15 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners
Curious about your air fryer but not sure where to start? These simple, foolproof recipes will help you get confident fast without complicated steps or special ingredients.
You will get crispy textures, juicy centers, and quick cook times that make weeknights easier. Grab your basket, a little oil, and let’s make dinner happen.
1. Crispy Air Fryer French Fries
You will love how these fries crisp up with barely any oil. Cut russet potatoes into even sticks, soak briefly to remove starch, then pat dry.
Toss with a teaspoon of oil, salt, and pepper, then air fry, shaking halfway so every side gets golden and crunchy.
Use frozen fries when you are in a rush and skip soaking. Season with garlic powder, paprika, or ranch seasoning for a twist.
Serve with ketchup, aioli, or spicy mayo, and enjoy that fast food crunch at home without the greasy mess.
2. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These tenders cook up juicy inside with a crunchy exterior you will crave. Season chicken strips, then bread with flour, egg, and panko, or keep it simple with just spices and a light oil spritz.
Air fry until golden, flipping once for even color.
Dip them in honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or buffalo ranch. For extra flavor, add garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne.
They reheat beautifully, so make extra for lunches and salads. Kid friendly, weeknight approved, and ready in minutes.
3. Air Fryer Chicken Wings
If you love crackly skin, wings in the air fryer are unbeatable. Pat wings dry, toss with baking powder, salt, and pepper for extra crisp, then air fry until blistered and sizzling.
Sauce them after cooking so they stay crunchy.
Go classic with buffalo, sweet with honey garlic, or sticky with teriyaki. Toss in a bowl, then return to the basket for one minute to set.
Serve with celery, carrots, and ranch or blue cheese. Game day, weeknight, or party platter, these always disappear fast.
4. Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Salmon bites are perfect when you want something fast and flavorful. Cube salmon, pat dry, then toss with olive oil, garlic, lemon pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
Air fry until just opaque and flaky, shaking once for even cooking.
Serve over rice bowls with cucumber, avocado, and spicy mayo, or tuck into tacos with slaw and lime. They are protein packed, tender, and lightly crisp at the edges.
Add sesame seeds and green onions for a sushi bowl vibe. Dinner in under fifteen minutes.
5. Air Fryer Shrimp
Shrimp cook unbelievably fast and stay juicy in the air fryer. Toss peeled shrimp with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, and lemon zest.
Air fry for a few minutes until pink and curled, then finish with a squeeze of lemon.
Serve over pasta, rice, or salad, or stuff into tacos with cabbage and chipotle mayo. For garlicky scampi vibes, add butter and parsley after cooking.
Keep a bag of frozen shrimp on hand and you will always have a quick dinner. Speedy, simple, and delicious.
6. Air Fryer Pork Chops
These pork chops turn out tender, juicy, and nicely browned every time. Pat dry, season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then air fry until just cooked.
Let them rest a few minutes so the juices settle.
Finish with a quick pan sauce of butter, Dijon, and a splash of chicken broth, or simply squeeze lemon over the top. Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad.
Weeknight friendly and reliable, they are great for meal prep too.
7. Air Fryer Steak Bites
Steak bites deliver big flavor in minutes. Cut sirloin or ribeye into cubes, pat dry, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic.
Air fry until browned outside and tender inside, shaking once so edges caramelize evenly.
Toss with quick garlic butter and parsley while still hot. Serve with potato wedges, rice, or over a salad for a hearty meal.
Add a dash of Worcestershire or soy for depth. You get steakhouse vibes without babysitting a skillet, perfect for weeknights or sharing plates.
8. Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli
Broccoli in the air fryer gets wildly crispy tips and tender stems. Toss florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder.
Air fry, shaking once, until edges char slightly and the color deepens.
Finish with lemon zest and grated parmesan, or go spicy with chili flakes and a drizzle of hot honey. It is a side dish that actually gets eaten first.
Add to grain bowls, omelets, or pasta. Easy, fast, and a great way to use that bag in your crisper drawer.
9. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
These sprouts get deeply caramelized with a crackly exterior you will crave. Halve them, toss with oil, salt, and pepper, then air fry cut side down for extra browning.
Shake and finish until tender inside.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze, toss with crumbled bacon, or sprinkle parmesan for a savory hit. A little maple syrup and chili flakes make a sweet heat combo that is irresistible.
They pair with chicken, steak, or salmon, and reheat surprisingly well. Even sprout skeptics will be converted.
10. Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn gets juicy and slightly charred in the air fryer. Brush ears with butter or oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook until kernels are tender and browned in spots.
Turn once for even color.
Finish classic with more butter, or try chili lime, cotija, and cilantro for elote vibes. A quick swipe of garlic herb butter makes it dinner party worthy.
No boiling required, and it is perfect when your grill is not an option. Summer flavor any night of the week.
11. Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese gets evenly golden without hovering over the stove. Butter the outside of your bread, add sliced cheddar or American, and secure the sandwich with toothpicks so it does not fly around.
Air fry, flipping once, until melty and crisp.
Add tomato, bacon, or a swipe of Dijon for extra flavor. Serve with tomato soup or a simple salad for a nostalgic lunch.
It is forgiving and perfect for beginners, delivering that shattering crunch and gooey center you are craving. Comfort food, simplified.
12. Air Fryer Quesadillas
Quesadillas in the air fryer are crispy outside and cheesy inside with minimal mess. Fill tortillas with shredded cheese and whatever leftovers you have like chicken, beans, or veggies.
Lightly oil the outside so they crisp beautifully, then cook until golden.
Flip once for even browning. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Add jalapeños, corn, or chipotle for a smoky kick. Perfect for quick lunches, kid friendly dinners, or late night snacks when you need something satisfying fast.
13. Air Fryer Frozen Pizza or Pizza Toast
Small frozen pizzas get a surprisingly crisp crust in the air fryer. Place directly in the basket, cook until cheese is bubbly and edges brown.
For pizza toast, top bread with sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, then air fry until melty and crisp.
Add red pepper flakes, basil, or a drizzle of hot honey for a pizzeria finish. It is a fast lunch or after school snack that hits the spot.
Keep a box of minis or pantry staples ready, and you are minutes from pizza night.
14. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Frozen mozzarella sticks turn perfectly crisp without deep frying. Preheat, arrange in a single layer, and cook until the coating is golden and the cheese just starts to ooze.
Let them sit one minute so the cheese sets slightly.
Serve with warm marinara or spicy arrabbiata. For homemade, double bread with flour, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs, then freeze before cooking to prevent blowouts.
They are party friendly, kid approved, and seriously satisfying. You get the crunch without the oil splatter or lingering fryer smell.
15. Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
These shortcut donut holes use biscuit dough and taste like a carnival treat. Cut each biscuit into quarters, roll into balls, and air fry until puffed and golden.
Toss immediately in melted butter, then cinnamon sugar so it sticks.
Serve warm with coffee or hot chocolate. Add a vanilla glaze or drizzle of honey if you like them extra sweet.
They are dangerously easy and disappear fast. Perfect for weekend brunch, holidays, or whenever a cozy dessert craving hits without turning on the oven.
