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These air fryer recipes for beginners are perfect to get you started. If you are wondering where to begin, try one of these 37 easy recipes.

These air fryer recipes for beginners are perfect to get you started. If you are wondering where to begin, try one of these 37 easy recipes. These recipes range from healthy recipes, to easy dinner recipes, chicken recipes and dessert recipes too! #eatingonadime #airfryerrecipes #easyrecipes
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Air fryer recipes for beginners

If you just bought a new air fryer or maybe have one that has been sitting on the counter unused, now is the time to get started. Cooking with an air fryer is very simple and allows you to get snacks or your main dish quickly to your family.

You get the benefit of crispy skin and delicious food without the work of actually frying. The air fryer has really revolutionized cooking for great meals in minutes. You are really missing out if you haven’t tried cooking this way.

The best part and for good reason is how amazing the food tastes.

What is an air fryer?

Hot air is circulated in the air fryer resulting in crispy food every time. You need very little oil but food turns out perfectly crispy and amazing.

It is simply the best and our family loves food cooked this way. The air fryer basically uses air to give food that deep fried taste everyone loves.

However, you can enjoy it without tons of oil, grease and standing over a hot stove.

Instead of using the deep fryer to get crispy food, use the air fryer for a healthier alternative. We love to cook chicken breasts and chicken wings in the air fryer because it turns out so crispy.

Anything to make dinner time quick and easy is high on my list. We also love the instant pot for quick meals. However, the air fryer is the one to use when you are craving fried food.

What should I make first in my air fryer?

The air fryer is really easy to use. Just about all recipes are simple.

I suggest starting with simple foods such as bacon, baked potatoes, hard boiled eggs or fried chicken. Any of these would be great places to start and really easy to make.

Enjoy your favorite fried foods with very little oil and time needed. Any of these recipes would be a good idea.

Is an air fryer good for beginners?

Absolutely! You can enjoy delicious fried food in a matter of minutes without any special skills required.

Using an air fryer is not hard at all and even a beginner can use one. Anyone can cook these easy air fryer meals with simple ingredients.

Air Fryer Tips for Beginners

  • Start with a simple recipe. Using a recipe will help you know exact times and any additional tips you need.
  • Preheat the air fryer. This steps allows you to get the crispiness everyone loves. Food cooks more evenly and turns out crispier when preheated. If your oven does not have a preheat option, let it run for 2 to 3 minutes before using to warm the heating element.
  • Check on the food a few minutes before it is done. Cooking times vary and it might cook faster. It is always a good idea to check and see.
  • Use a digital thermometer to make sure meat is done. We use one all the time in cooking. It helps to ensure the meat is fully cooked and you don’t have to cut into it.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Food needs enough space so that the air can circulate while cooking. This is what makes the food crispy.

    You may need to cook in batches to prevent overcrowding. The food should be in a single layer. While this might take longer the good news is that each batch takes only minutes.
  • Make sure to use the right size for your family. Air fryers come in different sizes. You want to buy the one that best suits your family size. We have a Philips air fryer.
  • Avoid cooking spray from an aerosol can. Aerosol sprays can cause damage to your air fryer basket. It is best to use oil dabbed on with a pastry brush or rubbed on. I like to use olive oil if the recipes calls for oil.
  • Prevent white smoke. Sometimes, you might see white smoke coming out of the air fryer if you are cooking excessively greasy food. This can be prevented by placing a slice of bread under the basket to help catch excess oil or grease as it falls.

    You can also place a couple of tablespoons of water prior to cooking in the basket. Either of these options should help prevent smoke.
  • Use for leftovers. The air fryer is not just for cooking but also for reheating. This is a great way to enjoy leftovers that you want to be crispy and not soggy from warming in the microwave. It makes it even more crispy than a toaster oven.

The Best Air Fryer Recipes

Try these easy recipes if you are just starting out. We make everything from snacks to meals in the air fryer. You will get crispy food that is easy and tasty.

Once you taste how delicious food turns out, you will be hooked. These easy recipes will make lots of delicious meals for your family with less oil and cook time.

It is the best way to cook all of your favorite fried meals. We love the crispy exterior and it also an easy way to make low carb recipes. Take food to the next level and try an air fryer.

These beginner recipes take minutes and the results are so tasty. The air fryer is our favorite way to cook fried food with little oil. You definitely want to give this new way to cook a try.

Some of our best things are cooked in the air fryer and it is definitely a family favorite.

Let’s get started with this list of air fryer recipes for beginners. Enjoy your favorite things and the best recipes.

Air fryer Snack Recipes

1. Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Enjoy a quick snack in minutes and it is so crispy and delicious. You can sprinkle parmesan cheese on top before serving. Even frozen foods taste amazing.

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
These air fryer pizza rolls do not disappoint. In just 7 minutes, enjoy crispy pizza rolls for a quick dinner or snack.
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

2. Air Fryer Cheese Sticks

Everyone will love these golden brown mozzarella sticks cooked in the air fryer.

Air fryer cheese sticks
Enjoy air fryer cheese sticks in minutes. The outside is crispy and delicious and the inside is cheesy and gooey. This recipe is delicious.
Air fryer cheese sticks

3. Air Fryer Pizza

This is one of the easiest things to make in the air fryer with your favorite homemade pizza sauce and toppings.

Air Fryer Pizza
In less than 10 minutes, enjoy Air fryer pizza with all of your favorite toppings. This tasty recipe makes it easy to enjoy pizza on a budget.
Air Fryer Pizza

4. Air Fryer Donuts

Skip the extra cost at bakeries and make delicious donuts at home.

Air Fryer Donuts
Enjoy air fryer donuts in just 5 minutes. Everyone will love these light and fluffy donuts coated in cinnamon sugar mixture.
Air Fryer Donuts

5. Air Fryer Fried Oreos

Enjoy this fried treat without all the extra oil.

Air fryer fried oreos
Learn how to make Air fryer fried oreos in minutes. They are cooked to perfection and topped with powdered sugar. Yum!
Air fryer fried oreos

6. Air Fryer French Bread Pizza

Pizza is one of our favorite foods and this recipe only takes minutes.

French Bread Pizza in the Air Fryer topped with melted cheese and slice pepperonis
Air Fryer French Bread Pizza
This Air Fryer French Bread Pizza recipe can be made in minutes. This French Bread Pizza is easy to make with only a few ingredients.
Air Fryer French Bread Pizza

7. Air Fryer Hashbrowns

This is one of the easiest recipes and so tasty.

Air Fryer Hashbrowns
Crispy and delicious air fryer hashbrowns recipe is the perfect side to pair with breakfast. Enjoy hashbrowns in the air fryer in minutes.
Air Fryer Hashbrowns

8. Air Fryer Bacon Recipe

Making bacon in the air fryer is a huge time saver.

Air Fryer Bacon
Air fryer bacon recipe takes just minutes to make and you can enjoy crispy and delicious bacon. Gone are the days of standing over a hot stove frying bacon!
Air Fryer Bacon

9. Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs

Save time in the kitchen and make several for a great breakfast.

Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
You can easily learn how to make Air fryer hard boiled eggs in minutes. This is a great way to make several at once with very little work. Give this a try!
Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs

Air Fryer Meat Recipes

10. Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

This recipe only takes 15 minutes for crispy chicken.

air fried chicken nuggets on a white plate with ketchup in the back ground.
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Air fryer chicken nuggets are kid friendly and super easy to make from scratch. This meal goes from air fryer to table in under 15 minutes.
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

11. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Enjoy delicious food in minutes.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Make delicious air fryer chicken tenders in less than 20 minutes. Enjoy restaurant quality tenders at home for a fraction of the price.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

12. Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

These chicken drumsticks have juicy meat and crispy skin.

Air fryer chicken drumsticks
Air fryer chicken drumsticks taste crispy and delicious. Enjoy all that you love about fried chicken without the mess of traditional frying.
Air fryer chicken drumsticks

13. Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Anyone can enjoy fried chicken during busy nights thanks to the air fryer. Chicken thighs would be good too.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Air fryer chicken breast recipes make an easy and delicious weeknight dinner idea. Each bite is tender and juicy while being easy to prepare. 
Air Fryer Chicken Breast

14. Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Skip the oil and make delicious air fryer fried chicken wings for dinner.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
Air fryer recipes chicken wings are easy to make and turn out crispy and delicious. Learn how to make several different kinds of tasty chicken wings.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

15. Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Your family will love getting to have fried chicken in less time that is healthy too.

A plate of golden-brown air fryer fried chicken pieces garnished with chopped parsley, placed on a white surface. A checkered napkin and salt and pepper shakers are visible in the background, alongside a small bowl of dipping sauce and a pair of tongs.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Air Fryer Fried Chicken is a game changer. Enjoy crispy fried chicken without all of the work or fat. It's delicious and really simple.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken

16. Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops

Ready in 15 minutes. You can use a dry rub with garlic powder to change things up.

Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops
Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops are a easy dinner recipe that everyone loves. Dinner can be ready in 15 minutes when cooking in the air fryer!
Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops

17. Air Fryer Bone in Pork Chops

Crispy on the outside and tender and juicy meat on the inside.

Air Fryer Bone In Pork Chops
This easy Air Fryer Pork Chops recipe is easy to make and cooks very quickly. Your family will love this easy Bone-In Pork Chop recipe.
Air Fryer Bone In Pork Chops

18. Air Fryer Steak Recipe

Steak in the air fryer is a game changer. It is one of our favorite easy air fryer recipes.

Air Fryer Steak
Air fryer steak is juicy and so flavorful. This is an easy way to cook steak and turns out perfectly every time.
Air Fryer Steak

19. Air Fryer Shrimp

Only 10 minutes for the best seasoned shrimp.

Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Get dinner on the table in less than 10 minutes when you make air fryer shrimp. It is seasoned to perfection and easy for busy weeknights.
Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

20. Air Fryer Fried Shrimp

Fried shrimp in minutes that tastes amazing.

Air Fryer Fried Shrimp
Air fryer fried shrimp is perfectly crispy and golden brown. Get dinner on the table in less than 10 minutes with this easy recipe.
Air Fryer Fried Shrimp

21. Air Fryer Turkey Breast

This might just be your new favorite way to make turkey.

Air Fryer Turkey Breasts
Air fryer turkey breast is a game changer! Enjoy turkey that is crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. It is so good!
Air Fryer Turkey Breasts

22. Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Less than 10 minutes for this easy salmon recipe. Add a healthy side dish and you are set.

Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
I love my air fryer! I hope you try this simple and quick air fryer salmon recipe. It only requires 7 ingredients and cook in 7 minutes!
Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

23. Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Our family loves air fryer hot dogs with tater tots.

Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Air fryer hot dogs takes just minutes for a quick weeknight meal. Get dinner on the table fast and enjoy a frugal and tasty dinner.
Air Fryer Hot Dogs

24. Air Fryer Meatballs

Homestyle meatballs take a fraction of the time in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe
Air fryer meatballs recipe takes all of the work out of making homemade meatballs. In minutes, your family can enjoy flavor packed meatballs.
Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe

25. Air Fryer Burgers

Juicy, flavorful and just minutes to make.

Air fryer hamburgers are delicious and so easy to prepare. Enjoy juicy and flavor packed burgers in just minutes thanks to the air fryer. 
Air Fryer Hamburgers
Air fryer hamburgers are delicious and so easy to prepare. Enjoy juicy and flavor packed burgers in just minutes thanks to the air fryer. 
Air Fryer Hamburgers

Air Fryer Sides

26. Air Fryer French Fries

Crispy and amazing in minutes. You can also try sweet potato fries.

Air Fryer French Fries
Make crispy air fryer french fries with only 3 ingredients. This is such an easy side dish or snack that is ready in 15 minutes.
Air Fryer French Fries

27. Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

No need to heat the oven for baked sweet potatoes. Air fryer potatoes are so easy.

Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato
Learn how to make air fryer sweet potato recipe for an easy side dish. These sweet potatoes are tender on the inside and turn out perfectly. 
Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato

28. Air Fryer Baked Potato

Try this for an easy side dish in minutes. We like to top with sour cream.

A crispy air fryer baked potato topped with a pat of butter, chives, and seasoning sits on a stack of white plates. A block of butter, a knife, and a napkin are in the background, along with a small bowl of chopped chives and forks.
Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
We have the best ever air fryer baked potato recipe. This is a must try and such an easy and tasty side dish for busy weeknights. 
Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe

29. Air Fryer Carrots

My kids think these taste like carrot fries.

air fryer carrots on black plate
Air Fryer Carrots
If you need an easy side dish, make air fryer carrots in minutes. The air fryer makes them tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Air Fryer Carrots

30. Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

The texture is perfectly crispy and so yummy.

Close-up of roasted Brussels sprouts in a bowl with a wooden spoon scooping some. The Brussels sprouts are browned, slightly charred, and seasoned with visible specks of spices, giving them a crispy and flavorful appearance—a perfect result from following an air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe.
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Recipe
Your entire family will love to eat brussel sprouts when you make brussel sprouts in air fryer. This Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Recipe is crispy and tasty.
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Recipe

31. Air Fryer Onion Rings

These are the best old fashioned onion rings.

Air Fryer Onion Rings
Enjoy crispy air fryer onion rings in 10 minutes or less. These are delicious thick cut old fashioned style onion rings. Yum!
Air Fryer Onion Rings

32. Air Fryer Vegetables

These are so delicious even the non veggie eaters will like them.

Air fryer vegetables
Air fryer vegetables are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Enjoy perfectly seasoned veggies in minutes for the best side dish.
Air fryer vegetables

33. Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Instead of potato chips, try these crispy zucchini chips. They taste like zucchini fries.

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Craving a crispy and salty snack? Try making Air fryer zucchini chips for a healthy snack idea that even the kids will enjoy. 
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

34. Air Fryer Broccoli

Broccoli air fried is so crispy and flavorful.

Air Fryer Broccoli
Try this recipe for air fryer broccoli in minutes. Each bite is crispy and tasty with amazing garlic flavor. 
Air Fryer Broccoli

35. Air Fryer Cauliflower

This healthy side dish is perfect with just about anything.

Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe
Air fryer cauliflower recipe is so delicious that even your non veggie loving kids will love this recipe. The air fryer makes it crispy and flavorful.  
Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe

36. Air Fryer Tater Tots

All the flavor without deep frying.

Air Fryer Tator Tots
Air fryer tator tots give you all the flavor from deep frying without the fat. These crispy tator tots make the best side dish or snack.
Air Fryer Tator Tots

37. Air Fryer Asparagus

Less than 5 minutes and you have a great side dish.

Air fryer asparagus
Air fryer asparagus is the perfect side dish in less than 5 minutes! Enjoy this healthy and delicious recipe with very little work. 
Air fryer asparagus

Try favorite air fryer recipes for beginners.

From fish fillets to French toast sticks and eggrolls, the options are endless for delicious recipes. You can even cook a whole chicken. Whatever you cook is sure to be easy and delicious and full of flavor.

Let us know how you like using the air fryer once you try your first air fryer recipe. These air fryer recipes for beginners will have you off to a great start.

Enjoy a healthy air fryer meal in 20 minute to 30 minutes or less.

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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Comments

  1. Carrie Barnard says:

    Yes this is the post with all of the beginner recipes.

  2. Donna Gatlin says:

    Is there a location that I can dl all of the Air fryer recipes for beginners? Or, do I need to dl each recipe individually?

    Thanks for all the air fryer recipes.