By the time dinner rolls around, most of us have very little energy left for a long cooking session. That is where the air fryer comes in handy, since it heats up fast, cooks food quickly, and leaves you with hardly any dishes to wash. A meal that used to take most of an hour can now be on the table in a fraction of that time.
Have a look at the recipes below and pick the ones that fit your evening. Some are great for a quick family meal, and others work well when you only need something small and easy to tide you over. Give a couple a go this week and your busiest nights might start to feel a little less stressful.
Almond Flour Biscuits
Almond flour biscuits are soft, fluffy, and full of nutty flavor. They hold together well, so they work with butter, gravy, or a bowl of soup. Because the texture is so close to a classic biscuit, people are often surprised.
Nobody guesses what they are made of until I tell them. Serve them warm, and they vanish fast. Since the dough comes together quickly, a fresh batch is easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Biscuits
Breaded Cauliflower
Breaded cauliflower is crispy outside and tender inside. The crunchy coating turns a plain vegetable into something fun to eat. Because it works as a side or a snack, it is handy to have around.
A plate of this disappears faster than I expect. A dip on the side makes it even better. Since the steps are simple, it gets easier every time you make it.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Cauliflower
Crispy Oven Baked Zucchini
Crispy oven baked zucchini is golden on the outside and soft in the middle. The oven does the work, so there is no frying and no mess. Because the coating stays crunchy, every bite has a nice texture.
My family reaches for these before anything else on the plate. Serve them with a creamy dip, and they feel like a treat. Since they bake on one tray, cleanup is quick.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Oven Baked Zucchini
Cauliflower Pumpkin Puree
Cauliflower pumpkin puree is smooth, creamy, and lightly sweet. The pumpkin adds warmth, while the cauliflower keeps it light. Because the flavors blend so well, neither one takes over.
A spoonful next to a main dish rounds out the plate nicely. Make it ahead, and it reheats with no trouble. Since both vegetables are mild, even picky eaters enjoy it.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin Fries
Pumpkin fries are crispy outside and soft inside, with a gentle natural sweetness. They taste different from a regular fry, which makes them fun. Because they season up well, they are easy to keep eating.
Kids and adults both go back for one more. Bake them on a tray, and there is no need for a deep fryer. Since the prep is short, they fit into a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Fries
Casserole with Beans and Mushrooms
Beans and mushroom casserole is hearty, earthy, and warm. The mushrooms add savory depth, and the beans make it filling. Because everything bakes in one dish, the flavors blend nicely.
Every time I make this, someone asks when I will make it again. It reheats well, so a big pan lasts for days. Since it fills you up, it works as a side or a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Casserole with Beans and Mushrooms
Cheese & Cauliflower Rice
Cheese and cauliflower rice is creamy, cheesy, and comforting. The cheese melts right in, so every bite tastes rich. Because it cooks quickly, it is an easy side for any night.
Friends often ask what is in it before they finish a serving. Stir it into a pan, and dinner gets a warm boost. Since people go back for more, a big batch is smart.
Get the Recipe: Cheese & Cauliflower Rice
Tabbouleh Salad
Tabbouleh salad is light, bright, and full of herb flavor. The chopped ingredients mix into a cool, refreshing bowl. Because it tastes better as it sits, it is perfect for making ahead.
My go-to for a quick side is a bowl of this in the fridge. Spoon it next to grilled meat or scoop it into a wrap. Since it keeps well for a few days, it works for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Tabbouleh Salad
Sugar Free Honey Roasted Carrots
Sugar free honey roasted carrots come out tender and lightly caramelized. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness, so they taste rich. Because they pair with almost any main dish, they are an easy pick.
People always comment on how good these taste for something so simple. Toss them on a tray, and the oven does the rest. Since they cook with little effort, they fit any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Free Honey Roasted Carrots
