This guide shows you how to cook full meals in air fryer — mains, sides, and even dessert — using smart layering, timing, and accessories
Why Air Fryers Are Replacing Ovens in UK Kitchens
In 2025, the air fryer has become more than a kitchen gadget — it’s a culinary revolution. With energy prices still high and space at a premium in many UK homes, the air fryer has emerged as the go-to appliance for fast, efficient, and surprisingly versatile cooking.
But here’s the real game-changer: you’re no longer limited to snacks or sides. With the right approach, you can cook entire meals — mains, sides, and even desserts — using just your air fryer. No oven, no hob, no hassle.
This guide is your blueprint for learning how to cook full meals in an air fryer — mains, sides, and even dessert — using smart layering, timing, and accessories. Whether you’re using a dual-zone model, a compact oven-style fryer, or a multi-function powerhouse, we’ll show you how to plan, prep, and plate up complete meals that are big on flavour and light on energy use.
🍽️ What Counts as a “Full Meal” in Air Fryer?
Let’s define it. A full meal means:
- A protein (meat, fish, tofu, etc.)
- A side or carb (potatoes, rice, pasta, bread)
- A vegetable or salad component
- Optional dessert or snack
The goal is to cook all of this using just your air fryer — no oven, no hob, no microwave. And yes, it’s absolutely doable.
🔧 Accessories That Help You Cook Full Meals in Air Fryer
To cook full meals in an air fryer, you’ll need more than just the appliance.
Here’s what helps:
- Dual-zone or multi-layer air fryer: Like the Breville Halo Flexi, which lets you cook two dishes at once with independent timers
- Silicone dividers or ramekins: For separating flavours and textures
- Mesh racks: To layer foods vertically and maximise airflow
- Foil or parchment: For easy cleanup and moisture control
- A bit of planning: Because timing is everything
🧠 The Core Strategy: Layered, Staggered, Smart
Cooking a full meal in an air fryer is like conducting a mini orchestra. You’re managing heat, timing, and space — all in a compact chamber. Here’s how to do it:
1. Start with the Longest-Cooking Item
Root veg, frozen meat, or thick cuts go in first. These need the most time and can handle a longer cook without drying out.
Example:
- Add seasoned sweet potato wedges at 180°C for 10 minutes
- While they cook, prep your protein and veg
2. Add the Protein Midway
Once your base is halfway done, add your protein. Chicken thighs, salmon fillets, or tofu cubes all cook in 10–20 minutes depending on size.
Example:
- After 10 mins, add marinated chicken thighs
- Cook both for another 15–18 mins at 190°C
3. Finish with Fast-Cooking Sides or Toppings
Greens, breads, or cheese-topped dishes go in last. These need just 5–8 minutes to crisp or warm through.
Example:
- Add asparagus or broccoli for the final 8 minutes
- Toss in garlic naan or halloumi slices for the last 5
🧺 Real-World Meal Templates (That Actually Work)
Let’s break down some repeatable meal formulas you can adapt:
🍗 Roast Dinner (No Oven Required)
- Protein: Chicken thighs or pork chops
- Carb: Baby potatoes or parsnip wedges
- Veg: Carrots, sprouts, or green beans
- Optional: Yorkshire pudding (yes, they crisp beautifully in an air fryer)
Use a dual-zone fryer like the Karaca Air Cook 8-in-1 to cook meat and veg separately, then sync the finish time.
🐟 Fish Night Done Right
- Protein: Salmon fillets or breaded cod
- Carb: Homemade chips or sweet potato fries
- Veg: Tenderstem broccoli or peas
- Finish: Toasted pitta or lemon wedges
Use foil to separate fish from chips in a single basket, or cook in stages if needed.
🥦 Plant-Based Power Bowl
- Protein: Marinated tofu or falafel
- Carb: Couscous (pre-cooked) or air-fried chickpeas
- Veg: Courgette, peppers, red onion
- Topping: Toasted seeds or tahini drizzle
Use a mesh rack to layer tofu above veg, and crisp chickpeas in a silicone tray.
🍳 Full English (Yes, Really)
- Protein: Veggie sausages or bacon
- Carb: Hash browns or toast
- Veg: Mushrooms, tomatoes
- Bonus: Air-fried egg in a ramekin
Cook sausages and hash browns first, then add mushrooms and tomatoes. Crack an egg into a greased ramekin and cook for 6–8 mins at 160°C.
🧁 What About Dessert?
You’d be surprised how many sweet treats you can make in an air fryer:
- Mug cakes: Mix in a ramekin and cook for 6–8 mins at 160°C
- Mini crumbles: Layer fruit and oat topping in a small dish
- Baked bananas: Slice, sprinkle with cinnamon and honey, and air fry for 5 mins
- Air-fried cookies: Use pre-made dough or mix your own
If you’re using a model with a visual window like the Smart Visible Air Fryer Oven, you can monitor browning without opening the drawer.
Try Out This Recipe
Want to see how it all comes together? Here’s a full recipe you can make entirely in your air fryer — no oven, no hob, no fuss.
🍽️ Air Fryer Chicken & Veg Tray Bake Recipe (Full Meal)
Serves: 2–3 Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 25 mins Appliance: Dual-zone or single-basket air fryer with rack or divider
Ingredients
Protein
- 3 boneless chicken thighs (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic granules
- Salt & pepper to taste
Veg
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- 1 courgette, chopped
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Pinch of salt
Carb (optional)
- 200g baby potatoes, halved
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of rosemary or thyme
Optional Finish
- Lemon wedges
- Crumbled feta or grated cheddar
- Fresh parsley
Method
- Prep the chicken Toss chicken thighs in olive oil, paprika, garlic granules, salt and pepper. Let them sit while you prep the veg.
- Prep the veg and potatoes In a separate bowl, coat peppers, courgette, and onion with olive oil and oregano. Do the same with potatoes, adding rosemary.
- Layer in the air fryer
- If using a dual-zone fryer like the Breville Halo Flexi, place chicken in one basket and veg/potatoes in the other.
- If using a single-basket fryer, place potatoes at the bottom, add a rack, and layer chicken and veg above.
- Cook
- Set to 190°C for 25 minutes
- Shake veg and flip chicken halfway through
- Check internal temp of chicken (should be 75°C) and crisp potatoes for an extra 5 mins if needed
- Serve Plate everything together, squeeze over lemon, and sprinkle with feta or parsley.
⚡ Energy-Saving Tips While Cooking Full Meals
- Skip the preheat: Most air fryers reach temp in under 3 mins
- Batch cook: Make two meals at once and refrigerate one
- Use lower temps for longer: Better texture, less energy
- Avoid overcrowding: Airflow = crispiness
- Clean as you go: A clean fryer cooks faster and more evenly
🔗 Expand Your Energy-Saving Kitchen Setup
If you’re exploring ways to cook full meals without relying on a traditional oven, you’ll love our guide to the Best Mini Ovens & Grills UK 2025 — perfect for small homes and energy-conscious setups. For hands-off batch cooking, check out the Best Slow Cookers UK 2025, featuring top picks for family-friendly stews and weekly prep. And if you’re curious about multi-function appliances that go beyond air frying, our Best Toaster Ovens & Multi-Cookers UK 2025 roundup covers the most versatile countertop cookers available now. If you’re ready to reclaim your mornings, our guide to building a fully automated morning routine with smart kitchen tech shows you how to wake up to hot drinks, sizzling breakfast, and zero effort.
❓ FAQ: How to Cook Full Meals in an Air Fryer
Q: Can I cook full meals in a small air fryer? A: Yes — with racks, dividers, and smart timing, even compact models can handle mains, sides, and veg.
Q: What’s the best way to cook full meals in an air fryer? A: Start with slow-cooking items, add protein midway, and finish with fast-cooking sides or toppings. Use racks and dividers to separate flavours.
Q: Do I need special accessories to cook full meals in an air fryer? A: Silicone dividers, mesh racks, and ramekins help separate flavours and cook multiple items at once.
🏁 Final Thoughts: The Air Fryer as Your Everyday Oven
Cooking full meals in an air fryer isn’t just a clever hack — it’s a legit lifestyle shift. You save time, money, and energy, all while eating better and cleaning less. Whether you’re a student in a flat, a parent feeding a family, or just someone who’s tired of scrubbing roasting trays, the air fryer is your new best friend.
And the best part? You don’t need a fancy model to get started. But if you’re ready to upgrade, something like the Breville Halo Flexi or the Karaca Air Cook 8-in-1 will give you the flexibility to cook mains, sides, and even dessert — all in one go.
Cook smarter and save energy with our Smart Kitchen Savings Guide UK covering low-energy kettles, air fryers, and clever kitchen gadgets for affordable meals.