Stay Cool This Summer with Easy One-Pot Meals, Air Fryer Delights, and Refreshing Side Dishes

Let's take a moment to acknowledge how scorching hot it gets during summer. The headlines lately are all about the record breaking heat waves rolling through. The last thing you want to do is turn on the oven and make your air conditioning work even harder.

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So, when the dog days of summer hit, I rely on my trusty Instant Pot pressure cooker, air fryer, and even the microwave to whip up dinner without breaking a sweat. Today, I'm sharing some of my favorite recipes that will keep your kitchen cool while satisfying hungry bellies!

One Pot Pressure Cooker Meals

Let's start with some one-pot wonders that are sure to make your life easier:

• Soccer Mom Pasta with Meatballs: This Old Gal's recipe will have your family cheering on busy nights. All you need is 4 ingredients: frozen meatballs, pasta (we prefer rotini), sauce, and water and dinner is ready in way less than 30 minutes.
• Instant Pot Chicken Chili: Dump and go with boneless skinless chicken thighs, beans, corn, tomatoes with chiles, and some taco seasoning. A Mindful Mom's recipe is a quick and easy winner!
• Instant Pot Ground Beef Chili: Simple yet bursting with flavor, Nom Nom Paleo's recipe with a dollop of sour cream and ripe slices of avocado is my go-to when I crave something hearty.
• Instant Pot Breakfast Casserole: Get creative with this fun recipe from Eating Instantly. Substitute bacon with ground Italian or breakfast sausage, and feel free to toss in different veggies like broccoli, leeks, or mushrooms. Pro-tip: brown everything in the Instant Pot for extra yumminess without the extra dishes! Stir the ingredients together BEFORE pouring into your greased pan so it's less likely to stick.

Instant Pot and Air Fryer Meals

Now, let's move on to mouthwatering main courses and meat dishes:

• Air Fryer Hot Dogs: Few things say summer like hot dogs, and with this super easy recipe from A Southern Soul, you won't have to fire up the grill to get perfectly juicy and lightly charred hot dogs on the table.
• Air Fryer Salmon: In the mood for some healthy omega fats? Let the air fryer work its magic with this delicious salmon recipe from Feel Good Foodie.

• Air Fryer Hamburgers: Get your grill vibes going without stepping outside. Spend with Pennies has the perfect recipe for air fryer hamburgers. This method has the added benefit leaving behind no greasy splatter all over your oven and countertops from flipping burgers on the stove.
• Air Fryer Meatloaf: Forget about spending 2-3 hours baking by an oven when you can make meatloaf in the air fryer! Check out our quick and easy recipe and have dinner ready in no time.

• Easy Pressure Cooker Ribs: Want tender fall off the bone ribs without sweltering with an oven for two to three hours? The pressure cooker is here to save the day. Amy + Jacky's recipe is your go-to solution when you're short on time or energy. And for a more seasoned rib, try this St. Louis Style Ribs recipe from The Kitchen Whisperer. In both cases, finish them off in the air fryer (or under the broiler, if you must) to have a perfectly caramelized coat of finger licking good barbecue sauce.
• Easiest Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork: This versatile dish is perfect for tacos, sandwiches, or wraps. Pair it with homemade coleslaw or kimchi for extra awesomeness. We've covered the easiest pulled pork recipe right here on Let's Ask Your Mom.

Quick and Easy Summer Side Dishes

Now, let's not forget about those tasty sides and vegetables:

• Coleslaw: Why not make your own coleslaw dressing? Not only is it super easy, but it also saves you some bucks and ensures you have it fresh when you need it. No more worrying about pre-made coleslaw going bad before you can dig in. All you need are 4-5 simple ingredients (when I'm out of lemons, I just add a little extra vinegar). Pour this over a mix of pre-shredded veggies, and voila! You're all set.
• Corn on the Cob: Forget sweating over a pot of boiling water! Make your corn in the microwave, pressure cooker, or air fryer. The air fryer version will get you into the summer street fair spirit in no time.

• Korean Cucumber Salad: Looking for a refreshing side dish to spice up your summer rotation? Look no further, this is the perfect addition to any meal. This recipe from The Devil Wears Salad will allow you to indulge in some Korean culinary goodness! If you prefer a milder twist (although slightly less authentic), give this simple variation a try from Food.com. It's a quick and easy option that still delivers that satisfying crunch.
• Air Fryer Veggie Delights: Sweet potato fries, zucchini, green beans, eggplant—all play well in the air fryer. Check out these recipes for some tasty inspiration and you may never want to make them another way again.
• Oven-Roasted Veggies, Minus the Oven: Want that roasted veggie goodness without heating up the oven? Give this trick a spin. Steam your veggies in the microwave (cover with a wet cloth or paper towel and microwave on high for 2 minutes), then finish them in the air fryer (400 degrees, 4 minutes, or until lightly charred). This works wonders for broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or any other veggie that tends to burn or dry out in the air fryer before being fully cooked inside.

So, my fellow parents, let's beat the summer heat and keep our kitchens cool with these fantastic recipes. They'll satisfy the whole family while saving you from melting away. Happy cooking, and may your meals be deliciously hassle-free!