Best Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners

These easy Air Fryer recipes for beginners are perfect if you just got an air fryer and you’re wondering “What can I make in the air fryer?”! These are basic air fryer dinners with quick prep, simple ingredients and big flavor!

long collage of easy air fryer recipes for beginners with nine images and text.

Sometimes getting a new kitchen appliance can be intimidating, and I’m here to tell you that the air fryer is easy to use and perfect for cooks of all skill levels!

These Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners will show you that you can cook almost anything in the air fryer and you can get great results even when you’re just starting out (and you can ditch the deep fryer for good!).

These easy air fryer recipes use simple ingredients and don’t require a lot of prep.

So if you just got an air fryer or you’ve had one for a while but haven’t gotten started (or you tried and those recipes simply didn’t work out), here is my list of the most reliable basic air fryer recipes you need!

P.S. I’ve included lots more air fryer recipes tips down below all these recipes — check them out if you need extra help!

The BEST Air fryer recipes for beginners:

When you don’t know where to start, start here!

These are easy air fryer recipes that anyone can master, and will give you the confidence to try even more recipes!

From easy weeknight dinners, to healthy recipes the family will love, the air fryer is going to be your new favorite kitchen gadget 😉.

square image of air fryer chicken breast in basket.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
This Air Fryer Chicken Breast is perfectly seasoned and incredibly juicy! It is golden and crispy on the outside and SO flavorful!
Check out this recipe

This Air Fryer Chicken Breast is so moist and flavorful! Made with a simple seasoning rub and cooked to golden perfection. Cooking chicken breasts in the air fryer is now our favorite way!

square image of air fryer baked potato with toppings.
Air Fryer Baked Potato
This Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe is incredibly crispy on the outside, fluffy and creamy on the inside, and couldn't be easier! Simply seasoned and perfect for your favorite toppings.
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are the real deal! They are fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and they cook in less time than if you’d baked them. An added bonus? You don’t have to heat the whole oven just to make a few potatoes in this air fryer version.

air fryer meatballs cooked in air fryer basket
Air Fryer Meatballs
These Air Fryer Meatballs are incredibly juicy on the inside, and golden brown on the outside! They're loaded with flavor and made with just a few ingredients!
Check out this recipe

The air fryer is now our favorite way to cook meatballs! Can you believe you can make meatballs in the air fryer in just 7 minutes?

And check out that golden crust! This is one of our favorite easy air fryer meals.

square image of air fryer potato wedges in air fryer basket
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
These ultra crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges are made with just a few simple ingredients and turn out perfectly every time! Golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Check out this recipe

When you’re going for potato wedges that are crispy on the outside, you can’t beat the air fryer! These air fryer potato wedges require no pre-cooking, just soak, dry, season and cook for perfectly dunkable potatoes. This healthier take on french fries will definitely satisfy!

air fryer burger on bun with toppings
Air Fryer Burgers
Air Fryer Burgers are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside! Perfectly seasoned, make ahead and freezer friendly.
Check out this recipe

When you don’t feel like starting up the grill, these Air Fryer Burgers are the perfect alternative! They have a crispy exterior but they stay so juicy on the inside. Perfectly seasoned and SO flavorful!

overhead image of french fries in air fryer
Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
Air Fryer Frozen French Fries are hot and crispy and just as good as your favorite takeout spot! With a simple seasoning and lots of ways to customize!
Check out this recipe

Making frozen french fries in the air fryer is a great way just to try it out without worrying about ruining dinner. These Air Fryer French Fries are foolproof because all you have to do is heat and crisp! Once you start cooking French Fries in the air fryer you’ll never go back 😉

close up image of cooked chicken wings in air fryer basket with no sauce
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
These Air Fryer Chicken Wings are perfectly seasoned and simple to make – serve with your favorite sauce! Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal clean up!
Check out this recipe

Once you start making chicken wings in the air fryer, you may never go back! They cook so quickly and have this fabulous crispy crust that I am still dreaming about.

cooked tater tots in air fryer with bowl of ketchup
Air Fryer Tater Tots
These Air Fryer Tater Tots are perfectly crispy and cook quickly! The best way to cook tater tots!
Check out this recipe

And if you’re more of a tots person? These Air Fryer Tater Tots are another recipe that’s perfect for beginners because there’s no room for error — just cook until crispy!

close up image of cooked salmon in air fryer
Air Fryer Salmon
This Air Fryer Salmon has the perfect crispy exterior and is flaky and tender inside! Simply seasoned and perfect with so many things!
Check out this recipe

Looking for something healthier? This Air Fryer Salmon is simply seasoned and cooks quickly, meaning you can have dinner on the table in about 12 minutes!

close up of cooked air fryer potatoes in basket
Air Fryer Potatoes
These crispy Air Fryer Potatoes are made with a few simple ingredients and little prep time! They are golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Check out this recipe

These Air Fryer Potatoes are so crispy I may never roast potatoes again. With a golden crust and a tender flesh, these potatoes cook in about half the time as they do in the oven! Crispy foods are some of the best ones to make in the air fryer. Plus, there are so many different ways to serve them!

overhead view air fryer french toast on a plate, sprinkled with powdered sugar and surrounded with berries.
Air Fryer French Toast
Air Fryer French Toast is the perfect way to start your day! Made with crusty French bread in an eggy batter, it's warmly spiced with cinnamon sugar and vanilla. Ready in just 15 minutes it's perfect for busy mornings and brunches!
Check out this recipe

Want just a couple of pieces of French toast? The air fryer is the perfect way to cook it! It turns out golden on the outside and tender on the inside every time. (P.S. it’s also a great way to reheat leftover french toast!)

overhead image of air fryer chicken thighs on white plate
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
These Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside! With a simple seasoning, they are prepped and cook quickly!
Check out this recipe

You’re a dark meat lover? Check out these Boneless Air Fryer Chicken Thighs! Simple but flavorful, they cook in under 15 minutes! This makes for such juicy chicken.

close up image of air fryer hot dogs in air fryer basket with ketchup and mustard
Air Fryer Hot Dogs
These Air Fryer Hot Dogs are juicy in the middle and perfectly crispy on the outside. This recipe makes cooking hot dogs so easy!
Check out this recipe

When it’s too cold to get the grill out, these Air Fryer Hot Dogs are always a hit with the family! The exterior gets perfectly crisp and has the lovely snap, while the inside stays nice and juicy.

close up image of crispy air fryer bacon on white plate on white background
Air Fryer Bacon
This air fryer bacon will be your new favorite way to cook bacon! Crispy, perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth bacon in just minutes and clean-up is so simple.
Check out this recipe

Because crispy bacon is the only way! Air Fryer Bacon is perfect for eating on its own or garnished salads, pasta, pizza and more. No smoking or burning!

air fryer hash brown patty being dipped into ketchup bowl.
Air Fryer Hashbrowns (From Frozen!)
These Air Fryer Hashbrowns are perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Ready in just 15 minutes, they're a great addition to a delicious cooked breakfast.
Check out this recipe

These Air Fryer Hashbrowns have my heart with all their golden, crispy, salty deliciousness. If potatoes are your love language, too, you need to try these!

close up image of air fryer green beans on plate.
Air Fryer Green Beans
These Air Fryer Green Beans make the best easy side dish! Just four ingredients and 15 minutes for perfect crisp-tender green beans.
Check out this recipe

When you want a quick veggie side for any meal, it’s Air Fryer Green Beans to the rescue! Ready in about 15 minutes, they add color and flavor to any plate.

close up of turkey burger topped with lettuce, tomato, and red onion.
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
These Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Cooked in the air fryer, they are perfectly crisp on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside!
Check out this recipe

Want to swap out the beef for something lighter? Try these Air Fryer Turkey Burgers! They’re made with just a few simple ingredients but they’re big on flavor.

Close up photo of cheesy quesadillas slices on a plate on a grey plate.
Air Fryer Quesadilla
These deliciously crisp and cheesy Air Fryer Quesadillas are packed with colorful air-fried vegetables, mixed with classic Mexican seasonings, and melty cheese!
Check out this recipe

It’s hard to go wrong with a perfectly melty, cheesy quesadilla with the crispiest tortilla — and this Air Fryer Quesadilla recipe takes the cake there! No need to dirty a frying pan 😉

close up image of sliced air fryer pork tenderloin with fresh parsley
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
This Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is my new favorite way to cook pork! This 20 minute recipe results in pork that is tender and juicy with a perfectly crispy golden-brown crust.
Check out this recipe

The air fryer is my favorite way to cook a lot of meat and proteins, and this Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is no exception! It cooks super quickly and stays the juiciest.

close up image of air fryer nachos with salsa and sour cream
Air Fryer Nachos – Spend With Pennies
Loaded with melty cheese, black olives, jalapenos, and diced tomatoes, these Air Fryer Nachos are the ultimate appetizer for a crowd!
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Nachos have got to be one of the best recipes for beginners! Since nothing needs to be cooked through and we’re essentially just melting cheese on chips, anyone can do it. It’s the perfect recipe if you’re just getting started! Grab some tortilla chips and your favorite toppings.

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Tips for cooking with an air fryer:

  • Think of your air fryer as a countertop convection oven — it can do many of the same things!
  • Most air fryers need to be preheated just like your oven. Check your manufacturer’s guide for instructions, but a good a rule of thumb is 5-10 minutes at the temperature you’ll be cooking at.
  • Similar to cooking in the oven on convection mode, cooking in the air fryer is even faster than cooking in a regular oven. Some foods will cook up to twice as fast, so don’t be afraid to open up the basket and have a peek.
  • Cooking in a single layer is best when possible, because it will allow the food to cook and brown evenly.
  • Avoid aerosol non stick spray as it can damage your non stick basket. Opt instead for a brush of olive oil or other oil spray.

Air Fryer Recipes FAQs

What tools can I use in my air fryer:

You can use any tool in your air fryer that you can use in your oven — that means, parchment paper, foil, baking pans and casserole dishes or ramekins are all fair game!

How does an Air Fryer work?

An air fryer essentially has two important pieces: a heating element and a fan. When you put food into the basket (or on the racks, in an oven-style air fryer) and turn it on, the element heats and the fan forces the air around. This results in more even browning that other cooking methods, but with less oil for and a shorter bake time.

What’s the first thing I should cook in my air fryer?

That depends on what you like! Our two favorites are Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Air Fryer Baked Potatoes — both recipes are above!

What is the best air fryer?

That depends on what you like! We have tried three or four different air fryers over the years, we found that we prefer the basket style over the oven style with the racks. We now own two Chefman air fryers, a 3.7 quart TurboFry and an XL 8 quart TurboFry. We love them both!

Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

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Comments

  1. Donna says

    Hello Ashley

    I’m new to the Air Fryer world, so these recipes will be great to start off with. The only thing is, I do not have a counter top appliance I have a Frigidaire range with the Air Fryer feature.

    I bought the special Air Fryer rack/basket for the range, then you just put a baking tray on the rack one down from the basket.

    My question is, will these recipes work for a range Air Fryer the same as they would in a counter top one, or would I have to adjust temperature.

    Thank you for any info you can provide !!!

  2. Saundra says

    Hi Ashley
    e just got a Chefman Air Fryer and have a couple of questions I hope you can help me with. Can you start cooking more than fries from frozen and can you just use the fryer to reheat food?
    Thanks in advance for your help.

  3. jess says

    I was just talking about this with my roommates and I didnt know that we could hard boil eggs in the air fryer – that is a game changer!

  4. Trang says

    Thank you for compiling this list! We just got our air fryer so we haven’t been able to try every single recipe but so far the salmon, burgers and fries have been a hit with the family!

  5. Julie Ryberg says

    Just got my first air fryer and will be making the burgers tomorrow with a lot more to follow! Thank you for all you do, and Happy New Year!

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