Hectic weeknights can leave you feeling like there’s never enough time to cook. Using alternative cooking methods and simple recipes can help you prepare dinner quickly without sacrificing flavor. Stir-frying and air-frying are two methods that make it easy to put a satisfying meal on the table in minutes.

For a fast and flavorful dinner, a simple chicken stir-fry is packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables and savory soy sauce. Ready in about 15 minutes, it can become a weeknight staple. Stir-fries are highly customizable: swap chicken for shrimp or tofu, mix and match vegetables, and experiment with sauces such as teriyaki, sriracha, or sesame-ginger for added flavor. Serve alongside steamed rice, spring rolls, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Air-frying offers similar convenience to baking but usually requires less preheating. Air-fried veggie rice bites are a quick, cheesy snack or light meatless meal. Made with cooked rice, vegetables, egg and cheese, they are ready in under 10 minutes and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, barbecue, honey mustard, garlic aioli or a spicy mayo.

SIMPLE CHICKEN STIR-FRY

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2–4

Ingredients:
2 cups cooked sticky rice
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
1 cup mixed vegetables
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:
■ Heat the rice according to package directions.
■ In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, heat sesame oil. Add chicken and sauté 6 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
■ Add vegetables and stir-fry 4 minutes, until tender but still crisp.
■ Add rice and soy sauce to the skillet; stir to coat evenly and heat through.
■ Remove from heat, stir in green onions, garnish with sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot.
■ Tips: Chicken can be substituted with shrimp or tofu. Frozen vegetables can be used; cook about 5 minutes, until heated through.

AIR-FRIED VEGGIE RICE BITES

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 9 minutes
Servings: 1–2

Ingredients:
1 cup cooked rice
1/4 cup thawed mixed vegetables
1 egg
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
Optional: barbecue sauce, ranch or other dipping sauce

Instructions:
■ Preheat air fryer to 390 F.
■ Roughly chop vegetables.
■ In a bowl, combine vegetables, egg, cheese, garlic powder and salt. Freeze 5 minutes to firm up slightly.
■ Divide the mixture into four portions and shape into small mounds.
■ Air-fry 8 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve with dipping sauce if desired.