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15 Recipes That Help You Dodge Hangry Meltdowns by Getting Food on the Table Fast

ByLeah Ingram

Hanger strikes when you least expect it and no one wants to deal with a meltdown over an empty plate. These 15 recipes get food on the table fast, some as fast as 30 minutes, and keep the peace. Because nothing ruins a day like a growling stomach on the verge of a tantrum.

Close-up of several seasoned and grilled chicken wings garnished with small parsley pieces on a white surface.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Photo Credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Six seasoned chicken drumsticks are shown being cooked in an air fryer basket, with a pair of tongs holding one.
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks come out juicy inside and crisp outside with almost no cleanup. Just season them, toss them in and you’ve got dinner in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot

A close-up of creamy macaroni and cheese garnished with parsley.
Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot means less time cooking and even less time scrubbing. Cook the sausage, stir in pasta and sauce then boom—done.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta in One Pot

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Close-up of sliced, golden-brown breaded chicken pieces on a wooden board, garnished with herbs, with lemon slices in the background.
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets get golden and crispy without the mess. Just bread them, pop them in the fryer and stack them on sandwiches, salads or eat straight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Spicy Chicken with Pepperoncini Peppers

Pepperoncini Chicken Process in pan.
Spicy Chicken with Pepperoncini Peppers. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Spicy Chicken with Pepperoncini Peppers brings heat fast. Brown your chicken, pour in the peppers and broth and get dinner on the table without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chicken with Pepperoncini Peppers

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine

A bowl of fettuccine alfredo topped with grilled chicken pieces and served with a breadstick on the side.
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine gives you that creamy pasta hit without waiting for takeout. Cook the chicken, boil the noodles, mix and eat.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

A close-up of a vibrant stir-fry dish featuring air fryer chicken fajitas with seasoned chicken, yellow, green, and red bell peppers, and onions.
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas cut down the time without cutting flavor. Toss chicken and peppers in spices, air fry and load into tortillas while they’re hot.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Rice Casserole

A plate of cheesy sausage and rice casserole is served, featuring sliced sausages mixed with rice and topped with melted cheese. A piece of bread and a beverage are visible in the background.
One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Rice Casserole gets the job done fast. Brown sausage, dump in rice, broth and cheese then let it all cook together in one pan.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Rice Casserole

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Summer Squash Skillet

A plate of grilled chicken pieces, sliced zucchini, and yellow squash garnished with basil leaves and lemon wedges. The plate rests on a red cloth with a fork beside it.
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Summer Squash Skillet. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Summer Squash Skillet keeps things fast and fresh. Sear chicken, toss in squash and garlic then serve straight from the pan.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken with Summer Squash Skillet

Air Fryer Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders

Three crispy chicken tenders on a white plate, drizzled with honey.
Air Fryer Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders pack crunch without frying. Coat your chicken, pop it in the air fryer and dip it in whatever sauce keeps you happy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders

Roasted Potatoes in the Air Fryer

A white dish filled with roasted potato wedges, garnished with fresh rosemary, sits beside a plaid kitchen towel and a stainless steel appliance.
Roasted Potatoes in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Roasted Potatoes in the Air Fryer turn crispy and golden without the wait. Toss with oil and herbs then let the air fryer do the work.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Chunks of cooked chicken with sauce and chopped green onions served on a fresh green lettuce leaf.
Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps bring crunch and flavor fast. Stir-fry chicken with sauce and cashews, then wrap in cool crisp lettuce.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Rotisserie Chicken Salad

A salad with fresh spinach leaves topped with a mixture of crumbled cheese, walnuts, and what appears to be a creamy chicken salad, served on a beige plate.
Rotisserie Chicken Salad. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Rotisserie Chicken Salad makes quick use of leftover bird. Mix chicken with crunchy veggies and dressing for a fast fresh meal fix.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks

Sliced medium-rare steak seasoned with pepper and served with a slice of lemon on parchment paper.
Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks feed your steak cravings without the wait. Season, air fry and enjoy juicy steak faster than firing up the grill.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

A pile of seasoned, grilled chicken wings on a wooden board, garnished with chopped herbs, alongside a bowl of white dipping sauce with lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings come out crisp and saucy without deep frying. Toss, cook and dunk in your favorite sauce for speedy bites.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Roasted chicken with crispy skin on a plate, garnished with lemon slices and herbs, alongside roasted potato wedges.
Whole Chicken in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Whole Chicken in Air Fryer cooks juicy on the inside with crispy skin on the outside. Season, cook and get a full meal done quickly.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer