We’ve all had those days where even thinking about what to cook feels exhausting.
Maybe work completely drained you. Maybe you’ve been running errands all day. Or maybe you’re just having one of those days where standing in the kitchen for an hour sounds absolutely miserable.
The good news is that you don’t have to rely on takeout every time you’re low on energy.
Some of my favorite recipes are the ones that practically cook themselves. Whether it’s letting the oven handle the hard work, throwing ingredients into the air fryer, or using a rice cooker to make life easier, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a homemade meal without spending forever in the kitchen.
If you’ve been wondering what to cook when you are tired or you just hate cooking in general, here are seven easy recipes that make life just a little easier.
1. Rice Cooker Fried Rice
If you own a rice cooker, this rice cooker fried rice recipe is one you’ll find yourself making again and again.
It’s a great way to use leftover rice, frozen vegetables, and whatever protein you already have sitting in your refrigerator.
Since most of the ingredients are pantry staples, you probably won’t even need a grocery run.
I also love how customizable it is. Add chicken, shrimp, tofu, or simply keep it vegetarian. No matter what you throw in, it always turns out delicious.
If you’re tired and don’t want to think too hard about dinner, lunch, or meal prep, this recipe is a great place to start.
2. Brown Sugar Garlic Salmon
Some recipes look impressive even though they’re incredibly easy.
This brown sugar garlic salmon is one of those recipes.
Once you mix together the glaze and place the salmon in the oven, it does most of the work for you.
While it’s baking, you can relax or prepare a simple side dish without feeling rushed.
I personally love serving it with my Rice Cooker Fried Rice because both recipes are easy enough to make on busy days.
The rice cooker handles one part while the oven handles the other, which means very little hands-on cooking.
3. Salmon and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl
Rice bowls are one of my go-to answers whenever someone asks me what to cook when you are tired.
The salmon and sweet potatoes roast together in the oven while your rice cooks in the rice cooker.
Once everything is finished, all that’s left to do is assemble your bowl.
I like topping mine with Yum Yum sauce and a spoonful of home-made or store-bought salsa because it adds so much flavor without creating extra work.
It’s filling, colorful, and surprisingly easy for how good it tastes.
4. Cannellini Bean and Cucumber Salad
Not every meal has to involve cooking.
This cannellini bean and cucumber salad comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for those days when turning on the stove sounds like too much work.
One of my favorite shortcuts is buying pre-cut cucumbers from the grocery store.
If you’re cutting your own, a mandoline slicer makes the process much faster and gives you perfectly thin slices every time.
Since canned cannellini beans are already cooked, all you’re really doing is combining everything together.
Simple recipes like this prove that easy meals can still be fresh, satisfying, and delicious.
5. Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes
Sometimes the easiest recipes are also the most delicious.
This recipe only requires a little chopping, some seasoning, and your oven.
Once everything is on the baking sheet, the oven takes care of the rest.
Enjoy it as a simple meal on its own, or pair it with chicken, salmon, or steak whenever you want something a little more filling.
Either way, it’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require much effort.
6. Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Air fryers were practically made for days when you don’t feel like cooking.
For these spicy chicken wings, all you have to do is season the chicken and let the air fryer work its magic.
The result is crispy, flavorful wings without the hassle of deep frying or constantly checking the stove.
They’re great for lunch, dinner, game day, or honestly whenever you’re craving something delicious without putting in a lot of work.
7. Chocolate Rice Cakes
Let’s be honest…
Sometimes you’re too tired to cook an actual dessert too.
These chocolate rice cakes are perfect when you want something sweet but don’t want to bake an entire batch of cookies or brownies.
They’re simple, quick to make, and satisfy your sweet tooth with very little effort.
Because after a long day, you deserve dessert too.
Why These Recipes Are Perfect To Cook When You Are Tired
When you’re exhausted, the last thing you want is a recipe with a mile-long ingredient list or ten different pots and pans to wash afterward.
That’s exactly why I keep coming back to recipes like these.
They rely on simple ingredients, easy cooking methods, and kitchen appliances that do most of the work for you.
Whether it’s your oven, rice cooker, or air fryer, these recipes help you get a homemade meal on the table without feeling overwhelmed.
And truthfully speaking, cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious.
Sometimes the best meals are the ones that are simple enough to make, even on your busiest days.
The next time you’re staring into your refrigerator wondering what to cook when you are tired, I hope one of these recipes makes your day just a little easier.
