7 Easy One-Pot and Air Fryer Recipes Your Family Will Love

Cooking shouldn’t be a chore, especially when you’re just starting out. These 7 family-approved one-pot and air fryer recipes are designed for beginners, making meal prep easy and stress-free. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick dinner or impress the family, these simple yet delicious recipes are here to save the day!

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

This creamy chicken and rice casserole is perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken with fluffy rice in a rich, comforting sauce that everyone will love. Plus, it’s super simple to make, making it a favorite for beginner cooks!

The flavors meld beautifully, creating a deliciously hearty meal that warms the soul. It’s a hit with the whole family and can be easily customized with your favorite veggies or herbs.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix well.
3. Add the rice and frozen vegetables to the pot, and stir until everything is well combined.
4. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Cover the pot and bring it to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes.
5. Transfer the pot to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
6. If desired, sprinkle cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy finish.
7. Let it cool slightly before serving, and enjoy your creamy chicken and rice casserole!

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a tasty and healthy meal option that’s easy to prepare and fun to eat. The combination of tender peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, grains, and spices makes for a satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Plus, cooking them in an air fryer ensures they’re perfectly cooked while reducing the amount of oil needed.

The flavors meld beautifully, with each bite delivering a wonderful taste of zesty tomatoes and melted cheese. This recipe is great for beginners; with simple steps and minimal cleanup, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers (any color)
• 1 pound ground turkey or beef
• 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the peppers by cutting the tops off and removing the seeds and membranes.
3. In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, cooked rice or quinoa, diced tomatoes, half of the cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Stuff each pepper with the meat mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
5. Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the peppers are tender.
6. In the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each pepper and allow it to melt.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving. Enjoy!

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

This creamy tomato basil soup is a cozy classic that brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful. It’s rich, flavorful, and has that perfect blend of sweetness from tomatoes and earthiness from fresh basil. For beginners, this recipe is simple to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal cooking techniques.

Perfect for a light lunch or paired with a crusty bread for dinner, this soup is sure to be a hit with the entire family. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of diced tomatoes)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. If using fresh tomatoes, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft.
3. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender). Stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Heat through for another 5 minutes, then serve with fresh basil garnish and crusty bread on the side.

One-Pot Pasta Primavera

One-Pot Pasta Primavera is a delightful and simple dish that showcases a colorful medley of fresh vegetables tossed with pasta in a single pot. The combination of flavors is fresh and lively, making it a favorite for families who want something both nutritious and delicious. Perfect for beginners, this recipe requires minimal prep and cleanup, giving you more time to enjoy your meal with loved ones.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, from bell peppers to cherry tomatoes. It’s a great way to introduce more veggies into your family’s diet while still satisfying those pasta cravings. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of pasta (any shape)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then toss in the cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Combine: Add the drained pasta back into the pot along with the black olives and Italian herbs. Pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water to help create a sauce, mixing everything together. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy!

One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry

This One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry is a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender beef and colorful vegetables creates a dish that’s not only satisfying but also packed with flavor. With its savory sauce and vibrant ingredients, this stir-fry is sure to please the entire family.

Making this dish is easy, and it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare and clean up afterward, making it a great option for beginner cooks. Plus, the leftovers are fantastic for lunch the next day!

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large pot or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
3. Add the Vegetables: In the same pot, add sliced bell peppers, broccoli, and carrot. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
4. Combine Everything: Return the beef to the pot along with garlic and ginger. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve: Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles, and enjoy your delicious meal!

Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp

This Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy seafood without much fuss. The shrimp are marinated in a zesty lemon and garlic mixture, making them flavorful and fragrant. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer, this dish offers a delightful combination of crispy outside and tender inside.

Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but it also comes together in just a few minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxed family dinner. Serve it over a bed of rice for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create the marinade.
2. Add the shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place the marinated shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
5. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the air fryer and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve over cooked rice for a complete meal.

Air Fryer Crispy Veggie Fritters

Air Fryer Crispy Veggie Fritters are a delightful and healthy option for family meals. They are packed with fresh vegetables and have a crunchy exterior that kids and adults will love. This recipe is not only easy to make but also allows for variations based on what you have on hand, making it perfect for beginners.

The fritters are deliciously seasoned, providing a burst of flavor in every bite. Pair them with a dipping sauce for an extra kick, and watch as they disappear from your dinner table!

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed grated vegetables (zucchini, carrots, bell peppers)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated cheese (optional)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray

Instructions

1. Prep the Vegetables: Grate the mixed vegetables and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated vegetables, flour, breadcrumbs, cheese (if using), egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Shape the Fritters: Scoop out the mixture and form into small patties.
4. Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the fritters lightly with olive oil and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
5. Serve: Enjoy your crispy veggie fritters warm with your favorite dipping sauce!