26 Cheap Air Fryer Recipes
Your air fryer isn’t just a trendy gadget; it’s a money-saving tool that transforms affordable ingredients into crispy, delicious meals without breaking the bank.
These cheap air fryer recipes prove that eating well doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You’ll find everything from filling dinners and sides to snacks and treats that’ll make your wallet (and your taste buds) happy.
Cheap Air Fryer Recipes
1. Air Fryer Quesadilla
This three-ingredient wonder combines tortillas, refried beans, and cheese for a melty quesadilla that’s ready in just 10 minutes. Using the air fryer makes it an ideal quick meal when you don’t feel like cooking or need something fast for the kids.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Quesadilla
2. Air Fryer Fried Chicken
This buttermilk-marinated chicken gets a crispy coating without deep frying, using bone-in pieces that are more budget-friendly than boneless breasts. The cornstarch and baking powder mixture creates crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy and tender inside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken
3. Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini
This crispy air fryer parmesan zucchini proves you don’t need a lot of money to make something delicious. Made with pantry staples and a few other ingredients, it’s a budget-friendly snack or side that’s ready in 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini
4. Air Fryer Frito Pie
Transform leftover or canned chili into a satisfying dinner by topping it with cheese and crunchy Fritos corn chips. This recipe is ready in 20 minutes and creates a crispy-topped casserole for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and filling.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frito Pie
5. Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
These classic cookies require just three ingredients, including peanut butter, and cook in only 4 minutes. The air fryer creates cookies that are slightly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
6. Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Transform regular bread into restaurant-quality garlic bread using butter, garlic, and herbs. The air fryer creates the perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft interior, making this an ideal side dish for pasta nights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread
7. Pork Chop Bites
Pork chops get cut into bite-sized pieces and seasoned with simple spices for a quick protein option. These flavorful bites cook in just minutes and are perfect for serving over rice or serving with sides for a budget-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chop Bites
8. Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts
Canned biscuit dough gets transformed into golden donuts in just 20 minutes using only four ingredients. The flaky biscuit dough creates a texture that’s absolutely divine when rolled in cinnamon sugar, making these perfect for weekend breakfast treats or afternoon snacks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts
9. Chicken Sausage and Peppers
This frugal meal combines affordable chicken sausage with bell peppers and onions for a complete dinner. The air fryer caramelizes the vegetables while keeping the sausage juicy, creating a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage and Peppers
10. English Muffin Pizzas
English muffins get topped with sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings for personal pizzas that are ready fast. These are perfect for kids’ meals, quick lunches, or when you want pizza flavors without the cost of delivery.
Get the Recipe: English Muffin Pizzas
11. Honey Roasted Carrots
Carrots are tossed with honey and seasonings for a sweet and savory side dish that’s both healthy and budget-friendly. The air fryer caramelizes the honey coating while keeping the carrots tender, making them appealing, even to picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Carrots
12. Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This classic comfort food is ready in around 15 minutes. The air fryer method ensures consistent results every time while using minimal butter. It’s a cheap lunch or dinner when paired with tomato soup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich
13. Air Fryer Ranch Roasted Chickpeas
Canned chickpeas get transformed into flavorful snacks using ranch seasoning and a touch of oil. These protein-packed bites are perfect for munching, adding to salads, or serving as a healthy alternative to chips.
Making this recipe is much cheaper than buying packaged chickpea snacks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ranch Roasted Chickpeas
14. Peach Pie Biscuit Bombs
Canned biscuits are stuffed with peach pie filling and topped with cinnamon sugar for a dessert that tastes like individual peach pies. The air fryer creates a golden, flaky exterior while the filling stays warm and bubbly inside.
Get the Recipe: Peach Pie Biscuit Bombs
15. Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks
Seasoned sweet potato rounds are layered with mozzarella cheese for an easy side dish that is perfect for any occasion. The air fryer creates crisped edges while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks
16. Air Fryer Kielbasa
This affordable sausage gets perfectly browned and crispy in the air fryer without any mess. The high heat creates a beautiful caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy, and it is paired with a creamy mustard sauce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kielbasa
17. Air Fryer Blooming Onion
A whole onion gets cut into a flower shape and coated with seasoned flour for a restaurant-style appetizer at home.
The air fryer creates crispy, golden petals without the need for deep frying, making this impressive dish much more affordable to make than to order at a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blooming Onion
18. Air Fryer Lasagna Roll Ups
Lasagna noodles are rolled with ricotta and mozzarella, then cooked in the air fryer for individual portions that are perfect for meal prep. This method uses less cheese and sauce than traditional lasagna while still delivering all the classic flavors.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lasagna Roll Ups
19. Air Fryer Irish Soda Bread
This traditional bread is made with flour, buttermilk, and baking soda for a dense, flavorful loaf that’s perfect with soup or stew. The air fryer creates a golden crust while keeping the inside tender and slightly tangy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Irish Soda Bread
20. Salmon Patties with Dill Sauce
Canned salmon is mixed with breadcrumbs and seasonings for patties that are crispy outside and flaky inside. The homemade dill sauce pairs perfectly with this budget-friendly protein, making it ideal for dinner or brunch.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Patties with Dill Sauce
21. Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole
This comfort food classic is made with frozen tater tots, ground beef, and cheese for a hearty meal that feeds a crowd. The air fryer creates crispy tots on top while keeping the filling warm and melty underneath.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole
22. Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Drumsticks are one of the most affordable cuts of chicken, and this recipe transforms them into a flavorful dinner in just 25 minutes.
The combination of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder creates incredible flavor while the air fryer ensures perfectly crispy skin every time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs
23. Air Fryer Canned Potatoes
Canned potatoes get transformed into crispy, golden bites that taste like they were made from scratch. This method turns an inexpensive pantry staple into a satisfying side dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Canned Potatoes
24. Air Fryer Egg Bites
These protein-packed bites are made with eggs, cheese, and your choice of mix-ins for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack. The air fryer creates perfectly set egg bites that are fluffy and flavorful, making them ideal for meal prepping on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Egg Bites
25. Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Fresh corn gets wrapped in foil with butter and air fried to perfection. This method preserves the corn’s natural sweetness while creating a lightly caramelized exterior for the perfect side dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
26. Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
Turn regular tortillas into crispy chips with just three ingredients. Corn tortillas work especially well for extra crispiness, and you can customize them with lime juice, Cajun seasoning, or cinnamon sugar for variety.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
