Nonlinear evolution equations of arbitrary order bearing a significantly broad range of capability to illustrate the underlying behavior of naturalistic structures relating to the real world, have become a major source of attraction of scientists and scholars. In quantum mechanics, the nonlinear dynamical system is most reasonably modeled through the Schrödinger-type partial differential equations. In this paper, we discuss the (2+1)-dimensional time-fractional nonlinear Schrödinger equation and the (1+1)-dimensional space–time fractional nonlinear Schrödinger equation for appropriate solutions by means of the recommended enhanced rational [Formula: see text]-expansion technique adopting Cole–Hopf transformation and Riccati equation. The considered equations are turned into ordinary differential equations by implementing a composite wave variable replacement alongside the conformable fractional derivative. Then a successful execution of the proposed method has been made, which brought out supplementary innovative outcomes of the considered equations compared with the existing results found so far. The well-generated solutions are presented graphically in 3D views for numerous wave structures. The high performance of the employed technique shows the acceptability which might provide a new guideline for research hereafter.