Your air fryer isn’t just for snacks — it’s a powerful budget tool. These viral recipes use simple ingredients, cook fast, and help stretch groceries while delivering big flavor. Perfect for busy days, tight budgets, or lazy dinners.
🍗 Budget Garlic Chicken Thighs
Serves 2
Ingredients
- 2 chicken thighs
- 1 tsp oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper
Method
Toss chicken with oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 18 minutes, flipping halfway.
🍞 Garlic Toast
Serves 2
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp garlic (minced or powder)
- Optional parsley
Method
Spread butter + garlic on bread. Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 5 minutes until golden.
🍕 Tortilla Pizza
Serves 1
Ingredients
- 1 flour tortilla
- 2 tbsp pizza sauce
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
- Optional toppings
Method
Top tortilla with sauce, cheese, and toppings. Air fry at 380°F for 6 minutes.
🍳 Egg Toast Cups
Serves 2
Ingredients
- 2 bread slices
- 2 eggs
- Salt & pepper
Method
Press bread into muffin molds, crack egg into each, season. Air fry at 360°F for 8 minutes.
🌯 Bean & Cheese Taquitos
Serves 2
Ingredients
- 2 tortillas
- ½ cup mashed beans
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
Method
Fill tortillas with beans + cheese, roll tightly. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes.
🧀 Rice Cheese Balls
Makes ~8 balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- ½ tsp mixed spices
Method
Mix everything, roll into balls. Air fry at 370°F for 9 minutes.
🌱 Spiced Lentil Patties
Makes 4 patties
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked lentils (mashed)
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt
- 1 tsp oil
Method
Mix, shape into patties, lightly oil. Air fry at 390°F for 12 minutes, flipping once.
🍌 Caramelized Banana
Serves 1
Ingredients
- 1 banana (halved)
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
Method
Sprinkle cinnamon over banana. Air fry at 370°F for 6 minutes.
🥕 Crispy Veggie Bites
Serves 2
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed veggies (carrot, onion, broccoli)
- 1 tsp oil
- Salt + pepper
Method
Chop veggies, toss with oil and seasoning. Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes, shaking halfway.