2025-02-11T12:08:02Z Read in app I make all sorts of easy recipes in my air fryer, like roasted potatoes. Cavan-Images/Shutterstock This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? I love my air fryer and use it pretty much every day for easy meals and snacks.One of my favorite simple air-fryer meals is andouille sausage, onions, and peppers.Crispy chickpeas are a great snack, and air-fried pears make a nice dessert.Before I started using my air fryer a few years ago, I didn't realize its full potential. I thought of it as a quick-cooking method for frozen food or a backup plan when I needed something heated up super quickly.Now, I use my air fryer at least once a day and depend on it to cook meals, snacks, and desserts.Here are six of my favorite easy air-fryer recipes. Crispy chickpeas make for a flavorful snack.I like to make my chickpeas extra crispy. Kristen Kwiatkowski When I crave a quick snack, crispy chickpeas are at the top of my list. The legumes cook up quickly in the air fryer with very few ingredients.I give one can of chickpeas a good rinse and then toss them in olive oil, salt, and paprika.With my air fryer set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, I cook the beans for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure everything cooks evenly.It's a convenient snack to enjoy at home or on the go. Plus, chickpeas have fiber and protein, so they keep me full.Air-fried tofu goes nicely with broccoli.I like the texture of air-fried tofu. Kristen Kwiatkowski Air-fried tofu and broccoli is one of my favorite vegetarian meals to make.I cut the tofu up in small cubes, toss it in a mixture of soy sauce and brown sugar, and pop it in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes. Again, I shake the basket a few times during the cooking process.While the tofu is cooking, I usually chop some broccoli into florets and add the vegetable to the air fryer midway through. I also like to add sliced green onions near the end of the cooking time so the flavors infuse into the finished product.Mild shishito peppers and crusty bread make a great appetizer.Shishito peppers feel fancy, but they're super simple to make. Kristen Kwiatkowski Shishito peppers pack a lot of flavor without being too spicy.I start by washing the peppers, placing them in the air-fryer basket, and drizzling some extra-virgin olive oil on top. Add a few shakes of salt and cook the peppers at 400 degrees for six to eight minutes or until they have a slight char on the outside.Once the peppers are done, I brush olive oil onto slices of French baguette (or whatever bread I have on hand) and pop them in the hot basket.The blistered peppers pair so nicely with the warm, crispy bread.Sausage, peppers, and onions are all I need for a complete air-fryer meal.I throw the sausage and veggies in the air fryer together. Kristen Kwiatkowski If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner, combine slices of andouille sausage, peppers, and onions in an air fryer.Add a tablespoon of oil and some salt, and shake lightly to coat all of the ingredients evenly. Then, cook everything for about 15 minutes at 400 degrees until the ingredients have slightly crisp edges.It's such a simple yet delicious weeknight meal.I combine potatoes and shallots for a hearty side dish.Nothing beats a crispy side of potatoes. Kristen Kwiatkowski With just a few ingredients, I can create a flavorful potato side dish to accompany my favorite main courses.Start by rinsing and chopping six to 10 red potatoes into halves or quarters and peeling and slicing one shallot. Then, combine the vegetables in the air-fryer basket, toss with olive oil and salt, and cook everything at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.You'll know it's done when the potatoes are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.Air-fried pears are a light but satisfying dessert.When I want something sweet, I air-fry some pear slices. Kristen Kwiatkowski When I'm craving dessert but want something lighter, air-fried pears are my go-to. Just core two pears and slice them into about six or eight wedge-shaped pieces.Toss the slices with 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Then, air-fry at 375 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes or until the pears are slightly soft.