65 Insanely Easy Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners

65 Insanely Easy Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners

Updated Apr 11, 2024

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65 easy air fryer recipes for beginners that you can make on day one of having your air fryer that are still full of flavor!

Collage of air fryer recipes for beginners (apple wedges, chicken breasts, and garlic bread)

Whether you just opened your air fryer box or are a beginner cook in general, this list of recipes is exactly what you need.

They use simple ingredients, but pack a lot of flavor, and are super easy to make!

You’ll find everything from chicken breasts to steak to desserts, vegetables, breakfast, and so much more.  

I’ve even included some of my favorite frozen foods to make in the air fryer since they are quick to cook and require basically no cooking skills!

Tips to Make an Air Fryer Fail-Proof for Beginner Cooks

  • Use a recipe! If you’re not sure how to cook something in the air fryer, search for it on this website first or Google a recipe to follow
  • Preheat your air fryer to start with a hot air fryer for crisp cooking (learn more about why you need to preheat your air fryer here).
  • Check on your food halfway through cooking. If it’s browning too much, drop your temperature down 20-30 degrees. It will still cook okay and it won’t be burnt!
  • Check on your food a few minutes before it’s done cooking! It’s possible what you’re using is thinner and may cook faster. It’s okay to open your air fryer for a quick second to peak in. The hot air will still stay in there!
  • Use an Instant-Read Thermometer to check the food to make sure it’s heated thoroughly and at the correct temperature. I even do this when cooking thicker frozen foods sometimes to make sure the absolute middle is cooked, like air fryer pork loin from frozen!

Want to learn more about your air fryer? Check out these 6 mistakes most air fryer owners make, especially newbies.

The Best Air Fryer Cookbooks for Beginners

These cookbooks are great to use when just starting to use you’re just starting out with your air fryer and need some inspiration.

  • Delicious Air Fryer Recipes – a cookbook with more than 130 recipes directly from Everyday Family Cooking. If you like the recipes on this page, you will enjoy the recipes in the cookbook! We have a digital version available too!
  • The Essential Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners – available in ebook and physical copy, this cookbook includes 142 pages full of easy recipes and air fryer tips
  • Taste of Home Everyday Air Fryer – available in digital and physical copy, this cookbook is 112 recipes full of everyday recipes for air fryer beginners

65 Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners

The best collection of easy recipes that are filled with flavor and made just for beginner cooks!

Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer

It’s so easy to make hot and delicious garlic bread in the air fryer!Best of all, you only need a few ingredients and about 10 minutes.

Air Fryer Meatloaf

This air fryer meatloaf gets a wonderful crisp on the outside and turns out perfectly moist without being greasy. Perfect for feeding the family on busy nights!

Air Fryer Ranch Potatoes

Crispy and creamy potatoes are coated in ranch seasoning for the perfect addition to a summer BBQ!

Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs

An easy way to make a healthy hard-boiled egg breakfast.

Air Fryer Bacon

Crispy air fryer bacon cooked to perfection. Includes directions on how to make it extra crispy.

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Air fryer chicken fajitas are coated in chili lime seasoning for a spicy flavorful meal.

Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops with Breading

The perfect way to make crispy breaded pork chops in the air fryer that turn out moist and juicy.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Crispy, juicy, absolutely irresistible air fryer chicken parmesan is easier to make than you think! This is a simple recipe the whole family is sure to love.

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This air fryer grilled cheese is crispy and golden on the outside, gooey and melty on the inside, and so easy to make! Each sandwich cooks to perfection in less than 10 minutes.

Air Fryer Shrimp with Lemon and Pepper

Shrimp is flavored with olive oil, lemon, and pepper for a simple and light lunch idea.

Air Fryer Pickles

Looking for a perfect snack or appetizer? Air fryer pickles are crunchy on the outside, hot and juicy on the inside, and can be ready in less than 20 minutes!

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Looking for a mouthwatering, hassle-free turkey dish? Air fryer turkey breast is the answer! Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly roasted, it’s the ultimate Thanksgiving centerpiece.

Air Fryer Cookie Cake

A sweet and rich air fryer cookie loaded with chocolate chips and ready to be your new favorite dessert.

Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Traditional blooming onion recipe in the air fryer. Please make this an easy and overly delicious recipe. If you need more time to perfect this one, let me know because I need it perfect.

Toast in the Air Fryer

If you’ve wondered if you can make toast in the air fryer, the answer is yes! Add your favorite toppings for a seriously yummy treat.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

Entertaining just got a whole lot easier thanks to this recipe for shake and bake pork chops in the air fryer! It’s such a simple way to get juicy, tender, perfectly-seasoned chops.

Air Fryer Roast Beef

Easy air fryer roast beef only takes minutes to prep for a tender, juicy dish that’s sure to impress! Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just because.

Air Fryer Meatballs

A delicious freezable air fryer meatball recipe that’s perfect as an appetizer or with spaghetti!

Air Fryer Biscuits

Looking for the best way to make frozen Pillsbury biscuits? These air fryer biscuits turn out golden, fluffy, hot, and delicious every time!

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is roasted in the air fryer and topped with parmesan cheese for a simple vegetable side dish.

Air Fryer Quesadilla

This air fryer quesadilla recipe is bursting with two types of yummy cheeses, and they come together in under 15 minutes!

Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks

Frozen fish sticks are air fried to get a crispy breading and flaky inside.

Teriyaki Salmon in the Air Fryer

Try making teriyaki salmon in the air fryer using a simple sauce from scratch for a super delicious and easy weeknight dinner!

Air Fryer Corn Dogs

Frozen corn dogs are cooked in the air fryer for a delicious kid-friendly way to please the whole family.

Air Fryer Apples

Air fryer apples are covered in graham cracker crumbs and cinnamon to create a delicious snack or dessert.

Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato

A fluffy roasted sweet potato that is air fried to bring out its sweetest flavor.

Air Fryer Ravioli

A delicious healthier version of a deep-fried snack. 3 ingredients and perfect for an air fryer beginner!

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

These air fryer turkey meatballs make a delicious, healthy, high-protein meal that still delivers big on taste. Serve over pasta, in a hoagie, or all on their own!

Air Fryer Nachos

A delicious healthy snack to enjoy whether it’s raining or gorgeous outside. It’s vegetarian, but loaded with tasty ingredients.

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is marinated in a dijon mustard sauce and air fried into a flavorful dinner.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus in the Air Fryer

Crispy bacon pairs perfectly with tender asparagus in my recipe for bacon-wrapped asparagus in the air fryer!

Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

Air fryer frozen green beans are so crispy and flavorful, no one will they were frozen! A perfect veggie side for busy weeknights.

Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Craving something meaty & delicious? Sink your teeth into these air fryer turkey legs! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, & ready in just 30 minutes.

Air Fryer Jelly Donuts

Air fryer donuts made with raspberry jelly in just 4 ingredients with canned biscuits.

Roasted Air Fryer Carrots

The same great taste of roasted carrots from the oven in less time and less oil.

French Bread Pizza in the Air Fryer

A delicious and crunchy French Bread Pizza suitable for the entire family!

Shake and Bake Chicken In The Air Fryer

Shake and bake chicken in air fryer is crispy and delicious! This simple air fryer recipe is so easy to prepare –– ready in just 30 minutes!

Air Fryer Hot Pockets

A new way to create an extra crispy crust by cooking Hot Pockets in an air fryer. Any new cook can make these!

Air Fryer Frozen Hash Brown Patties

A simple way to make crispy hash brown patties without any oil.

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

An easy frozen air fryer snack and appetizer. Nice and crispy with no oil needed.

Air Fryer Hot Dogs

An easy way to cook hot dogs without a grill. Can be cooked from fresh or frozen.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Pillsbury cinnamon rolls are cooked in the air fryer in just minutes for a quick and easy breakfast.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

An easy and delicious take on chicken breasts that takes just 12 minutes to make. With a golden brown crusting and a tender inside, these chicken breasts are perfect by themselves or added in a light salad.

Air Fryer Baked Potato

This air fryer baked potato recipe is your ticket to a quick, easy, and versatile meal. They have crispy skin and soft fluffy insides.

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon 

A delicious air fryer salmon dish cooked with the skin on and covered with a simple garlic butter sauce.

Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin

Need a quick and healthy weeknight dinner? This air fryer turkey tenderloin recipe is tender, juicy, and ready in 30 minutes.

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings

Chicken wings are cooked in lemon pepper seasoning then coated with a lemon and pepper honey sauce for an extra boost of flavor.

Air Fryer Ribeye Steak 

Cook a ribeye steak in the Air Fryer until it’s perfectly tender and juicy.

Air Fryer Honey Soy Chicken Thighs

An air fryer chicken thighs recipe with Asian flavor that is easy to make and delicious to eat.

Hash Browns in the Air Fryer

These hash browns in the air fryer are an ideal breakfast side dish! Enjoy perfectly cooked potatoes with some seasonings.

Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Breasts

Air Fryer Bone-in Chicken Breasts are coated in brown sugar, paprika, and red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy dinner dish.

Air Fryer Baby Carrots

This air fryer baby carrots recipe is so easy! All you’ll need are carrots, a few seasonings, and your air fryer to make this side dish.

Air Fried Oreos

An air fryer take on deep-fried Oreos without the excess oil.

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

A delicious and easy way to make chicken leg quarters for dinner!

Air Fryer Ham

You’re going to fall in love with the pineapple glaze over this homemade air fryer ham! From holiday feasts to Sunday family dinner, you’ll want to make this recipe on repeat.

Asian-Style Air Fryer Green Beans

A delicious Asian-Inspired air fryer dish that can complement stir fries or even just chicken.

Easy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Delicious sweet potato fries that are perfect as a side dish to any meal.

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Nuggets are air fried from frozen to create a crispy breading in little time.

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Roasted baby potatoes are cooked to perfection for any air fryer beginner in this easy flavorful air fryer side dish.

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Skip the store-bought rotisserie chicken, and make this easy air-fryer roasted chicken recipe right at home! Simply season and cook. You’ll be left with perfectly cooked juicy meat and irresistibly crispy skin.

Frozen Hamburgers in the Air Fryer

No thawing required for these air fryer frozen hamburgers! If you have beef patties in the freezer, you can whip them in no time at all for a quick and satisfying lunch.

Air Fryer Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions

A delicious Italian sausage dish served in a toasted roll with air fried peppers and onions.

Air Fryer Broccoli Parmesan

Broccoli is air fried into a crispiness that can’t be recreated anywhere else. It’s topped with fresh parmesan cheese to create a nice flavor combination.

Air Fryer Dumplings

An easy dumpling recipe made in an air fryer from frozen. The dipping sauce comes together in just 2 minutes.

Air Fried Asparagus with Garlic and Parmesan

A delicious and healthy air fryer asparagus recipe done in less than 10 minutes. This is one of my favorite air fryer recipes for beginners!

Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings

An easy way to make frozen onion rings crispy without any added oil.

Air Fryer Sausage Patties

Sausage patties are a delicious side dish to any breakfast menu. You can even cook them from fresh or frozen!

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

An easy roasted air fryer corn on the cob recipe coated with parmesan cheese. It’s everything you didn’t know you needed in a corn recipe.

Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Brussels Sprouts

A sweet and spicy air fryer side dish that creates crispy brussels sprouts with a nice kick in flavor.

Homemade Air Fryer Bagel Bites Recipe

Photo Credit:
erhardtseat.com

Homemade Air Fryer Bagel Bites make the perfect appetizer, or a quick and easy lunch for the kids. Ready in 10 minutes and easily customizable.

Easy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos

Photo Credit:
apeachyplate.com

Taco-seasoned ground beef combined cheese all rolled up in a corn and flour blend tortilla are super tasty and crunchy.

Air Fryer Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders

Photo Credit:
kimandkalee.com

These Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sliders are served on a King’s Hawaiian bun and topped with aioli sauce. This sweet and salty lunch is so easy to make and ready in just 25 minutes!

Super Simple Air Fried Tofu

Photo Credit:
plantbasedonabudget.com

This simple 4-ingredient air-fried tofu recipe is so easy to make and is so delicious! The tofu can be added to a salad, eaten as a snack, or plated with a meal by adding steamed vegetables and rice!

Crispy Air Fryer Tempeh

Photo Credit:
www.bucketlisttummy.com

This Crispy Air Fryer Tempeh covered in a delicious tempeh peanut sauce is a 20 minute vegan air fryer recipe that will even have the meat-and-potatoes-kind-of-guys returning for seconds.

Crispy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Photo Credit:
erhardtseat.com

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is ready in only 30 minutes and makes the perfect main for family dinners or party appetizer! Pair with a variety of sauces for the perfect finish.

Air Fryer Pizza Recipe

Photo Credit:
www.simplystacie.net

Use pre-made pizza dough to make this better than delivery pizza right in your air fryer! This recipe makes two individual pizzas that are ready to eat in minutes.

Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

Photo Credit:
www.acedarspoon.com

Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken Thighs are tender, juicy and make a simple recipe. I love the crispy skin that the air fryer gives to chicken thighs and how little clean-up is involved. You can change up the spices that are used in the marinade depending on what you have on hand.

Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks

Photo Credit:
biteontheside.com

These air fryer cauliflower steaks are an easy way to fancy up your meal times in the most effortless way! With crispy florets that have a wonderful natural nutty flavor, this low carb cauliflower recipe is easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.

Easy Air Fryer Ribs

Photo Credit:
airfryanytime.com

Air Fryer Ribs are so easy to make and you’ll be surprised how well they turn out, with tender meat and perfect crispy edges.

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Photo Credit:
holisticfoodie.com

Delicious air fryer coconut shrimp made with only a small handful of ingredients in about 30 minutes.

Air Fryer Jerk Chicken

Photo Credit:
sweetcaramelsunday.com

Sizzled to perfection, this jerk chicken is full of flavor and melts in your mouth!

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Photo Credit:
www.everydayeileen.com

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are easy and juicy! Made with just a few ingredients for a delicious family lunch or dinner.

TikTok Air Fried Pasta Chips

Photo Credit:
thebustedoven.com

Air fried pasta chips make a delicious, fun snack. Quick and easy and made with simple ingredients, these little snacks will have you reaching for more.

Air fryer Zucchini 

Photo Credit:
rachnacooks.com

This zucchini recipe needs no breading, is super simple and, a perfect vegetable side.

Kale Chips (Air Fryer)

Photo Credit:
carrotsandcookies.com

All you need is curly kale, olive oil, salt, and a few minutes to make these kid-favorite air fried kale chips!

Air Fried Tortilla Chips

Photo Credit:
www.saltysidedish.com

These air fryer tortilla chips are a great beginner recipe. Just 3 simple ingredients!

Air Fryer Pepperoni Chips 

Photo Credit:
dashfordinner.com

All that’s needed for this super easy Air Fryer recipe is 1 ingredient: pepperoni! Make these delicious and crispy Air Fryer Pepperoni Chips in just 4 minutes.

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies Recipe

Photo Credit:
ottawamommyclub.ca

You can whip up a batch of apple hand pies that are ready in minutes. This recipe only requires 3 ingredients, and the results are better than any fruit pie that you might find in the pre-packaged snack aisle.