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IT’S HERE! The official list of Your Favorite Recipes of 2021 and one of my favorite posts to create each year.

A collage of recipe images for 2021

After reviewing all the new recipes that we shared this year, it was clear that 2021 was the year of the air fryer and the basics.

  • You loved following along with my growing air fryer obsession (I tried everything from Air Fryer Shrimp to Air Fryer Grilled Cheese).
  • You appreciated recipes that are simple and timeless (hello, chicken breast all-the-ways).

While we saw a bit more normalcy in our lives and kitchens this past year (AKA less bread baking and pantry staples), it was still a challenge.

I suspect that many of you continued to seek ways to recreate restaurant favorites at home (me too!) and looking for easy, healthy, family-friendly recipes that could be made week after week.

Together we learned the importance of a well-cooked chicken breast and pork tenderloin, discovered the magic that is the air fryer, snuggled up with classic comfort foods, and enjoyed healthy, year-round favorites like cool and creamy smoothies.

As always, I am truly and deeply honored that so many of you chose to make and serve Well Plated recipes this year. From New Year’s Day to Easter to Halloween to Christmas, I loved seeing your photos and reading your comments and emails. It makes my day to hear from you!

As we enter into 2022 with hope and excitement, I look forward to sharing so many more easy, healthy recipes with you!


healthy potato salad with olive oil dressing

11. Healthy Potato Salad

“I didn’t think I would ever be able to enjoy a potato salad as much as the old mayo classic. I was wrong! I made it exactly as the recipe suggests and it was delicious!! Everyone enjoyed. Next time I am doubling!” – Katie

Baked bone in chicken breast on a plate

10. Baked Bone In Chicken Breast

“Exactly as described, flavorful, juicy and perfectly cooked. This is my new recipe I will use every time I make chicken. Terrific.” – Lisa

Two peach smoothies in glasses

9. Peach Smoothie

“It. Was. BOMB! So creamy and so so delicious.” – Jamie

Healthy Instant Pot pork tenderloin with sauce

8. Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

“This was the best pork loin we’ve ever had. So tender and perfect meat. This will be my go-to pork recipe. Yum!” – SmallSassy

Two healthy drinks in glasses

7. Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

“Absolutely delicious, just had a glass of it now. Such a smooth creamy rich taste. Peanut butter flavouring comes through wonderfully. Great start to any day winter or summer alike.” – Ruth

A sliced oven roasted chicken breast in a bowl

6. Baked Chicken Breast

“The best baked chicken breasts EVER. So moist and tender. I’ve made them 3 times in the past 2 weeks doubling the recipe.” – Ann

Air fryer french fries with ketchup

5. Air Fryer French Fries

“These are so delicious!! So crispy and perfect – I will never need another air fryer french fry recipe again – thank you!” – Gabby

Chicken breasts on a plate with a lemon soy marinade

4. Chicken Marinade

“Just wow. This produced the best, most flavorful chicken I’ve ever had. Have already used it twice in the last week!” – Janet

Brussels sprouts in a bowl with cheese

3. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

“These were so good! They were some of the best I’ve ever made.” – Liz

Ground beef and potatoes with red peppers in a pot

2. Ground Beef and Potatoes

“Um, yum! This has become a family favorite. Even my picky 10-year-old son likes it!” – Sara

1. Air Fryer Chicken Breast

“Oh my! Erin promised juicy chicken breast and she delivered!. The best ever! The only way to make chicken breast.” – Marie


A Look Back—Reader Favorites from Prior Years

Not finding what you are looking for? I have hundreds of more easy, healthy recipes in my Recipe Index.

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Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

Learn more about Erin

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