Ingredients Needed for Chicken Salad

• 2 cups Cooked chicken breast – The star of the recipe. Rotisserie chicken, poached chicken, or leftover grilled chicken all work well.
• ⅓ cup Mayonnaise – Creates the creamy texture that makes chicken salad so satisfying.
• ½ cup Celery – Adds a fresh crunch and classic chicken salad flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon Black pepper – Gives the chicken salad a subtle kick and balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
• ¼ teaspoon Salt – Enhances all the flavors. Adjust to taste.
• Toppings for sandwiches: onions, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, red wine vinegar, an olive oil blend, oregano, and salt.

How to Make Chicken Salad

Finely chop or shred the cooked chicken and place it in a large mixing bowl. Dice the celery into small pieces for even texture throughout the salad.

Add the mayonnaise, black pepper, and salt to the bowl. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated and creamy.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend together.

Serve on sandwich rolls, croissants, toasted bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps.

Next up I'm going to share a recipe for their homemade sub rolls but here is one while you wait for that!

Easy Ways to Cook Chicken for Chicken Salad

You can use almost any cooked chicken in this Jersey Mike's-inspired chicken salad recipe. Here are a few of my favorite methods:

Air Fryer Chicken Breast is one of the easiest ways to make juicy chicken for chicken salad. It cooks quickly and stays tender, making it perfect for meal prep.

Thin Chicken Breast Air Fryer Thin Chicken Breast Air Fryer - If you're short on time, thin chicken breasts cook even faster in the air fryer while staying moist and flavorful.

How to Smoke Chicken Breasts 225 - Smoked chicken adds a subtle smoky flavor that takes homemade chicken salad to the next level.

Easy Blackstone Chicken Breasts (Griddle Recipe) - Chicken cooked on the Blackstone develops great flavor and works beautifully in sandwiches, wraps, and chicken salad.

Easy Homemade Sub Rolls (Makes 4 large rolls)

Are you also looking to make home made sub rolls for chicken salad? You should! I plan on making this next make sure to check it out!

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (105–110°F)
• 2 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add oil, salt, and flour. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
5. Divide into 4 equal pieces.
6. Roll each piece into an 8-inch log.
7. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover.
8. Let rise another 30–45 minutes.
9. Brush with beaten egg if desired.
10. Bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.

Pro Tips for Jersey Mike's Chicken Salad

• Use finely chopped chicken for the most authentic texture. The smaller pieces help the chicken salad hold together better.
• Let the chicken salad chill before serving. The flavor improves significantly after spending time in the refrigerator.
• Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut when you need a quick lunch option.
• Start with less mayonnaise and add more if needed. Different types of chicken absorb moisture differently.

Storage

Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the chicken salad separate from bread until ready to serve to prevent soggy sandwiches.

This recipe is not recommended for freezing since the mayonnaise can separate after thawing.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on a buttery croissant for a bakery-style lunch.
• Pile onto toasted sourdough bread with lettuce and tomato.
• Make a classic sub sandwich using a hoagie roll. Or just simply eat it out of the container.
• Serve with crackers for an easy snack plate.
• Add a scoop to a bed of mixed greens for a lighter meal.
• Stuff into lettuce wraps for a lower-carb option.
• Pair with fresh fruit, chips, or a simple side salad.

Easy Air Fryer Proteins for Beginners

One of the best things about owning an air fryer is how easy it makes cooking protein. From bacon and sausage to chicken and burgers, these recipes require minimal prep and help new air fryer users build confidence in the kitchen.

• Air Fryer Bacon: The Ultimate Guide (No Smoke) - A beginner-friendly recipe that delivers crispy bacon with little effort.
• Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs - A protein-packed staple that's perfect for meal prep, salads, and snacks.
• Air Fryer Turkey Bacon - A lighter alternative that cooks quickly and pairs well with eggs and toast.
• Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage - Cook sausage links, patties, chicken sausage, or turkey sausage in minutes.
• Air Fryer Frozen Burgers - Juicy burgers without firing up the grill.
• Air Fryer Chicken Patties - A simple lunch or dinner option that works well in sandwiches and wraps.
• Air Fryer Frozen Burritos- Frozen burritos become crispy on the outside while staying warm and flavorful inside.

Best Frozen Foods for Air Fryer Beginners

Frozen foods are one of the easiest ways to learn how to use your air fryer. They cook quickly and require very little preparation.

• Air Fryer Frozen French Fries - French fries are often the first food people cook in their air fryer. They become crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside.
• Air Fryer Frozen Waffles - Frozen waffles cook quickly in the air fryer and come out perfectly crisp. They're an easy breakfast option for busy mornings.
• Air Fryer Frozen French Toast Sticks - French toast sticks are another beginner-friendly breakfast favorite. The air fryer gives them a crispy exterior without drying them out.

Simple Air Fryer Lunch and Dinner Ideas

Once you're comfortable with frozen foods and breakfast recipes, move on to these easy lunch and dinner options.

• Air Fryer Pizza Bagels - Pizza bagels are quick, customizable, and great for beginners.
• Air Fryer Tuna Melt - A simple lunch recipe that cooks quickly and delivers crispy bread with melted cheese.
• Air Fryer Stir Fry - This easy air fryer stir fry combines tender vegetables and a flavorful sauce for a quick weeknight meal.
• Air Fryer Veggie Stir Fry with Tofu - Packed with colorful vegetables and crispy tofu, this air fryer veggie stir fry is a satisfying plant-based meal.
• Loaded Fries Recipe - These loaded fries are topped with cheese, bacon, green onions, and your favorite toppings for the ultimate comfort food.
• Air Fryer Fish Tacos (3 Ingredients) - only need 3 easy ingredients to make these!
• Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich - just like at Chik Fil A!

Ingredients Needed

• Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough – Refrigerated sugar cookie dough provides consistent results and eliminates the need for measuring ingredients.
• Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper (Optional) – Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Sprinkles (Optional) – Add color and fun for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.
• Frosting (Optional) – A simple way to dress up the cookies after baking.

How to Make Pillsbury Cookies in Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees F for 2 to 3 minutes if your model requires preheating.

Place the cookie dough rounds in a single layer in the air fryer basket on top of some parchment paper. Leave space between each cookie since they will spread while baking.

Yes, I know I need to clean my air fryer and I did after this. lol

Air fry at 320 degrees F for 6 to 8 minutes. Check the cookies after 6 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden while the centers may still look slightly soft.

Carefully remove the cookies from the basket and transfer them to a cooling rack. Allow the cookies to cool for several minutes before serving. They will continue to set as they cool. Add frosting or sprinkles if desired.

Pro Tips for Pillsbury Sugar Cookies

• Do not overcrowd the basket. Air circulation is important for even baking.
• Every air fryer cooks a little differently, so start checking the cookies early.
• For softer cookies, remove them when the centers still look slightly underdone.
• If baking multiple batches, keep an eye on later batches since a preheated air fryer may cook faster.
• Use parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers to prevent sticking.
• Let the cookies cool completely before adding frosting.
• For holiday-themed cookies, add colored sprinkles immediately after baking while the cookies are still warm.

Storage

Store leftover sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

If you prefer warm cookies, microwave a cookie for 8 to 10 seconds before enjoying.

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer sugar cookies are delicious on their own, but there are plenty of ways to make them extra special.

• Serve with a glass of cold milk.
• Pair with coffee or hot chocolate.
• Top with vanilla frosting and colorful sprinkles.
• Make cookie ice cream sandwiches using vanilla ice cream.
• Serve on a holiday dessert tray.
• Add a drizzle of melted white chocolate.
• Package them in gift bags for parties and cookie exchanges.

Ingredients Needed

• Gold Potatoes – Baby gold potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes work best because they become tender without falling apart during cooking.
• Smoked Sausage – Adds smoky flavor and protein to the dish. Kielbasa, andouille, or your favorite smoked sausage all work well.
• Fresh Green Beans – Fresh green beans provide texture and balance the richness of the sausage and butter.
• Onion – Adds savory flavor as it slowly cooks with the other ingredients.
• Olive Oil – Helps coat the potatoes and seasonings evenly.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances the flavors of the dish.
• Black Pepper – Adds a mild kick and depth of flavor.
• Cajun Seasoning – Gives the recipe its signature Southern-style flavor.
• Onion Soup Mix – Adds rich onion flavor and helps season the potatoes.
• Garlic Powder – Complements the sausage and vegetables perfectly.
• Butter – Creates a rich, buttery coating that brings all the ingredients together.

How to Make Swamp Potatoes

Wash and cut the potatoes into approximately 1½-inch pieces. Chop the onion and trim the green beans into 2-inch pieces.

Add the potatoes, onion, smoked sausage, and green beans to the slow cooker. Drizzle the olive oil over the ingredients.

Sprinkle with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, onion soup mix, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until evenly coated.

Slice the butter into pieces and place it on top of the mixture. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.

Once the potatoes are fork tender, stir everything together before serving.

Serve warm and enjoy.

Pro Tips Swamp Potatoes

• Cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Use andouille sausage if you want extra Cajun flavor.
• Stir the mixture once halfway through cooking if possible.
• Fresh green beans hold their texture better than canned green beans.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for additional heat.
• For extra richness, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top before serving.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Storage

Store leftover Swamp Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, microwave individual portions until warmed through or heat in a skillet over medium heat.

You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Allow the mixture to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

These Crock Pot Swamp Potatoes are hearty enough to serve as a meal but also work well as a side dish.

Serve them with:

• Grilled chicken
• Pulled pork
• BBQ ribs
• Smoked brisket
• Cornbread
• Coleslaw
• Garden salad
• Dinner rolls

Air Fryer Cookies & Bars

Air Fryer Cookie Dough (Pillsbury)

Need a quick cookie recipe? These Air Fryer Sugar Cookies use refrigerated Pillsbury cookie dough to create soft, chewy cookies with golden edges in just minutes. Perfect for holidays, parties, or when you want a simple dessert without turning on the oven.

Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

These classic peanut butter cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. They come together quickly and make a great after-school snack or easy dessert.

Air Fryer Donuts (using canned biscuits)

Skip the trip to the donut shop and make these easy air fryer donuts at home. Light, fluffy, and coated in cinnamon sugar, they're perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Air Fryer Cobblers & Fruit Desserts

2 Ingredient Sugar Cookie Berry Cobbler

This incredibly easy 2-ingredient berry cobbler is one of the simplest desserts you'll ever make. Juicy berries and a buttery topping come together for a warm dessert everyone loves.

Air Fryer Peach Cobbler

Made with canned peaches and sugar cookie dough, this easy peach cobbler delivers all the comfort of a traditional cobbler with minimal prep work. The peaches become warm and bubbly while the cookie topping bakes to golden perfection.

Single Serving Air Fryer Apple Crisp

Craving dessert without making a huge batch? This single serving apple crisp is the perfect solution. Tender apples, cinnamon, and a crunchy topping create a cozy dessert for one.

Air Fryer Apple Chips Weight Watchers

These crispy apple chips are a healthier dessert option that doubles as a snack. Made with simple ingredients, they're naturally sweet and easy to customize with cinnamon.

Air Fryer Cakes & Sweet Treats

Air Fryer Chocolate Cake for One

When you need dessert fast, this air fryer mug cake is the answer. Moist, fluffy, and ready in minutes, it's the ultimate single-serving treat.

Air Fryer Smores Dip (Tik Tok Recipe)

Everything you love about classic campfire s'mores in an easy shareable dessert. Melted chocolate and toasted marshmallows make this dip perfect for parties and movie nights.

Air Fryer Twinkies

These fun air fryer Twinkies are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They're a carnival-inspired dessert that's always a crowd favorite.

Air Fryer Oreos without Crescent Roll Dough

A fair-style dessert made with Oreo cookies wrapped in crescent roll dough and air fried until golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar for an easy treat that tastes like something you'd find at a carnival or county fair.

Air Fryer Churros- Coming Soon!

These homemade churros feature a crispy cinnamon sugar coating and are perfect for dipping in chocolate sauce or caramel.

Air Fryer Cheesecakes

Coming Soon!

Creamy, rich, and surprisingly easy to make, air fryer cheesecakes are one of the most impressive desserts you can create in your air fryer.

Ingredients Needed for Peach Cobbler

1 can of peaches – The base of the cobbler. Use peaches packed in juice or light syrup and drain most of the liquid before using.

Refrigerated Sugar Cookie Dough – 4–6 Pillsbury sugar cookie dough rounds

Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches.

Ingredients Needed for Mexi Rolls

• 1 lb Ground Beef - Lean ground beef provides the hearty filling and classic taco flavor.
• 1 packet Taco Seasoning - Adds the signature Mexican-inspired seasoning blend to the beef.
• 1 can refried beans - you do not need to warm the beans up or anything just spread them on the tortilla.
• Water - Helps distribute the taco seasoning evenly throughout the meat.
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese - Sharp cheddar adds rich flavor and excellent meltability.
• 8 small Flour Tortillas - Small flour tortillas work best for rolling and frying.
• Vegetable Oil - Used for frying the Mexi Rolls until crispy and golden.

How to Make Mexi Rolls

Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess grease.

Stir in taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions.

Let the meat cool slightly.

Spread refried beans onto each tortilla in the middle and then seasoned beef and cheese.

Roll tightly, folding in the sides as you go.

Fry in 350 degree Fahrenheit oil until golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Air Fryer Mexi Rolls

If you do not like deep frying try cooking these Mexi rolls in the air fryer!

1. Lightly spray the outside with cooking spray (optional, but helps them crisp up).
2. Place them seam-side down in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook at 375°F for about 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Check that they're golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Ingredients Needed for Dirty Cabbage

• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced – Adds smoky Cajun flavor.
• 1 pound lean ground beef – Creates the "dirty rice" style base.
• 1 head green cabbage, chopped – The star ingredient.
• 1 red bell pepper, diced – Adds color and sweetness.
• 1 green bell pepper, diced – Classic Cajun flavor.
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced – Provides savory depth.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste – Adds richness.
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the sauce.
• 1 packet Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix – Boosts savory flavor.
• 1 cup beef broth – Helps soften the cabbage.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 to 2 teaspoons Tony's Cajun Seasoning
• Morton's Nature's Seasoning, to taste

Substitution Tips

• Use ground turkey instead of ground beef.
• Swap smoked sausage for andouille if you prefer less heat.
• Use chicken broth instead of beef broth.
• Add diced celery for a more traditional Cajun flavor profile.
• For a lower-sodium version, skip the soup mix and use additional seasonings.

How to Make Dirty Cabbage

Step 1: Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the same skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed. Stir in the Beefy Onion Soup Mix.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables: Add the onion and bell peppers. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.

Step 4: Build the Flavor: Stir in the tomato paste and flour. Cook for about 1 minute while stirring constantly.

Step 5: Add the Cabbage: Pour in the beef broth and stir well. Add the chopped cabbage and seasonings.

Step 6: Simmer: Return the sausage to the skillet. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 cup Hungry Jack Complete Pancake Mix
• ¾ cup (adjust slightly for a thick batter)
• 2 tablespoons Real Maple Syrup
• 2 pre-formed patties Aldi Frozen Breakfast Sausage Patties
• 2 eggs large eggs
• 1 tablespoon Milk
• 2 slices of American or sharp Cheddar cheese
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Cooking Spray or Butter: For greasing the pan

How to Make a Mcgriddle from Mcdonald’s

Using a multi-well non-stick pan is the ultimate secret weapon for this recipe. It ensures your pancake buns are perfectly uniform, thick, and cooked at the exact same time as your fillings.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Hungry Jack pancake mix and water until just combined. Fold in the 2 tablespoons of real maple syrup. The batter should be thick. If it feels too runny from the syrup, stir in an extra tablespoon of dry pancake mix. Let the batter rest for 2 minutes.

Place your 4-hole non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. Lightly coat each of the four wells with cooking spray or a small swipe of butter.

Pour the thick maple pancake batter into two of the wells, filling them about halfway up. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. Watch for bubbles to form on the surface of the pancakes. Flip the pancakes over in their designated wells. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the pancake buns are golden brown Set aside.

Quickly wipe out the pan wells if needed and apply another light spray of oil. Divide your whisked egg mixture evenly between two of the wells. Cook for 2 minutes until the edges are set, then carefully flip the egg rounds over to finish cooking for 1 more minute.

Microwave the breakfast sausage patties for 1 minute in the microwave and set aside.

Assemble the sandwiches.

Ingredients Needed for Rice Paper Bagel

• 4 rice paper wrappers
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 2 scrambled eggs
• ½ cup cooked breakfast sausage or bacon
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon green onions
• Everything bagel seasoning

Ingredient Notes

Rice Paper Wrappers: Found near Asian foods or spring roll wrappers at most grocery stores.

Cheese: Cheddar melts best, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss also work great.

Breakfast Meat: Sausage, bacon, turkey sausage, or diced ham all work well.

Substitution Tips

• Use turkey sausage for a lighter version
• Add spinach or peppers for extra veggies
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack
• Use egg whites for extra protein
• Add hot sauce or salsa before serving

How to Make a Rice Paper Breakfast Bagel

Step 1: Make the Egg Wash - In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.

Step 2: Dip the Rice Paper - Quickly dip each rice paper wrapper into the egg wash until softened but not falling apart.

Step 3: Add the Filling - Lay the rice paper wrappers slightly overlapping on a cutting board. Add: scrambled eggs, sausage or bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions.

Step 4: Roll Into a Spiral - Carefully roll everything into a long log shape, then coil it into a spiral or bagel shape.

Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.

Step 5: Air Fry - Air fry at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

You can also bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes.