19 takeout staples, reimagined for the lazy home cook

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This post is your guide to takeout staples, reimagined for the lazy home cook. We’re talking about 19 delicious takes on your takeout favorites, designed for minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds.
Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken with green onions on a blue and white plate.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken is a straightforward dish, perfect for a relaxed cook. It creates a sticky and crispy meal in a mere 20 minutes, rivaling the convenience of takeout on a hectic evening.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken

Homemade Egg Rolls

Egg roll cut in half and dipped into sweet chili sauce.
Homemade Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Homemade Egg Rolls bring the classic takeout right to your kitchen, with a crunchy exterior and a savory pork and cabbage filling. They are a simple choice for recreating a takeout staple at home.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Egg Rolls

Chicken Katsu

Air fryer chicken katsu topped with katsu sauce on a plate with rice and cucumbers.
Chicken Katsu. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With this Chicken Katsu recipe, you can achieve a crispy, golden result using an air fryer. It’s a laid-back approach to a beloved dish, complete with a homemade sauce that captures the essence of a takeout favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Katsu

Crock Pot Ramen

Top view of slow cooker chicken ramen in the Crock Pot.
Crock Pot Ramen. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crock Pot Ramen turns your favorite noodle soup into an effortless home-cooked meal. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it dish that serves up steaming, flavor-packed ramen, perfect for the relaxed home chef.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ramen

Kung Pao Chicken

Chinese chicken stir fry in a white bowl with chopsticks.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken brings a healthier version of the classic dish to your table. It’s an easy recipe that delivers a flavorful meal without the added oil, making takeout-style dining accessible to any home cook.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Shrimp Egg Rolls

Egg rolls on a plate with dipping sauce.
Shrimp Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Shrimp Egg Rolls are a cinch to make, offering a crispy shell filled with shrimp and vegetables. They’re a go-to for anyone looking to replicate the takeout experience at home with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Egg Rolls

Mongolian Beef

Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds.
Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy Mongolian Beef from your air fryer, featuring crispy beef in a sweet and salty sauce. This dish is a quick, family-friendly meal that’s ready in 20 minutes, ideal for those laid-back cooking days.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Beef

General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso's Chicken on a plate with broccoli and rice.
General Tso’s Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

General Tso’s Chicken from the air fryer is a simple, at-home twist on a takeout classic. In just 20 minutes, you can have a meal that’s coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for a relaxed evening in.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Closeup of crispy spring rolls cooked in air fryer.
Air Fryer Spring Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Air Fryer Spring Rolls are a fast and easy appetizer, ideal for serving with your favorite sauce. They’re a practical choice for anyone looking to whip up a quick snack or party dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken on wooden cutting board.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and quick option, ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a dish that brings the comfort of takeout right to your table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Char Siu

Sliced char siu pork with lettuce leaves.
Char Siu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Char Siu can be made effortlessly in a pressure cooker, followed by a quick grill or air fryer finish. It’s a convenient way to enjoy this dish without overheating your kitchen, suitable for any laid-back cook.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu

Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

Crab rangoon in the air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Crab Rangoon. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Crab Rangoon offers the joy of crispy crab and cream cheese dumplings without the complexity. This easy-to-make side dish is a simple way to recreate a favorite takeout treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

Sweet and Sour Chicken Egg Rolls – Air Fryer Recipe

Chinese chicken egg rolls on a cutting board.
Sweet and Sour Chicken Egg Rolls – Air Fryer Recipe. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

For a homemade version of a takeout classic, try these Sweet and Sour Chicken Egg Rolls. They’re a straightforward air fryer recipe that brings a popular appetizer into your kitchen with ease.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken Egg Rolls – Air Fryer Recipe

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Orange chicken in chopsticks with chicken, rice and orange slices in the background.
Air Fryer Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Orange Chicken lets you enjoy a takeout favorite without stepping out. Crispy chicken coated in a sweet orange sauce, this dish is a convenient and quick option for any cook.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl is an uncomplicated dish that captures the essence of takeout in a single, easy-to-make bowl. It combines chicken, veggies, and savory flavors for a relaxed cooking experience.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Air Fryer Tofu

Fried tofu on a plate with one bitten into and a bowl of dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Tofu. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Tofu nuggets are a speedy and straightforward vegetarian dish. Ready in 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a healthy and easy alternative to traditional takeout.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu

Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground pork and purple cabbage stir fry in a white pan.
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry is a speedy, Asian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a no-hassle meal. It combines ground pork, cabbage, and mushrooms with a savory sauce for a simple yet hearty dish.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Plate of orange chicken in a metal bowl from the top.
Instant Pot Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a flavorful and quick dish, ready in 45 minutes. It brings the taste of a popular takeout item to your dinner table, ideal for a relaxed and easy meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken

Eating sweet and sour chicken with chopsticks.
Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken is a homemade alternative to a Chinese takeout favorite. With a crispy exterior and a pineapple-infused juicy interior, it’s an easy option for any casual cook.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken

Korean Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry over rice.
Korean Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Korean Beef and Broccoli offers a quick and flavorful meal with bold, sweet, and spicy sauce. It’s a straightforward dish that suits a relaxed cooking style, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

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