18 Beginner-Friendly Recipes For Getting Started With An Air Fryer

New to air frying and not sure where to start? These beginner friendly recipes deliver big flavor with minimal effort, giving you crispy textures and juicy centers fast.

You will master the basics, build confidence, and discover weeknight shortcuts you will actually use. Grab your basket and let’s make something delicious tonight.

1. Crispy French Fries

Start with fresh sticks or frozen fries, then toss with a teaspoon of oil and a generous pinch of salt. Spread them in a loose, even layer so hot air can circulate.

Cook until deeply golden, shaking the basket halfway for even crisping.

You will hear that telltale crunch and smell diner-level potatoes. Season again with salt, pepper, or garlic powder while they are hot.

Dip in ketchup, aioli, or vinegar and feel incredibly proud of this simple win.

2. Chicken Tenders

Season strips of chicken, dredge in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko for maximum crunch. Spritz with oil and air fry until the crust turns golden and the meat hits safe temperature.

Flip once to ensure even browning.

They cook quickly, stay juicy, and make weeknights easy. Serve with honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.

You will not miss deep frying at all, especially when cleanup is a breeze and dinner disappears fast.

3. Chicken Wings

Pat wings dry, toss with baking powder, salt, and pepper for extra lift and crunch. Air fry until blistered and crisp, flipping once.

Sauce afterward to keep that shattering texture intact.

Think buffalo, lemon pepper butter, or sticky teriyaki you toss at the end. It is game day energy with weeknight effort.

You get crispy skin, juicy meat, and fewer dishes, which is a win in every kitchen.

4. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites

Cube chicken breasts, then toss with olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Air fry until lightly browned and cooked through.

While hot, shower with grated parmesan and a little lemon zest.

The result is savory, cheesy bites perfect for bowls, salads, or snacking. You will love them with caesar salad or buttered rice.

They reheat beautifully, staying tender and flavorful for tomorrow’s lunch.

5. Salmon Bites

Cut salmon into one inch cubes, pat dry, and season with salt, pepper, garlic, and a drizzle of oil. Air fry briefly until sides turn opaque and edges caramelize.

Do not overcook, because carryover heat finishes the job.

Squeeze lemon over the top and add dill or parsley. These bites are perfect over rice bowls, salads, or tacos.

You will get restaurant level tenderness in minutes, with zero guesswork.

6. Shrimp (Simple Seasoned)

Pat shrimp dry, then toss with olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Air fry just a few minutes until pink, curled, and glossy.

Finish with lemon juice and a little butter if you are feeling fancy.

They come out juicy and perfectly seasoned every time. Serve with rice, toss into pasta, or pile on tacos.

You will love the speed, the minimal cleanup, and the bright, briny flavor.

7. Roasted Broccoli

Toss broccoli florets with oil, salt, and pepper, then crank the heat. Air fry until the edges darken and crisp, shaking once.

A quick squeeze of lemon wakes everything up.

Those crispy little bits are addictive, and even veggie skeptics enjoy them. Add chili flakes, parmesan, or a drizzle of tahini for variety.

You will have a side dish ready before your main finishes cooking.

8. Brussels Sprouts

Halve the sprouts and toss with oil, salt, and pepper. Air fry cut side down for deep browning, shaking once.

The loose leaves crisp into chips that you will snack on before dinner.

Finish with balsamic, honey mustard, or parmesan. They are fast, caramelized, and surprisingly irresistible.

This side pairs with chicken, salmon, or steak without hogging the stovetop.

9. Sweet Potato Wedges

Cut wedges evenly, then toss with oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Air fry until the edges blister and the centers turn tender.

Flip once and watch for that deep color.

They hit that sweet savory balance beautifully. Serve with garlicky yogurt or chipotle mayo.

You will get crispy outsides and soft insides, a perfect partner for burgers or roasted chicken.

10. Crispy Tofu

Press firm tofu, then cube it and toss with cornstarch, oil, salt, and garlic powder. Air fry until edges turn crunchy and lightly browned.

Shake the basket halfway for even crisping.

Toss with a soy honey glaze, buffalo sauce, or everything seasoning. It is a protein that welcomes any flavor you love.

You will convert tofu skeptics with this texture alone.

11. Nacho-Style Tortilla Chips

Cut corn tortillas into triangles, lightly spritz with oil, and arrange in a single layer. Air fry until crisp and spotty brown, shaking once.

Season immediately with salt and chili powder.

They stay light, crunchy, and totally dippable. Load them into nachos or serve with salsa and queso.

You will wonder why you ever bought a bag when this is so fast.

12. Quesadillas

Layer cheese and fillings between tortillas, then place in the basket. Air fry until the exterior crisps and the cheese melts into silky strands.

Flip once for even color.

Slice into wedges and serve with salsa or guacamole. It is hands off and consistently melty.

You will get crisp, golden tortillas without standing over a pan.

13. Grilled Cheese (Air Fryer Style)

Butter the outside of two slices of bread, sandwich your favorite cheese inside, and set in the basket. Air fry, flipping once, until the bread turns evenly golden and the center melts.

The result is uniform crispiness without babysitting a skillet.

Pair with tomato soup or a crunchy salad. You will appreciate how foolproof it feels.

Every bite is buttery, melty, and exactly what you wanted.

14. Mini Meatballs

Roll bite sized meatballs from ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasoning. Air fry until browned outside and juicy inside, shaking once.

They cook fast and hold their shape beautifully.

Toss with marinara, glaze with teriyaki, or serve as party bites. You can meal prep a batch and freeze for later.

You will have protein ready for pasta, subs, or grain bowls.

15. Roasted Chickpeas

Drain, rinse, and dry canned chickpeas very well, then toss with oil, salt, and spices. Air fry until crunchy, shaking a couple of times.

Let them cool slightly to maximize crisp.

Snack on them straight or sprinkle over salads and soups. Try curry powder, ranch seasoning, or cinnamon sugar.

You will love how budget friendly and customizable they are.

16. Mozzarella Sticks

Use frozen mozzarella sticks for the easiest win. Arrange with space between each piece, then air fry until the coating is browned and the cheese threatens to ooze.

Do not overcrowd the basket.

Serve immediately with warm marinara for dipping. They deliver pub snack vibes without the oil.

You will keep a box in the freezer once you see how quick they vanish.