Chicken
6. Cheesy Turkey Burgers and Potatoes
Photo credit: Recipe This
Recipe This cooks turkey patties and potato wedges together in the air fryer. Cheese melts over the burgers right at the end. It is a full burger night with no grill.
Each serving delivers about 40 grams of protein. Load the burgers with lettuce and tomato. Serve with pickles on the side.
For recipe: Cheesy Turkey Burgers and Potatoes
7. Elote
Photo credit: Fit Foodie Finds
Fit Foodie Finds air fries corn on the cob, then slathers it with a Greek yogurt and mayo sauce. Chili and cheese finish it off. It tastes like Mexican street corn from a summer fair.
Use fresh summer corn for the sweetest flavor. Squeeze lime over each ear. Serve with tacos or grilled meat.
For recipe: Elote
Fresh and Fun
8. Halloumi Burgers
Photo credit: Recipe This
Recipe This air fries thick halloumi slices and serves them on ciabatta with Mediterranean veggies and cherry tomatoes. Squeaky cheese gets golden and crisp. It is a great meatless summer burger.
Each serving has about 34 grams of protein. Add pesto or tzatziki. It is a hit with vegetarian guests.
For recipe: Halloumi Burgers
9. Chipotle BBQ Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa
Photo credit: Mason Fit
Mason Fit air fries chicken in chipotle BBQ seasoning and tops it with a fresh mango salsa. Red pepper, red onion, cilantro, and lime brighten every bite. It tastes like summer in a tortilla.
Make the salsa ahead and keep it chilled. Serve with lime wedges. They are a fun weeknight taco dinner.
For recipe: Chipotle BBQ Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa
10. Crispy Fish Sandwiches
Photo credit: Recipe This
Recipe This breads pollock fillets and air fries them for a homemade fish sandwich. Brioche buns and cheese finish it off. It tastes like the drive thru favorite but fresher.
Add tartar sauce and lettuce. Serve with a side of slaw. It is a light summer dinner.
For recipe: Crispy Fish Sandwiches
Wrapping Up
Your air fryer can handle summer dinners while the kitchen stays cool. Pick a few of these recipes for busy summer nights and backyard get togethers. You get grill flavor without the heat. For more ideas, check out our High Protein Summer Meals Without the Oven and save this post to your Pinterest board.
What is your favorite summer meal to make in the air fryer? Tell us in the comments below, and share your best hot weather tip. We love hearing from you!