October Meal Planner: Cozy Bowls & Ovens-Off Crispy Recipes

October — Cozy Bowls & Ovens-Off Crispy
October Meal Planner: Cozy Bowls & Ovens-Off Crispy Recipes

October is here — time for cozy bowls, creamy soups, and crispy air-fried bites… without turning on your oven! 30 comforting, fast recipes using your Stockpot, Air Fryer, Instant Pot, or Ninja Vortex Plus. Perfect for cool fall nights and busy routines.

Featured Books:
Stockpot Cookbook: 139 Simple and Hearty Recipes · 100 Beginner’s Black Garlic Hot Sauce Cookbook · 142 Instant Pot Vortex Plus Cookbook
All Kindle versions: $0.99!

← September | November →

October Recipes

  1. Stockpot Chicken & Dumplings
  2. AF Black Garlic Wings
  3. IP White Chicken Chili
  4. AF Stuffed Mushrooms
  5. Stockpot Beefless Stew
  6. AF Pumpkin Spice Donuts
  7. IP Red Lentil Dal
  8. AF Turkey Cutlets + Gravy
  9. Stockpot Lasagna Soup
  10. AF Crispy Brussels Sprouts
  11. IP Sausage & Bean Soup
  12. AF Salmon Caesar Wraps
  13. Stockpot Broccoli Cheddar
  14. AF Rotisserie Veg Gratin
  15. IP Turkey Noodle Soup
  16. AF Apple Hand Pies
  17. Stockpot Chili Night
  18. AF Falafel & Tahini
  19. IP Chicken Tinga
  20. AF Garlic Bread Pizza
  21. Stockpot Tomato Basil Soup
  22. AF Honey-Mustard Drumsticks
  23. IP Minestrone
  24. AF Fish & Chips
  25. Stockpot Butternut Bisque
  26. AF Chicken Parmesan
  27. IP Chickpea Curry
  28. AF Turkey Meatballs
  29. Stockpot Pho-Style
  30. AF Cinnamon Churro Bites
  31. IP Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Stockpot Chicken & Dumplings

Servings: 4 | Protein: 30g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Cost: $3.50/serving

Appliance: Stockpot

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup biscuit mix (e.g., Bisquick)
  • ½ cup milk
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Sauté chicken, carrots, celery 5 mins.
  2. Add broth, simmer 15 mins.
  3. Mix biscuit mix with milk, drop by spoonfuls into pot. Simmer 15 mins covered.

AF Black Garlic Wings

Servings: 4 | Protein: 28g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Cost: $3.60/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken wings
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp black garlic sauce
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Toss wings with oil and sauces.
  2. Air fry at 375°F for 20 mins, flipping halfway.
  3. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese.

IP White Chicken Chili

Servings: 4 | Protein: 32g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Cost: $3.00/serving

Appliance: Instant Pot

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 can white beans
  • 1 can green chiles
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to IP.
  2. Seal → Manual 10 mins → Quick release.
  3. Shred chicken, stir, serve with toppings.

AF Stuffed Mushrooms

Servings: 4 | Protein: 12g | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Cost: $3.00/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 16 large mushrooms, stems removed
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Mix breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic, oil.
  2. Stuff mushroom caps.
  3. Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 mins.

Stockpot Beefless Stew

Servings: 4 | Protein: 18g | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Cost: $2.80/serving

Appliance: Stockpot

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup seitan or mushrooms
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 potatoes, diced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion and seitan 5 mins.
  2. Add broth, veggies, paste, herbs. Simmer 30–35 mins.

AF Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Servings: 4 | Protein: 6g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Cost: $1.80/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pancake mix
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp pumpkin spice
  • 1 tbsp melted butter
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients into a dough.
  2. Shape into donut rings.
  3. Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 mins.
  4. Coat with butter and cinnamon-sugar.

IP Red Lentil Dal

Servings: 4 | Protein: 18g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Cost: $2.00/serving

Appliance: Instant Pot

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to Instant Pot.
  2. Seal → Manual 10 mins → Quick release.
  3. Stir and serve over rice.

AF Turkey Cutlets + Gravy

Servings: 4 | Protein: 30g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Cost: $3.40/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 4 turkey cutlets
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Dip cutlets in egg, coat with seasoned breadcrumbs.
  2. Air fry 10–12 mins at 375°F.
  3. Make gravy: whisk flour into broth, simmer 5 mins.

Stockpot Lasagna Soup

Servings: 4 | Protein: 26g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Cost: $3.20/serving

Appliance: Stockpot

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups tomato juice
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup pasta
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Brown turkey and onion.
  2. Add tomato juice, broth, sauce. Simmer 15 mins.
  3. Add pasta, cook 10 mins. Stir in cheese.

AF Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Servings: 4 | Protein: 8g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Cost: $2.20/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Toss sprouts with oil and seasoning.
  2. Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 mins, shaking halfway.
  3. Drizzle with balsamic before serving.

IP Sausage & Bean Soup

Servings: 4 | Protein: 24g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Cost: $3.00/serving

Appliance: Instant Pot

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb turkey sausage
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can white beans
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Brown sausage with onion and garlic (Sauté).
  2. Add beans, broth, seasoning. Seal → Manual 10 mins.
  3. Quick release, stir, serve.

AF Salmon Caesar Wraps

Servings: 4 | Protein: 30g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Cost: $4.20/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp lemon pepper
  • 4 large lettuce leaves or tortillas
  • Caesar dressing
  • Croutons

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Brush salmon with oil and seasoning.
  2. Air fry 10–12 mins at 375°F.
  3. Flake and wrap with dressing and croutons.

Stockpot Broccoli Cheddar

Servings: 4 | Protein: 14g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Cost: $2.80/serving

Appliance: Stockpot

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups broccoli, chopped
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Sauté broccoli in pot 5 mins.
  2. Add broth, simmer 15 mins.
  3. Blend half, stir in cheese and milk.

AF Rotisserie Veg Gratin

Servings: 4 | Protein: 12g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Cost: $2.60/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp rotisserie seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella
  • Breadcrumbs (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Toss veggies with oil and seasoning.
  2. Air fry 12–15 mins at 375°F.
  3. Top with cheese, air fry 3–5 more mins to melt.

IP Turkey Noodle Soup

Servings: 4 | Protein: 26g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Cost: $3.00/serving

Appliance: Instant Pot

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup egg noodles
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Brown turkey with onion, carrots, celery.
  2. Add broth and thyme. Seal → Manual 10 mins.
  3. Quick release, add noodles, simmer 8–10 mins.

AF Apple Hand Pies

Servings: 4 | Protein: 6g | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Cost: $2.00/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 4 store-bought pie crusts
  • 1 cup diced apples
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Mix apples, sugar, cinnamon.
  2. Cut crusts into circles, fill, fold, crimp edges.
  3. Brush with egg wash, air fry 12–15 mins at 350°F.

Stockpot Chili Night

Servings: 4 | Protein: 26g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Cost: $2.80/serving

Appliance: Stockpot

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 4 cups broth

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Brown turkey with onion and pepper.
  2. Add remaining ingredients. Simmer 30 mins.
  3. Serve with toppings.

AF Falafel & Tahini

Servings: 4 | Protein: 18g | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Cost: $2.60/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 1 can chickpeas, drained
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 cup parsley
  • Tahini sauce
  • Pita or lettuce

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Pulse ingredients into a dough, form patties.
  2. Air fry 10–12 mins at 375°F.
  3. Serve with tahini and pita.

IP Chicken Tinga

Servings: 4 | Protein: 30g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Cost: $3.20/serving

Appliance: Instant Pot

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can chipotles in adobo
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to IP.
  2. Seal → Manual 10 mins → Quick release.
  3. Shred and serve in tacos or bowls.

AF Garlic Bread Pizza

Servings: 4 | Protein: 14g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 12 mins | Cost: $2.40/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices garlic bread
  • ½ cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh basil

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Top bread with sauce and cheese.
  2. Drizzle with oil.
  3. Air fry 10–12 mins at 375°F.
  4. Garnish with basil.

Stockpot Tomato Basil Soup

Servings: 4 | Protein: 8g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Cost: $2.20/serving

Appliance: Stockpot

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup fresh basil
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion 5 mins. Add tomatoes and broth. Simmer 20 mins.
  2. Blend until smooth. Stir in cream and basil.

AF Honey-Mustard Drumsticks

Servings: 4 | Protein: 26g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Cost: $3.20/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Toss drumsticks with oil, honey, mustard, garlic.
  2. Air fry at 375°F for 25 mins, flipping halfway.
  3. Serve warm.

IP Minestrone

Servings: 4 | Protein: 14g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Cost: $2.40/serving

Appliance: Instant Pot

Ingredients:

  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 cup white beans
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • ½ cup pasta
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Add all except pasta to IP.
  2. Seal → Manual 10 mins → Quick release.
  3. Add pasta, simmer 10 mins more.

AF Fish & Chips

Servings: 4 | Protein: 28g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Cost: $3.80/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 4 white fish fillets
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 4 potatoes, cut into fries
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Tartar sauce, lemon

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Coat fish in egg and seasoned breadcrumbs.
  2. Toss fries with oil, air fry both 12–15 mins at 375°F.
  3. Serve with sauce and lemon.

Stockpot Butternut Bisque

Servings: 4 | Protein: 8g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Cost: $2.60/serving

Appliance: Stockpot

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups butternut squash, cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion 5 mins. Add squash and broth. Simmer 25 mins.
  2. Blend until smooth. Stir in cream and nutmeg.

AF Chicken Parmesan

Servings: 4 | Protein: 32g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Cost: $3.60/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken cutlets
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Dip chicken in egg, coat with breadcrumbs.
  2. Air fry 10–12 mins at 375°F.
  3. Top with sauce and cheese, air fry 3–5 more mins.

IP Chickpea Curry

Servings: 4 | Protein: 16g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Cost: $2.20/serving

Appliance: Instant Pot

Ingredients:

  • 1 can chickpeas
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to Instant Pot.
  2. Seal → Manual 10 mins → Quick release.
  3. Stir and serve over rice.

AF Turkey Meatballs

Servings: 4 | Protein: 26g | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Cost: $3.20/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Mix ingredients and form meatballs.
  2. Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 mins.
  3. Serve with marinara or in subs.

Stockpot Pho-Style

Servings: 4 | Protein: 28g | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Cost: $3.40/serving

Appliance: Stockpot

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 onion, charred
  • 1 inch ginger, sliced
  • 2 star anise
  • 200g rice noodles
  • Toppings: bean sprouts, basil, lime

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Simmer broth with onion, ginger, star anise 30 mins.
  2. Remove spices. Add chicken, cook 10 mins.
  3. Slice chicken, add noodles, serve with toppings.

AF Cinnamon Churro Bites

Servings: 4 | Protein: 6g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 12 mins | Cost: $1.80/serving

Appliance: Air Fryer

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pancake mix
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Mix pancake mix, water, and butter into a dough.
  2. Roll into small sticks.
  3. Air fry at 350°F for 10–12 mins.
  4. Coat with butter and cinnamon sugar.

IP Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Servings: 4 | Protein: 22g | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Cost: $2.40/serving

Appliance: Instant Pot

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup green or brown lentils
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup peas
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 4 cups mashed potatoes
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Add lentils, onion, carrots, peas, broth to IP.
  2. Seal → Manual 15 mins → Quick release.
  3. Top with mashed potatoes, broil or air fry top if desired.

← September | November →

Want More Free Recipes?
I’ve created a free printable 4-week meal plan with high-protein, one-pot meals from these cookbooks.
👉 Get it here

— Rossi Voss | Author of the $0.99 Cookbook Series
rossivoss.blogspot.com

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post