Its a Hero

air fryer recipes

Air Fryer Doritos Chicken Tenders

by 2 Comments

When I first became a mom I swore up and down that my kids would eat all-organic, never try fast food, and all of the other things that people who aren’t yet parents think they’ll do! Ha! Turns out, I knew nothing about parenting before I was a parent. And, honestly, I’m happy about that. My kids have recently discovered how much they love Doritos. Ari likes the super spicy ones, but the girls both love the Cool Ranch and Nacho Cheese. So why not combine the two things they love? These air fryer Doritos Chicken Tenders check all the kid-friendly dinner boxes. And that’s a total win for me.

Air Fryer Doritos Chicken Tenders

What you’ll need

The awesome thing about this recipe is that it basically consists of all of the things we parents already have in our house. Sure, you’ll need an air fryer. But the other items (including the Doritos) are things we generally have on-hand. I’ll admit — I sometimes don’t have normal crackers for chicken tender breading. But ya know what I always have? Doritos. We always have Doritos in this house.

Air Fryer Doritos Chicken Tenders

Here’s everything you’ll need:

  • 1/2 bag (4.5 oz) of nacho cheese Doritos
  • 3 cups of panko crumbs
  • 1 cup of cornstarch
  • 1 lb of chicken tenders (approximately 12-15)
  • 1 tablespoon of parsley
  • 1/2 tablespoon of garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
  • 3 eggs

My only other advice would be to use air fryer liners to help keep the mess at a minimum.

Air Fryer Doritos Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Doritos Chicken Tenders Recipe

Yield: 12-15 pieces

Air Fryer Doritos Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Doritos Chicken Tenders
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 bag (4.5 oz) of nacho cheese Doritos
  • 3 cups of panko crumbs
  • 1 cup of cornstarch
  • 1 lb of chicken tenders (approximately 12-15)
  • 1 tablespoon of parsley
  • 1/2 tablespoon of garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
  • 3 eggs

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Add the chips to a blender or food processor. Pulse for 30 seconds until crumbs resemble the same size as panko with some larger pieces.
  2. Mix panko and chip crumbs in a large dish. Set aside.
  3. Mix the cornstarch and the spices in another dish. Set aside.
  4. Beat the eggs in another dish. Set aside.
  5. Toss the tenders in the cornstarch, then in the egg wash, and then finally in the chip crumbs. Fully coat the tenders. Repeat for each tender in each step.

  6. Place the tenders on parchment paper in the air fryer basket and spray them with oil. Cook each batch at 400° F for 15 minutes, flipping and spraying with oil halfway. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160° F for food safety.
  7. Remove tenders and let cool.
  8. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

© Rachel

Enjoy!

Pin for later

Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bites

by 10 Comments

School and after-school activities are back in full swing. Like, my husband and I are coordinating via google calendar invites and a giant whiteboard. I know that many families have operated like this for years, but our kids are finally old enough for it to be the very beginning of our craziness season. I know I’ve been making quick meals for a long time, but even I need to step up my game right now. These air fryer sausage and egg breakfast bites are helping to keep our lives on the fast track.

Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bites

What You’ll Need

There are only a few actual ingredients in this recipe. Here’s what they are:

  • 1 pound of ground breakfast sausage
  • 3 cups of shredded hash brown potatoes
  • 2 3/4 cups of shredded cheese, cheddar, divided
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 12 eggs
  • Parsley for garnish

In addition, I would add that you can use your favorite sauces or dips to accompany the breakfast bites.

Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bites

The most important part (aside from the ingredients) are the air fryer and the jumbo silicone baking cups. If you’re looking for an air fryer, this is my favorite one!

Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bites

How to make Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bites

Yield: 12

Air Fryer Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bites

Air Fryer Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bites
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of ground breakfast sausage
  • 3 cups of shredded hash brown potatoes
  • 2 3/4 cups of shredded cheese, cheddar, divided
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 12 eggs
  • Parsley for garnish

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Divide the sausage meat into 12 patties.
  2. Place in air fryer basket at 350° for 10 minutes, when cooked, set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the hash browns, 2 cups cheese, spices, and oil.
  4. Place 2-3 tablespoons of hash brown mixture in jumbo muffin liners. Form along the base and wall of the liner.
  5. Place liners in the air fryer basket and cook at 400° for 10 minutes or until they start to brown and crisp up.
  6. Place one sausage patty in a cup and press down to seat it. Crack one egg over each cut and sprinkle with cheese. Repeat for every cup.
  7. Continue to cook at 350° for 10 minutes or less for a softer yolk.
  8. Garnish with parsley. You can serve it with hot sauce, gravy, or ketchup.
© Rachel

If you’re looking for more air fryer recipes, check out these.

PIN FOR LATER

Air Fryer Jalapeño Mummies

by 8 Comments

It’s mid-September(ish) and we are finally set to have some semi-decent Fall weather this week. I’m going to run with it and make my NEWEST and most favorite recipe ever. These are perfect for Halloween, but also for football season. Who doesn’t love a jalapeño poppers, am I right?! These delightful (and adorable) poppers will have everyone in the spirit for some Fall fun. Be sure to make these Air Fryer Jalapeño Mummies your must-have for all of your Fall parties.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Mummies

What you’ll need

Besides having some bomb jalapeños, you’re going to need one major component for this recipe. And that is an air fryer. Now, I’ve spoken about my love of Ninja Foodi’s before, but this one works really well also.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Mummies

Here’s what else you’ll need:

  • 1 can of crescent roll
  • 6 fresh jalapeños
  • 1 – 8 ounce package of cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 egg
  • 24 candy eyeballs

That’s it. If you’re looking for more Halloween recipes, check this out!

How to make Air Fryer Jalapeño Mummies

Yield: 12

Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Mummies

Air Fryer Jalapeño Mummies
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 can of crescent roll
  • 6 fresh jalapeños
  • 1 - 8 ounce package of cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 egg
  • 24 candy eyeballs

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Clean and prepare jalapeños by slicing them open, removing the seeds and endocarp (the whitish membrane that seeds are attached to.), and rinsing the insides out. Try to leave the stem intact. Provides a perfect handle.
  2. Roll out crescent roll dough leaving individual rolls together. Pinch closed the perforations.
  3. Place dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll flat to 1/8” thick.
  4. Cut slices long ways to mimic mummy wrap. Set aside.
  5. Add cheeses and garlic to a mixing bowl and whip until light and airy.

  6. Fill the inside of the jalapeños.
  7. Wrap the jalapeños in the dough to mimic a mummy. You can overlap the dough but the dough will expand so do not over-wrap the jalapeños. You want to see the jalapeños under the wrapping.
  8. Whisk the egg and brush over the wrapped jalapeños.
  9. Place in a parchment-lined air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes at 375°f or until the dough is golden brown.
  10. Once cooked remove and let cool.
  11. Place two eyes on each jalapeño pushing into the cheese filling.
  12. Serve with ranch and enjoy.
© Rachel

PIN FOR LATER

Easy Homemade Philly Cheesesteaks

by 6 Comments

One of my favorite comfort meals of all time is philly cheesesteaks. It’s not a meal I grew up eating, but one I learned to love after heading to college. My (now) husband and I made it all the time when we were dating. And it just kind of feels like home, if you know what I mean. If you don’t make it often, it may seem daunting. But these easy homemade Philly Cheesesteaks are going to blow your mind. I promise, they are simple!

Easy Homemade Philly Cheesesteaks

Here’s what you’ll need

For this recipe in particular, you’ll just need a pan for the stovetop. However, if you want to really finish this sandwich off properly, an air fryer is perfect. If you still haven’t invested in an air fryer, I recommend this one.

Easy Homemade Philly Cheesesteaks

Here are the other ingredients you’ll need:

  • 14 ounces of Shaved Steak
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 8 ounces of baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • 8 slices of Provolone Cheese
  • Mayonnaise

That’s it! It really is only 5 ingredients. And it takes just minutes to prep.

Easy Homemade Philly Cheesesteaks

How to make Easy Homemade Philly Cheesesteaks

Easy Homemade Philly Cheesesteaks

Easy Homemade Philly Cheesesteaks
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes

Ingredients

  • 14 ounces of Shaved Steak
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 8 ounces of baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • 8 slices of Provolone Cheese
  • Mayonnaise

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil with onions.


    You want to sauté them on medium low heat until they become soft and translucent. I choose to do sliced onion, but you can totally dice them up as well!
  2. Once the onions have sautéd, add in the mushrooms.

    Be sure to season both the onions and mushrooms with salt. This helps to bring the moisture out of them and become soft. Not to mention, they need the flavor.
  3. Once the mushrooms have broken down and soft (they will turn a darker color) add in the shaved steak along with 2-3 tablespoons of your favorite steak seasoning. 

  4. Cook the steak until it’s cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to toss the steak around in the onions and mushrooms.
  5. Grab your hoagie buns and place mayo on both sides of the bread.
  6. Place steak on top of the bottom roll and the provolone cheese on top.

  7. Place in an air fryer on 350° (or the oven) to toast the bread and melt the cheese. In the air fryer it’s about 1-2 minutes (if using the oven, expect 5-8 minutes).
  8. ENJOY!
© Rachel

If you’re looking for other easy meals, check a few of these out.

PIN FOR LATER

Air Fryer S’mores Recipe

by 10 Comments

Hear me out. S’mores, but all year long. See, I know that s’mores are traditionally a Summertime thing. But why do they have to be?! Thanks to being team #airfryer, I can make s’mores from January to December. You’ve gotta see how easy this Air Fryer S’mores Recipe is!

Air Fryer S'mores Recipe

What you’ll need

If you have ever made s’mores before (are there people who haven’t!?), you’ll know that it doesn’t take much. All you’ll need are some graham crackers, delicious chocolate, and marshmallows.

Air Fryer S'mores Recipe

My suggestion would be the following two things. Number one: Use BIG, fluffy marshmallows. If you want to make your own homemade marshmallows, try this marshmallow recipe. Number two: Use an air fryer with a viewing window. This one is what I used. That way you can keep an eye on how dark your marshmallow gets (or doesn’t get).

Air Fryer S'mores Recipe

Air Fryer S’mores Recipe

Yield: 8

Air Fryer S'mores

Air Fryer S'mores Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 long pieces of graham crackers
  • 8 large s’more size marshmallows
  • 2 Hershey bars

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Snap graham crackers in half making two sections.
  2. Divide chocolate bars into 4, three-piece sections.
  3. Add one section of chocolate onto a graham cracker, and one marshmallow to a graham cracker.
  4. Place the crackers open faced up in the air fryer basket.
  5. Cook at 350 for 3 minutes.
  6. Carefully remove the crackers and place crackers with chocolate on top of the crackers with marshmallows.
  7. Enjoy the mess from the comfort of indoors! 🙂

PIN FOR LATER

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

by 9 Comments

I’ve been obsessed with Mexican food for as long as I can remember. TRUTHFULLY! Some of my earliest memories as a child were visiting a traditional Mexican restaurant. It was 45-minutes from where we lived. And we rarely (if ever) ate out. But this restaurant became my happy food space. And one of my favorite items were traditional empanadas (and papaya juice, but we’re not talking about that today). As much as I loved those traditional empanadas, I found them hard to duplicate at home. That is, until I made these air fryer beef empanadas.

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

What you’ll need

As you may know, I’m a big fan of using an air fryer. In fact, we use ours daily. If you haven’t yet purchased an air fryer, what are you waiting for?! My suggestions are this one for a big family and this one for 1-2 people.

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Here’s what else you’ll need:

  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1 ounce of taco seasoning
  • 3 Tablespoon of beef broth
  • 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts total, bring to room temperature)
  • 1 egg, whisked

The ingredients are simple. And, if you’re looking for an amazing taco seasoning, I would suggest checking out Penzey’s Spices. Of all of the seasonings I’ve tried, Penzey’s are the best.

How to make Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Yield: approximately 10

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1 ounce of taco seasoning
  • 3 Tablespoon of beef broth
  • 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts total, bring to room temperature)
  • 1 egg, whisked

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Heat a large saucepan on medium heat, add your bell pepper and onions. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes allowing the bell pepper to soften, and your onion to be translucent.
  2. Add your ground beef, taco seasoning, and broth. Mix everything together and brown your meat. Once completely cooked, set aside.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for five minutes.
  4. On a lightly floured flat surface, add one of your pie crusts. Using a rolling pin roll your pie crust just a couple of times to thin out your pie crust slightly. Using a round bowl or cup that is 8 inches in diameter, cut out 4 circles. 
  5. Repeat step four with your second pie crust.
  6. Optional (see fun tip): Take your remaining pie crust. Roll it into a ball and flatten out to cut more circles. You should be able to get at least two more 8-inch diameter circles.
  7. Add 2 tablespoons of your meat mixture to one side of your circles. Using your finger, line the circle with water. This helps with the adhesive of the folding process.
  8. Fold your circle half. Using a fork, pinch the sides of your empanada. 
  9. Using your egg, wash the tops of your empanadas. 
  10. Transfer your empanadas to your air fryer.
  11. Cook your empanadas for about five minutes or until golden brown at 350°F.
  12. Once they are finished cooking, remove and set aside. Repeat steps 10-11 until you have cooked all of your empanadas.
    Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
  13. ENJOY!
    Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Notes

Fun tip: I use leftover pie crust to make mini cinnamon rolls. Roll out your dough in a rounded-out rectangle. Brush melted butter. Sprinkle on a little bit of cinnamon and sugar. Roll and cut into bite-size pieces. Bake in the oven at 350° for at least 10 minutes or until golden brown. The Cook time will differ based off of how much cinnamon roll is being baked.

The recipe is so easy and is sure to be a hit for the whole family.

PIN FOR LATER