50+ Great Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners

If you're new to the air fryer and wondering where to start, this collection of recipes is for you. Here you will find 50+ easy, delicious recipes that are perfect for beginners. From snacks and appetizers to side dishes, main courses and even breakfast - this collection of easy air fryer recipes for beginners will help you make delicious food in your air fyer, all day long!

So you got an air fryer - congratulations! It's a great investment, and you will find a lot of good uses for this new appliance. And this post, full of easy air fryer recipes, is sure to help you on this journey.

If you are completely new to the air fryer, I also recommend you check out my Air Fryer Get Started Guide, and boomark my Air Fryer FAQ and Air Fryer Troubleshooting Guide for when you need them. And if you didn't get your air fryer yet? I have a guide to just which Air fryer is right for you.

What are the best foods to cook in an air fryer?

The air fryer is great for cooking most of the things you would otherwise deep fat fry, pan fry or oven bake. Some of the best foods I've found to cook in an air fryer are:

• Frozen snacks and appetizers. They heat up quicker and more evenly than when baking in the oven, and with much less fat than when deep fat frying
• Steaks and pork chops. They cook perfectly and evenly without any greasy mess
• Potato sides. You can bake potatoes, make potato wedges, French fries and roast potatoes in less time than it takes to bake them, and with much less oil needed.
• Chicken. Either ground chicken patties or full cuts, from fresh or from frozen. Or even chicken sausages!
• Veggies. Green beans, broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts are just some of the veggies that cook really well in the air fryer - both from fresh and frozen.
• Breakfast! So many breakfast foods cook up quickly & deliciously in the air fryer - check out my guide to the best air fryer breakfast recipes.

What cannot be cooked in an air fryer?

While an air fryer is great for lots of things, some things are better to avoid:

• Water. You can not use it to boil water.
• Anything with a wet batter. The batter will drip and you will not get the crispy result you're after. Use a deep fat fryer instead!
• Boiled rice, pasta or other grains, You need to boil in water and this is not something you can do with your air fryer *
• Leafy greens like spinach or arugula. Worst case, they can fly around your air fryer * and get stuck in the heating elements, and even if they stay put they will not cook well.
• Cheese without a coating. It will just melt and drip through your basket. Coated cheese like mozzarella sticks is fine though!

9 Air Fryer Snacks and Appetizers for Beginners

Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks

With basically no prep & 4 minutes of cooking you can make Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks. Perfectly cooked and ready to serve with your favorite dipping sauces!

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Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings

With minimal prep & less than 10 minutes of cooking you can make the best Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings. Perfectly crispy and golden, and all ready to serve with your favorite sauce!

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Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

Make homemade Air Fryer Tortilla Chips in under 10 minutes - and forget all about the storebought kind. With just a little bit of oil and a sprinkle of salt, they come out crispy and golden - and perfect for all your dipping needs.

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Air Fryer Texas Toast

Make Air Fryer Texas Toast in just a few minutes - crispy, buttery and filled with garlic flavor! With the best garlic butter made from simple ingredients, it's all done with just a few simple steps. Get ready to meet your new favorite easy side dish!

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Air Fryer Nachos

Level up your snack game with these easy Air Fryer Nachos! Loaded vegetarian nachos with black beans that come together in less than 10 minutes? What's better than that?! No Air Fryer? No problem. Conventional oven instructions are included as well.

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Air Fryer Dumplings

Cook Dumplings, Pot Stickers & Gyoza in your Air Fryer and have a delicious snack or meal on the table in just 10 minutes. With a tiny bit of oil these dumplings come out perfectly cooked and slightly crispy on the edges - ready to dip in your favorite sauce.

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Air Fryer Grilled Cheese with Broccoli

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese made with sharp cheddar, finely chopped broccoli, and a pinch of chili flakes to bring some heat. This Broccoli grilled cheese is crisp, buttery, and the perfect quick and easy vegetarian sandwich.

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AIr Fryer Italian Rice Balls (Arancini)

Making Italian Rice Balls at home is simple with this easy no-fry recipe. Try making Air Fryer Arancini, or oven bake your Risotto Balls for a delicious appetizer or main dish, without any deep frying and using minimal oil.

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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower wings will be your new favorite snack! Easy to make in under 30 minutes they come out spicy, crispy and totally addictive. A healthy-ish snack or meal that's best served with a blue cheese dip.

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12 Air Fryer Potato Sides for Beginners

Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes

Make deliciously crispy and buttery Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes in under 30 minutes with super simple prep. It's the perfect flavor-packed side for any dinner!

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17-Minute Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes

Make the best Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes with a quick prep and just 10-12 minutes of cooking. They're loaded with flavor and cooked to perfection, for a breakfast style side that's just as delicious any time of day!

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Air Fryer Potato Wedges

15 minutes is all you need to make the best air fryer potato wedges. Lightly seasoned with salt & olive oil they're baked to perfection i the easiest way possible - and a great healthier alternative.

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Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

These Air Fryer Baked Potatoes have perfectly crisp exteriors with soft and fluffy centers. They are the perfect baked potatoes and could not be easier to make!

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Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes

Make deliciously crispy air fryer roasted potatoes in just 45 minutes. With Mexican seasoning and topped with lime & cilantro this is a yummy side dish with a spicy kick - and at its best served with a cool sauce or sour cream.

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Cinnamon-Spiced Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

These air fryer sweet potatoes are seasoned with cinnamon and salt for a sweet-savory side that's tender inside, golden outside, and done in just 20 minutes. A great side for chicken or fish, and seriously good dipped in your favorite sauces.

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Air Fryer Steak Fries

Make Air Fryer Steak Fries from scratch in just 25 minutes for the perfect rustic side dish for any meal. Easy to make with just a few steps, these fries are crispy on the outside, and perfectly baked on the inside.

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Air Fryer French Fries

These crispy and flavorful Air Fryer French Fries are easy and quick to make! They are low in calories and are made using little oil.

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Ore Ida Fries in Air Fryer

Learn how to cook Ore Ida Fries in your air fryer, with minimal prep and 12-14 minutes of cooking. They come out perfectly crispy, and it's optional to add a tiny bit of olive oil.

Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

These Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes are all done in just 30 minutes for a quicker version of the classic Swedish side dish. With garlic butter and Parmesan cheese, this is a recipe everyone loves, and you are sure to come back to it over and over again.

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Homemade Air Fryer Tater Tots

Learn how to make Tater Tots at home - easy to make and loaded with amazing taste. Seasoned with garlic & onion powder, salt & pepper they come out crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside.

This recipe includes both air fryer and oven instructions.

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Air Fryer Frozen Tater Tots

These air fryer tater tots are made with just one ingredient in less than 15 minutes! They're crunchy on the outside and pillowy on the inside. Try them out today!

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9 Vegetable Sides for Beginners

Air Fryer Green Beans (Cooked from Frozen!)

With minimal prep & 4 minutes of cooking you can make the best Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans. Perfectly soft they're a great side for any dinner!

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Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower

With minimal prep & just 6-8 minutes of cooking you can make the best Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower. With a flavor packed rub with a bit of a spicy kick, this cauliflower is a great easy side for any meal.

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Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

With minimal prep & just 8 minutes of cooking you can make the best Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli. A little bit crispy at the edges and deliciously seasoned with olive oil and lemon pepper. A great side for any protein!

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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are easy to make in just 20 minutes, and loaded with flavor. Salty, crunchy & sweet, with some acidity from balsamic vinegar it's the perfect side dish for any dinner.

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Air Fryer Frozen Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Take your frozen brussels sprouts to a new level with minimal prep & just 16 minutes of cooking! These Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts are coated in a honey balsamic vinaigrette, with a tiny kick from cayenne peper, and come out perfectly roasted with nice caramelization. A great side dish, and so tasty you'll want to have them on their own!

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Air Fryer Baby Carrots with Honey Butter

Air fryer baby carrots with honey butter, ready in just 10 minutes. A sweet, buttery side dish that wins over even the pickiest eaters.

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Air Fryer Asparagus

Once you taste Air Fryer Asparagus, you'll never make it any other way! Deliciously tender and perfectly crisp, asparagus in the air fryer is a simple and speedy side dish.

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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is an easy and delicious side dish that is ready in a flash! Perfectly grilled and tender, this asparagus in the air fryer is so tasty and easy to meal prep.

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Air Fryer Carrot Fries

With quick prep & 12-14 minutes of cooking you can make the best easy Air Fryer Carrot Fries. Crispy, sweet and salty this is a healthy snack or side that's all ready to serve with your favorite dipping sauce!

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26 Air Fryer Main Courses for Beginners

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Make these air fryer chicken cutlets for a quick, easy, dinner any night of the week. With crispy, juicy, chicken you'll definitely want seconds of, and a super simple process that will have you making it over and over.

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Air Fryer Ribeye Steak

This easy recipe for Air Fryer Ribeye Steak will have you making all your steaks in the air fryer! Juicy, flavor packed and less greasy (read: healthier!) this is the way to cook steak. All done in under 15 minutes, with just 1 minute of prep!

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Air Fryer Steak Tips

Make Air Fryer Steak Tips in just 10 minutes, for a delicious steak dinner any night of the week. With common seasonings you already have at home this is an easy meal the whole family will love.

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Marinated Air Fryer Flank Steak (Juicy & Tender!)

Make perfectly tender Air Fryer Flank Steak with just 8-10 minutes of cooking. Our flavor-packed marinade tenderizes the meat for you, so you end up with a juicy steak in no time.

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Frozen Steak in Air Fryer

With no prep time & 10-15 minutes of cooking you can cook delicious, juicy, tender Frozen Steak in Air Fryer. The best way to cook frozen steak, and you will be surpried that it's just as good as fresh!

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Juicy Air Fryer Bone In Pork Chops

Make juicy, tender, flavorful Air Fryer Bone In Pork Chops in under 25 minutes with a simple spice rub. Quicker and easier than other cooking methods - and the result is outstanding. Includes suggested cook times for different thickness of pork chops.

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Air Fryer Pork Chops (Cooked from Frozen!)

With minimal prep & 12 minutes of cooking you can cook the best frozen pork chops in your air fryer. Perfectly cooked pork chops, juicy and tender - and all ready to serve with your favorite sides for a quick and easy dinner.

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Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

The best Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are done in just 20 minutes after marinating in olive oil, lime juice and spices. They come out tender and perfectly cooked, with a slightly crispy exterior. You'll never make drumsticks any other way again!

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Air Fryer Sausage

Learn how to cook sausages in your air fryer in under 10 minutes. It's a quick and easy way to get dinner on the table in a hurry and doesn't require any oil or butter. This guide works for both thick and thin sausages!

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Air Fryer Italian Sausage

Cook up Italian Sausages in your air fryer in under 10 minutes. It's a quick, easy, and less greasy way to get dinner on the table, all ready to serve with your favorite sauces and sides.

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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

These air fryer chicken thighs are absolutely crispy on the outside and perfectly juicy inside. Simple and ready in under 30 minutes, enjoy succulent chicken thighs seasoned with an easy mix of seasonings. Great for meal prep, versatile, and loaded with flavor. If you are looking for a quick way to…

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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Air fryer buffalo chicken thighs are quick, easy and so flavorful! These cook in 12 minutes and taste just like chicken wings! Perfect for dinner or game day.

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BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

The easiest 15-minute air fryer bbq chicken breast recipe made with 3 ingredients. It's healthy, tender and juicy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and covered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce.

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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading)

Tender and juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With No Breading is a fast and tasty recipe that is ready in only 20 minutes (including prep!). Enjoy this delicious air fryer chicken recipe with your favorite side dishes for a fast weeknight meal.

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Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders

Minimal prep needed to make the best Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders. After marinating for 15 minutes in lime juice, olive oil & spices they just need 10 minutes in the air fryer. Juicy, tender & packed full of flavor!

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Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Crispy air fryer orange chicken in just 20 minutes with a homemade sticky orange sauce. Bettert and cheaper than takeout, with simple ingredients and steps.

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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Healthier Air Fryer chicken parmesan ready in under 20 minutes! The chicken turns out juicy from the inside, but so crispy on the outside.

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Air Fryer Chicken Caprese

Chicken Caprese is an easy air fryer recipe featuring chicken breasts stuffed with tomatoes and mozzarella, then finished with balsamic glaze.

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Chicken Patties in Air Fryer

Make the best & juiciest Chicken Patties in Air Fryer with a quick prep, a few easy steps, and 10 minutes of air frying. No chopping required thanks to powdered seasonings - and extra juicy with fresh lemon juice.

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Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Make the best & juiciest Air Fryer Turkey Burgers with just a quick prep, a few simple steps and 10 minutes in the air fryer. No chopping required as we use powdered seasonings and extra juicy thanks to a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

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Homemade Air Fryer Hamburgers

These Air Fryer Hamburgers are juicy, flavorful, and ready in just 20 minutes - no grill required! Perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

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Air Fryer Meatballs

These are without a doubt the best Air Fryer Meatballs! Easy to make without eggs & breadcrumbs, and done in under 1 hour. These Swedish style meatballs are juicy, tender - and prettier than any meatball you ever cooked any other way.

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Air Fryer Falafel

This easy Air Fryer Falafel recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to deep fried. Made with soaked chickpeas, these vegan falafels are ready in just 15 minutes. No Air Fryer? No problem - you can make oven baked falafels instead.

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Air Fryer Tofu

Crispy and easy Air Fryer Tofu is a speedy weeknight dinner. Packed with flavor this crispy fried tofu is the most delicious vegan or vegetarian recipe you can make in under 30 minutes.

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Air Fryer Salmon (Cooked from Frozen!)

Learn how to cook Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer for a delicious, flavor packed, quick & easy dinner. The salmon comes out perfectly cooked with lots of lemon flavor, and tastes as good as when cooked from fresh.

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Air Fryer Shrimp (Cooked from Frozen!)

These Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp go straight from freezer to table in just 6 minutes - no thawing required! Seasoned with garlic and paprika, they're perfect as an appetizer with dipping sauce or tossed into salads, tacos, or pasta. The ultimate freezer staple for quick dinners!

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4 Air Fryer Breakfasts for Beginners

Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Air Fryer * Bacon is the crispiest bacon you've ever had - and a healthier treat with less fat. All done in 10 minutes and you will never make bacon any other way again!

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Frozen Bacon in Air Fryer

Cook bacon in your air fryer straight from frozen, it's all done with just 8 minutes of cooking! Cook frozen bacon in air fryer for super crispy bacon, that's so easy to make.

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Air Fryer French Toast

This perfect air fryer French Toast recipe is an easy breakfast favorite that comes together in 30 minutes with basic pantry ingredients

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Perfect Air Fryer Eggs - Hard or Soft Boiled

It's easy as can be to make either hard boiled or soft boiled eggs in the air fryer. Get all the tips and tricks here!

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Which recipe are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments below and share what you're making on Instagram with the tag #alwaysusebutter!