10 Family-Approved One-Pot and Air Fryer Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Weeknight dinners can often feel like a race against the clock, but with these 10 family-approved one-pot and air fryer recipes, you’ll have tasty meals on the table in no time. These convenient and delicious dishes aim to simplify your cooking routine while keeping everyone satisfied. Let’s get cooking!

One-Pot Mediterranean Chicken and Rice

This One-Pot Mediterranean Chicken and Rice dish is a fantastic blend of flavors that takes you straight to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. Tender chicken combined with aromatic herbs and spices, served over a bed of fluffy rice, makes for a satisfying and wholesome meal that your whole family will love.

Simple to prepare, this recipe requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The balance of savory chicken and the zesty notes from lemon and olives create a delightful taste that’s both comforting and refreshing.

Ingredients

• 4 pieces of chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1/2 cup green olives
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
2. Season the chicken with paprika, oregano, and black pepper, then add to the pot. Cook until browned on both sides.
3. Stir in the rice, followed by the chicken broth and lemon slices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
4. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
5. Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and add olives. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Air Fryer Crispy Lemon Garlic Salmon

This Air Fryer Crispy Lemon Garlic Salmon is a fantastic weeknight dinner option that packs a punch of flavor without the hassle. The salmon fillets come out perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside. With a bright lemon and garlic flavor, it’s sure to please the whole family.

Not only is this recipe quick and easy to make, but it also requires minimal cleanup since everything is done in the air fryer. In just about 15 minutes, you can have a delicious and healthy meal ready to serve, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Slices of lemon, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to soak up the flavors.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
4. Cook the Salmon: Place the marinated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the salmon is crispy and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh lemon slices and serve immediately with your choice of sides.

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful bowl of comfort that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. This soup is rich and creamy, bursting with the fresh taste of tomatoes and fragrant basil, making it a family favorite.

Not only is this recipe simple to prepare, but it also requires minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one pot. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, and you have a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and oregano. Let the soup cook for another 5 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Remove from heat and add the fresh basil, stirring to combine.
5. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and additional basil if desired.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

These Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a tasty twist on traditional buffalo wings, making them perfect for everyone in the family. Crispy, spicy, and totally addictive, these bites pack a punch of flavor while keeping things light and healthy. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up in just a matter of minutes!

Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at game night or enjoying them as a quick snack, these cauliflower bites are sure to impress. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, and you’ll have a hit on your hands!

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Celery sticks for serving
• Your favorite dipping sauce

Instructions

1. Prep the Cauliflower: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until smooth. Add the cauliflower florets and toss to coat evenly.
2. Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
3. Add the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower with buffalo sauce and olive oil. Toss until well coated.
4. Final Cook: Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the sauce.
5. Serve: Transfer the cauliflower bites to a plate and serve with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a fun twist on classic tacos, bringing all those delicious flavors into a comforting pasta dish. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with the bold taste of taco seasoning, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, the one-pot cooking method means less cleanup—who doesn’t love that?

The combination of pasta, ground meat, and melty cheese creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings, like jalapeños or fresh cilantro, to add some extra flair. Get ready for a dish that’s quick, tasty, and sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro and jalapeños for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Ingredients: Stir in the taco seasoning, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and penne pasta. Bring to a boil.
3. Cook the Pasta: Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Mix in Cheese and Milk: Stir in the milk and half of the cheese until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve: Top with remaining cheese, cilantro, and jalapeños. Enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!

Creamy One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

Creamy One-Pot Chicken Alfredo is a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender pieces of chicken and a rich, creamy sauce, this recipe delivers a delightful flavor that feels indulgent but is simple to prepare. In just one pot, you can create a meal that will have the whole family asking for seconds!

This dish combines juicy chicken with al dente pasta in a luscious Alfredo sauce, making it a go-to for satisfying hunger. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze since everything is made in one pot!

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups penne pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Shrimp

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Shrimp is a quick and tasty dish that’s sure to please the whole family. The shrimp are coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, giving them a delightful flavor that pairs well with rice or veggies. This recipe is simple to make, taking just about 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those busy weeknights.

The air fryer cooks the shrimp perfectly, leaving them tender and juicy while ensuring they have a nice crispy texture. With just a few ingredients, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time!

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Add the shrimp and toss to coat.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
3. Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
4. Once cooked, remove the shrimp and top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Air Fryer Veggie-Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Veggie-Stuffed Peppers are a delightful and colorful dish that the whole family will enjoy. These peppers are packed with a tasty mixture of grains, veggies, and spices, making them both satisfying and healthy. The air fryer gives them a perfectly tender texture while maintaining a slight crunch, creating a delicious contrast that everyone will love.

This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, allowing you to whip up a nutritious dinner in no time. Just stuff the peppers, pop them in the air fryer, and enjoy a wholesome meal that’s not only full of flavor but also visually appealing!

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or couscous
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place them upright in the air fryer basket.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa or couscous, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onion, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
5. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top of the stuffed peppers.
6. Air fry the peppers for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly browned on top.
7. Remove from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious veggie-stuffed peppers!

One-Pot Spinach and Feta Quinoa

This One-Pot Spinach and Feta Quinoa is a colorful and tasty dish that brings together the earthiness of quinoa, the freshness of spinach, and the creaminess of feta cheese. It’s a simple, one-pot meal that packs a punch in both flavor and nutrition, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you just want to whip up something quick without sacrificing taste.

This recipe is not only easy to follow, but it’s also versatile. You can adjust the veggies or add some proteins like chicken or chickpeas to suit your family’s preferences. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a wholesome meal that delights everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Stir in the rinsed quinoa and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and gently fold in the chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, nutritious meal!

Air Fryer Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Tenders

These Air Fryer Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Tenders are a hit with the whole family. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a perfect choice for weeknight dinners. Plus, the cheesy, savory flavor of Parmesan adds a delicious twist that kids and adults alike will love.

This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a healthier alternative to traditional frying. Using an air fryer means you’ll achieve that golden crunch without the extra oil, keeping things lighter without sacrificing taste!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg and add olive oil to it.
4. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to adhere.
5. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce!