15 Incredibly Easy 5-Ingredient Recipes for Any Night

Get ready for 15 incredibly easy 5-ingredient recipes that are full of flavor and perfect for any night of the week. From comforting classics like grilled cheese and pasta dishes to fun desserts like peanut butter cookies or Nutella puff pastries, this collection has got you covered. So grab your ingredients and get ready to whip up delicious and satisfying meals that won't leave you exhausted (or broke!).

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

A stacked halved toasted sandwich filled with melty cheese. — Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

Savor the ultimate convenience and indulgence with these irresistible air-fryer grilled cheese sandwiches. Made with crusty sourdough bread and creamy, melted Havarti cheese, these time saving sandwiches take 3 ingredients and 4 minutes.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Vegan Buttered Noodles

Pasta in a bowl topped with butter and parsley beside a plate of toasted bread. — Image Credit: Erika Piper for The Veggie Yaya

Craving ultimate easy comfort food? These melt-in-your-mouth noodles are coated in a savory garlic butter sauce with a touch of nutty parmesan, all finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and black pepper. The best part? This simple dish uses just 3 ingredients and comes together in under 10 minutes. So easy!

Get the recipe: Vegan Buttered Noodles

5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

A halved peanut butter cookie on a counter with more cookies behind it. — Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

These incredible 5-Ingredient peanut butter cookies come together in a flash. No need to soften butter, no creaming required – just toss everything in one bowl and bake! In minutes, you'll have warm, soft, and fudgy peanut butter cookies.

Get the recipe: 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

One Pot Hummus Pasta

Pasta in a bowl topped with oregano leaves. — Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

Dinner in a flash? This creamy hummus pasta takes just 20 minutes! Roasted red pepper hummus gets tossed with sautéed veggies and curly noodles for a satisfying, 5-ingredient vegetarian meal. Plus, it's completely customizable for your favorite flavors!

Get the recipe: One Pot Hummus Pasta

Mango Smoothie Bowl

A bowl with a light orange smoothie in it topped with mango chunks, coconut, and chia seeds. — Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

This refreshing smoothie bowl combines frozen fruit with creamy coconut milk for a sweet and filling breakfast that's ready in just 5 minutes. Top it off with your favorite tropical vibes – fresh fruit, crunchy granola, or a sprinkle of nuts and coconut flakes.

Get the recipe: Mango Smoothie Bowl

3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Chicken in a wrap with cucumber and onion. — Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

This slow-cooker salsa chicken is the ultimate shortcut. Just toss in 3 ingredients and let your slow cooker do the work. This easy and flavorful chicken is perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or on its own with mashed potatoes.

Get the recipe: 3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Air Fryer Tofu Katsu

A bowl with topped rice on one side and tofu rectangles on the other side. — Image Credit: Erika Piper for The Veggie Yaya

Craving that irresistible Katsu crunch? Look no further! This Air Fryer Tofu Katsu features juicy tofu cloaked in a light batter and golden panko, bursting with Japanese flavors in every bite.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Katsu

Coconut Jasmine Rice

Rice in a bowl topped with toasted coconut and parsley. — Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

Fragrant jasmine rice is simmered in creamy coconut milk for a side dish that's loaded with flavor. Made with just 5 ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect accompaniment to your favorite Thai curries. Finish it off with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for extra flair!

Get the recipe: Coconut Jasmine Rice

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

A plate with smashed baby potatoes with a bowl of dip in the center. — Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

Craving crispy, flavorful potatoes but short on time? These air fryer smashed potatoes are ready in 30 minutes! 5 ingredients create perfectly smashed potatoes with a delightful contrast: crispy on the outside, fluffy and soft on the inside. Make the most of ingredients like Dijon mustard and thyme to add bold flavor, making this a side dish that's both easy and impressive.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts

A bowl with roasted Brussels sprouts topped with fresh thyme. — Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

Transform frozen Brussels sprouts into a delightful side dish in just 15 minutes using your air fryer. A sweet and tangy maple balsamic glaze with a touch of Dijon mustard and thyme bring big flavor. With only 5 ingredients, it's the perfect way to add some greens to your weeknight meals.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Sesame Broccoli

Roasted broccoli in a bowl topped with sesame seeds. — Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

Elevate ordinary broccoli into a flavor bomb with a satisfyingly crispy texture and a hint of nutty goodness from sesame seeds. Made with just 5 simple ingredients, it's perfect for busy weeknights but elegant enough for a special occasion.

Get the recipe: Roasted Sesame Broccoli

Tuna Pesto Pasta

Three bowls of pasta topped with black olives and basil. — Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

Beat the heat with this refreshing and flavorful salad! It's loaded with summer vibes in just 5 simple ingredients: store-bought pesto, bowtie pasta, red onion, juicy tuna, and briny black olives. This quick and easy tuna pasta salad is perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying side, or a potluck showstopper.

Get the recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Air Fryer Cumin Chicken Recipe

A plate with cooked spiced chicken. — Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

Skip the complicated recipes – this 4 ingredient cumin chicken is all about fast and flavorful. Juicy chicken is coated in a simple spice blend with a touch of lime juice, creating next-level flavor in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a quick and easy dinner idea.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Cumin Chicken Recipe

Nutella Puff Pastry Tree

Pastry shaped as a tree with a chocolate filling, topped with powdered sugar beside a bowl of chocolate. — Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

Skip the complicated desserts – this Nutella puff pastry tree is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Layers of store-bought puff pastry are filled with creamy Nutella and transformed into a stunning Christmas tree with a simple cutting technique. Try twists instead when it's not the holidays. Either way, this impressive dessert requires minimal effort and only 3 ingredients.

Get the recipe: Nutella Puff Pastry Tree

Air Fryer Chicken Katsu

A plate with rice, topped with sliced green onions and sliced breaded chicken, beside a small bowl of green onions. — Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

Ditch the deep fryer and satisfy your Japanese food cravings with this incredibly easy Air Fryer Chicken Katsu! Inspired by the classic Japanese dish, this recipe uses just 4 ingredients and takes only 12 minutes in your air fryer. Tender chicken gets a delightful crunch from a crispy Panko breadcrumb coating!

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Katsu