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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    27 Dinners That Will (Almost) Save You from Cooking Tonight

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 21, 2025, updated July 15, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding the motivation to cook after a long day can be tough. Luckily, there are 27 easy dinner ideas that can help you whip up something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. From quick nachos to simple pasta dishes, these meals are perfect for those nights when you just want to enjoy a good meal with minimal effort.

    Air Fryer Nachos With Tajin

    Air fryer nachos.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    These nachos come together in just 10 minutes using your air fryer. They're packed with layers of cheese and a sprinkle of Tajin seasoning that adds a nice kick. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a quick dinner, you can top them with your favorites for a delicious treat.

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    Gochujang Buttered Noodles

    A serving of Gochujang Buttered Noodles.
    Photo Credit: Spoons of Flavor.

    Gochujang buttered noodles combine flavors from both Eastern and Western cuisines in an easy-to-make dish. They offer a savory taste with a touch of spice and sweetness, making it a meal that appeals to everyone. This is a satisfying option for when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    5-Ingredient Chicken Drumsticks

    Five Ingredient Chicken Drumstick
    Photo Credit: Karen Kelly.

    Chicken drumsticks are a great option when you want a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. With only five ingredients, you can enjoy crispy skin and juicy meat that everyone will love. This dish is sure to please the whole family and is easy to prepare.

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    Smashed Butter Bean Avocado Toast

    Slices of toast served with smashed butter and avocado.
    Photo Credit: Life as a Strawberry.

    Avocado toast is taken up a notch with the addition of butter beans. Simply mash the beans and avocado together, spread the mixture on some crispy toast, and top it off with fresh herbs. This quick and satisfying meal can be ready in under 15 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

    An air fryer baked potato.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fryer baked potatoes are a simple and fast side dish that offers a fluffy inside and a crispy skin. With only three ingredients, they can be enjoyed plain or dressed up with your favorite toppings for a filling meal.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Scampi is a quick dinner option that you can whip up in just 10 minutes, and it doesn’t require any wine. The mix of garlic, lemon, chili, and parsley creates a delightful smell that will fill your kitchen. This dish is perfect for when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Tapenade Sandwich

    Sandwich topped with tapenade and Feta cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features tapenade, which brings a deep, savory flavor that really stands out. With the addition of Feta cheese and spicy jalapeños, it gets an exciting twist that adds some heat. It's a simple yet flavorful option for dinner.

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    Halloumi Wraps

    A halloumi wrap.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi wraps are a favorite for everyone, whether you're cooking for kids or food enthusiasts. Packed with halloumi cheese, red pesto, avocado, and walnuts, these wraps are easy to throw together and bursting with flavor. You can whip them up in just 20 minutes, making them a great option for a quick meal.

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    Ricotta Toast

    Herbed ricotta toasts.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This meal is simple and quick to prepare. Start by spreading herbed ricotta cheese on slices of sourdough bread, then add your favorite toppings. It's a great option for when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Steak Tips

    Air Fryer Steak Tips.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Steak Tips are a fast and delicious dinner choice that can be on the table in just 10 minutes. With basic seasonings that you likely already have, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone. It's a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Miso-Sesame Chickpeas

    Easy Miso-Sesame Chickpeas
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    Miso-sesame chickpeas are easy to whip up and full of flavor. With only five ingredients, they’re a great choice for busy nights when you don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. This dish is satisfying and quick, making it perfect for a simple dinner.

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    Buffalo Shrimp

    Buffalo shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo shrimp is a quick and tasty dish that you can prepare in less than 10 minutes. With only a few ingredients, it’s a healthy option that you’ll find yourself wanting to make over and over.

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    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With just four basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it ready in about 5 minutes and on the table in under 40. It's perfect for those evenings when you want something quick and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Cheese

    Air fryer grilled cheese.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    This air fryer grilled cheese combines sharp cheddar cheese with finely chopped broccoli and a touch of chili flakes for some extra flavor. It's an easy, crispy, and buttery vegetarian sandwich that’s great for a quick meal.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole brings together all the tasty elements of tacos in an easy one-dish meal. With ground beef, salsa, and lots of cheese, it’s a great option for a potluck or a quick dinner on a busy weeknight.

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    Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

    Cooked chicken drumstick.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken drumsticks are quick to prepare, taking only 20 minutes after being marinated in olive oil, lime juice, and spices. They come out juicy and perfectly cooked, with a crispy skin that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Firecracker Salmon

    Firecracker salmon on a teal plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Firecracker Salmon is a quick and easy dinner option that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. With its spicy and tangy sauce, this dish brings a burst of flavor to your meal. Perfectly cooked salmon pairs well with the sauce, making it a standout choice for any night when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Shrimp

    A bowl of air fryer shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp are super easy to make, cooking up in just 3-5 minutes. With a tasty mix of garlic and paprika, they’re a great addition to salads or can be served with your favorite sauces and sides. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top gives them a nice finish, making this dish a simple yet flavorful option for dinner.

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    Crispy Furikake Salmon

    Fruikake salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This easy salmon dish is made with just salmon, soy sauce, and furikake seasoning. It's a quick and delicious choice for busy nights when cooking seems like too much work.

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    Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

    Baked potato soup in a slow cooker.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    This simple soup cooks in the crockpot all day, allowing you to prepare it in the morning and have a warm meal ready by dinner. It includes tender potatoes and vegetables in a tasty chicken broth, topped with creamy evaporated milk and cheese.

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    Tuna Tostadas

    Tuna tostadas.
    Photo credit: Midwexican.

    Tuna tostadas are a great choice for a light dinner. They’re packed with flavor and come together quickly, making them a simple option when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops

    A pork chop on a small chopping board.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pork chops are an easy and flavorful choice for a weeknight dinner. With only a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal in 25 minutes or less.

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    Tahini Pasta

    Tahini Pasta.
    Photo credit: Maple + Mango.

    This tahini pasta is quick to prepare, taking only 20 minutes, which is great for busy nights. The creamy and nutty tahini sauce adds a rich flavor, making this dish both filling and enjoyable.

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    Air Fryer Dumplings

    A dumpling picked up with chop sticks.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    Air Fryer Dumplings are a simple and fast option for a snack or meal, taking only about 10 minutes to prepare. A bit of oil helps them cook up nicely with crispy edges, making them perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy No-Boil Lasagna

    Cheesy No-Boil Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Lasagna is easy to prepare, taking just 10 minutes to get ready without the need to boil any noodles. This hearty vegetarian meal is quick to put together and delicious, making it a perfect choice for your weeknight dinners.

    Get the Recipe

    Larb Gai

    Larb gai.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Thai chicken salad is a simple and healthy choice that you'll find yourself making often. It has a tasty mix of flavors and is topped with crunchy peanuts, adding a nice texture to the dish.

    Get the recipe

    Chickpea Gyros

    Chickpea Gyros.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Chickpea gyros are a quick vegetarian dinner that you can prepare in just 10 minutes on the stovetop. With minimal prep time, you can go from arriving home to enjoying your meal in about 15 minutes. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

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      20 Ideas for Ground Beef Dinners to Make on Busy Weeknights

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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