Affordable air fryer meals for the week: quick budget recipes to save time, oil and money
How an air fryer helps you plan budget-friendly meals
Potatoes, chicken, vegetables, fish, eggs, and even small snacks can be prepared conveniently. The idea isn’t just to “fry without oil,” but to create a simpler routine: a ready-made base, a quick side dish, and a recipe that can also be used for the next day’s lunchbox.
Chicken in the Air Fryer: inexpensive, quick, and versatile protein
To save money, buy plain cuts of chicken and season them ahead of time. Garlic, lemon, paprika, dried herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil are enough to add flavor. Then, simply switch up the side dishes to make the meal feel different throughout the week.
You know that breaded chicken cooked in the air fryer that's crispy on the outside and super juicy on the inside? Well, we made it, and it turned out perfectly! No deep-frying, no mess, and ready in no time: in less than 20 minutes, you'll have...
To get chicken that is both tender and crispy, there's nothing better than cooking it in an air fryer ! It's THE simple, effective, and healthy way to prepare a meal for the whole family . Here, we've simply marinated it with olive oil and a few...
Ready to enjoy a tasty roast chicken without spending hours in the kitchen? With your air fryer, it's child's play! The result? Golden, crispy skin and tender meat that falls apart easily. Serve it with roasted vegetables or potatoes , and...
Air-fryer chicken breast promises quick, controlled cooking ! No need to keep an eye on the pan: in just a few minutes, your chicken is tender on the inside and golden brown on the outside. Perfect for a light meal or to liven up a mixed salad, this...
Potatoes and crispy sides without breaking the bank
For best results, cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces, pat them dry thoroughly before cooking, and season them only with the essentials: salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary. This way, you’ll have an economical side dish that tastes like comfort food.
Are you a fan of potatoes? Then you have to try this recipe: tasty, healthy roasted potatoes in the air fryer with minimal oil . They come out golden, crispy on the outside, and super tender on the inside. Without a doubt, they’re the perfect...
Discover our recipe for Air fryer smashed potatoes , the ultra-crispy side dish! Easy to prepare, these crushed and golden-brown potatoes are perfect for adding a crispy-yet-soft touch to your meals. Thanks to cooking in the air fryer, they contain...
Looking for a super-easy-to-make side dish that's both delicious and crispy? This potato gratin in the Air Fryer will delight you! With melt-in-the-mouth potatoes on the inside and a golden crust on the outside, this gratin, a cousin of Gratin...
Potatoes Hasselback-style in the air fryer are a practical and delicious option for anyone looking for a crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside side dish . Made with thin, fan-shaped cuts, this version combines great flavor with an...
Air fryer shoestring potatoes are a practical, lighter way to make this much-loved classic. Made with thin strips of potato and just a little oil, they turn golden, crispy, and full of flavor thanks to the appliance's hot-air circulation. Perfect...
Vegetables in the air fryer to use up what's in the fridge
The secret is not to overfill the basket, so the air can circulate properly and the vegetables turn golden brown. Use olive oil sparingly, along with fresh herbs and simple spices. Then, serve with eggs, cheese, tuna, rice, or pasta to create quick end-of-day meals.
Very easy to prepare , quick and inexpensive, this air-fryer-roasted pepper salad is sure to become one of your favorite summer dishes. The great thing about this recipe is that you can serve it in several ways: as a side dish with meat, as a...
Air fryer confit cherry tomatoes are easy to make and perfect for serving alongside main courses, or for adding to salads or savoury tarts . Their glossy, caramelized appearance makes them incredibly appetizing—you'll be eager to try them! You may...
In just a few minutes, you can prepare a delicious, healthy side dish to accompany your meals by making zucchini in the Air Fryer ! Perfect with barbecued meats , this zucchini needs only a drizzle of olive oil and a few spices. Here we've chosen...
A quick, tasty side dish that's easy to prepare. Air fryer eggplant is very light and pairs perfectly with meat or fish. You can also use it to dress cold pasta or make a lighter-than-traditional pasta alla Norma . To make air fryer eggplant,...
Cauliflower croquettes made in an air fryer are a healthy, inexpensive, and easy-to-prepare recipe. This vegetarian dish is ideal for those looking for a light but flavorful option, perfect for quick lunches or dinners. The ingredients needed are...
Fish and seafood: light meals without turning on the oven
This is a good strategy for light dinners: choose simple recipes, season with lemon, olive oil, garlic, and herbs, and let the air fryer do the work. It’s also a convenient way to prepare meals without dirtying too many pots and pans.
If you love fish fingers but want a lighter, crispier version without having to fry them in oil, this recipe is for you. Thanks to the air fryer, you'll get a golden and flavorful result with very little oil, perfect for a healthy and tasty meal....
Looking for a healthy , delicious, and quick way to prepare your salmon ? We have the perfect option for you! Try our air-fried salmon recipe, flavored with a blend of spices and subtle citrus notes from lemon. This dish is just what you need for...
Embark on a journey to Asia without leaving your kitchen! These marinated salmon bites , cooked to perfection in the Air Fryer, are a veritable explosion of flavor. The tender, delicately flavored salmon pairs wonderfully with the marinade’s sweet,...
If you’re looking for a light dish with plenty of character, air-fried cod with cherry tomatoes and black olives is sure to stand out. Tender, juicy cod fillets come together with the freshness of lemon , the fragrance of oregano , and the...
Crispy and delicious, air-fryer shrimp are a must-try. This recipe is very simple, and if you use frozen shrimp tails (as we did), the dish will be ready in no time at all. To make air-fryer shrimp, all you need to do is prepare a marinade with...
Salty snacks for afternoon snacks, appetizers, and weekday treats
Chickpeas, tuna, cheese, puff pastry, and bread can be turned into crispy recipes to serve with a salad, pack in a lunchbox, or enjoy with soup. These are practical options for those days when you don’t feel like cooking much.
How about replacing chips and sausage for the aperitif with delicious chickpeas roasted in the Air Fryer ? Not only is this recipe super-easy to make, all you need is a can of already-cooked chickpeas and your favorite spices . The result?...
Who doesn't love a good tuna fritter ? As well as being a great option for a quick, nutritious appetizer , this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy diet, since we use an Air Fryer (or you can bake them in the oven if you prefer)....
Herb croutons made in the Air Fryer are a practical and delicious way to make your meals crispier and tastier. Made with just a few ingredients and ready in minutes, they are ideal for serving with salads and soups , or even as a snack any...
If you're looking for an easy, indulgent idea for an aperitif or a crunchy snack, these puff pastry cheese twists made in the air fryer are sure to delight. With golden puff pastry, a gooey cheese center, and a touch of garlic and parsley that...
The sandwich bread baskets with mozzarella, olives, and cherry tomatoes I made the other day were even more satisfying than I expected… but they also left me with quite a bit of sandwich bread to use up . And as we know, in the kitchen, leftovers...
Inexpensive and easy-to-make vegetarian recipes
These recipes are especially useful for adding variety to your weekly meals, preparing lunchboxes, or making a lighter dinner. Paired with a yogurt sauce, a fresh salad, or some toasted bread, they become complete meals with little effort.
Lovers of Middle Eastern cuisine are bound to know falafel . These little vegetarian balls, made from chickpeas , are packed with flavor and are usually deep-fried. But today, we’ve decided to make a healthier version that’s just as delicious,...
A simple, healthy, vegetarian recipe. These zucchini and potato patties cooked in an air fryer win you over with their special texture: a crispy crust and a moist interior that melts in your mouth. These vegetarian patties have a mild flavor and...
Looking for a new way to enjoy zucchini? Try our zucchini fritters cooked in the air fryer , served with yogurt and feta sauce ! These fritters are ultra-crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside—a perfect recipe for getting kids to love...
Simple ingredients, just a few minutes of preparation, and you’ll have a delicious dish to serve: pea, feta and mint meatballs cooked in an air fryer are a great vegetarian alternative to traditional meatballs . They are very versatile and can be...
Zucchini parmigiana in the air fryer is the ideal twist for those who love the great Italian classics but are looking for a lighter, quicker version. The idea came about almost by accident, on a hot summer day when turning on the oven seemed...
Sweets and quick snacks in the Air Fryer
For the week, choose recipes that keep well and can be made in small batches. Fruit chips, granola, cookies, and quick treats are good alternatives to have on hand when you get a craving for something sweet.
For a healthy and delicious snack , opt for cinnamon apple chips in the air fryer! :-) Crispy and not too sweet, these chips are absolutely perfect for a healthy snack , thanks to air-frying, which requires very little fat. You can also enjoy them...
Fancy a crunchy breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen? This quick air-fryer granola is the perfect solution for a crisp, homemade breakfast ready in no time! With just a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes of cooking time, you'll have...
Here is our recipe for cookies in the air fryer , ready in just 6 minutes! Perfect for anyone in a hurry, these cookies are super crispy on the outside and soft on the inside . Easy to make, they’re ideal for a last-minute sweet craving or an...
An ultra-fudgy brownie that's easy to prepare and ready in no time is possible thanks to your Air Fryer ! With simple ingredients you're sure to have in your cupboards, all you have to do is follow the steps and let the magic happen. The little...
Tips for saving even more with an Air Fryer
Choose a protein, a side dish, and a vegetable to combine in various ways throughout the week.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
When foods are too close together, they steam instead of browning. Cooking in two batches can yield better results.
Make the most of leftovers.
Roasted chicken, day-old bread, boiled potatoes, and pre-cut vegetables can take on a new texture in the air fryer.
Use a little oil, but don’t always skip it.
A drizzle of olive oil helps potatoes, vegetables, and homemade breaded foods brown better.
Season before cooking.
Marinating chicken, fish, or vegetables for a few minutes greatly improves the flavor without increasing the cost of the recipe.
A simple air fryer menu for the week
The goal is to use your affordable air fryer as an organizational tool: less oil, less time in the kitchen, and more opportunities to use up ingredients before they go bad. With the right recipes, you can prepare practical meals for the whole week without sacrificing flavor.
Mirella Mendonça
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