55 Easy Air-Fryer Recipes for Beginners (2024)

Home Gear Appliances Air Fryer

55 Easy Air-Fryer Recipes for Beginners (1)Christina HerbstUpdated: Feb. 13, 2024

    Still learning the ropes on your new air fryer? No worries! These easy air-fryer recipes are for beginners.

    1/54

    Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders

    I added all of the components of a loaded baked potato—cheddar, potato, bacon, sour cream and chives—to my air-fryer chicken tenders recipe. Every kid will love this quick and easy dish! —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida

    Go to Recipe

    Here are some of our other air-fryer recipes that you need to try!

    2/54

    55 Easy Air-Fryer Recipes for Beginners (2)

    Matt Robicelli for Taste of Home

    Air-Fryer Corn Dogs

    Bring your favorite state fair food home to you! All you need is your air fryer, a package of frozen corn dogs and 10 minutes to recreate this fan-favorite snack in your kitchen.

    Before you move ahead check theseair fryer fish recipes perfect for your quick cravings!

    Go to Recipe

    3/54

    Air-Fryer Brownies

    This small-batch fudgy air-fryer dessert comes together so quickly, and no oven is required. Top with nuts or powdered sugar for a quick homemade treat. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    Go to Recipe

    4/54

    Air-Fryer Garlic Bread

    This air-fryer garlic bread turns out perfectly toasted in a hurry. I use fresh garlic, but substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if you don’t have any fresh on hand. —Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor

    Go to Recipe

    5/54

    Air-Fryer Chicken Parmesan

    Quick, simple and oh-so-tasty, this air-fryer chicken Parmesan recipe is the perfect weeknight dish to have on hand. It’s just as crispy as the classic, if not crispier! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Go to Recipe

    Preheating your air fryer, like in this recipe, is one of our favorite air-fryer tips. Here are some of our other air-fryer hacks!

    6/54

    Air-Fryer Potato Chips

    For Christmas one year, I received an air fryer. Potato chips are simple to make in it and are an essential, crispy side for lunch. —Melissa Obernesser, Oriskany, New York

    Go to Recipe

    7/54

    Air-Fried Butternut Squash Tacos

    Butternut squash tossed with southwest spices makes a great base for vegetarian tacos. I’m always looking for easy and healthy dinners for my family, and this dish is delicious! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

    Go to Recipe

    8/54

    55 Easy Air-Fryer Recipes for Beginners (8)

    Rat0007/Getty Images

    Air-Fryer Bacon

    Save your pans, stovetop and sink from bacon grease by cooking this breakfast staple in an air fryer. Nothing is easier—and less greasy—than this air-fryer bacon recipe.

    Go to Recipe

    9/54

    10/54

    Air-Fryer Pork Chops

    These air-fryer pork chops get their rich flavor from Creole seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Bonus: They’re low in carbs, too! —Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia

    Go to Recipe

    11/54

    55 Easy Air-Fryer Recipes for Beginners (10)

    EzumeImages/Getty Images

    Air-Fried Frozen Mozzarella Sticks

    Ooey gooey, cheesy mozzarella sticks taste even better in an air fryer. To air fry frozen mozzarella sticks, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and then load the fryer with mozzarella sticks in a single layer once it’s warmed up. Spray with cooking spray and cook for two minutes, flip and spray once more, then cook for another two to three minutes.

    12/54

    Air-Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs

    This is a wonderful alternative to boiling eggs on the stovetop. These air-fryer hard-boiled eggs are just as easy and super quick—a perfect way to put your air fryer to use! —Rashanda Cobbins, Taste of Home Food Editor

    Go to Recipe

    Hard-boiled eggs are one of our favorite things to make in an air fryer. They’re not the only type of egg you can make in your air-fryer. Next, learn how to make a poached egg in the air fryer. Here are eight things you can make in an air fryer…and six that you can’t.

    13/54

    Bacon-Wrapped Avocado Wedges

    We all know that almost everything is improved with bacon—and avocado is no exception. Since it’s made in an air fryer, this appetizer is one to remember. It will definitely impress your friends! —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

    14/54

    Air-Fryer Quesadillas

    I like to make these air-fryer quesadillas for party appetizers. Just cut them into thinner triangles. You can also switch up the cheese and the salsa to suit your taste. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado

    Go to Recipe

    15/54

    Air-Fryer Garlic-Butter Steak

    This quick and easy air-fryer steak recipe is restaurant quality. It’s about to become a staple at your house! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

    Go to Recipe

    16/54

    Taste of Home

    Buffalo Bites

    Low-carb cauliflower Buffalo bites cook up fast in the air fryer, making them an easy snack or side dish. I serve them with a flavorful dip made with cottage cheese that’s packed with protein compared to most dips. My teenagers happily eat their veggies with this recipe. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

    Go to Recipe

    17/54

    55 Easy Air-Fryer Recipes for Beginners (16)

    Taste of Home

    Air-Fried Frozen Salmon Fillets

    Popping frozen salmon fillets into your air fryer makes for an easy and healthy weeknight dinner. Air-fry your fillets for five minutes at 320°F, then flip and cook for 360°F for another three to five minutes (or until the salmon flakes easily).

    18/54

    55 Easy Air-Fryer Recipes for Beginners (17)

    Aleksandr Zubkov/Getty Images

    Air-Fryer Corn on the Cob

    If it’s too chilly to stand out by the grill, make this air-fryer corn recipe inside instead! You’ll love that it only takes 10 minutes, too.

    Go to Recipe

    19/54

    Air-Fryer Breaded Shrimp

    These quick air-fryer shrimp are so good you won’t even miss the fat! Eat them alone with co*cktail sauce or put them on a salad or sandwich. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    Go to Recipe

    20/54

    Air-Fryer Cinnamon Breakfast Bites

    These scrumptious breakfast treats are so quick and easy to make and the air fryer gives this a crispy, sugary coating that’s hard to resist.—Ruth Hastings, Louisville, Illinois

    Go to Recipe

    21/54

    Air-Fryer Meat loaf

    If you’re looking for a hearty meal perfect for two, then look no further. This air-fryer meat loaf cooks quickly. Plus, it’s easy to double for sandwiches the next day. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas

    Go to Recipe

    22/54

    Air-Fryer Latkes

    Hot, crispy potato latkes are such a treat, but who wants to deal with all the oil and grease? I tried making air-fryer latkes and they came out just as good without all the cleanup. —Nancy Salinas, Grand Rapids, Minnesota

    Go to Recipe

    23/54

    Air-Fryer Fish Tacos

    These crispy air-fryer fish tacos are good enough to challenge the best food truck. I love that the fish is deliciously guilt-free because it’s air-fried instead of deep-fried. —Lena Lim, Seattle, Washington

    Go to Recipe

    24/54

    55 Easy Air-Fryer Recipes for Beginners (23)

    Taste of Home

    Air-Fried Frozen Meatballs

    To turn a handful of frozen meatballs into a warm appetizer or snack, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway while cooking.

    25/54

    Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs

    This air-fryer chicken thighs recipe creates meat that is crispy on the outside but super juicy on the inside. The paprika and garlic seasoning blend comes through beautifully. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen. If you enjoyed this recipe, then you must check out our collection of air-fried chicken recipes.

    Go to Recipe

    26/54

    TMB Studio

    Air-Fryer Okra with Smoked Paprika

    Smoked paprika gives this air-fryer okra even more roasty oomph. When you want to cook okra without frying it, roast it with lemon juice for a lighter version. —Lee Evans, Queen Creek, Arizona

    Go to Recipe

    27/54

    Air-Fryer Ham and Brie Pastries

    Fancy appetizers don’t have to be difficult. In fact, this one proves it’s easy to make something to looks impressive. You can make them ahead of time and pop them into the air fryer just as your guests arrive. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

    28/54

    55 Easy Air-Fryer Recipes for Beginners (27)

    nata_vkusidey/Getty Images

    Air-Fried Frozen Veggie Burgers

    Crisp up one to two veggie burgers in your air fryer at a time. Cook at 350°F for five minutes, flip, then keep ’em cooking for another five minutes. Voila!

    29/54

    Air-Fryer Asparagus

    This air-fryer asparagus recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to the lemon-garlic dressing that the spears are tossed in before roasting. It’s a simple, quick side that goes with almost anything. —Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

    Go to Recipe

    30/54

    Air-Fryer Chicken Wings

    You can’t go wrong with these crispy air-fryer chicken wings. Our spice rub has a nice kick from the cayenne seasoning. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Go to Recipe

    31/54

    55 Easy Air-Fryer Recipes for Beginners (30)

    Jenna Urben/Taste of Home

    Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips

    This air-fryer tortilla chips recipe provides the same crunchiness and taste as traditional chips, but cuts down on all that grease. Make a batch to dip into homemade guac or salsa for an afternoon pick-me-up snack.

    Go to Recipe

    32/54

    Air-Fryer Roasted Green Beans

    Our family loves roasted green beans, but they can take a long time in the oven. I tried these air-fryer green beans and we loved them! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

    Go to Recipe

    33/54

    Air-Fryer Tuna Burgers

    My family was accustomed to traditional beef burgers before trying these fried tuna patties. At first they were hesitant, but all skepticism disappeared after one bite of this delicious air-fryer recipe. —Kim Stoller, Smithville, Ohio

    Go to Recipe

    34/54

    55 Easy Air-Fryer Recipes for Beginners (33)

    Taste of Home

    Air-Fried Frozen Egg Rolls

    Give frozen egg rolls that tantalizing restaurant-quality flavor and crunch by cooking them in your air fryer. Before placing them in the fryer, brush each roll with beaten egg. Then, cook at 320°F for seven minutes, then flip, brush with egg wash and cook the other side for another seven minutes until they come out golden.

    35/54

    Air-Fryer Acorn Squash Slices

    This air-fryer acorn squash recipe was adapted from the one my passed down from my grandma, who always served it at Thanksgiving. I make it in my air fryer whenever I’m feeling nostalgic. —Rita Addicks, Weimar, Texas

    Go to Recipe

    36/54

    Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

    I can never get enough of these air-fryer sweet potato fries! Even though my grocery store sells them in the frozen foods section, I still love to pull sweet potatoes out of my garden and slice them up fresh! —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

    Go to Recipe

    For another quick and easy air fryer side, learn how to make tater tots in your air fryer.

    37/54

    Air-Fryer Cod

    This air-fryer cod recipe will convert even the biggest fish skeptic. It’s healthy and delicious—no breading needed! —Kim Russell, North Wales, Pennsylvania

    Go to Recipe

    38/54

    55 Easy Air-Fryer Recipes for Beginners (37)

    bhofack2/Getty Images

    Frozen Breakfast Pastries

    A pastry with a crispy, crunchy, tender, flaky crust can be ready in just eight minutes. To cook, cut a piece of parchment to fit the basket of your air fryer. Spray with cooking oil and place one or two frozen strudels in the basket. Cook for five minutes at 350°F, flip and then cook for an additional three minutes until golden.

    39/54

    Air-Fried Radishes

    Radishes aren’t just for salads anymore. These fried radishes make a colorful side for any meal. Plus, they’re quick to make in your air fryer. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Go to Recipe

    40/54

    Air-Fryer Pork Tenderloin

    I originally developed this air-fryer pork tenderloin recipe to cook on the stove and finish in the oven, but you can make it even quicker in an air fryer—and it’s just as tasty. —Lynn Faria, Southington, Connecticut

    Go to Recipe

    41/54

    Air-Fryer Eggs Lorraine

    Whenever I’m looking to impress overnight guests, this is the recipe I serve for breakfast. It’s easy to assemble and cooks quickly in the air fryer. —Sandra Woolard, DeLand, Florida

    Go to Recipe

    42/54

    43/54

    55 Easy Air-Fryer Recipes for Beginners (41)

    Manjiri Gujar/Getty Images

    Air-Fried Frozen Bread Dough

    Yup, you can even make breads, like dinner rolls and cinnamon buns, in your air fryer! Just take out your frozen bread dough, shape it and then cook for 15 minutes.

    44/54

    Air-Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

    An iconic American cookie, this version is so easy to mix up and bakes even faster in the air fryer. With these air-fryer peanut butter cookies, cravings can now be satisfied in mere minutes. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

    Go to Recipe

    45/54

    55 Easy Air-Fryer Recipes for Beginners (43)

    Jenna Urben/Taste of Home

    Air-Fryer Apple Chips

    Swap out the potato chips for a crunchy snack that’s healthier for you. These air-fryer apple chips are nutritious and delicious! Oh, and super simple to make.

    Go to Recipe

    These air-fryer stuffed peppers are another easy and healthy air-fryer snack.

    46/54

    Air-Fryer Brats with Beer

    These air-fryer brats are a nod to my German heritage. I serve them with a green vegetable and some french fries or mashed potatoes on the side. For a deeper sauce flavor, try using a lager or stout beer. —Allison Ochoa, Hays, Kansas

    Go to Recipe

    47/54

    Garlic-Herb Fried Patty Pan Squash

    The first time I grew a garden, I harvested summer squash and cooked it with garlic and herbs. This fried patty pan squash recipe is a creative twist. —Kaycee Mason, Siloam Springs, Arkansas

    Go to Recipe

    48/54

    Air-Fryer Bacon Crescent Rolls

    The mouthwatering aroma of warm bacon from these three-ingredient crescent rolls will draw folks to the table. Air-fryer recipes like this one are fun for children to prepare, and these are such a cinch to assemble with precooked bacon. —Jane Nearing, Indianapolis, Indiana

    Go to Recipe

    49/54

    Taste of Home

    Chili-Lime Air-Fried Chickpeas

    Looking for a lighter snack that’s still a crowd-pleaser? You’ve found it! These air-fried chickpeas will have everyone happily munching. —Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina

    Go to Recipe

    50/54

    Air-Fryer Scallops

    I never liked seafood until my husband urged me to try scallops, and now I love them. With the crunchy breading, these air-fryer scallops are the best you’ll ever have. —Martina Preston, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania

    Go to Recipe

    51/54

    Air-Fryer Mocha Pudding Cakes

    These mouthwatering mini cakes make the perfect treat for two. My mom used to make these when I was a little girl. Now I whip them up and pop them in my air fryer for a speedy dessert. —Debora Simmons, Eglon, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    52/54

    55 Easy Air-Fryer Recipes for Beginners (50)

    NoirChocolate/Getty Images

    Air-Fried Frozen Puff Pastry Bites

    Prepare puff pastry bites for your next party by cutting a sheet of puff pastry into two-inch squares. Place a few tablespoons of your preferred filling on the puff pastry and then fold over into a triangle and pinch the edges closed. Then, bake them at 390°F for about 10 minutes.

    53/54

    Breaded Air-Fryer Summer Squash

    Air-fryer summer squash is beautifully crisp. You don’t have to turn the fried pieces, but do keep an eye on them. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas

    Go to Recipe

    54/54

    Air-Fryer Red Potatoes

    Roasting is one of my favorite ways to prepare veggies. Some fragrant rosemary, fresh or dried, gives these air-fryer red potatoes a distinctive but subtle taste. The dish is simple to prepare yet elegant in color and flavor. It’s a wonderful addition to any menu. —Margie Wampler, Butler, Pennsylvania

    Go to Recipe

    Originally Published: January 25, 2022

    55 Easy Air-Fryer Recipes for Beginners (53)

    Christina Herbst

    Christina is a Social Media Editor for Taste of Home. She enjoys trying out local restaurants and coffeehouses and adding copious amounts of garlic and cheese to any recipe she can get her hands on. In her free time, you can find her hunting down one-of-a-kind furniture pieces at thrift and vintage stores and DIYing trendy home decor crafts.

    55 Easy Air-Fryer Recipes for Beginners (2024)

    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.

    What is the easiest thing to cook in an air fryer? ›

    Here are all our favourite easy air fryer recipe ideas, from simple scones to the best crispy homemade potatoes.
    • 10Air fryer Caramello danish. ...
    • 11Crispy air fryer Italian frittole. ...
    • 12Air fryer Crunchy Nut French toast. ...
    • 13Air fryer chicken satay. ...
    • 14Air fryer coccoli. ...
    • 15Air fryer little potato pancakes.

    What 5 foods should you not put in an air fryer? ›

    Take a gander of this list of top foods that should never make their way into your air fryer.
    • Wet Batters. ...
    • Cheesy Items. ...
    • Large, Bone-In Meat Cuts. ...
    • Baked Goods. ...
    • Greens. ...
    • Raw Rice and Other Grains. ...
    • Too Much of Anything.
    Apr 14, 2023

    What are the top 10 foods to cook in an air fryer? ›

    Start air frying these 13 foods and watch your cooking time drop and your satisfaction in healthy meals skyrocket!
    • Chicken Breasts. ...
    • Tofu. ...
    • Zoodles. ...
    • Cauliflower Gnocchi. ...
    • Salmon (chopped) ...
    • Chickpeas. ...
    • Personal Pizzas. ...
    • Frozen Cauliflower.
    Feb 18, 2020

    Why are people getting rid of air fryers? ›

    Households are shelving their air fryers in favour of another kitchen appliance that is cheaper to run, and just as healthy.

    Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer? ›

    Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

    Can you fry an egg in an air fryer? ›

    Place it in the fryer basket and preheat it for 5 minutes at 400°F (204 °C). Crack an egg to a small cup and slide the egg to the hot pan. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 3 minutes for a sunny side over easy fried egg. If you prefer a fried egg with medium egg yolk, add 1 more minute to the cooking time.

    Can you put frozen food in an air fryer? ›

    Can I use my air fryer for frozen food? The answer to this question is, yes – anything is possible with these magical machines. We all know the hassle of waiting for something to defrost before you can cook it, but with an air fryer, you can simply pop the item inside, in its frozen state, and start cooking.

    Can I cook raw chips in my air fryer? ›

    Rinse the chips and pat dry with a clean tea towel. Tip the chips into the bottom of an air-fryer (the part with the paddle), add the oil, and toss the chips in the oil so they are evenly coated. Program the fryer to cook for 30 mins using the paddle.

    What Cannot be fried in an air fryer? ›

    8 Things You Probably Shouldn't Cook in an Air Fryer
    • Battered foods. Avoid placing wet batter in the air fryer. ...
    • Fresh greens. Leafy greens like spinach will cook unevenly because the machine uses high-speed air. ...
    • Whole roasts. ...
    • Cheese. ...
    • Raw grains. ...
    • Hamburgers. ...
    • Toast. ...
    • Popcorn.
    Mar 11, 2024

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

    According to the USDA, burgers only need to reach 160 F for the harmful bacteria to die. Because most air fryers are so powerful, the burger will reach that temperature rather quickly. However, since most burger patties are relatively small, the burger will cook through in a matter of minutes.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Van Hayes

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6156

    Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

    Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Van Hayes

    Birthday: 1994-06-07

    Address: 2004 Kling Rapid, New Destiny, MT 64658-2367

    Phone: +512425013758

    Job: National Farming Director

    Hobby: Reading, Polo, Genealogy, amateur radio, Scouting, Stand-up comedy, Cryptography

    Introduction: My name is Van Hayes, I am a thankful, friendly, smiling, calm, powerful, fine, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.