Easy Mid Term Lunches You Can Make in the Air Fryer

When the kids are off school for mid term, one of the biggest challenges parents face is figuring out what to make for lunch every single day. Between work, activities and trying to keep everyone entertained, there’s often very little time left to prepare healthy meals or snacks that the kids will actually eat. Many parents end up reaching for convenience food or ordering takeaways simply because it’s quick and easy. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it can become expensive. And let’s be honest, it’s not always the healthiest option.

Why Parents Struggle With Mid-Term Lunches

Mid-term breaks completely change your routine. Suddenly you’re making extra lunches every day, more snacks between meals and meals that work around activities, playdates and day trips. On top of that, kids can be fussy, bored of the same meals, or constantly asking for snacks. Coming up with quick, easy lunch ideas that don’t take forever to cook (and don’t leave you with a mountain of dishes) is often the biggest challenge.

Are Air Fryers Good for Making Kids’ Lunches?

The air fryer is one of the best kitchen tools for making quick lunches for kids, especially during mid-term. It heats up in minutes, cooks food evenly, and doesn’t require much oil — making it a great option for healthier lunches without extra effort.

Using an air fryer means you can:

Cook lunch in under 15 minutes
Make smaller portions without wasting food
Turn everyday ingredients into something exciting
Avoid using the oven for quick meals

Can You Make Healthy Lunches in the Air Fryer?

Absolutely. Despite what some people think, air fryers aren’t just for chips. You can make a wide range of healthier lunches in the air fryer by:

Using lean proteins like chicken or halloumi
Cooking with minimal oil
Adding homemade versions of kids’ favourites
Pairing air fryer food with fruit, veg or salads

Saving Time During Mid-Term

One of the biggest benefits of using the air fryer for lunch is how much time it saves. When kids are home all day, the last thing you want is to be stuck cooking for hours. Most air fryer lunches:

Take 10–15 minutes
Require very little prep
Can be cooked while you tidy up or help with homework

Easy Mid-Term Lunches

Here are some of my favourite air fryer lunch ideas that are perfect for mid-term. They’re quick, budget-friendly and approved by kids… making them ideal when time is tight and everyone’s hungry.

Air Fryer Kinder Toast

If your kids love chocolate, this one’s a winner. Air fryer kinder toast is a fun lunch treat that feels like a dessert but is quick and easy to make. Simply toast bread in the air fryer, add chocolate, and let it melt to perfection. Ideal for a mid-term lunch or even an afternoon snack. Why it works:

Takes minutes
No oven needed
Big smiles guaranteed

Air Fryer Kinder Toast

Air Fryer Pizza Toastie

A classic mid-term lunch that never fails. The air fryer pizza toastie is perfect when kids want pizza but you don’t want the hassle. Use bread, wraps or bagels, add tomato sauce, cheese and toppings, then air fry until crispy and melted. Great for:

Using up leftovers
Letting kids choose their own toppings
Quick lunches with minimal washing up

Air Fryer Pizza Toastie

bored of lunch healthy fakeaways air fryer popcorn chicken

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Bites

These air fryer popcorn chicken bites are perfect for little hands and big appetites. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ideal for dipping. Serve with chips, wraps or just on their own for an stress-free lunch. They also work brilliantly cold, making them great for day trips. Recipe is from my brand new book Healthy Fakeaways.

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Bites

Bored-of-Lunch-Recipes-Air-Fryer-Raising-Canes

Air Fryer Raising Cane’s Chicken Tenders

These air fryer Raising Cane’s-style chicken tenders are a proper fakeaway lunch. Crispy, golden chicken tenders made easily at home in the air fryer. Serve with chips and a simple dipping sauce for a lunch that feels like a treat without the takeaway price. Perfect for:

Older kids
Weekend lunches
Fakeaway night

Raising Canes Tenders

Air Fryer Halloumi Potato Tots

These air fryer halloumi potato tots are ideal if you want something a bit different. Crispy on the outside and cheesy in the middle, they’re great served with salad, wraps or a yoghurt dip. A brilliant vegetarian air fryer lunch option during mid-term. Why parents love them:

Simple ingredients
Great meat-free option
Easy to batch cook

Air Fryer Halloumi Potato Tots

Air Fryer Hot Dog Puffs

Hot dogs wrapped in pastry and cooked in the air fryer? Say no more. Air fryer hot dog puffs are a fun, hands-on lunch that kids love. They’re quick to make and perfect for dipping in ketchup or BBQ sauce.

Air Fryer Hot Dog Puffs

Air Fryer Sausage Roll Bites

You can’t beat sausage rolls, especially when they’re bite-sized. These air fryer sausage roll bites are ideal for mid-term lunches, picky eaters and grazing plates. Serve with beans, chips or veggies for an easy win. Why they’re great:

Freezer-friendly
Quick to cook
Perfect for sharing

Air Fryer Sausage Roll Bites

Why the Air Fryer Is Perfect for Mid-Term Lunches

Using the air fryer for lunch during mid-term saves time, energy and money. It heats up quickly, cooks food evenly and keeps mess to a minimum… exactly what you need when the kids are home all week.

Whether you’re cooking from scratch or using freezer staples, these easy air fryer lunch ideas will help you get through mid-term without the stress.

If you’re looking for more air fryer and slow cooker recipes, make sure to check out the rest of the recipes on Bored of Lunch.