9 Delicious One-Pot and Air Fryer Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Busy schedules often leave little time for cooking, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or creativity in the kitchen. This collection of 9 mess-free one-pot and air fryer recipes is perfect for those on the go, offering quick and easy meals that require minimal cleanup. Dive into these simple yet satisfying recipes that let you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your delicious creations!

One-Pot Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a quick and satisfying dish that packs a punch of flavor with minimal ingredients. This classic Italian recipe combines spaghetti with garlic, olive oil, and a hint of red pepper flakes, creating a simple yet delicious meal that comes together in no time.

Perfect for busy nights, you can whip this up in just a few steps without any fuss. The combination of aromatic garlic and spicy pepper flakes gives this dish a comforting and lively kick. It’s a fantastic option for anyone seeking a tasty, mess-free dinner.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Garlic: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the Pasta: Stir in the cooked spaghetti, red pepper flakes, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until well combined, adding more pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
4. Season and Serve: Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your one-pot meal!

One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Rice

This One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Rice dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy, cheesy goodness pairs perfectly with tender broccoli, making it both comforting and nutritious. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

This recipe combines rice and broccoli in a delightful cheesy sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. It’s filling, satisfying, and ideal for those nights when you want a hearty meal without the fuss of multiple pots and pans.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Stir in the rice and toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
4. After 15 minutes, add the broccoli florets on top of the rice, cover, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the rice is cooked through.
5. Remove from heat, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted, and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm and enjoy!

One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Risotto

This One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Risotto is a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy nights. Creamy, savory, and packed with the earthy flavors of mushrooms, it’s sure to please anyone at the dinner table. Plus, the best part? You won’t have to wash a ton of pots and pans afterward!

Making risotto might sound fancy, but this recipe simplifies the process. With just a few key ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. It’s creamy, satisfying, and offers a delightful balance of flavors, making it a go-to choice for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 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 onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are tender and browned.
3. Stir in the Arborio rice, allowing it to toast slightly for about a minute.
4. If using, pour in the white wine, stirring until it has mostly evaporated.
5. Gradually add vegetable broth, one cup at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until most of the liquid is absorbed before adding more.
6. Continue this process for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente.
7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

One-Pot Quinoa and Black Bean Chili

This One-Pot Quinoa and Black Bean Chili is a fantastic blend of flavors that’s both hearty and healthy. Packed with protein, fiber, and plenty of veggies, it’s the perfect comfort food for busy nights. Plus, making it all in one pot means less cleanup and more time to relax!

The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a satisfying dish that can be customized to your liking. Whether you want extra heat or a dash of lime, it’s easy to tailor this chili to your taste. Serve it with some tortilla chips or avocado for a complete meal!

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Avocado slices for serving

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, and cumin, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the chili thickens.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and avocado slices.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Air fryer sweet potato fries are a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional fries. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a sweet, earthy flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, they are super simple to make, making them perfect for a quick snack or side dish.

With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip these up in no time. Toss them in your favorite seasonings for an extra kick, and you have a delicious treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prep the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into fry shapes, aiming for even sizes for consistent cooking.
2. Toss with Oil and Spices: In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly coated.
3. Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
4. Check for Crispiness: Once golden brown and crispy, remove the fries from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Air Fryer Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken

This Air Fryer Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that makes weeknight dinners stress-free. The combination of zesty lemon and aromatic garlic creates a deliciously tangy and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides.

Not only is this recipe simple to make, but it also results in juicy chicken with crispy skin, all without the mess of traditional frying. Perfect for busy people, this dish can be ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well with the marinade. Let them sit for about 15 minutes.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
3. Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
4. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.

Air Fryer Veggie Stuffed Peppers

Veggie stuffed peppers are a simple, satisfying dish that packs a punch in flavor and nutrition. Using colorful bell peppers as vessels, you can fill them with a hearty mix of grains, beans, and spices, making them a delightful and healthy meal option. Plus, cooking them in an air fryer keeps them tender while giving a nice, slightly crispy finish.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal cleanup and quick cooking, you can whip up a batch in no time. They’re not only good for you, but they also look beautiful on the plate!

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Set aside.
2. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa or rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Stuff the Peppers: Fill each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in. If using, sprinkle cheese on top.
4. Air Fry the Peppers: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed peppers upright in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes until the peppers are tender.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the peppers from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon

This Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon is a quick and tasty meal perfect for busy evenings. With a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze, this dish brings a delightful flavor to tender salmon. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare and clean up after!

The air fryer locks in moisture, giving the salmon a perfect texture while cooking evenly. Serve it alongside some fresh veggies for a complete meal in no time!

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like dill or parsley) for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and olive oil until well combined.
2. Coat the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to soak up the flavors.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for a few minutes.
4. Cook the Salmon: Place the marinated salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the salmon from the air fryer, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle fresh herbs on top before serving.

One-Pot Mediterranean Couscous Salad

This One-Pot Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It brings together fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and fluffy couscous to create a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy days. The vibrant colors of the ingredients make it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Plus, the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to throw together.

With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up this salad in no time. It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch, and it stores well in the fridge. Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal!

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Couscous: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed, then fluff with a fork.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the couscous is resting, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Slice the olives and crumble the feta cheese.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the fluffed couscous with the chopped vegetables, olives, and feta cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined.
4. Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately or refrigerate for later. This dish can be served cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or lunchboxes!