8 Quick and Easy One-Pot and Air Fryer Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Busy days don’t have to mean sacrificing home-cooked meals. This collection of 8 comforting one-pot and air fryer recipes is perfect for anyone looking to whip up delicious meals without the fuss. Each recipe is designed for simplicity and flavor, letting you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your food. Get ready to enjoy tasty dishes that come together quickly and easily!

Creamy Mushroom Risotto in One Pot

Creamy mushroom risotto is a warm, comforting dish that’s incredibly easy to make in just one pot. With its rich, earthy flavors and creamy texture, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have much time to cook.

This risotto is not only delicious but also simple. It combines arborio rice with sautéed mushrooms and broth, stirring occasionally to create that signature creamy consistency. The result is a dish that feels indulgent but is straightforward to prepare, making it a must-try for anyone looking for a quick yet hearty meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft.
2. Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and become tender.
3. Add arborio rice to the pot, stirring well to coat the grains with oil. Cook for about 2 minutes.
4. Gradually add broth, one cup at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until most of the liquid is absorbed before adding the next cup.
5. Once the rice is creamy and al dente, stir in parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Spicy Chicken and Rice Air Fryer Bowl

This Spicy Chicken and Rice Air Fryer Bowl is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal. It’s packed with bold flavors and just the right amount of heat, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, letting you whip up a satisfying dish in no time.

The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant veggies creates a balanced meal that satisfies cravings without the fuss. The air fryer ensures that the chicken gets that perfect crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside. You’ll find every bite bursting with flavor!

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice: In a pot, combine rice and water (or broth) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is fluffy.
2. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, mix cubed chicken with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
3. Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Place the seasoned chicken in the basket and cook for about 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until cooked through and crispy.
4. Add the Veggies: In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the sliced bell pepper and chopped onion to the air fryer basket to cook alongside the chicken.
5. Assemble the Bowl: Once everything is cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and divide it into bowls. Top with the crispy chicken and veggies. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Get ready for a dish that’s simple yet comforting: One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta. This recipe combines the freshness of tomatoes and basil with creamy goodness, creating a delightful balance of flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying.

This pasta dish is not only easy to whip up, but it also requires minimal cleanup since everything is made in one pot. With its rich, creamy sauce and the vibrant taste of basil, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, vegetable broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Vegetable Quinoa Stew with Beans

This Vegetable Quinoa Stew with Beans is a warm and nourishing dish perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s packed with colorful veggies and hearty beans, making it both satisfying and nutritious. The flavors meld beautifully, offering a hint of sweetness from the squash and a savory depth from the spices.

Best of all, this recipe is quick and simple to prepare in just one pot. It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to get a wholesome meal on the table without much hassle. Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1 cup butternut squash, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the diced butternut squash and bell peppers, cooking for another 5 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Stir in the rinsed quinoa, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the squash is tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy your hearty and wholesome stew!

Savory Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry

This savory beef and vegetable stir-fry is the perfect meal for busy weeknights. It brings together tender beef and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful sauce that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Plus, it’s quick and easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe when time is tight.

The combination of juicy beef and colorful veggies not only looks great on your plate but also delivers a hearty meal that feels comforting. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, making it versatile for any palate. Now let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 3 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine beef, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the skillet and stir-fry until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the bell peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Combine: Return the beef to the skillet, add chopped green onions, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Serve: Enjoy your savory beef and vegetable stir-fry hot, either on its own or over a bed of rice or noodles.

Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas Snack

Crispy chickpeas make for a fantastic snack that’s both satisfying and healthy. They’re crunchy, savory, and packed with flavor, making them a wonderful alternative to chips or other processed snacks. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up in your air fryer, saving you time and effort!

This recipe allows you to customize the seasonings to your taste, whether you prefer something spicy or a little more on the savory side. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious and healthy snack ready to enjoy in no time!

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the chickpeas dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
3. In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using.
4. Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chickpeas are golden and crunchy.
6. Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your crispy chickpeas as a snack or toss them in salads for added crunch!

One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick and tasty dish that combines the flavors of tacos with creamy pasta. It’s a comforting meal that packs a punch, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy cheese melds beautifully with the spices, while the pasta absorbs all the delightful flavors, ensuring every bite is satisfying.

This recipe is simple to make, requiring minimal effort and just one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up a hearty meal that the whole family will love!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add the taco seasoning, chicken broth, and salsa to the pot. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the penne pasta and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 12-15 minutes until the pasta is tender.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Top with chopped tomatoes and jalapeños. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Salmon

This Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Salmon is a quick and tasty dish that combines the fresh flavors of lemon and garlic with perfectly cooked salmon. It’s not only delicious but also super easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weekdays. You’ll love how the fish comes out flaky and tender, with a delightful crispness on the outside.

With minimal prep time and just a few ingredients, this recipe is perfect for those evenings when you want something healthy yet comforting. Pair it with your favorite vegetables for a complete meal that’s satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture over the salmon fillets.
4. Place the salmon in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Remove from the air fryer and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.