The cafeteria gets the job done, but sometimes students just want something different. For those living in the dorms at ULM, strict appliance rules also limit what you can cook in your room. Still, many students already have one tool that can make dorm cooking easier: an air fryer.
With a little creativity, that small appliance can do a lot more than heat up frozen chicken nuggets. This guide highlights a few simple meals students can make in their dorms for something quick, affordable and a little more satisfying.
If you are having a particularly rough week, no one will judge if you want to heat up chicken nuggets or corn dogs.
I would recommend purchasing air fryer liners for all provided recipes to make cleanup easier—no one wants to clean up grease in their 15-minute break between classes.
Chicken and Rice
A classic comfort meal that is filling, inexpensive and easily customizable.
Ingredients:
1 boneless chicken breast or thigh $9.15
1 cup cooked rice $1.77
1 tablespoon butter $3.44
Salt, pepper and garlic powder (or preferred seasoning) $2.00
Estimated cost: $15-$20
Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
Rub the chicken with softened butter (microwave for 15-20 seconds) and coat with seasonings.
Place chicken in the air fryer and cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Heat the rice separately in a microwave; follow cooking instructions on the bag (certain types of rice need to be cooked differently, so it is best to follow the instructions provided.)
Slice the chicken and serve over rice.
Microwave: Use pre-cooked rotisserie or canned chicken and microwave with rice.
Slow Cooker: Cook chicken with a little broth on low for 4–5 hours and shred over rice.
Personal Pan Pizza
This quick personal pizza lets students satisfy late-night cravings without ordering delivery—if you are anything like me, you will want to make two.
Ingredients:
1 pita bread, tortilla or English muffin $3.17
2–3 tablespoons pizza sauce $1.12
¼ cup shredded mozzarella $3.48
Toppings: pepperoni $2.88, vegetables $1.94 or leftover chicken (see above).
Estimated cost: $10-$15
Air Fryer: Spread sauce over the bread base.
Sprinkle cheese and add toppings. If you are including meat on your pizza, try not to cover it too much with cheese, as it might not cook all the way through. If you use pre-cooked meat, it will be fine.
Air fry at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until cheese melts and edges are crispy.
Toaster Oven: Bake at 375°F for about 8 minutes.
Microwave: Heat for 1–2 minutes (crust will be softer). Not recommended if you are eating raw meat on your pizza.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
A quick dessert that only requires a few pantry staples and can satisfy a sweet tooth during late-night study sessions. They are easy to store and eat throughout the week as well, so you can meal prep before a busy week if needed.
Ingredients:
1 cup peanut butter $1.98
½ cup sugar $2.97
1 egg $1.67
¼ cup chocolate chips $3.58
Estimated cost: $10-$15
Air Fryer: Mix peanut butter, sugar and egg in a bowl.
Stir in chocolate chips—¼ cup is recommended, but always measure with your heart.
Roll dough into small balls and place in the air fryer basket with parchment paper. I recommend cooking no more than four at a time, so they do not stick together.
Air fry at 350°F for 6–8 minutes.
Toaster Oven: Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
Microwave: Put one portion of dough in a mug and microwave for about 45 seconds. Make sure you use a microwave-safe mug and let it sit for at least three minutes before attempting to grab it.
Pork Chops
Air frying pork chops creates a crispy outside while keeping the meat tender inside. I used to eat these frequently growing up, so it is nice to be reminded of my childhood while far from home. I do not burn them as much as my father did, though.
Ingredients:
1 pork chop $8.50
1 tablespoon oil $2.97
Salt, pepper and paprika $3.00
Estimated cost: $15-$20
Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
Rub pork chop with oil and seasonings.
Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Toaster Oven: Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
Hot Dogs
A dorm-room staple that becomes surprisingly crispy in an air fryer. I have hosted a few get-togethers at my dorm using these to feed attendees; no one has complained of the quality just yet. Also, considering hot dogs are typically eight packs and buns are 12, you can enjoy infinitely purchasing more of each product to use up leftovers.
Ingredients:
1–2 hot dogs $1.77
1 bun $1.48
Condiments: ketchup, mustard, relish (free if you go to Shulze and grab some to-go sauces. $3.00
Estimated cost: $5-$8
Air Fryer: Place hot dogs in the air fryer.
Cook at 375°F for 4–5 minutes.
Toast the bun in the air fryer for the last minute if desired.
Microwave: Heat hot dog for about 30–40 seconds.
Mushrooms and Onions
This simple side dish elevates the taste burgers, rice bowls, sandwiches and more.
Ingredients:
1 cup sliced mushrooms $1.94
½ onion, sliced $0.67
1 tablespoon oil $2.97 or butter $3.44
Salt and pepper $1.00
Estimated cost: $4-$7
Air Fryer: Toss mushrooms and onions with oil, salt and pepper.
Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Potstickers
Frozen potstickers offer a quick meal with minimal prep and good enough flavor. They cannot all be 5-star Michelin meals.
Ingredients:
6–8 frozen potstickers $6.46
Soy sauce or dipping sauce $1.58
Estimated cost: $8-$10
Air Fryer: Spray potstickers lightly with oil. Air fry at 370°F for 8–10 minutes until crispy.
Microwave: Heat with a damp paper towel for about 2 minutes.
