7 Easy One-Pot and Air Fryer Recipes for Busy Days

When time is short and hunger strikes, these 7 one-pot and air fryer recipes come to the rescue! They’re quick, easy, and require minimal cleanup, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Whether you’re craving something savory or looking for a healthy option, there’s a little something here for everyone. Let’s get cooking!

One-Pot Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

One-Pot Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian dish that brings together simple ingredients for a burst of flavor. With just garlic, olive oil, and a hint of chili, this dish is both satisfying and easy to whip up on busy nights.

The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze! It’s a light yet hearty meal that highlights the beauty of combining few ingredients into something delicious.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is golden but not burnt.
3. Combine: Add the drained spaghetti back into the pot with the garlic oil. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt to taste.
4. Finish: Stir in the chopped parsley and serve immediately. Top with freshly grated Parmesan if desired.

One-Pot Creamy Chicken Alfredo

Creamy Chicken Alfredo is a deliciously comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s rich and flavorful, combining tender chicken pieces with al dente pasta in a smooth Alfredo sauce. The best part? You can whip it up all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!

This recipe is simple enough for anyone to try. With just a few ingredients, including chicken, pasta, and Alfredo sauce, you can create a satisfying meal in no time. Serve it with a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh touch!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnishing

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
4. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.

One-Pot Vegetable Stir-Fry

This One-Pot Vegetable Stir-Fry is a quick and easy dish bursting with fresh flavors. It combines a variety of colorful vegetables, making it not only healthy but also visually appealing. The combination of crisp veggies and simple seasonings gives it a delightful taste that everyone can enjoy.

You’ll love how fast this comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Just toss everything in one pot, stir it up, and you have a delicious meal ready in no time!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 carrot, sliced thin
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add bell pepper, broccoli, snap peas, and carrot. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
3. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well to coat the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy your quick and healthy meal!

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal. They’re crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with delicious flavors. The combination of garlic and parmesan gives these potatoes a savory kick that everyone will love, making them a great addition to your dinner table.

This recipe is incredibly easy to whip up and takes minimal time, thanks to the air fryer. You won’t have to worry about multiple pots or pans, and cleanup is a breeze!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes: In a mixing bowl, combine the halved potatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated.
2. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
3. Add the Cheese: Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over them. Air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Serve: Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your tasty side dish!

One-Pot Mexican Quinoa Bowl

This One-Pot Mexican Quinoa Bowl is a delicious and vibrant dish perfect for any meal. With its combination of quinoa, black beans, corn, and colorful bell peppers, it offers a delightful burst of flavors and textures. It’s not only healthy but also incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.

The recipe is designed for simplicity, allowing you to cook everything in one pot. You’ll love how the spices and fresh ingredients come together to create a satisfying meal that feels indulgent without the fuss. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, so it’s perfect for everyone!

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 avocado, sliced (for topping)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
2. Add the black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the veggies to soften and the flavors to meld.
4. Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
5. Serve topped with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for a zesty finish.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings are the perfect combination of crispy and juicy, making them an ideal snack or appetizer for any gathering. The sweet and tangy barbecue sauce coats the wings beautifully, adding layers of flavor that everyone will love. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer makes this recipe not only quicker but also healthier than traditional frying methods.

You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to whip up these tasty wings. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a plate of delicious, finger-licking chicken wings ready in no time. Whether it’s game day or a casual family meal, these wings are sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• Celery sticks (for serving)
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)

Instructions

1. Prep the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help them get crispy in the air fryer.
2. Season: In a large bowl, toss the wings with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
4. Add BBQ Sauce: Once cooked, transfer the wings to a large bowl and pour in the BBQ sauce. Toss until all wings are evenly coated.
5. Final Crisp: Return the sauced wings to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce slightly.
6. Serve: Enjoy the wings hot with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce!

Air Fryer Crispy Roasted Vegetables

Crispy roasted vegetables are not just a side dish; they can be a tasty main event! This recipe combines a colorful mix of seasonal veggies, seasoned to perfection, and cooked in an air fryer for that delightful crunch. The air fryer makes it super easy and fast to whip up, allowing the vegetables to caramelize beautifully while locking in their natural flavors.

This dish is simple and adaptable, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, from zucchini and bell peppers to sweet potatoes and carrots. The result? A vibrant plate bursting with flavor, ready in just minutes!

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced carrots
• 2 cups diced zucchini
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup diced sweet potatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop all the vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.
2. Season: In a large bowl, combine the chopped veggies with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is well coated.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
4. Cook: Place the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
5. Serve: Once golden and crispy, remove from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately!