10 Best Easy Cookbooks 2026 in the United States

Cathy Yoder's Air Fryer Cookbook is a friendly and practical choice for anyone interested in making the most of their air fryer, whether you're a beginner or more experienced. It offers over 150 recipes that cover meals from breakfast to dessert, providing a great variety to keep cooking interesting. The recipes are designed to be easy to follow, reflecting Cathy's perspective as a busy mom rather than a professional chef, so you won't find complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients here. This makes it approachable for cooks of all skill levels.

The cookbook is especially useful if you want quick meals since air fryers cook food faster than traditional methods, and Cathy emphasizes speed and simplicity. Many recipes have been tested by her YouTube audience, which adds a level of practical reliability and shows that the dishes have been tried by everyday home cooks.

The book highlights easy and healthy recipes but does not focus heavily on specific dietary needs like gluten-free or vegan options, so those with specialized diets might find fewer tailored recipes. The layout is spiral-bound and includes pictures to help with following along, although it’s not heavily illustrated with step-by-step photos for every recipe. Cathy’s experience as a home cook rather than a culinary expert keeps the tone relatable and down-to-earth, making this cookbook a solid pick for families or individuals looking to explore air frying beyond just reheating or basic fried foods. It is geared toward practical, everyday cooking that saves time while allowing some variety without fuss.

'Half Baked Harvest Super Simple' is a cookbook designed to make cooking approachable and enjoyable, especially for those who want easy, comforting meals without spending too much time in the kitchen. With more than 125 recipes, it offers a good variety that includes instant, overnight, and meal-prep options, which makes planning meals simpler and less stressful. The recipes generally require basic cooking skills, making it suitable for beginners or anyone looking for straightforward instructions. Ingredients tend to be common and easy to find, so you won’t need to hunt for specialty items. Cooking times are kept reasonable, which helps on busy days.

The book is well laid out with clear visuals, helping you follow along and get inspired by the food’s appearance. While the cookbook covers comforting foods well, it may not focus heavily on specific dietary preferences like vegan or gluten-free, so users with strict dietary needs might find limited options. Additionally, since the author, Tieghan Gerard, is known for her creative spins, some recipes might feel a bit more unique or ingredient-rich compared to very basic cookbooks, which could be a plus or a drawback depending on your preferences.

For readers seeking a friendly, practical guide to simple yet flavorful meals, this book serves as a fitting choice.

'The New Vegetarian' by America's Test Kitchen offers an impressive collection of over 500 vegetarian recipes, making it a great fit for anyone looking to explore or deepen their meat-free cooking. The extensive variety ensures there’s something for different tastes and occasions, covering a wide range of ingredients and meal types. Thanks to the publisher's reputation, you can expect thoroughly tested recipes that balance flavor and technique, which is helpful for cooks at various skill levels—from beginners to more confident home chefs.

With 640 pages, the book is substantial, which means you’ll find plenty of options, but it might feel a bit bulky to handle in the kitchen. Dietary preferences are well-covered by focusing on vegetarian meals, but those looking for vegan or other specialized diets might need additional resources.

This cookbook suits anyone eager to add variety to their vegetarian meals with reliable, tested recipes, though it may require some patience to navigate given its size and detailed content.