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 chicken breaded in the Air Fryer that's crispy on the outside and super juicy on the inside? Yeah, we made it and it was perfect! No frying, no mess and it's ready in no time, in less than 20 minutes you have a golden brown chicken,...
To obtain a chicken that is both moist and crispy, nothing is better than cooking it in the Air fryer ! It's THE simple, effective and healthy method to prepare your meal for the whole family . Here we have marinated it simply with olive oil and...
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-crisp skin and tender flesh that flakes easily. Serve it with roasted vegetables or potatoes , and you've...
Airfryer chicken breasts promise fast, 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,...
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.
Let's make baked potatoes , but this time we cook with our best ally: the air fryer . Crispy on the outside and super tender on the outside, they will be the best side dish . We love to accompany them with our great Air Fryer crispy chicken recipe...
Discover our recipe for Air fryer smashed potatoes , the ultra crispy side dish! Easy to prepare, these crushed and browned potatoes are perfect for adding a crunchy-soft touch to your meals. Thanks to Air Fryer cooking, they are less fatty but just...
Looking for a super-easy-to-make side dish that's both delicious and crunchy? This potato gratin with Air Fryer will delight you! With melt-in-the-mouth potatoes on the inside and a golden crust on the outside, this gratin, cousin to the Gratin...
Looking for a little change from the classics without the fuss? These Hasselback potatoes air fryer potatoes are just what you need! With their fine, fan-shaped indentations, they become irresistibly crispy on the outside, while remaining fluffy on...
Crispy potatoes straws without frying? It's possible with the Air Fryer, and you'll easily obtain this classic, golden and full of flavour , with very little fat. Perfect as a side dish, topping a sandwich or adding crunch to a salad, they can be...
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 economical, this recipe for air-fried roasted peppers is sure to become a summertime staple :-) The advantage of this recipe is that it can be used in a variety of ways: as a topping for bruschetta , to spice up a...
Confit tomatoes in air fryer are easily prepared and are perfect to enrich salads or savoury cakes . Their glossy, caramelized appearance makes them super appetizing-you'll look forward to tasting them! Surely you have already tried making baked...
In just a few minutes, you can prepare a delicious, healthy accompaniment to your dishes by making zucchini in the Air Fryer ! Perfect with barbecued meats , all you need is a drizzle of olive oil and a few spices. Here we've chosen herbes de...
With their crispy texture on the outside and tender on the inside, these eggplant fried in the air fryer are perfect to accompany your summer dishes and your barbecues! We remove the excess fat from traditional fried eggplants, a few minutes of...
Cauliflower croquettes in 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 simple...
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 airfryer, 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've got the perfect option for you! Try our recipe for salmon, cooked in an Air Fryer and flavored with a blend of spices and sweet lemony notes. This dish is just what...
Embark on a journey to Asia without leaving your kitchen! These salmon bites, marinated in a savory Asian sauce and cooked to perfection in the Air Fryer, are a veritable explosion of flavors in your mouth. The melt-in-your-mouth, delicately...
If you are looking for a light but character-packed meal, air-fried cod with cherry tomatoes and black olives is a choice that knows how to stand out. Tender and juicy cod fillets meet with the freshness of lemon , the fragrance of oregano ,...
Perfect for an aperitif or a main course, these shrimps marinated in garlic and lemon are perfect for a simple, no-fuss meal! With their tender texture and exquisite flavor, these Air Fryer-cooked shrimp will be a hit with your guests :-) Don't...
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 for the aperitif with delicious Air Fryer-roasted chickpeas ? 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? Ultra-crispy little balls...
Beware, here's our new aperitif addiction : super-easy and quick tuna fritters made with the Air Fryer! Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they can be served as an aperitif with a yoghurt sauce , or accompanied by a green salad for a...
Croutons in the Air Fryer are a practical and delicious option to make your meals crispier and tastier. Made with just a few ingredients and ready in minutes, they are ideal to accompany salads , soups or even as a snack on a daily basis....
If you're looking for an ultra-gourmet and easy idea for an aperitif or a crunchy snack, these puff pastry cheese twists with Airfryer will melt your heart. Between the golden puff pastry, the melting cheese center and the touch of garlic and parsley...
Got leftover sandwich bread? Turn it into crispy air fryer bread balls , golden on the outside and soft on the inside. Quick and easy, they combine parmesan , fresh basil and a hint of lemon for a light, flavorful bite. Perfect for an...
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 full of flavor made from ultra-fragrant chickpeas are generally prepared in deep frying. But today, we decided to tackle a healthy but equally delicious...
A simple, healthy and vegetarian recipe. The zucchini and potato patties cooked in an air fryer win you over with their special texture: crispy crust and moist interior that melts in your mouth. The taste of these vegetarian patties is mild and...
Looking for a new way to enjoy zucchini? Try our zucchini fritters cooked in Air Fryer accompanied by their 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 have a tasty dish to bring to the table: pea, feta and mint meatballs cooked in an air fryer are a great vegetarian alternative to traditional meatballs . They are very versatile and...
Zucchini parmigiana in air fryer is the ideal twist for those who love the great Italian classics but are looking for a lighter, faster version. The idea came about almost by accident, on a hot summer day when turning on the oven seemed impossible...
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 at the Air Fryer! :-) Crispy and very little sweet, these chips will be absolutely perfect for a healthy snack , thanks to cooking in the Air Fryer, where very little fat is required....
Fancy a crunchy breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen? This airfryer granola express is the perfect solution for a crisp, homemade breakfast ready in no time! With just a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes cooking time, you'll have...
Here is our recipe for Air Fryer cookies , ready in just 6 minutes! Perfect for those in a hurry, these cookies are super crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Easy to prepare, they are ideal for a last minute sweet craving or an impromptu...
An ultra-melt-in-your-mouth brownie that's easy to prepare and baked 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....
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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