25 Easy Cheap Air Fryer Recipes (Budget Dinners Under $16)
Looking for budget-friendly meals? Try these 25 easy air fryer recipes—delicious, under $4 per serving, and perfect for busy weeknights!
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As a busy family, finding quick, delicious, and budget-friendly meals can feel like a constant challenge. That’s why I love my air fryer—it’s a great way to create wholesome, affordable dinners without the hassle of traditional cooking.
These cheap air fryer recipes are perfect for feeding your whole family for under $16 per meal. Whether you’re in the mood for juicy pork chops, crispy chicken, or hearty vegetarian options, these recipes deliver big on flavor while keeping costs low.
Using an air fryer saves more than money. It’s energy-efficient compared to a traditional oven, reducing your power usage during high-energy-price seasons. The air fryer is ideal for busy weeknights because it can cook meals faster and with less oil.
The recipes in today’s post are perfect for when you need a simple recipe ready in minutes but still tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Inexpensive Side Dishes to Serve with Cheap Air Fryer Dinner Recipes
Here are even more affordable, easy-to-find side dishes you can meal prep ahead of time for your air fryer dinners. These can all be picked up at your local grocery store and stored or reheated during the week:
Frozen Vegetables
Frozen veggies like green beans, broccoli, or mixed vegetables are budget-friendly, easy to store, and quick to cook. Meal Prep Tip: Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt, then air fry for a crisp texture when reheating.
Canned Beans
Black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas are versatile, inexpensive, and protein-packed. Meal Prep Tip: Season with cumin, onion powder, and olive oil. Heat them in a skillet or air fryer basket as needed.
Pasta Salad
A box of pasta, a few fresh veggies, and some dressing go a long way in making a crowd-pleasing side dish. Meal Prep Tip: Make a large batch using rotini, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette. Store in an airtight container for up to five days.
Coleslaw Mix
Pre-shredded coleslaw mix is affordable and pairs perfectly with proteins like air fryer BBQ ribs or chicken thighs. Meal Prep Tip: Combine the mix with a simple dressing of mayonnaise, vinegar, and a touch of sugar for a creamy, tangy side.
Rice and Beans
Combine Jasmine, Basmati, and white or brown rice with a can of black beans for a filling, cost-effective dish. Meal Prep Tip: Cook the rice in bulk, then mix it with beans, garlic powder, a pinch of cumin, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a quick, reheatable side.
Bagged Salad Kits
These kits are prepped and ready to go, saving time and effort on busy nights. Meal Prep Tip: Pair with air fryer proteins like teriyaki salmon or fajitas for a fresh, healthy option.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are inexpensive and nutrient-dense. Meal Prep Tip: Chop into cubes, toss with olive oil, paprika, and cinnamon, then roast and store for reheating throughout the week.
Combining these inexpensive side dishes with your air fryer dinners allows you to create hearty, delicious meals that save time, money, and effort. These options are perfect for moms who want to keep their families fed without breaking the bank!
Cheap Air Fryer Recipes (Budget Dinner Ideas Under $16)
Deliciously Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Your entire family will enjoy these flavorful deliciously easy Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers! A quick and versatile recipe for a colorful, tasty dinner.
Air Fryer Frito Pie (Perfect for Leftover Chili)
Make this easy Air Fryer Frito Pie with leftover or store-bought chili for a quick weeknight dinner! Topped with melted cheese and crunchy Fritos, it’s a comfort food classic.
Easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole
Take your taco night to the next level with this Easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole! Packed with seasoned ground beef, black beans, cheese, and crispy tater tots, this hearty dish is perfect for family dinners.
Air Fryer Country Style Ribs
Air frying is a great way to get tender, juicy BBQ ribs without the usual long cooking times of the oven or grill. These Air Fryer Country Style Ribs are so easy and delicious they just may become your new favorite air fryer.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Air Fryer Whole Chicken is superb for achieving tender, juicy roast chicken with irresistibly crispy skin, akin to top-notch rotisserie chicken. It's remarkably simple: just season the chicken, drizzle with olive oil, and cook in an air fryer for about an hour. The result is a perfectly roasted chicken that’s both quick and delicious, ideal for any meal.
Hot Honey Garlic Chicken
Hot honey brings a savory sweetness and just enough kick to make things interesting in this Hot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe. Don't worry, it's mild enough for kids and they will love the sweet and salty flavor!
The Best Air Fryer Flautas
Crispy and delicious air fryer flautas are filled with seasoned shredded chicken and cheese, then air-fried to perfection. Quick, easy, and full of flavor!
Extra Crispy Gluten-Free Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken (Allergy-Free, No Oil)
No oil needed for this Extra Crispy Gluten-Free Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken recipe! A healthier, super crunchy version of your fast food favorite that's top 8 allergy-free, a mom-approved quick & easy dinner idea, and kid-friendly!
Air Fryer Fajitas (Veggie)
This Vegan Air Fryer Fajitas recipe is perfect for a delicious meal on a busy weeknight! Firm tofu and crunchy veggies are tossed in a flavourful fajita seasoning mix then air fried.
Air Fryer Twice Baked Breakfast Potatoes
Of course potatoes are a popular breakfast item – hash browns anyone? But breakfast stuffed potatoes are also a great way to start the day.
Air Fryer Sub Sandwiches
These delightful creations take the beloved submarine sandwich to new heights by harnessing the power of the air fryer.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Crispy and Juicy – Made with Potatoes
Air fryer chicken thighs can make a delicious and inexpensive meal, especially when you add potatoes!
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Tacos in Minutes
You can make crispy tacos in your air fryer in minutes. Here's how!
Easy Air Fryer Meatloaf
Made with readily available ingredients, it offers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it the perfect comfort food everyone loves.
Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Brussel Sprouts
Make these air fryer Brussel sprouts for an affordable, tasty, nutritious and fiber-packed side dish.
Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Enjoy a budget-friendly dinner with these juicy, tender air fryer chicken breasts. Easy to prepare in just 20 minutes, they make a perfect quick and healthy meal for the family.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is one of my favorite quick meals. The salmon turns out perfectly tender, with a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.
Crispy Air Fryer City Chicken Recipe (Air Fryer Pork Skewers)
This Air Fryer City Chicken recipe is a real game changer. It's incredible how quick and effortless it is to whip up, resulting in the most deliciously crispy City Chicken. With just 4 simple ingredients, this is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots
These air fryer sweet potato tater tots are the simplest little side dish or appetizer to dip into your favorite sauce.
20-Minute Sticky Eggplant Teriyaki Rice Bowl
Flavor-packed sticky aubergine (eggplant) with teriyaki sauce, a more affordable and vegetarian alternative. Make this a rice bowl by adding your favorite veggies to complete the meal with!
Crispy, Cheesy Potato Fritters
These Crispy Cheesy Potato Fritters are an affordable and delicious air fryer recipe, perfect for a quick snack or side dish. Golden, cheesy, and easy to make, they’re a budget-friendly treat everyone will love!
Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Chipotle + Air Fryer
Crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, fantastic flavors, and a little heat kick from Chipotle! Made with simple ingredients and done under 45 minutes or less.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon (20 Minute Dinner!)
Looking for a quick, delicious protein? This Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon bowls are ready in under 20 minutes!
Simple, Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are super crispy! If you have a busy night and need dinner in less than 30 minutes, this is the recipe for you!
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Take a long-time personal favorite like fried chicken and turn it healthy with my Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe
Which dinner are you making next? Please share with me in the comments below!
