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We owe a huge thank you to Fred van der Weij. He’s the Netherlands-based inventor whose prototype for the air fryer is what led Philips to produce this magical compact cooking appliance in 2010. Fast forward to today, and the easy-peasy, hot air machine is a kitchen staple for all kinds of reasons—from cutting calories to saving time.

But if you’re like me, it doesn’t matter how simple the tool is; any recipe over five ingredients can circulate its way back to the cookbook because every minute counts, and, well, too many spices overwhelm me.

So if the 5-ingredient-or-less criteria is up your alley, plug in your countertop oven and try out these recipes.

1) Air Fryer Juicy Steak and Mushrooms Bites

Ingredients:

1 pound steak, cut into 1” cubes, pat dry
8 oz mushrooms, halved
½ onion sliced
½ cup Worcestershire sauce (or teriyaki)
½ tablespoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

This super simple steak and mushrooms recipe from Fabulessly Frugal serves four and only requires steak, mushrooms, half an onion, Worcestershire (or teriyaki) sauce, and garlic powder. (And salt and pepper, but we’re not counting that as one of the five ingredients, k?) Tried it, and loved it. One commenter wrote: “Outstanding flavor (Worcestershire), nice mix of steak/onions/mushrooms.”

2) 5-Ingredient Air Fryer Lemon Chicken

Ingredients:

6 chicken tenderloins
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups Panko crumbs
Kosher salt to taste
2 lemons halved, divided

When you have zero time to make dinner but really want to prioritize protein, go with this chicken dish. Set your air fryer to 400 degrees and give it 14 minutes. As soon as it’s done in the air fryer, Sara of Bitz & Giggles removes the tenderloins and lets loose with some extra lemon juice. From experience, this pairs perfectly with a quick arugula and tomato side salad with a Balsamic drizzle.

3) Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons unsalted butter softened (or butter spread)
2 slices whole grain bread
1 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 oz shredded gruyere

Don’t sleep on using your air fryer for the most basic of meals. This grilled cheese hits the spot, and Erin at Well Plated includes instructions for an optional yogurt dijon spread that is delish. (Yes, it puts us at a couple of extra ingredients, but it’s worth it.) One sandwich is roughly 450 calories, 25g carbs, 29g fat, and 25g of protein which isn’t bad if you’re tracking macros and in the mood for comfort food.

4) Air Fryer Salmon with Maple Soy Glaze

Ingredients:

3 tbsp pure maple syrup
3 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce or gluten-free soy sauce
1 tbsp sriracha hot sauce
1 clove garlic, smashed
4 wild salmon fillets, skinless (6 oz each)

Leave it to Gina Homolka of Skinnytaste.com to come up with a ridiculously simple salmon dinner that packs a big punch. She likes to pair this salmon with brown rice or potatoes and salads or vegetables like broccoli or brussels sprouts. If you’re putting this on your list right now, be sure to check out her helpful tips, like this: There’s no need to flip the salmon. The dish takes under 10 minutes to make and feeds 4.

5) Air Fryer Shrimp

Ingredients:

1 lb shrimp
2 teaspoons olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

I’d argue this is actually a one-ingredient recipe if you side with those who don’t count pantry staples as part of the ingredient count. But whichever tent you camp in, you can’t say this isn’t quick and simple. Anna of Crunchy Creamy Sweet recommends medium or jumbo-size shrimp and suggests using the shrimp as a main dish with rice or pasta, as a taco filling, or as a salad topping for a light meal (that one is my fave).

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