Easy Meals for College Students That Can Be Made With Just an Air Fryer

As a college student, finding the time or money to cook a meal properly can be hard. But it is possible, especially with the help of a college cookbook and an air fryer. You can whip up delicious and healthy meals in no time with this compact and easy-to-use appliance and just a few simple ingredients.

In this post, we’ll share our favorite ideas for easy meals for college students that can be made with an air fryer. We’ll cover everything from snacks and sides to main courses and desserts, so you’ll never have to worry about struggling to figure out something to eat. So, let’s get started!

Benefits of an Air Fryer 

An air fryer is a convenient and affordable kitchen appliance that can be used to prepare various dishes. Its compact size and ease of use make it a great choice for college students with limited space and time. In addition, an air fryer requires little oil, so it’s much healthier than traditional deep frying methods. It is also versatile enough for baking, roasting, and grilling all kinds of foods, making it a perfect addition to any college student’s kitchen or dorm room.

Snacks

Craving a quick bite between classes? Here are some of our favorite recipes for simple snacks that are easy to make in an air fryer:

French Fries

To make French fries in an air fryer, cut potatoes into cubes or wedges, toss them in oil, and then season them with salt and pepper before putting them in the basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit or until golden brown and crisp. Serve with ketchup, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Veggie Fritters

Mix your favorite chopped veggies such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions with egg, flour, and seasoning. Form the mixture into patties or balls and cook them in the air fryer basket at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or a tangy yogurt dip. 

Fried Rice

To make fried rice in an air fryer, heat cooked white rice in the basket for four to five minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated and slightly crisp. Remove from the air fryer and set aside. Combine eggs and vegetables such as carrots and peas in a bowl, then add the cooked rice and mix everything. Place the mixture in the air fryer basket at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for seven to eight minutes until everything is cooked. Serve hot with sesame seeds, green onions, and soy sauce. 

Main Courses 

Sometimes you may want to prepare something more substantial than just a snack or side dish. These main courses are perfect for when you have a bit more time on your hands. 

Chicken Tenders

To make chicken tenders in an air fryer, coat chicken strips in flour, dip them into beaten egg mixed with garlic powder and paprika, then roll them in breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese or other seasonings of your choice. Place the coated chicken strips in the air fryer basket and cook them at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through inside. Serve with a dip or on its own. 

Fish Sticks

Using an air fryer to prepare fish sticks is just as easy as making chicken tenders. After taking your preferred fish fillets out of the refrigerator and letting them reach room temperature, coat them with flour. Then, dip them into a mixture of beaten egg, garlic powder, and paprika before rolling them in breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese or other desired seasonings. Next, put the coated fillets into the air fryer’s basket and cook them at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for seven to nine minutes or until crispy and golden outside and juicy inside. Serve alongside a tartar sauce and a lemon wedge.

Vegetable Pakoras

If you’re looking for a tasty Indian-style appetizer or snack, vegetable pakoras are a great option and can be easily prepared with an air fryer. Begin by mixing shredded vegetables like zucchini, carrot, and onion with chickpea flour, then add spices such as cumin, coriander powder, and chili powder to create a paste-like batter. Next, roll spoonfuls of the mixture into balls and coat them with more chickpea flour before placing them into the air fryer’s basket. Cook them at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes or until they turn golden brown outside while remaining succulent inside. Once done, serve hot with mango chutney or ketchup.

Side Dishes 

No meal is complete without some delicious side dishes. Here are our favorite quick, simple recipes: 

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

To make bacon-wrapped asparagus in an air fryer, simply wrap each piece of asparagus with bacon strips before placing them into the basket. Cook them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes or until the bacon is crispy. Serve hot and enjoy on its own or as an addition to any main course. 

Roasted Lemon and Herb Potatoes

To make this flavorful side dish, gather baby potatoes (or new potatoes), olive oil, and seasonings like thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Mix these ingredients and then add the potatoes to the air fryer basket. Cook them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes or until they turn crispy and golden brown on all sides while still soft and tender. Before serving, give the potatoes a final touch by sprinkling freshly squeezed lemon juice over them for a tangy twist. Enjoy this zesty and delectable dish as a perfect accompaniment to your favorite meal.

Grilled Zucchini

If you’re searching for a quick and healthy side dish, grilled zucchini prepared in an air fryer is an excellent option. Begin by slicing the zucchini lengthwise. Next, lightly coat the zucchini with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper for seasoning. Place the zucchini into the air fryer basket and cook them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes until they become slightly charred around the edges but are still juicy and tender. Once done, serve hot alongside your preferred main course.

Desserts 

No meal would be complete without something sweet. Here are some simple yet delicious desserts that can be easily made using an air fryer: 

Apple Chips

To prepare apple chips using an air fryer, start by removing the core of the apples and slicing them thinly. Next, arrange the slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Bake them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes until they turn golden brown on one side. Then, flip them over and bake for an additional five minutes until golden brown all over. Once done, take the chips out of the basket and let them cool completely before serving. 

Bananas Foster

Using an air fryer, you can effortlessly whip up another beloved dessert: bananas foster. Begin by lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper, then prepare your ingredients. Slice bananas lengthwise and peel them, then mix sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg together and sprinkle it over the bananas. Place them on the parchment paper and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for six minutes or until golden brown. While cooking, bring a sauce of rum, butter, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and cinnamon to a simmer on the stove. Transfer the cooked bananas onto plates and pour the sauce over them. For the best experience, serve warm over ice cream or waffles and sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.

Brownie Bites

These air fryer brownie bites are perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings without the hassle of making a whole chocolate cake or pan of brownies. Combine melted chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and butter in a mixing bowl. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and sugar, then mix the ingredients well. Next, using a spoon, place small portions of the mixture onto parchment paper inside the air fryer basket. Bake the brownie bites at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for six to eight minutes or until the edges start to set but the inside remains moist when pressed gently. Allow the bites to cool completely before serving them on their own or with ice cream. 

Conclusion

Making easy meals for college students can be easier and more enjoyable with the help of an air fryer. Whether you’re in the mood for a snack, appetizer, main course, or dessert, an air fryer is a versatile and compact appliance that can help you quickly whip up delicious food. This article’s recipes can help you prepare something tasty to eat in no time, regardless of what you’re craving. So, grab your air fryer and get cooking!