23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (2024)

It’s easy to say to people that you will eat healthy and provide a healthy meal for your family, but what if your children don’t like what you’re making? I’ve seen some kids straight up refuse to eat most foods and you’re caught between a rock and a hard place to get them to eat.

However, what if you could provide some foods that taste like your fried foods, are fried foods, but are prepared in a healthier manner? Enter the air fryer. You’re using less oil in preparing your food than traditional fried foods, and you are free to use much healthier oils like coconut oil.

With that in mind, here are 23 simple air fryer recipes that I found to get you started.

Please enjoy these Air Fryer Recipes. To view the full recipe, please click the links under the images.

Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (1)

There is a quaint little restaurant in our city that serves fried brussel sprouts. I was not a brussel sprouts fan at all but one night when we were out to dinner, we decided to give them a try. Fabulous and delicious!!!! So I thought there must be a way to make these tasty morsels healthier, yet taste just as good.

From: Coupons for the Family

Cinnamon Honey Glazed Air Fryer Sweet Potato Bites

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (2)

These Cinnamon Honey Glazed AIr Fryer Sweet Potato Bites are a super quick, easy side that goes with any meal! Toddlers love them too!

From: The Millenial Sahm

Easy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (3)

If you’re needing an island getaway but can’t quite make it there, bring the islands to you with this coconut shrimp recipe. These coconut shrimp are anair fryerrecipe which means shrimp perfectly cooked to crispy coconut perfection. And, it’s so easy that it’s like having a mini vacation in your kitchen.

From: Easy Peazy Mealz

Perfect Air Fryer Salmon

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (4)

I would have never guessed making salmon in an air fryer would have produced the most tender and juicy salmon every time. I promise this Perfect Air Fryer Salmon will become your new way to conquer salmon in the kitchen.

From: Noble Pig

Air Fryer Bacon

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (5)

I am not even that big of a bacon eater, but this is sooooo good. After you try this method for cooking bacon, you may never do it any other way.It’s a total game-changer, people.

From: A Pinch of Healthy

Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (6)

If you’re a mushroom lover you will really enjoy thiseasy air fryer mushrooms recipewith garlic. Overall, it’s a quick and easy way to cookair fried mushroomsin the air fryer without a lot of fuss.

From: Best Recipe Box

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (7)

If you’re in the mood for a delicious melted cheese snack, you’ve gotta try making breaded mozzarella sticks in theair fryer! They’re super easy and fun to make, and they’re such a yummy snack or appetizer.

From: Hip 2 Save

Air Fried Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (8)

These Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are the perfect healthy game day snack. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, just serve them with your favorite ranch sauce and you can’t stop eating them!

From: Father and Us

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (9)

Air Fryer Truly Crispy Baby Potatoes.Truly crispy, addictive, perfectly seasoned, Mediterranean baby potatoes cooked in the air fryer. Quick prep and a perfect Mediterranean side on the family dinner table.

From: Recipe This

Air Fryer Personal Pizza

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (10)

Surprisingly low in calories and amazingly satisfying these Perfect Personal Pizzas (in an Air Fryer) will be your new favorite snack.

From: Foodtastic Mom

Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Zucchini

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (11)

If you’re looking for a super simple side dish to make in the air fryer, you’ve come to the right place. Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Zucchini is the recipe for you! Especially when you have garden fresh zucchini growing like crazy!

From: Cooks Well With Others

Air Fryer Fried Pickles

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (12)

Today we’re making homemadefried pickles! These are crisp breaded dill pickle slices made with no deep fryer required. I’ve also included a simple zesty dipping sauce in the recipe!

From: Sugar Spun Run

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (13)

Juicy crunchy perfect air fryer corn on the cob recipe. Easy and ready under 10 minutes! I promise, this will become your go to recipe for a sweet side dish corn for your air fryer.

From: Berry Maple

Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (14)

I’m potato obsessed! I could eat potatoes with every meal if that was a healthy option just to eat potatoes,ALL DAY EVERYDAY!

My husband and our daughter also share a love for potatoes, so we have our fair share of them throughout the week. We love ourAir Fryer Baked Potato, but thisAir Fryer Baked Sweet Potato recipe is just as good!

From: Courtneys Sweets

Air Fryer Onion Rings

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (15)

The other day we made this homemade air fryer onion rings recipe and they turned out pretty tasty, so now I’m sharing it with you! The recipe is pretty easy but takes a few minutes to prepare the ingredients and to cut the onion. It’s well worth the work, though! Enjoy!

From: Thrifty Nifty Mommy

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (16)

These air fryer chicken thighs are easily the best chicken thighs I’ve ever made or tried. The flavoring sauce on them is pure delight. It’s slightly sweet and tangy, with a little bit of savory coming from soy and Worcestershire sauces and garlic. The maple syrup in the sauce, combined with high heat air frying, makes the skin beautifully caramelized and very tasty. Even addictive. Trust me, you will be running for seconds.

From: Craving Tasty

Air Fryer Hamburgers

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (17)

If you’re like me and you don’t like the mess and hassle of cooking hamburgers on the stove top, you’ll love these Air Fryer Hamburgers. They taste delicious and there’s no greasy mess to clean up.

From: Grace Like Rain Blog

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (18)

If you’re living in the South, then knowing how to makefried chickenis amust. I tried for the longest to avoid posting a fried chicken recipe on the blog because in all honesty, I didn’t tend to get excited about fried chicken.

Until now.For years, when my Southern husband requested fried chicken, I’d just shrug and make him theseair fried chicken wingscovered in an Asian sauce instead.

From: My Forking Life

Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (19)

This easy air fryer jalapeno poppers recipe stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon is keto, low carb and weight watchers friendly. This peppers will be perfect for your next party as an appetizer, they are filling, crunchy outside and creamy cheesy inside.

From: Berry Maple

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (20)

Need an easy, kid-friendly, whole family pleasing dinner recipe? ThisAir Fryer Popcorn Chicken recipeis it!

From: Urban Bliss Life

Air Fryer Quesadilla

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (21)

Perfect breakfast air fryer cheese quesadilla with leftover chicken! Great quick recipe that is very easy to make , kid friendly and even a beginner can make it. So nice and cheesy! Weight watchers 5 points per serving.

From: Berry Maple

Best Air Fryer Baked Potato

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (22)

Our Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe is the ultimate air fryer side dish! Cover your baking potatoes with our parsley garlic salt rub. The garlic parsley potatoes skin is flavorful and crispy! This recipe will make you love your air fryer! The flavor and texture make this the best baked potato ever!

From: Courtneys Sweets

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (23)

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp αre heαlthy αnd delicious. This is αlso α greαt mαin dish Weight Wαtchers recipe with only 1 Freestyle SmαrtPoint per serving.

From: Healthy Ridz

Pin these Air Fryer Recipes for later!

If you enjoyed this roundup of simple air fryer recipes, don’t forget to pin these to your air fryer board on Pinterest. You can also follow Fluffy’s Kitchen on Pinterest for more recipes and ideas!

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (24)

23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (2024)

FAQs

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

Make homemade sweetcorn and spring onion fritters in the air fryer for easy, energy-efficient cooking. These would be perfect as a veggie lunch, starter or side.

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

Why are people getting rid of air fryers? ›

Summary. In conclusion, while air fryers offer certain benefits such as reduced calorie intake and faster cooking times, they are not without their limitations. Size constraints, limited cooking options, and concerns about crispiness are driving some people to look for alternatives.

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.

How do you use an air fryer for dummies? ›

Air Frying Tips for Optimal Results
  1. Balance Your Basket. Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. ...
  2. Use the Right Basket. Use the perforated basket or pan that came with your appliance. ...
  3. Don't Overdo the Oil. Don't use too much oil. ...
  4. Convert Cooking Time. Adjust cooking time. ...
  5. Avoid Non-Stick Sprays.

Why is air fried food not healthy? ›

In one study, air frying of fish raised the amount of a substance called "cholesterol oxidation products" (COPs). COPs form when the cholesterol in meat or fish breaks down during cooking. Studies connect these substances to coronary heart disease, hardening of the arteries, cancer, and other diseases.

What ruins an air fryer? ›

Putting a damp basket back into the air fryer can cause damage, such as affecting the time it takes for your air fryer to heat up or damaging the internal components. It is no secret that water and electricity do not go hand-in-hand.

Why shouldn't you cook hamburgers in an air fryer? ›

While an air fryer can technically take a burger patty from raw to cooked, the exterior won't brown as quickly as it would on, say, a grill, which means medium-rare (and even medium) burgers are out of the question. You also won't get that irresistible char.

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 do I wish I knew before getting 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 best thing you can make in an air fryer? ›

Veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms & onions, and cauliflower all turn out incredible in the air fryer. You can also make your main dish IN the air fryer. It works magic with proteins like tofu, chicken drumsticks, meatballs, pork chops, fried chicken… even steak.

Why do chefs hate air fryers? ›

Food in an air fryer must be spaced out in order to actually cook, and since these fryers' baskets aren't all that big, you sometimes have to cook your food in batches. Since each batch can take several minutes to cook, this means that the first few will likely be cold by the time the last few are ready.

What is negative about air fryers? ›

Carcinogen Production: Certain cooking oils and high-temperature cooking in air fryers can produce carcinogenic compounds, posing long-term health risks.

Is there something better than an air fryer? ›

Versatility: Instant Pots have many capabilities compared to air fryers. Cooking times: Instant Pots can often prepare food more quickly than air fryers. Food choices: Although both small kitchen appliances can prepare a wide range of foods, Instant Pots offer more recipe options.

Do you put oil on food before Airfryer? ›

While you would typically add oil to a pan before adding your food, the case is not the same when using an air fryer. In a bowl, toss your food in a few teaspoons of vegetable oil or olive oil along with your seasoning before putting it in the air fryer. This method works best for cooking fresh meats and vegetables.

What is the general rule for cooking in the air fryer? ›

When taking a recipe from oven to air fryer, the general rule is to reduce the temperature by 20ºC – 30ºC, and cook for 20% less time.

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.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Terence Hammes MD

Last Updated:

Views: 6452

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Terence Hammes MD

Birthday: 1992-04-11

Address: Suite 408 9446 Mercy Mews, West Roxie, CT 04904

Phone: +50312511349175

Job: Product Consulting Liaison

Hobby: Jogging, Motor sports, Nordic skating, Jigsaw puzzles, Bird watching, Nordic skating, Sculpting

Introduction: My name is Terence Hammes MD, I am a inexpensive, energetic, jolly, faithful, cheerful, proud, rich person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.