80+ Beginner Friendly Air Fryer Favorites: Easy Recipes You Can't Mess Up (2024)

While an air fryer can seem intimidating at first, it is very similar to cooking in an oven. An air fryer uses a heating element and a fan to circulate hot air at high speeds, creating a crispy and evenly cooked food.

Below I include links to 80+ simple recipes that are perfect for beginners, from chicken to beef to veggies to frozen food. And I include an easy recipe for chicken drumsticks.

Try some of these easy recipes first and you will gain the confidence you need to tackle more involved recipes like a bloomin’ onion or fried chicken.

🥘Cooking With Your New Air Fryer

Air fryers can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, including french fries, chicken, fish, vegetables, and even desserts. They can provide a healthier alternative to a deep fryer, since they require little oil to create crispy food.

Air fryers are also great for reheating leftovers. Some models come with additional features such as a built-in timer, multiple cooking baskets, and temperature control.

🥣Most Common Air Fryer Mistakes

While air fryers aren’t difficult to use there are few common mistakes new owners make:

• Not Reading the Manual – I know, I know, users manuals are boring. But skim through it anyway before using your air fryer for the first time.
• Not Following a Recipe – Don’t try to wing it the first few times you use your air fryer. Find a recipe, like one of the ones linked below, and follow the directions.
• Overcrowding the Air Fryer – It can be tempting to cram a few extra pieces of food in the air fryer. But it works by circulating air, so there has to be space for the air to circulate and cook the food. For the crispiest food, keep things in a single layer.

🍴Air Fryer Cooking Tips

• Don’t be afraid to use a little oil in your cooking. An air fryer uses less oil, but a small amount of oil can improve the quality of the food.
• Check the food at the end of the cooking time and decide if more time is needed. Different air fryers will yield different results, so don’t rely just on cooking time.

With a little bit of practice you’ll soon discover the many delicious dishes you can make with your new air fryer.

📝FAQ About Air Frying

What is the best oil for air frying?

When it comes to air frying, the best oil to use is one with a high smoke point. These oils can withstand the high heat of air frying without breaking down. Two of the best options are avocado oil and canola oil.

Can I cook frozen food in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen food in an air fryer. In fact, many people find that air fryers are a convenient way to cook frozen foods quickly and easily.

Can I use parchment paper in the air fryer?

Yes, parchment paper can be used to line the basket or tray of the air fryer, which can help to prevent food from sticking to the surface and make cleanup easier.

Can I put raw meat in an air fryer?

Yes, you can put raw meat in an air fryer. Air fryers are great for cooking a wide variety of meats, including chicken, beef, pork, and fish. When you cook raw meat in an air fryer it is important to use a meat thermometer to verify it is cooked completely before serving.

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🍗🥘🥩80+ Beginner Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Easy air fryer chicken legs are crispy outside and juicy inside for a family favorite meal! Get tasty, crispy drumsticks with minimal effort in 25 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Cooking air fryer hot dogs gives you perfectly cooked hot dogs. Use frozen hot dogs or cook them inside breadsticks for a simple family meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast

This foolproof air fryer chicken breast recipe gives you delicious, juicy air fryer boneless chicken breast with minimal ingredients in 30 minutes for an easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast

Air Fryer Ham Steak with Pineapple

Make air fryer ham steak for a delicious quick dinner! Ham steak is brushed with a brown sugar glaze and cooked with sweet caramelized pineapple on top for delicious flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ham Steak with Pineapple

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Make Mongolian beef in the air fryer for crispy beef coated in a sweet & salty sauce, just like P.F. Changs. This kid-friendly meal is ready in 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Easy air fryer chicken thighs are seasoned with simple spices and quickly air fried. They are both crispy and juicy and are ready in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Steak Bites

Air fryer steak bites make a simple and delicious weeknight meal! The bite-sized pieces of meat have charred edges & a tender interior. Ready in 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Bites

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Air fryer pork tenderloin is a delicious weeknight dinner. The air fryer makes the outside crisp and brown while leaving a tender juicy interior.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Air fryer fajitas are a versatile and delicious meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken combines with veggies for a simple 15 minute meal!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Air Fryer Salmon

This quick and easy air fryer salmon recipe results in perfectly cooked salmon that is a little crispy outside but tender on the inside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon

Air Fryer Meatballs

Easy air fryer meatballs are quick to make & tasty. Have homemade meatballs ready in about 20 minutes. Eat as is, make a meatball sub or combine with pasta.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Meatballs

Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Simple & delicious glazed air fryer chicken thighs are crispy & juicy. Coated in an Asian chicken marinade for the perfect balance of sweet & spicy.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Naan Pizza

Make air fryer personal pizzas from naan bread! These air fryer naan pizzas are simple & delicious. Enjoy eating a pizza you made in about 10 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer naan Pizza

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Wings

Air fryer ranch chicken wings are a tasty game day snack! They are tender and crisp with lots of ranch flavor which makes them perfect for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich

This air fryer grilled ham and cheese is a classic sandwich. Make an easy comfort food dinner with hot ham, gooey cheese and toasted bread!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich

Air Fryer Shrimp

This delicious recipe for air fryer shrimp is quick and easy! The air fryer makes juicy and crisp shrimp, perfectly cooked.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Air fryer BBQ chicken turns a summer staple into a 30 minute meal you can enjoy anytime. Season and air fry chicken, then coat in barbecue sauce!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Air Fryer Tilapia

This easy air fryer tilapia lets you have a healthy dinner on the table in about 15 minutes. A tender and flaky fish dinner, seasoned with garlic and lemon.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tilapia

Air Fryer Brats

Air fryer brats are deliciously crispy sausages with an amazing flavor. Get a grilled taste in 15 min. You can air fry uncooked, pre-cooked or frozen brats!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brats

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer is an easy dinner recipe. Air fryer whole chicken is juicy & tender inside, with a crispy skin.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Air Fryer Carnitas

Pork is marinated and air fried for tender, juicy pork with crispy edges, in this air fryer pork carnitas recipe! Perfect for tacos, burritos or your favorite Mexican inspired dishes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Tender air fryer turkey meatballs are delicious! These tasty meatballs are loaded with flavor, but they’re neutral enough to add to your favorite dishes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken

Air fryer honey garlic chicken is simple to make & delicious! Easy air fryer chicken dinner is sticky, crispy, tender, juicy & ready in 20 minutes. Perfect meal for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken

Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Air fryer tuna melt is a quick & easy way to make an open faced tuna melt. Tuna is piled high on a crusty roll, and topped with melted cheese.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Air Fryer Pork Loin Roast

Delicious recipe for air fryer pork loin is a fast roast pork dinner. The pork loin is brown and crispy outside with juicy pork inside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Loin Roast

Air Fryer Chicken Breast with Prosciutto

Quick & easy dinner idea! This air fryer chicken breast recipe has only 5 ingredients. The chicken is wrapped with prosciutto resulting in a crispy prosciutto outer layer with juicy chicken inside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Breast with Prosciutto

Air Fryer Mini Pizzas

Have a fun pizza night with irresistible Air Fryer Mini Pizzas! Make the crust from refrigerator biscuits, add toppings and cheese, and cook 4 min. for an easy snack or meal!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mini Pizzas

Air Fryer Cod

This flakey and tender air fryer cod recipe is ideal for air frying cod without breading. Healthy, delicious, and ready to eat in 15 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cod

Air Fryer Chicken Caprese

Tasty air fryer chicken caprese is a delicious way to cook chicken! Chicken breast is topped off with fresh mozzarella cheese & ripe tomatoes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Caprese

Air Fryer Meatloaf

Air fryer meatloaf is a classic weeknight dinner that is simple & delicious, with crispy edges and soft insides. Ready in 40 minutes! Serve with ketcup or sauce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Meatloaf

Air Fryer Ham

This air fryer glazed ham recipe is a quick and easy meal! Learn how to make air fryer ham along with homemade glaze. Perfect for Easter, Christmas, or any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ham

Air Fryer Kielbasa with Potatoes

Air fryer kielbasa and potatoes is a one pot meal cooked entirely in the air fryer! This easy dinner will be ready in about 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kielbasa with Potatoes

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings

Air fryer lemon pepper wings are a delicious and crispy chicken wing appetizer. Easy, keto friendly, three ingredient recipe. Air fry frozen wings too!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings

Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

Air fryer bacon-wrapped hot dogs are the ultimate summer-time meal. Crispy bacon surrounds perfectly cooked hot dogs, so every bite has a fabulous combination of textures
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

Air Fryer Pizza

Air fryer pizza is a quick and easy dinner. Make pizza in the air fryer starting with unbaked pizza dough or with a premade pizza crust!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza

Air Fryer Nachos

Loaded Air Fryer Nachos have layers of crispy tortilla chips, juicy pulled pork, black beans, gooey cheese, and all your favorite toppings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Nachos

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

These air fryer salmon bites are simple to make and bursting with flavor. The combination of crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior is irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Air Fryer Italian Sausages

Air fryer Italian sausage and vegetables make a quick and easy family dinner. Put the sausage & vegetables in rolls for a meal with minimal prep & clean up!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Italian Sausages

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Enjoy air fryer chicken leg quarters for a perfect weeknight dinner. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with delicious flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air Fryer Pork Chops

Air fryer pork chops are a tender & juicy family favorite dinner. Have delicious pork chops on the table in about 20 minutes for a quick & easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Chops

Air Fryer Burgers

Air fryer hamburgers are a simple meal that is juicy and delicious. Learn how to make fresh hamburger patties in an air fryer for a family dinner
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Burgers

🥦Veggies and Side Dishes

Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes

Air fryer fingerling potatoes are simple to make! They are crispy outside and creamy inside. Toss these crispy potatoes with fresh herbs for an easy side dish!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

This easy air fryer spaghetti squash is ideal as a side dish or a pasta substitute. It is delicious, versatile and ready in about 20 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Air fryer sweet potato wedges are the perfect side dish! The thick-cut wedges have crispy edges with a creamy sweet taste inside. Add a dipping sauce!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Air Fryer Shish*to Peppers

Air fryer shish*to peppers are easy and delicious! The air fryer chars the skin for bite sized Japanese peppers with a burst of mild or spicy flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shish*to Peppers

Air Fryer Carrots

Roasted air fryer carrots have a fantastic texture, with crisp edges and soft and fork-tender insides. Coated in a sweet honey sauce, which caramelizes on them and enhances their flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrots

Air Fryer Red Potatoes

Air fryer red potatoes are almost effortless to make, healthy, delicious, and the perfect side dish for your next meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Red Potatoes

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air fryer butternut squash is a savory & healthy side dish! Cubes of squash are tossed with spices & roasted in the air fryer. Ready in 20 min.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air Fryer Yellow Squash

Air fryer yellow squash is an easy summer side dish! Slices of squash are seasoned, tossed with olive oil & air fried. Ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Yellow Squash

Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe

This easy air fryer broccoli is tender and delicious. Quick, easy and ready in less than 10 minutes. Make some healthy broccoli for dinner tonight!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe

Air Fryer Baked Potato

Air fryer baked potato – When you bake a potato in the air fryer it is crispy outside and light & fluffy inside in half the time of baking in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baked Potato

Air Fryer Acorn Squash

Air fryer acorn squash is delicious & simple to prepare. Perfect fall side dish for anyone looking for simple, low effort dish. Ready in about 25 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Acorn Squash

Air Fryer Mushrooms

Elevate your side dish game with these delectable air fryer mushrooms! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, they’re a mouthwatering side that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mushrooms

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Air fryer baby potatoes are a simple recipe! Baby potatoes are tossed with oil and salt and air fried until the insides are fluffy & the outside is crispy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick, easy and delicious way to roast fresh corn! Delicious, juicy and tender corn is just minutes away.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are a dish everyone will love! Turn these greens into crispy, tantalizing bites with a sweet and tangy finish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Asparagus

Lightly seasoned, topped with Parmesan cheese and drizzled with lemon juice this air fryer asparagus is the ultimate spring vegetable with a delicate taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

Air Fryer Delicata Squash

Air fryer delicata squash is a quick and easy side dish, perfectly seasonal for autumn. With the air fryer you can have roasted delicata squash on the table in about 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Delicata Squash

Air Fryer Green Beans

Simple side dish recipe makes air fryer green beans in about 10 minutes! Quick and easy these garlicky beans make a delicious healthy side dish for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Beans

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice baked potatoes are filled with mashed potatoes, sour cream and cheese and topped with bacon and chives and cooked in the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Eggplant

This easy recipe for air fryer eggplant is a delicious & healthy side dish. Simple to make and is a quick, easy & healthy recipe.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Eggplant

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Baking sweet potatoes in an air fryer makes a delicious and easy side dish. The sweet potatoes are tender and fluffy inside and crispy outside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Make Air Fryer Garlic Knots in less than 10 minutes using store-bought dough! These golden knots are irresistibly delicious and garlicky.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Corn

Turn corn into a gourmet delight with Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Corn recipe! It’s quick, easy, and bursting with irresistible flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Corn

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Make garlic bread in the air fryer & have this easy side ready in 10 minutes. This buttery & crisp air fryer garlic bread will be a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

These tasty air fryer sweet potato fries are a fun & healthy alternative to french fries. Enjoy sweet potato fry taste at home with fewer calories.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

🧇Breakfast Recipes

Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes

Air fryer breakfast potatoes are a tasty diner breakfast side. Cubes of potatoes are seasoned & air fried with peppers until they are crispy outside and light and tender inside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes

Air Fryer Bagels

Discover the magic of simplicity with 2-ingredient Air Fryer bagels! Crisp outside & chewy inside these bagels are perfect for busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bagels

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls in just 10 minutes with almost no effort. Or turn the cinnamon rolls into adorable Santa hats or Christmas trees for a holiday treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Air Fryer Toast

You can easily use your air fryer to toast bread, bagels, English muffins, and more! An air fryer makes it quick & easy to toast all kinds of bread.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Toast

Air Fryer Bacon

Make quick and cripsy air fryer bacon. Using an air fryer means you can cook bacon easily with less mess and consistently tasty results.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon

Air Fryer Sausage Patties

Learn how to make perfectly cooked sausage patties in air fryer in just a few steps. Whether you have fresh or frozen patties an air fryer is the perfect way to cook them.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sausage Patties

Air Fryer Eggs

Air fryer eggs are a simple, convenient way to make hard-boiled or soft-boiled eggs! The eggs are very easy to peel and make a great quick breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Eggs

Air Fryer Donuts

Make these quick and easy air fryer donuts from refrigerator biscuits for a simple yet delicious dessert. Donuts are dipped in chocolate glaze & sprinkles.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Donuts

Air Fryer Turkey Bacon

Make perfect air fryer turkey bacon for breakfast! It is light and crispy without any mess. Ditch greasy food and learn how to make turkey bacon in the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Bacon

🧊Frozen Foods

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders

Air fryer frozen chicken tenders can go from freezer to table in less than 15 minutes. They are golden, crispy chicken strips perfect for dipping in sauce like ranch or fry sauce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Frozen Pizza Rolls

Quick & convenient, making pizza rolls in an air fryer is simple. Air fryer pizza rolls are crisp outside for delicious bite size goodness. 10 min recipe!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Pizza Rolls

Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs

Cook frozen meatballs in the air fryer for inexpensive and easy meals! Ready to eat in only 15 minutes and are perfect for a meatball sandwich, added to pasta or as a quick appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs

Frozen Egg Rolls In the Air Fryer

Cook frozen egg rolls in the air fryer for easy egg rolls! These tasty Chinese restaurant favorites are perfect for dinner. They cook up fast & crispy.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Egg Rolls In the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Tater Tots

Using an air fryer to cook tater tots makes them crispy without deep frying. This dish is great a side dish or an appetizer dipped into spicy ketchup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tater Tots

Air Fryer Frozen Burgers

Learn how to cook frozen burgers in the air fryer! It is quick and easy to cook hamburgers, even if the patties are still frozen – 20 minute meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Burgers

Air Fryer Frozen Pot Pies

Learn how to cook frozen pot pies in the air fryer for perfectly crispy crust with hot, creamy filling in no time! Delicious comfort food!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Pot Pies