30 Easy Air Fryer Recipes For College Students (2023)

For those busy college students who don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen, these air fryer recipes will make your life much easier. From quick snacks like sweet potato fries to full meals such as beef tacos, you can make all kinds of delicious dishes using a simple air fryer. Not only are they tasty and nutritious, but they also require minimal effort and can be prepared in a matter of minutes.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with 30 easy air fryer recipes for college students. Not only are they delicious and healthy, but they’re also budget-friendly and perfect for those short on time! So let’s get started with the recipes:

We hope that these recipes make your college life a bit easier and tastier! Get creative and have fun making all kinds of air fryer dishes for you and your friends. Enjoy!

Read More: Can You Put an Air Fryer Under the Cabinet?

1- Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3 tablespoons honey mustard sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
3. Dip chicken strips in the egg wash and then coat with the seasoned flour mixture.
4. Place chicken strips in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
5. Cook for 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
6. Remove from air fryer and brush with honey mustard sauce on both sides.
7. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!

2- Crispy Fried Pickles

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pickle slices (dill or sweet pickles both work)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon all purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
3. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs and flour.
4. Dip pickle slices in the egg mixture then coat with the panko breadcrumb mixture.
5. Place pickles in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

3- Baked Potato Wedges with Parmesan Cheese

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, mix together potato wedges, olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
3. Place potato wedges in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
4. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender and golden brown.
5. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
6. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

4- Sesame Garlic Green Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, mix together green beans, olive oil, garlic, sesame seeds and salt and pepper.
3. Place green beans in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).

4. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until beans are tender and lightly browned.
5. Serve and enjoy!

5- Spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, mix together hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Place chicken wings in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
4. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until wings are cooked through and golden brown.
5. Turn the heat up to 400 degrees and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until crispy.
6. Toss with buffalo sauce and serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

6- Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Ingredients:

• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
• 4 slices bacon, cut in half
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
2. Wrap each asparagus spear with a half slice of bacon and place in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until bacon is crisp and asparagus is tender.
5. Serve and enjoy!

7- Caramelized Onion Fries

Ingredients:

• 2 large onions, cut into thin strips
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, mix together onions, olive oil, salt and pepper.
3. Place onion strips in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
4. Cook for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

8- Healthy Air Fryer Fish & Chips

Ingredients:

• 1 lb firm white fish, cut into strips
• 4 potatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, mix together potatoes, olive oil, garlic powder and salt and pepper.
3. Place potato wedges in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
4. Cook for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender and golden brown.
5. Add fish strips to the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes or until fish is cooked through and golden brown.
6. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

9- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
• 1 cup all purpose flour

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour and salt and pepper.
3. In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs.

4. In a third shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs.
5. Dip mozzarella sticks in the flour mixture, then egg mixture and finally coat with the panko breadcrumb mixture.
6. Place cheese sticks in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
7. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
8. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

10- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut.
3. Place shrimp in a large bowl and toss with olive oil.

4. Dip shrimp in panko-coconut mixture then coat with the panko-coconut mixture.
5. Place shrimp in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

11- Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together buttermilk and garlic powder.
3. Place chicken in a large bowl and cover with buttermilk mixture. Allow to marinate for 15-20 minutes.
4. In a shallow dish, mix together flour and salt and pepper.
5. Dip chicken in the flour mixture, then back into the buttermilk mixture and then coat with the flour mixture.
6. Place chicken strips in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
7. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Serve and enjoy!

12- Air Fryer Churros

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, eggs, cinnamon and sugar until a smooth dough forms.
3. Place dough in a piping bag or ziplock bag and cut off the corner to create a 1/2 inch opening.
4. Pipe dough into 3-4 inch strips directly into the air fryer basket (you may need to do this in batches).
5. Cook for 7-8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Sprinkle with additional sugar and cinnamon, if desired, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

13- Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Add in egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. Add in flour, baking soda and salt and mix until dough forms.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Form cookie dough into tablespoon sized balls and place in air fryer basket (you may need to do this in batches).
7. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until cookies are golden brown.
8. Allow to cool before serving and enjoy!

14- Banana Bread in the Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mash banana until mostly smooth.
4. Add in sugar and melted butter and mix until combined.
5. Slowly add dry ingredients into the wet ingredients while mixing until just combined.
6. Grease a 7-inch round cake pan with butter.
7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and place in the air fryer basket (you may need to do this in batches).
8. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Allow to cool before serving and enjoy!

15- Air Fryer Wonton Wrappers

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb wonton wrappers
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
2. Brush each wonton wrapper with olive oil on both sides.
3. Place wonton wrappers in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

16- Air Fryer Onion Rings

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion, sliced into rings
• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour and salt and pepper.
3. In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs.

4. In a third shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs.
5. Dip onion rings in the flour mixture, then egg mixture and finally coat with the panko breadcrumb mixture.
6. Place onion rings in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).

7. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

17- Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings, separated at joints
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees.
2. Place wings in a large bowl and toss with buffalo sauce until fully coated.
3. Place wings in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
4. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve and enjoy!

18- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries

Ingredients:

• 2 large potatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
2. Toss potato wedges with olive oil until fully coated.
3. Place in a medium bowl and add parmesan cheese and garlic powder, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Place potatoes in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese if desired and serve and enjoy!

19- Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Ingredients:

• 8 pre-made pizza rolls, thawed

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
2. Place pizza rolls in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
3. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

20- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients:

• 8 mozzarella sticks, thawed

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees.
2. Place mozzarella sticks in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
3. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

21- Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Ingredients:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika until combined.
3. Dip pickles in the mixture and coat evenly.
4. Place pickles in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

22- Air Fryer Shrimp Tempura

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour and salt and pepper.
3. In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs.
4. In a third shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs.
5. Dip shrimp in the flour mixture, then egg mixture and finally coat with the panko breadcrumb mixture.
6. Place shrimp in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
7. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

23- Air Fryer Cheese Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella or pepper jack)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees.
2. Place one tortilla on a cutting board and top with 1/2 cup of cheese.
3. Top with another tortilla and brush the top with olive oil.
4. Place in air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
5. Remove from air fryer and cut into wedges, repeat with remaining tortillas and cheese.
6. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

24- Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cake

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder and sugar.
3. In a small bowl, mix together egg and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients until fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
5. Divide the mixture into four greased ramekins (or molds of your desired shape).
6. Place in air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream and enjoy!
8. Top with your favorite chocolate sauce or fresh berries for an extra treat!

25- Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers (red, yellow, orange or green)
• 2 cups cooked quinoa

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella or pepper jack)
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees.
2. Cut the tops off of the bell peppers and remove stems and seeds.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together quinoa, cheese, and tomato sauce.
4. Stuff the bell peppers with quinoa mixture and place in air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve and enjoy!

26- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup all purpose flour

• 2 cups shredded coconut
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together flour, garlic powder and salt and pepper.
3. In a second shallow bowl, whisk together eggs.
4. In a third shallow dish, mix together shredded coconut.
5. Dip shrimp in the flour mixture, then egg mixture and finally coat with the shredded coconut mixture.
6. Place shrimp in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
7. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

27- Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Ingredients:

• 8 pre-made egg rolls, thawed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
2. Place egg rolls in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
3. Brush each egg roll with olive oil.
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

28- Air Fryer French Fries

Ingredients:

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch thick slices

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees.
2. Place potato slices in air fryer basket and spread into a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
3. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping once halfway through cooking time.
4. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
5. For an extra crunchy fry, try spraying or drilling with olive oil before cooking for the best results!

29- Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together flour and salt and pepper.
3. In a second shallow bowl, whisk together eggs.
4. Dip cauliflower florets in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture and finally coat with the buffalo sauce.
5. Place cauliflower in an air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

30- Air Fryer Veggie Burger

Ingredients:

• 1 package of store-bought veggie burger patties, frozen
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees.
2. Place veggie burgers in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
3. Brush each veggie burger with olive oil.
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping once halfway through cooking time.
5. Serve on your favorite bun and enjoy!

Conclusion

So there you have it – 30 delicious air fryer recipes for college students! Whether you’re in the mood for something savory, sweet, or just plain indulgent, these recipes will help to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead and give them a try! Bon Appetit!

Tip: Make It Your Own

One of the great things about air fryer cooking is that you can customize your recipes to fit your tastes. Whether it’s adding extra seasonings, swapping out ingredients, or experimenting with different sauces and toppings – the possibilities are endless! So go ahead and make these recipes your own – we promise they won’t disappoint! Happy air frying!

Tip: Plan Ahead

Cooking in an air fryer is a great way to save time and money, but it’s important to plan ahead so you know what ingredients you need for each recipe. Making a grocery list before your shopping trip can help you stay organized and make sure that all of the items you need are on hand when it comes time to cook.

This way, you can whip up delicious air fryer meals in no time! Happy cooking!