21 Easy Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners

Air-fryer French fries are a popular alternative to traditional deep-fried fries due to their simplicity in cooking and healthier profile. Simply, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Cut potatoes into even strips, soak them in water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then pat dry. Toss the potatoes with a small amount of oil, season them, and air-fry for 15-20 minutes. French fries's straightforward cooking method has made it a common dish for beginners.

Additionally, air-frying results in crispy fries with a soft interior using significantly less oil, reducing calories and fat. Unlike oil-fried fries, which can be greasy and heavy, air-fried versions are lighter without compromising the desirable crispiness.

Air-fryer mozzarella sticks are normally prepared in just about 10-15 minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C), then place the frozen, breaded mozzarella sticks in the basket. Cook for 6-8 minutes, checking halfway through and shaking the basket gently to ensure even cooking.

Mozzarella sticks can explode in the air-fryer if you put the sticks directly in the fryer. To prevent it, freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the cheese stay intact during the high heat.

Serve the dish with complementary foods like salads, pasta, chicken wings, and zucchini chips. The serving portion for each person is around 4-6 mozzarella sticks; but, it can vary depending on portion sizes and other dishes served.

Air-fryer fried chicken is a healthier substitute for deep-fried chicken. Using minimal oil, this food variety retains a crispy exterior while cutting down on unhealthy fats, making it a heart-friendly option. Also, air-frying helps reduce the intake of potentially harmful compounds formed during deep frying at high temperatures.

To cook raw chicken in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure an evenly crispy and cooked result.

This air fryer recipe for beginners must-try dish for every foodie. The air fryer cooks the salmon to perfection, producing a flaky, tender interior with a beautifully crispy skin. Likewise, this method significantly reduces calories and fat compared to traditional frying or even pan-searing.

The speed and simplicity of preparing air-fryer salmon are other key benefits. Preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cooking the salmon fillets for about 10-12 minutes result in a quick and hassle-free meal. The even heat distribution ensures the fish is cooked uniformly, retaining its moisture and flavor.

Air-frying Brussels sprouts transform these underrated vegetables into caramelized delights with minimal effort. The high heat and rapid air circulation perfectly roast the Brussels sprouts, which ends up enhancing their natural sweetness and achieving a delightful crunch.

The ingredients you'll require to cook this dish include Brussels sprouts, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or balsamic vinegar for added flavor. Start by washing and trimming the vegetables, then cut them in half. Toss them in a bowl with a tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper to taste.

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Cook for 12-15 minutes before serving them as a tasty snack.

Rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, air-fryer asparagus is a nutritional powerhouse and a breeze to prepare. The nutrients in this vegetable contribute to various health benefits, including improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and enhanced immune function. Using an air fryer to cook asparagus helps retain these vital nutrients while achieving a perfectly tender yet crispy texture.

The simplicity of cooking asparagus in an air fryer is one of its most appealing aspects. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), trim the woody ends of the asparagus, and toss the spears with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 7-9 minutes. The result is a delicious, nutrient-dense side dish that’s ready in under 10 minutes.

Making air-fryer donuts that are both delicious and healthy is surprisingly simple. Start with a whole wheat or oat flour base to increase fiber content and add a touch of natural sweetness using honey or maple syrup. Greek yogurt can be used to provide moisture and protein, making the donuts more filling and nutritious.

For the dough, combine 1 cup of whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until a dough forms, then roll it out and cut into donut shapes.

Next, lightly brush the donuts with a small amount of melted coconut oil to help them crisp up without adding too much fat. Arrange the donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes.

Air-Fryer Apple Chips boast a naturally sweet and slightly tart taste, enhanced by the light caramelization that occurs during air frying. The texture is satisfyingly crunchy, making them an irresistible alternative to traditional potato chips.

To make air-fryer apple chips, slice apples thinly and evenly. Sprinkle them with a touch of cinnamon for added warmth and depth of flavor.

Besides their taste, these are also a nutritious snack, rich in fiber and free from artificial additives. They're perfect for kids and adults alike as they offer a guilt-free way to fulfill your crunchy cravings.

This air fryer recipe easy is a modern twist to a classic favorite. These bites are typically prepared by coating cauliflower florets in a seasoned batter, then air-frying them until crisp. Once cooked, they're tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce made from hot sauce and melted butter or oil.

Air-Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites' traditional preparation method involves deep-frying the cauliflower. However, the air-fryer option gained popularity as people sought healthier cooking alternatives. The air fryer crisps up the cauliflower using hot air circulation, resulting in a crunchy exterior with a tender, flavorful center.

These bites can be served with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, mimicking the classic buffalo wing experience with a lighter touch. This dish appeals to those looking to enjoy bold flavors without compromising on health-conscious choices.

Air-Fryer Chicken Wings are perfect for an afternoon lunch or as a side dish in dinners. Preparing this recipe is also pretty basic and easy to follow. Start with fresh or thawed chicken wings and prepare basic ingredients like olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Toss the wings in olive oil and then generously coat them with the spices.

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for about 5 minutes. Then, place the wings inside the basket and cook for 25-30 minutes. For an extra crunch, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Air-Fryer Pork Chops is a renowned healthy air fryer recipes that serve as an alternative to traditional fried pork chops. These chops are typically seasoned with a blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a strong flavor.

The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook the pork chops, resulting in a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The pork chops are cooked for about 12-15 minutes, depending on their thickness, and should be flipped halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Making air-fryer meatballs is a simple process that yields delicious, healthier results. Begin by combining ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix) with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, a beaten egg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the mixture into uniform balls, typically about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring they cook evenly.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket but don't let them touch each other. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until the meatballs are golden brown on the outside.

Air-Fryer Potato Wedges Potato wedges are thick, wedge-shaped slices of potatoes, often seasoned and baked or fried. Air-fried potato wedges are a healthier alternative to those cooked using traditional frying methods because they require significantly less oil, thus reducing fat and calorie content.

The preparation is pretty straightforward. Begin by cutting potatoes into wedges and soaking them in water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Pat them dry and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), arrange the wedges in a single layer, and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.

Prepare air-fryer garlic parmesan Broccoli can be prepared in under 10 minutes. The dish is made with fresh broccoli florets cooked in olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

What makes this dish a delicacy is the combination of crispy, tender broccoli with the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), and cook the broccoli in a single layer for 8-10 minutes.

Beginners often notice the broccoli gets burned even if they follow the guidelines properly. To prevent this, evenly coat the florets with oil, which helps with even cooking.

Vegan air-fryer churros are currently in demand for their healthy ingredients and lack of animal product use. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour until the mixture forms a smooth dough.

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the churros with cooking oil to help them crisp up. Next, carefully place the churros in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Once cooked, toss the churros in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar while still warm. Serve with a vegan chocolate dipping sauce for maximum taste.

Air-Fryer Brownies have become a staple in many kitchens in recent years. This method of making brownies is cherished for its speed and convenience, offering a quicker alternative to baking. Perfect for busy individuals or those seeking a small-batch treat, these brownies are fudgy and delightfully crisp around the edges.

These air-fryer brownies can be served at casual gatherings, weeknight desserts, or whenever you crave a quick, homemade chocolate fix. A standard serving size is typically one brownie square, about 2 inches by 2 inches, which is satisfying enough to curb your sweet tooth.

Air-Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful appetizer known for their ease and speed of preparation. Stuffed with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and often cheese, these mushrooms develop a beautifully golden crust while retaining their juicy, umami-rich centers.

What sets air-fryer stuffed mushrooms apart from those cooked in an oven is the even cooking and consistent crispiness achieved with minimal effort. A perfectly cooked mushroom boasts a delightful crunch, something that can be harder to achieve in an oven.

The air-fryer zucchini chips make for a healthier replacement for unhealthy fried snacks. Made by thinly slicing zucchini, these air fryer recipes easy boast a savory flavor.

The natural mildness of zucchini takes on the seasoning well, resulting in a delightful snack with a subtle vegetable sweetness and a hint of cheesy, garlicky goodness.

Nutritionally, zucchini chips are low in calories and rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. Compared to regular chips, they have significantly less fat and fewer calories which makes for a guilt-free snack option.

Cooking Air-Fryer Tofu is simple and can be easily handled by beginners. Begin by pressing a block of firm or extra-firm tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and coat them in a blend of soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, cornstarch, and any preferred seasonings.

Next, warm up the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the tofu cubes in a single arrangement in the air fryer tray and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. 

These air fryers' healthy recipes can be used in various meals, such as salads, stir-fries, or as a protein-packed snack. Its crunchy exterior and tender inside make it an excellent choice over fried or baked tofu.

Air-Fryer Fish Tacos are less greasy and healthier than regular tacos. Using the former method will make sure that the fish becomes perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender and flaky inside.

The fish is typically coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture before being air-fried at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes. This method is significantly easier and cleaner than traditional frying, making it a convenient option for a quick weeknight dinner.

If you are looking for a perfectly cooked, juicy steak, try air-frying steak. You can cook meat from different parts of the animal's body, including ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon. Bring the steak to room temperature and pat it dry with paper towels. Then, season generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings like garlic powder or rosemary.

Before putting the steak in the air-fryer, lightly coat it with a small amount of olive oil to enhance the searing process. Cook the steak for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, for medium-rare.

Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness, using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature: 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium.