Weeknight dinner swaps
| Missing | Swap | From the recipe |
|---|---|---|
| No fresh garlic? | ½ tsp garlic powder added with the rice works fine. | Instant Pot Chicken and Rice |
| No fresh garlic? | ½ tsp garlic powder stirred in with the broth works fine. | Instant Pot Beef Stew |
| No soy sauce? | A pinch of salt and a splash of Worcestershire sauce gets close. | Instant Pot Chicken and Rice |
| No tomato paste? | 2 tbsp ketchup deepens the broth in a pinch. | Instant Pot Beef Stew |
| No smoked paprika? | Regular paprika plus a pinch of chili powder gets close to the same color and warmth. | Air Fryer Chicken Breast |
| No heavy cream? | Full-fat coconut milk keeps it keto and dairy-free, with a slightly different flavor. | Keto Meal Prep Chicken and Broccoli |
| No fresh lemon? | Bottled lemon juice works fine in the dressing — use the same amount. | Low-Carb High-Protein Salmon Bowls |
| No curry roux block? | Make a quick roux from 3 tbsp flour, 3 tbsp butter, and 2 tbsp curry powder, cooked until fragrant, then stirred in the same way. | Japanese Curry Rice |
Thanksgiving side swaps
| Missing | Swap | From the recipe |
|---|---|---|
| No fresh garlic? | ½ tsp garlic powder stirred into the oil works fine. | Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts |
| No balsamic? | A squeeze of lemon juice brightens them just as well. | Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts |
| No cornstarch? | Arrowroot or rice flour does the same job; even a light dusting of regular flour beats nothing. | Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries |
| No smoked paprika? | Any paprika works, or swap in Cajun seasoning for more heat. | Air Fryer Potatoes |
| No garlic powder? | Toss in a clove of minced fresh garlic for the last 3 minutes only — added earlier it burns. | Air Fryer Broccoli |
| No parmesan? | Lemon zest and a little flaky salt brighten it just as well. | Air Fryer Asparagus |
| No smoked turkey wing? | A ham hock or 3 strips of thick bacon give the same smoky depth. | Smoky Collard Greens |
How to use this page
Swaps are written for the recipe named in the last column, so the amounts and timing assume that dish. If you are cooking something else, treat a swap as a starting point and taste as you go. Planning a holiday menu? See our air fryer Thanksgiving sides and the Thanksgiving potluck planner.