Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners (2024)

A guide to air fryer recipes for beginners! We cover what air fryers are, how to use an air fryer, what you can / can’t cook, and share over 85 recipes perfect for those new to air fryers!

There’s no question that air fryers are everywhere right now. People seem to either love them or feel a bit unclear about why they’re such a big deal. If you’ve been debating an air fryer purchase, or bought one but have no idea what to do with it, this guide has all the answers you’ve been searching for.

What is an air fryer?

Said to imitate the effect of deep-frying with much less oil, air fryers are basically a convection oven that lives on your counter. Convection is a type of current (aka chemical energy) that transfers heat via air, and that air is then circulated by fans in the cooking process.

However, the method of convection used in air fryers differs from your typical convection oven. While a convection oven slowly produces heat from gas or electric power, air fryers contain a special type of “rapid air technology” that does not stem from a specific source, which allows food to heat up rapidly and with a more even, crispy result.

Plus, air fryers are typically much smaller than your average convection oven, another reason why foods cook so much faster.

How to use an air fryer

This will be different depending on the type of air fryer you have, but the general instructions remain the same. You can place your food in the basket or on the tray, set the time and temp, and let the gadget do its work! Of course, these steps will also depend on the food.

If you’re cooking a chicken breast, some recipes will suggest flipping it halfway through, and some won’t. Sometimes you’ll want to shake the basket up a little bit, similarly to how you shuffle veggies around on the roasting tray to make sure all sides get equally crispy.

Which air fryer is best?

I consulted a lot of my culinary colleagues before making an air fryer purchase and went with the one that came most recommended – the Phillips XXL Air Fryer (affiliate link – if you purchase I receive a small commission).

What can you cook in an air fryer?

That’s the best part. You can cook pretty much anything you’d cook on a regular oven or stovetop. However, it’s best to start simple to figure out what you like and the ins and outs of your specific air fryer.

First, think about anything you might typically deep-fry. We’re talking french fries, chips, donuts, chicken fingers, onion rings, you name it. Beyond that, the options truly continue to be endless. It’s great for frozen foods, hearty veggies, proteins, and even some breakfast and dessert options.

It actually might be more helpful to name what you CAN’T cook. Namely, anything with too much liquid, like batter or too much drippy cheese. Raw grains are also a no-go, as well as your less sturdy leafy greens. Other than that, it’s basically a choose your own adventure!

Is air frying healthier than other cooking methods?

You can talk about less oil – I would make this factual vs. morality.

Personally, I didn’t purchase my air fryer because I wanted to cook with less oil. I purchased it because I love crispy, crunchy food and the air fryer produces that in a fraction of the time it takes to bake in the oven (and even then you can’t get food that crispy.)

Like I talk about with my clients, it’s all about intentionality when it comes to food choices. Buying an air fryer doesn’t necessarily collude with diet culture if your intention is rooted in taste and satisfaction.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

It depends on the type of air fryer you have and the specific recipe you’re making. Check the manufacturer’s manual and the recipe for more guidance! I typically do not preheat my air fryer unless the recipe I’m making specifically tells me to.

Air Fryer Recipes Perfect for Beginners

Veggies

Easy Air Fryer Carrot Fries via Milk & Honey Nutrition

Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts via Kelsey P. RD

Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Bites via Chelsea Dishes

Air Fryer Broccolini via Lara Clevenger

Air Fryer Kale Chips via Carrots & Cookies

Air Fryer Carrots via Colleen Christensen Nutrition

Air Fryer Cauliflower via The Foodie Dietitian

Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts with Miso Dressing via Shaw’s Simple Swaps

Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans via Bucket List Tummy

Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes via Lara Clevenger

3-Ingredient Air Fryer Okra via Milk & Honey Nutrition

Air Fryer Okra Fries via Dinner <3 Mom

Apps, Sides, and Snacks

Air Fryer Pita Chips via Crumb Top Baking

Air Fryer Frozen Dumplings via Aubrey’s Kitchen

Frozen Garlic Bread In Air Fryer via Culinary Shades

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries via The Foodie Dietitian

Air Fryer Pizza Crescent Rolls via Holley Grainger

Garlicky Air Fryer Baby Potatoes via Chelsea Dishes

Air Fryer Tortilla Chips via Carrots & Cookies

Perfectly Roasted Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chunks via Carrots & Cookies

Air Fryer Potato Chips via Simple and Savory

Crispy Homemade Air Fryer Onion Rings via Simplify Create Inspire

Air Fryer Turnip Fries via Crumb Top Baking

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes via The Foodie Dietitian

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter via Swirls of Flavor

Air Fryer Frozen Crinkle French Fries via The Short Order Cook

Mains

Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Patties via Milk & Honey Nutrition

Southern-Style Crispy Air Fryer Fish via Marisa Moore RDN

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs via Create Kids Club

Air Fryer Tofu (4 Ways) via Colleen Christensen Nutrition

Air Fryer Chicken Wings via The Forked Spoon

Air Fryer Turkey Cutlets via Family Spice

Air Fryer Salmon (Fresh or Frozen) via The Foodie Dietitian

Air Fryer Frozen Pizza via Aubrey’s Kitchen

Air Fryer Chicken and Potatoes via Budget Delicious

Air Fryer Shrimp via Little Sunny Kitchen

Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp via Rachna Cooks

Air Fryer Hamburgers via Crayons and Cravings

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets via Aubrey’s Kitchen

Tender Air Fryer Chicken Breast via A Pinch of Healthy

Air Fryer Whole Chicken via The Foodie Dietitian

Air Fryer Salmon in Coconut Milk with Lentils via The Petite Cook

Quick and Easy Air Fryer Cod via Fearless Dining

Air Fryer Ravioli via The Fresh Cooky

Air Fryer Pizza via Katy Kicker

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings via Sweet Tea and Thyme

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas via Little Sunny Kitchen

Air Fryer Roasted Chicken Legs via Dr. Davinah’s Eats

Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast via Little Sunny Kitchen

Buffalo Chicken Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers via Budget Delicious

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Salmon via Fearless Dining

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese via Nourish Plate

Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan via End of the Fork

Easy Sweet Spicy Air Fryer Salmon via Savory Spin

Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs with Spicy Glaze via Went Here 8 This

Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs via Sandra’s Easy Cooking

Air Fryer Kofta Wraps via Amee’s Savory Dish

Breakfast

Easy Air Fryer Banana Bread via Dani’s Cookings

Air Fryer Tater Tots via Little Sunny Kitchen

Crispy Air Fryer French Toast via Champagne Nutrition

Air Fryer Poptarts via Well If She Can Do It

Air Fryer Bacon via Lara Clevenger

Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs via Lara Clevenger

Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes via Carmy

Air Fryer Toast via Organically Addison

Dessert

Air Fryer Salty Pistachio Brownies via Spa Bettie

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies via The Foodie Dietitian

Air Fryer Brownies via Colleen Christensen Nutrition

Air Fryer Cookies via Katy Kicker

Air Fryer Oreosvia Well If She Can Do It

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FAQs

What is the first thing I should cook in my air fryer? ›

Air fryers are versatile kitchen appliances that can be used to cook a variety of foods quickly and easily. If you're using an air fryer for the first time, it's best to start with something simple, like French fries, chicken wings or vegetables.

Why shouldn t you cook hamburgers in an air fryer? ›

Hamburgers. Air fryers aren't really designed to grill red meat, especially if you like your burgers medium-rare. Though it takes a fairly short amount of time for an air fryer to cook the inside of meat to medium-rare, the outside of the burger won't brown as quickly.

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What I wish I knew before I get an air fryer? ›

6 things I wish I'd known before I bought an air fryer

Air fryers do not fry. Deep fried foods: not like air fried ones. ...
The air fryer parts you use most are easy to clean but the outer parts… not so much. ...
There's a war going on in the air fryer community! ...
Air fryers can be quite large.

What is the most popular thing to air fry? ›

French fries are arguably the most popular thing to cook in an air fryer. Air fryers use a fraction of the oil as deep-frying, and making French fries in one results in an appreciably crisp exterior and fluffy inside without the greasiness.

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What is the best meat to air fry? ›

As with all dry-heat cooker methods (grilling, broiling, pan frying and oven roasting), tender beef cuts perform best in the air fryer. Those cuts include Top Sirloin, KC Strip, Ribeye, Tenderloin and Tri Tip. Ground beef also can be easily prepared in an air fryer.

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How do you arrange food in an air fryer? ›

If you're using two cooking trays, arrange the food in a single layer on each tray. Place one tray on the top rack and one on the middle rack; if you're using one tray, place it on the middle rack. If you're using the basket, do not fill more than ⅔ full.

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Do air fryers need to heat up first? ›

Yes, you'll need to give your air fryer a chance to warm up before use. The good news is, unlike a traditional oven or hob, it only takes minutes! Preheating times will vary depending on the model of your air fryer, the temperature you're cooking at and the programme you want to use.

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Do you oil before air frying? ›

While your Philips Airfryer does not require oil to cook and fry the food, adding oil directly to fresh ingredients when preparing them, such as freshly peeled potatoes or chicken, can create a crispy layer and improve the overall taste of your dish. Note: never pour oil into the pan of the airfryer.

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