Let's be honest, the food served in campus dining halls isn't always that great and can cost a hefty penny. Because of the high expense of tuition and housing, the majority of students in college simply can't afford to take a chance on something like this. Frequent visits to fast food restaurants can add up to the same amount of money as eating in the on-campus dining halls, if not more. The question now is, then, what steps should college students take to ensure they don't go broke while still enjoying a satisfying meal while away from home?

For starters, college students can buy an air fryer and go grocery shopping! Don't worry, you don't have to be a chef to be able to whip up something quick in the air fryer. All you have to do is follow these simple TikTok air fryer recipes for a delightful dorm cuisine!

1. Air Fryer Pizza Bombs

The first step in making Air Fryer Pizza Bombs is opening the biscuit tube and separating them. Roll the biscuits into a ball and flatten each ball out by using a spoon. Next, add pepperoni, cut-up mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce. Then pinch the dough edges over the filling. Continue sealing all ends to prevent leaks. In a small bowl, add melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning and then brush the butter mixture onto each ball. Next, place the pizza bombs in the air fryer at 375 degrees for 12 minutes. When the dough is golden brown, that means the pizza bombs are done. Let them cool off and enjoy!

2. Air Fryer 5-Minute Nachos

This is probably one of the easiest recipes to follow. All you do is grab your favorite tortilla chips, throw them in the air fryer basket, and top them off with cheese along with any toppings of your liking. Pop them them in at 370 degrees for 4 minutes, and VOILA! You can now enjoy restaurant-style nachos in the comfort of your dorm room.

3. Air Fryer Classic Chicken Tenders & Fries

This traditional Chicken Tenders & Fries finger meal has a crunchy exterior and a tender interior, making it perfect for a snack or light meal. Take your preferred brand of frozen chicken tenders, remove them from the freezer, and lay them on top of the aluminum foil. Adjust the temperature of the air fryer to 400 degrees and cook the food for 7 to 8 minutes, turning them over halfway through. After the chicken tenders have achieved a golden color and a crisp texture, remove them from the oven and add the fries. Continue cooking at 400 degrees for 10–13 minutes. Lastly, don't forget to shake the fries and season them!

4. Air Fryer Apple Turnovers with Puff Pastry

Are you craving something sweet after staying up all night to study for exams? Try making these easy Apple Turnovers with Puff Pastry for dessert. First, cut little circles out of the dough. Then, put a scoop of canned apple pie filling in the middle of each circle, fold the dough over the filling, and pinch the ends to ensure the filling doesn't leak out. The last step is to put the apple turnovers in the air fryer for 7 minutes at 375 degrees. Once they are golden brown and cool enough to eat, you can enjoy them.

5. Air Fryer Bacon & Egg Toast

Late for class and have no time to hit the dining hall but still want a hearty, filling breakfast? With this recipe for Air fryer Bacon and Egg Toast, you can have a breakfast that is both delicious and ready in a short amount of time. You first need to butter both sides of the bread, then lay the slices in the air fryer basket with the buttered sides facing down. The next step is to construct a perfect dam for the eggs by arranging the bacon in the form of a ring and pressing it together. After that, pour the egg into the center of the bacon ring. Proceed with the second slice in the same manner as the first. Lastly, place the bread in the air fryer for ten minutes, with the temperature set to 380 degrees. If you want, you can add cheese or whatever other toppings you prefer.

Which one of these tasty air fryer recipes will be your go-to for the new school year?