Crispy Fried Shrimp in the Air Fryer

It only takes about 15 minutes to cook two batches of fried shrimp in the air fryer, and they come out perfectly crisp every time. I bread the shrimp in a simple mix of seasoned flour, egg wash, and Italian breadcrumbs, and they become golden and SO satisfying. It’s seriously one of the easiest ways to get your fried shrimp fix without making a big, greasy mess in the kitchen. Dunk these air fryer breaded shrimp in some cocktail sauce, and you’ve got a budget-friendly appetizer that still feels like a total treat!

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Air Fryer Fried Shrimp

This Air Fryer Fried Shrimp recipe uses Old Bay, garlic powder, and Italian breadcrumbs for a delicious appetizer with bold flavor and golden crunch.

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Total Cost $5.36 recipe / $2.68 serving

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 16 minutes minutes

Total Time 31 minutes minutes

Servings 2 servings (~11 shrimp per person)

Calories 490kcal

Author Melissa Nolan

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• 4 Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

• ½ cup all-purpose flour 60g, $0.16
• 1 Tbsp Old Bay seasoning $0.35
• 1 tsp garlic powder $0.06
• 1 tsp dried parsley $0.05
• ½ tsp black pepper freshly cracked, $0.08
• 1 egg beaten, $0.33*
• 1 Tbsp water $0.00
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs 30g, $0.33**
• cooking spray $0.01
• 10 oz. frozen shrimp large, thawed, (31-40 per lb., 283g) $3.99***

Instructions

• Gather and prepare all ingredients.
• Grab 4 medium bowls or shallow dishes. In the first bowl, combine the flour, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, dried parsley, and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 Tbsp of water. In the third bowl, add the breadcrumbs. The last bowl will be for placing the breaded shrimp.
• Toss the thawed shrimp in the flour, coating all sides, then dip in the egg mixture to completely cover. Lastly, press the shrimp into breadcrumbs on both sides. Work in batches if needed, and place breaded shrimp in the final bowl until ready to air fry.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer. You will have to work in batches. Spray with nonstick spray and cook for 3-4 minutes.
• Using tongs, carefully flip and spray the shrimp again, then cook for another 3-4 minutes.
• Remove the fried shrimp and repeat the process until all the shrimp are done.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*The amount of egg wash was perfect for the number of shrimp I had. If you get more shrimp or larger shrimp, you may need more.

**Instead of Italian breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs.

***I used frozen large peeled and deveined shrimp (31-40 per lb, with about 20-22 shrimp total in a 10 oz bag), which I thawed myself. Fresh shrimp will also work. You can thaw the shrimp in a few ways. I like to place them in the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. You can also run them under cold water for about 10 minutes. Never thaw them on the countertop, in the microwave, or under hot water.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 490kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 7g | Sodium: 1638mg | Fiber: 4g

how to make Air Fryer Fried Shrimp step-by-step photos

Gather all of your ingredients.

Prepare the breading station: Grab 4 medium-sized bowls or shallow dishes. In the first bowl (top left), add ½ cup flour, 1 Tbsp Old Bay seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried parsley, and ½ tsp black pepper. Mix to combine. Then in the second bowl (top right), beat 1 egg with 1 Tbsp water. Pour 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs into a third bowl (bottom left). Leave the last bowl empty.

Bread the shrimp: Toss 10 oz. large shrimp (thawed) in the flour mixture, making sure to coat all sides. Then dip the flour-coated shrimp in the egg wash, then into the breadcrumbs. Press the shrimp into the breadcrumbs on both sides. Place the breaded shrimp in the empty bowl and repeat until all shrimp are coated.

Air fry the shrimp: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place a single layer of breaded shrimp across the bottom of your air fryer basket. You will likely need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Spray the shrimp with nonstick cooking spray and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Use kitchen tongs to carefully flip the shrimp over. Cook for a further 3-4 minutes.

Once cooked and golden, remove the air fryer fried shrimp and repeat the process until all the shrimp are done. Serve and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

I go straight for my homemade cocktail sauce whenever I make this shrimp recipe…it’s the BEST dip for crispy fried shrimp (in my opinion 🙂). But a tartar sauce would be just as tasty if that’s more your style. You can also skip the dip and serve the shrimp right on top of a crisp Caesar salad, or toss them into a simple pasta like spaghetti aglio e olio. Or use them to make a shrimp po’ boy, piled high on a toasted roll with lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce!

Storage & Reheating

These air fryer fried shrimp are definitely at their best fresh, when the breading is super crispy and the shrimp are cooked just right. If you do have leftovers, stash them in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container. When you’re ready to reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re hot and crispy again and the internal temp reaches 165°F. Just be careful not to overdo it since shrimp can dry out fast.

More Easy Shrimp Recipes

Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers

$8.47 recipe / $2.82 serving

Coconut Shrimp Tacos

$9.98 total / $2.50 per serving

Shrimp Scampi

$11.01 recipe / $2.75 serving

Grilled Shrimp

$6.43 recipe / $2.14 serving

The post Air Fryer Fried Shrimp appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Easy Recipe for Air Fryer Zucchini

Whenever I make zucchini in the air fryer, I aim for that balance of crisp on the outside and deliciously juicy on the inside. I prefer to use small zucchini (larger ones can be extra watery, so make sure to remove the seeds if yours are on the bigger side!), and I wait until just before cooking to add salt. That way, the salt doesn’t draw out moisture too early, making the zucchini soggy. I also add a quick coating of garlic powder, mayo, and Dijon to help the breadcrumbs and Parmesan stick, which crisps up in the air fryer and adds big flavor without a ton of effort. Not bad for a handful of pantry staples and a few zucchini!

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Air Fryer Zucchini

This easy Air Fryer Zucchini recipe makes crispy and golden zucchini spears with simple ingredients. A quick, healthy side dish or snack!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Total Cost $4.07 recipe / $1.02 serving

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4 -5 servings (4 spears each)

Calories 80kcal

Author Jess Rice

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Small Bowl

Ingredients

• 3 zucchini small, (1.5 lbs total) $3.04*
• ½ tsp garlic powder $0.05
• 1 Tbsp mayonnaise $0.05
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard $0.01
• 2 Tbsp panko breadcrumbs $0.22
• 1 Tbsp Parmesan cheese grated, $0.67
• ¼ tsp salt $0.01
• ¼ tsp black pepper ground, $0.02

Instructions

• Gather ingredients and preheat the air fryer to 400℉.
• Wash and cut zucchini into 3” long spears, leaving the skin on.
• Combine garlic powder, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard.
• Brush garlic mayo mustard mixture on all sides of each zucchini spear.
• Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan evenly across all pieces of zucchini.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Place the zucchini in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry each batch for 10 minutes at 400 degrees, stopping halfway through to gently shake. Repeat with any remaining zucchini spears, and serve!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*If you’re using large zucchinis with lots of seeds, scrape out the seeds in Step 2.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Sodium: 247mg | Fiber: 2g

how to make Air Fryer Zucchini step-by-step photos

Gather all of your ingredients and preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

Cut the zucchini: Wash and dry 3 small zucchini well. Slice the zucchini into 3” long spears, leaving the skin on. If you’re using large zucchini with lots of seeds, I recommend scraping out the seeds before continuing with the recipe.

Make the garlic mayo mustard: Add ½ tsp garlic powder, 1 Tbsp mayonnaise, and ½ tsp Dijon mustard to a small bowl. Mix well to combine.

Brush the seasoned mayonnaise and mustard mixture on all sides of the zucchini spears.

Now evenly sprinkle all sides of the zucchini with 2 Tbsp panko breadcrumbs and 1 Tbsp grated parmesan.

Season the zucchini with ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper.

Air fry: Arrange the zucchini spears in a single layer in your air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Air fry each batch for 10 minutes at 400°F, shaking gently halfway through. Repeat with any remaining zucchini spears, then serve and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve my air fried zucchini with something delicious to dip them in. Mayo, ketchup, remoulade sauce (see my shrimp po’boys for the recipe), or garlic aioli are my top choices.

These zucchini also work well as an easy side dish when you don’t feel like plain old boiled veggies! My cauliflower steaks with a side of stewed tomatoes and okra and air fryer zucchini would make a veggie-packed plate that’s hearty, summery, and colorful. You can also tuck the zucchini into wraps, serve it alongside a chicken club sandwich, or a simple pasta dish like spaghetti aglio e olio.

Storage & Reheating

This recipe is best served fresh since the breading and zucchini will soften as it sits. If you do have leftovers, store them once cooled in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F to help bring back some of the crispiness before serving.

More Easy Zucchini Recipes

Zucchini Enchiladas

$7.65 recipe / $1.28 serving

Zucchini Muffins

$3.53 recipe / $0.44 each

Baked Zucchini Fries

$3.81 recipe / $0.76 serving

Zucchini Boats

$9.93 recipe / $2.48 serving

The post Air Fryer Zucchini appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Easy Recipe for Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

Any time I can ditch the deep fryer and still get that same crave-worthy crunch, I’m all in. These crispy air-fried corn tortilla chips cook up in minutes, store well for easy snacking, and are a super budget-friendly way to use leftover corn tortillas (say, from our chipotle chicken tacos recipe!). I keep the seasoning simple with just salt, but you can totally make them your own. And if you don’t have an air fryer, no worries! Our oven-baked tortilla chips are just as easy and delicious.

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Air Fryer Tortilla Chips Recipe

Crispy, easy, and budget-friendly, these Air Fryer Tortilla Chips are perfect for snacking, dipping, or topping your favorite dishes.

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Course Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American, Mexican

Total Cost $0.84 batch

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 6 minutes minutes

Total Time 11 minutes minutes

Servings 32 chips (enough to share!)

Calories 14kcal

Author Jess Rice

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 8 leftover corn tortillas $0.80*
• Cooking spray $0.02, about 1 tsp if using straight oil in pourable form
• ½ tsp salt $0.02

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to 350℉ for 4 minutes.
• Cut your corn tortillas into quarters or 1/6th triangles
• Spray lightly with cooking spray and spread out in air fryer so there’s very little (if any) overlap
• Air fry for 6 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and transfer to a cooling rack to crisp up while you prep the next batch!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Video

Notes

*I used small yellow corn tortillas (5 inches). Flour tortillas also work, but they can cook much faster and sometimes have a chewier texture. I personally prefer the taste and texture of corn tortillas when making tortilla chips in an air fryer!

Nutrition

Serving: 1chip | Calories: 14kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 39mg | Fiber: 0.4g

how to make Air Fryer Tortilla Chips step-by-step photos

Preheat the air fryer: Gather all of your ingredients and preheat your air fryer at 350℉ for 4 minutes.

Cut the tortillas: Slice 8 corn tortillas either into quarters or 1/6th triangles, depending on how big you want them.

Air fry: Spray the tortilla triangles with cooking spray and place them into your air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping them to make sure each edge gets nice and crispy.

Cook them in the air fryer for 6 minutes. You can also give the basket a shake halfway through, as the fan from the air fryer might blow them around a little!

Season: Sprinkle them with a little salt and let them cool on a cooling rack. Repeat the process until you’ve made the whole batch. Enjoy!

SeasonING iDEAS!

You can season these air fryer corn chips in any way you like. Sprinkle over a little paprika, chili powder, or any seasoning you have in your pantry before air frying for a flavor boost, or try one of the blends I’ve listed here. Don’t forget to spray with the cooking spray first, and use as much or as little seasoning as you like!

• Seasoning salt: This is a super easy way to add flavor to your homemade corn tortilla chips. We like Tony Chachere’s here at Budget Bytes, but you can use any premixed seasoning salt blend you love.
• Cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle 1 Tbsp of sugar and ¾ tsp ground cinnamon over your cut tortillas.
• Ranch seasoning: Use 1 to 1 ½ tsp of store-bought ranch seasoning, or try our homemade ranch mix.
• Cajun seasoning: If you like a little spice, try 1 to 1 ½ tsp of Cajun seasoning for a little kick! Either store-bought or homemade Cajun seasoning will work fine.
• Homemade ‘Doritos’ blend: If you love Doritos but don’t love the price tag, try this seasoning blend—1 ½ tsp salt, ¼ cup nutritional yeast, ½ tsp chili powder, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp sweet paprika, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and a pinch of sugar.

Storage & Reheating

Once your air fryer tortilla chips are completely cool, store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp for about 5-7 days. If they start to lose a little crunch, you can pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for a minute or two to crisp them back up. Just be sure not to seal them while they’re still warm, or they’ll trap moisture and turn soggy.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

$5.56 recipe / $1.11 serving

Air Fryer Tofu

$3.02 recipe / $1.51 serving

Air Fryer Chickpea Recipe

$1.13 recipe / $0.28 serving

The post Air Fryer Tortilla Chips appeared first on Budget Bytes.

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Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs

Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs are the ultimate kitchen hack! Get perfectly cooked eggs every time with this effortless method.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine General

Total Cost $2.22 recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 17 minutes minutes

Total Time 22 minutes minutes

Servings 6 eggs

Calories 63kcal

Author Jess Rice

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs, chilled $2.22

Instructions

• Preheat air fryer to 250°F.
• Carefully place as many hardboiled eggs as you’d like in the air fryer basket. (I made 6.)
• Cook for 17 minutes at 250°F.
• When done, transfer to an ice bath before peeling.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

I like to prepare an ice bath (a bowl filled with cold water and ice) while my eggs are cooking. As soon as the timer goes off, I transfer the eggs to the ice bath and let them cool for a few minutes.

The total cook time can depend on the size of your eggs, the starting temperature of your eggs, and your air fryer. I specifically use large chicken eggs that are cold from the fridge. If you use room-temperature eggs or eggs that are a different size, you’ll likely have to adjust the cooking time to account for this.

If you want soft boiled eggs, try reducing the cooking time by a few minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1egg | Calories: 63kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.3g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Sodium: 62mg

how to make Hard Boiled Eggs in the Air Fryer step-by-step photos

Preheat your air fryer to 250°F. Once it’s preheated, carefully place as many eggs as you like into the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket. I used 6 eggs. Air fryers work by circulating hot air, so you want to make sure there is enough room for the air to circulate around each egg.

Cook the eggs for 17 minutes. While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with cold water and plenty of ice.

As soon as the timer goes off, use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer the eggs from the air fryer basket to the ice bath. This not only stops the cooking process but also makes peeling easier.

Peel your air fryer hard boiled eggs once they have cooled enough to handle.

Serving Suggestions

Aside from eating them as a snack, added to wraps, or chopped on top of salads, you can use these air fryer hard boiled eggs just like you would use regular boiled eggs! Here are some ideas:

• To make deviled eggs
• On top of a grain bowl
• On top of avocado toast
• In an egg salad
• In a potato salad or pasta salad
• To make pickled eggs
• In a Niçoise salad
• In a breakfast burrito
• On top of homemade pizza

Storage Instructions

Unpeeled hard boiled eggs will last up to a week in the refrigerator. Peeled eggs can also be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week, but they’re best if eaten within 2 days.

More Egg Recipes

Poached Eggs

Scrambled Eggs

$0.83 recipe / $0.41 serving

How to Fry an Egg

Egg Muffins

$2.80 recipe / $0.47 serving

The post Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This recipe is very similar to our Baked Chicken Drumsticks recipe, except it cooks in almost half the time it takes to bake in an oven. I also used the same spice seasoning blend minus the cayenne pepper, but feel free to keep the cayenne in if you like a little heat. I love using my air fryer where possible, especially if my oven is already in use. Not to mention, it can work out much cheaper than using the oven. This means I can make my family’s favorite chicken drumsticks in less time AND save a bit of money in the process!

Seasoning Variations to Try

I like the simple mix of seasonings I use on these air fryer chicken drumsticks. It’s just enough to add flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the chicken. But you can easily switch the seasonings or use a pre-made mix for a different taste! Here are some ideas I think you’ll love:

• Poultry seasoning (a mixed spice blend found in most grocery stores)
• Cajun seasoning
• Creole seasoning (I swear by Tony Chachere’s!)
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• BBQ seasoning blend
• Jerk seasoning
• Garlic herb seasoning
• Taco seasoning
• Fajita seasoning

Recipe Success Tips

1. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. My air fryer was big enough to fit in 5 drumsticks without any overlapping. If you have a smaller air fryer, you might need to cook in batches.
2. Preheat your air fryer! You wouldn’t use your oven without preheating it (I hope!!), and the same concept applies to your air fryer. Preheating ensures that your food cooks evenly and at the right temperature.
3. Check your chicken is done using a meat thermometer. Chicken drumsticks are safe to eat once the internal temperature reaches 165°F, but bone-in dark meat is best cooked to a slightly higher temperature. I try and aim for 175°F. This ensures that the meat is cooked through and any connective tissue has had a chance to break down, making the chicken extra tender and juicy. Be careful not to hit the bone with the thermometer, as it can give an inaccurate reading.

Serving Suggestions

All together, these easy air fryer chicken drumsticks are a super simple way to prepare chicken legs for those busy weeknights. I served mine with a simple side salad as a quick and healthy dinner option. But I think they’d be delicious served with mac and cheese, steamed veggies, or even potato salad (perfect for a picnic!). My family also likes it when I serve them with a dipping sauce. BBQ sauce is our favorite!

Storage & Reheating

Once cooled, leftover air fryer chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Be sure to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. I’d pop them back into the air fryer preheated to 360ºF, or the recommended setting for your specific air fryer, until heated through.

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Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

These easy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks always turn out super juicy, with crispy seasoned skin, and are on the table in less than 30 minutes!

Course Dinner

Cuisine General

Total Cost ($5.56 recipe / $1.11 serving)

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 22 minutes minutes

Total Time 27 minutes minutes

Servings 5 pieces

Calories 329kcal

Author Marsha McDougal

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Meat Thermometer

Ingredients

• 1 tsp smoked paprika $0.10
• ½ tsp garlic powder $0.05
• ¼ tsp onion powder $0.03
• ½ tsp dried oregano $0.05
• ½ tsp salt $0.02
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.05
• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper, optional* $0.02
• 2 lbs. chicken drumsticks, about 5-6 pieces** $4.91
• 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil $0.33

Instructions

• Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Place the chicken drumsticks in a bowl and drizzle the oil over top. Sprinkle the prepared seasoning over the drumsticks, then toss until they’re evenly coated in oil and spices.
• Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure no pieces overlap. Air fry for 12 minutes on the first side. Flip the drumsticks over and air fry for another 10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

* I did not add any cayenne pepper to my seasoning mix, but if you like a little bit of heat go ahead and mix it in!

** Chicken drumsticks often come in packs of 5 or 6 pieces depending on how many pounds it weighs. My drumsticks were pretty big. This recipe will work with 5 or 6 drumsticks (about 2 lbs. total).

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece | Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 21g | Sodium: 422mg | Fiber: 0.3g

how to make Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks – step by step photos

Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF. Add 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper to a bowl and mix until combined. If using, you can also add ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper to the bowl (optional).

Place 2 lbs. chicken drumsticks (about 5-6 pieces) in a bowl and drizzle with 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil. Sprinkle the prepared seasoning rub over the top of the chicken.

Using clean hands or kitchen tongs, toss the drumsticks until they’re evenly coated in the olive oil and spices.

Place the seasoned drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure no pieces overlap. You want to make sure there’s enough room for the air to circulate around the drumsticks. Air fry them for 12 minutes on the first side.

After 12 minutes, flip the drumsticks over and air fry for another 10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F. Using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature is the best way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Remove your air fried chicken drumsticks from the air fryer. Serve hot with your favorite sides for a complete meal, and enjoy!

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

$4.06 recipe / $1.01 serving

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

$3.25 recipe/ $1.76 serving

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

$8.51 recipe / $0.85 serving

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

$8.56 recipe / $2.14 serving

The post Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks appeared first on Budget Bytes.

How Long To Cook Potatoes In The Air Fryer?

The cook times for air fryer baked potatoes will depend on the size of your potatoes and how tender you would like them to be. I like for my potatoes to be very tender and easily pierced with a fork or knife with no resistance. When air frying at 400°F, a ½ pound potato will take about 40-45 minutes for a soft inside texture. Larger potatoes will take slightly longer to cook.

Should I Wrap My Potato In Foil?

There’s actually no need to wrap your potatoes in foil when cooking them in the air fryer. You can simply air fry the potatoes uncovered, brushed with oil, and sprinkled with salt to get a nice crispy skin.

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Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are a classic comfort food that’s budget-friendly, easy to customize, and made conveniently in the air fryer.

Course Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Total Cost $3.10 recipe / $0.77 serving

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 199kcal

Author Marsha McDougal

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 4 russet potatoes (1/2 lb. each) $2.96
• 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.12
• 1 pinch of salt $0.02

Instructions

• Wash and dry the potatoes well, then use a fork to prick each potato several times.
• Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes, then use your hands or a silicone brush to brush the oil over each potato until it is fully coated. Season the potatoes with a pinch of salt.
• Place the potatoes inside the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes can be pierced easily with a fork or knife. Total baking time will depend on the size of your potatoes.
• Once the potatoes are done air frying, remove them from the air fryer basket and allow them to cool slightly. Carefully cut the potatoes open, fluff the inside with a fork, and add your favorite toppings!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1potato | Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Sodium: 11mg | Fiber: 3g

How to Make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes – Step by Step Photos

Wash and dry four 1/2 lb. russet potatoes well, then use a fork to prick each potato several times to allow steam to evaporate while they cook.

Drizzle 1 Tbsp olive oil over the potatoes, then use your hands or a silicone brush to brush the oil over each potato until it is fully coated. Season the potatoes with a pinch of salt.

Place the potatoes inside the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes can be pierced easily with a fork or knife.

The fork should slide easily into the center of the potato with no resistance. Total baking time will depend on the size of your potatoes.

Once the potatoes are done air frying, remove them from the air fryer basket and allow them to cool slightly. Carefully cut the potatoes open, fluff the inside with a fork, and add your favorite toppings!

Enjoy as a simple side dish or load it up with some homemade chili, BBQ chicken, or your favorite protein. The combinations you can come up with are endless for baked potatoes, so get creative and have fun!

More Potato Recipes

Twice Baked Potatoes

$7.95 recipe / $0.99 serving

Oven Baked Steak Fries

$1.05 recipe / $0.53 serving

Potatoes Au Gratin

$5.33 recipe / $0.67 serving

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

$2.01 recipe / $1.00 serving

The post Air Fryer Baked Potatoes appeared first on Budget Bytes.

My favorite people to cook for are my daughter (almost 3 years old) and my stepdaughter (15). They are both a little picky; they know what they like and don’t like and they aren’t afraid to tell me! If anyone reading this has toddlers or teenagers, I know you understand! If you want to win culinary praise from the most opinionated members of your family, this sweet and savory Air Fryer Salmon is the recipe for you! With its milder flavor and meaty texture, this salmon can turn any fish hater into a seafood enthusiast.

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Air Fryer Salmon

This Air Fryer Salmon is quick, easy, and super flavorful! Ready in just 20 minutes, this sweet and savory salmon is sure to be a hit.

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Total Cost ($8.79 recipe / $2.19 serving)

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4 (3.5 ounces each)

Calories 199kcal

Author Jess Rice

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 2 7-oz. pieces Atlantic salmon, skin on; thawed if frozen* $8.41
• cooking spray $0.05
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce $0.06
• ¼ cup brown sugar $0.17
• ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.03
• ½ tsp garlic powder $0.07

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If using frozen salmon, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before cooking. We are cooking salmon from a fresh or fully thawed state in this recipe.
• Gather marinade ingredients: soy sauce, brown sugar, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Spoon the marinade mixture over the salmon filets, gently rubbing it onto the salmon until it’s fully coated. A little extra on top is great! The brown sugar will melt during cooking and caramelize, giving your salmon a beautiful color and sweetness.
• Spray your salmon and your air fryer crisper plate with your cooking oil of choice and position the salmon skin side down in your air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to do this in batches. If you are dividing bigger salmon filets into smaller portions, it’s easiest to do so once it’s fully cooked unless you have a sharp knife that can get through the skin with ease when they are raw.
• Air fry for 7-8 minutes to start. At the halfway mark, baste your salmon with more marinade and then continue cooking. The cook time for your salmon will vary depending on the thickness of each piece. For a thinner piece of salmon, plan on 7-8 minutes. For a thicker piece, air fry for 9-10 minutes. Fork test your salmon to make sure it’s done to your liking (flaky and delicious!) If it needs more time, you can put it back in for 1-2 minutes.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Video

Notes

*I found fresh Atlantic salmon on a good sale, so that’s what I used. I often find frozen salmon to be cheaper– just thaw before using.

 

 

Nutrition

Serving: 3.5ounces | Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 6g | Sodium: 299mg | Fiber: 0.2g

how to make Air Fryer Salmon step-by-step photos

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If using frozen salmon (2 7-oz. pieces), allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before cooking. We are cooking salmon from a fresh or fully thawed state in this recipe. Gather marinade ingredients: 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.

Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pepper, and garlic powder.

Add the marinade: Spoon the marinade mixture over the salmon filets, gently rubbing it onto the salmon until it’s fully coated. A little extra on top is great! The brown sugar will melt during cooking and caramelize, giving your salmon a beautiful color and sweetness.

Prep your air fryer: Spray your salmon and your air fryer crisper plate with your cooking oil of choice and position the salmon skin side down in your air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to do this in batches. If you are dividing bigger salmon filets into smaller portions, it’s easiest to do so once it’s fully cooked unless you have a sharp knife that can get through the skin with ease when they are raw.

Air fry for 7-8 minutes to start. At the halfway mark, baste your salmon with more marinade and then continue cooking. The cook time for your salmon will vary depending on the thickness of each piece. For a thinner piece of salmon, plan on 7-8 minutes. For a thicker piece, air fry for 9-10 minutes. Fork test your salmon to make sure it’s done to your liking (flaky and delicious!) If it needs more time, you can put it back in for 1-2 minutes.

This Air Fryer Salmon is quick, easy, and so delicious!

Serving Suggestions

I love to serve salmon with a side of fluffy steamed rice and simple sauteed snow peas. It’s also excellent paired with sautéed asparagus and goes great with our lemony cucumber couscous salad or strawberry spinach salad. Salmon also elevates an already decadent Niçoise Salad from “oh, yum” to “woah, fancy!”

More Easy Salmon Recipes

One Pan Salmon Dinner

$9.82 recipe / $2.45 serving

Baked Ginger Salmon

$7.65 recipe / $2.55 serving

Grilled Salmon

$9.40 recipe / $3.13 serving

Cajun Salmon Burgers

$7.19 recipe / $3.60 per burger

The post Air Fryer Salmon appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I remember when my relationship with tofu first started about 20 years ago. Tofu could be found in a big bucket of water in the bottom of a cooler at the health food store, and I had to fish it out with tongs. I remember thinking, “What IS this stuff?!” The various options for firm, extra firm, soft, or silken were hard to come by back then, but now tofu is experiencing a much-deserved Renaissance!

You can find tofu everywhere– and the variety! (Swoon.) Already marinated, soft, extra firm, cut into chicken-like shapes, you name it. Even your local Walmart or Aldi probably has it. We don’t have to break the bank at luxury grocery stores to find it any longer and thank goodness that container full of tofu and water is a thing of the past.

Serving Suggestions

My favorite way to serve this crispy air fryer tofu is over this delicious coconut rice! The slightly sweet and nutty flavor pairs so well with the savory, crispy tofu! For dipping, I love this sweet chili sauce (pictured) or homemade sweet and sour sauce.

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Air Fryer Tofu

If you’re looking to fire up a Meatless Monday tradition, this Air Fryer Tofu is super easy and tastes great.

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Total Cost ($3.02 recipe / $1.51 serving)

Prep Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

Servings 2 (1/2 block or 8 oz. of tofu per serving)

Calories 234kcal

Author Jess Rice

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 16 oz. extra firm tofu $1.69
• 1/4 cup soy sauce $0.59
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil $0.33
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch $0.06
• 1 tsp honey $0.05
• 1/4 tsp sesame seeds $0.14
• 1 green onion, sliced $0.16

Instructions

• Press tofu and pat dry. Freeze 1 block of extra firm tofu for 1 hour, minimum. Remove the tofu from the freezer and allow it to thaw to the point where it can be cut with a knife.
• Dice the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes. Gather soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
• Toss the cubed tofu with soy sauce and sesame oil. Then, lightly dust the dressed tofu with cornstarch, tossing or stirring until each piece is lightly covered.
• Transfer to an air fryer basket and fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
• Garnish with a drizzle of honey, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or over a bed of white rice.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5block | Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 11g | Sodium: 1765mg | Fiber: 1g

how to make Air Fryer Tofu – step by step photos

Press tofu and pat dry. Freeze 1 block of extra firm tofu for 1 hour, minimum. Remove the tofu from the freezer and allow it to thaw to the point where it can be cut with a knife.

Dice the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes. Gather 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp cornstarch.

Toss the cubed tofu with soy sauce and sesame oil. Then, lightly dust the dressed tofu with cornstarch, tossing or stirring until each piece is lightly covered.

Transfer to an air fryer basket and fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Garnish with 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp sesame seeds, and 1 sliced green onion. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or over a bed of white rice.

Wonderfully chewy and crisp, this air fryer tofu is sure to be a hit!

More Tofu Recipes

Honey Sriracha Tofu

$2.64 recipe / $0.66 serving

Peanut Tofu

$6.74 recipe / $1.69 serving

Gochujang Ramen with Tofu

$2.26 recipe / $1.13 serving

BBQ Grilled Tofu

$2.31 recipe / $1.15 serving

The post Air Fryer Tofu appeared first on Budget Bytes.

“We absolutely love this chicken tenders recipe! My whole family enjoys this along with the honey mustard recipe. This is great for families that are on the go and don’t want to eat out. You can freeze these if you don’t eat them all! Thank you!”

TIFFINY

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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for a quick & easy lunch or dinner meal.

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American

Total Cost $8.56 recipe / $2.14 serving

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 13 minutes minutes

Total Time 23 minutes minutes

Servings 4 (2 tenders each)

Calories 254kcal

Author Marsha McDougal

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders (about 1.25lb)* $6.99
• 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided $0.08
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, divided $0.05
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour $0.04
• 2 large eggs** $0.33
• 1/2 cup plain regular breadcrumbs*** $0.40
• 1/2 cup plain panko breadcrumbs $0.32
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning $0.10
• 1 1/4 tsp garlic powder $0.10
• 1 tsp onion powder $0.10
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika $0.05
• cooking spray

Instructions

• Place the chicken tenders on a cutting board. Season them on both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Next sprinkle the flour over the chicken tenders and toss to coat evenly.
• In a shallow bowl, add the eggs and whisk them together. In another shallow bowl, add the regular breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix the seasoning into the breadcrumbs.
• Now line up the chicken tenders, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture. Using tongs or your hands, begin to coat the chicken tenders by first dipping them on both sides in the egg mixture, then transfer them to the breadcrumbs. Pat the breadcrumbs into the tenders and coat them evenly on both sides. Set the coated chicken pieces to the side on a clean plate or cutting board.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer, making sure no pieces overlap. About 4 tenders at a time. Spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray. Air fry for 7 minutes then flip the chicken tenders over. Spray the tops of the chicken again with cooking spray and air fry for another 6 minutes until golden brown.
• Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer basket and repeat with the second batch of tenders. Let the tenders cool for 3-5 minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Video

Notes

*I like purchasing the chicken that is already cut into tenders or tenderloins. But you can also make your own tenders by cutting a boneless, skinless chicken breast lengthwise into strips.

**You can also use buttermilk instead of eggs like we did for these air fryer chicken nuggets.

***I used a combination of panko breadcrumbs and regular breadcrumbs. The regular breadcrumbs are finer in texture and provide a more even coating. The panko breadcrumbs give the tenders that crispy crunch that I love. Combined they provide the perfect balance.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tenders | Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 6g | Sodium: 1179mg | Fiber: 2g

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Step-by-Step Photos

Place 8 boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders on a cutting board. Season them on both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.

Next sprinkle 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour over the chicken tenders and toss to coat evenly.

In a shallow bowl, add 2 large eggs and whisk them together. In another shallow bowl, add 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Mix the seasoning into the breadcrumbs.

Now line up the chicken tenders, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture. Using tongs or your hands, begin to coat the chicken tenders by first dipping them on both sides in the egg mixture, then transfer them to the breadcrumbs. Pat the breadcrumbs into the tenders and coat them evenly on both sides. Set the coated chicken pieces to the side on a clean plate or cutting board.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer, making sure no pieces overlap. About 4 tenders at a time. Spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray.

Air fry for 7 minutes then flip the chicken tenders over. Spray the tops of the chicken again with cooking spray and air fry for another 6 minutes until golden brown.

Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer basket and repeat with the second batch of tenders.

Let the chicken tenders cool for 3-5 minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Homemade Dipping Sauces

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Enjoy these easy chicken tenders with a side of roasted broccoli, air fryer french fries, or a simple Caesar salad. These tenders would also taste great with a side of oven baked steak fries or a simple pasta salad. And of course you can never go wrong with classic homemade mashed potatoes or homemade applesauce.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Carrots

$2.51 recipe / $0.62 serving

Air Fryer Potatoes

$3.60 recipe / $0.90 serving

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

$2.01 recipe / $1.00 serving

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

$4.06 recipe / $1.01 serving

The post Air Fryer Chicken Tenders appeared first on Budget Bytes.

What Else Can I Add to Air Fryer Asparagus?

I love the simplicity of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, but feel free to get creative. Try:

• Cajun Seasoning
• Ranch Seasoning
• Garlic Herb Seasoning
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon zest

What to Serve with Air Fryer ASparagus

This crispy asparagus goes so well with simple, wholesome meals like Parmesan Risotto, Chicken Cordon Bleu, or Honey Sriracha Tofu. It would also go well with baked proteins, like our baked chicken drumsticks!

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Air Fryer Asparagus

This Air Fryer Asparagus might be the easiest recipe I've ever developed. It takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish and is so good!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Total Cost $4.07 recipe / $1.02 serving

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 3 minutes minutes

Total Time 8 minutes minutes

Servings 4 (about 5 stalks each)

Calories 41kcal

Author Jess Rice

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 1 bunch asparagus (1 lb.) $2.99
• 1 tsp olive oil $0.06
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.06
• 1/2 tsp sea salt $0.05
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper $0.12
• 1 lemon, to juice and zest (optional) $0.79

Instructions

• Cut off the woody ends of asparagus and preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 4 minutes.
• Combine garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning blend.
• Toss asparagus with olive oil and seasoning blend.
• Air fry at 400°F for 3 minutes, stopping halfway through to shake.
• Remove asparagus and spritz with a squeeze of lemon juice. Sprinkle with lemon zest if desired. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 41kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 294mg | Fiber: 3g

how to make Air Fryer ASparagus – step by step photos

Cut off the woody ends of 1 lb of asparagus and preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 4 minutes.

Combine 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the seasoning blend.

Toss asparagus with 1 tsp of olive oil and then the seasoning blend.

Place in the air fryer and air fry at 400°F for 3 minutes, stopping halfway through to shake.

Remove asparagus and spritz with a squeeze of lemon juice. Sprinkle with lemon zest if desired. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Enjoy!

More Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

$3.75 recipe / $0.93 serving

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

$4.06 recipe / $1.01 serving

Air Fryer Potatoes

$3.60 recipe / $0.90 serving

Air Fryer Carrots

$2.51 recipe / $0.62 serving

The post Air Fryer Asparagus appeared first on Budget Bytes.