Are you new to air fryer cooking and looking for some easy, fun, and delicious recipes to try? Whether you’re just starting out or want to explore new air fryer recipes, this list of beginner-friendly options will help you get the most out of your air fryer. From air fryer recipes for beginners to air fryer recipes for chicken, you’ll find simple yet tasty dishes to master in no time.
Air fried food is not only healthier but also quick to make, with the best air fryer recipes offering crispy, golden results without the need for tons of oil. If you’re wondering how to cook with air fryer or seeking the best air fryer cooking times, these beginner air fryer recipes will guide you every step of the way. Get ready to have fun and experiment with new air fryer recipes that are perfect for anyone just starting their air fryer journey!
1. Air Fryer French Fries
Who doesn’t love a crispy, golden batch of French fries? The best part is, you can make them at home in your air fryer without all the oil. These fries come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—just like from a restaurant! Plus, they’re super easy and quick to make.
- Servings: 4
- Time: 20 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Instructions:
- Peel and cut potatoes into thin strips.
- Toss them with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve with your favorite dip or ketchup!
2. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
If you’re craving something crunchy and juicy, these chicken tenders are the way to go. They’re easy to make, and the air fryer gives them a crispy texture without frying in lots of oil. A kid favorite in our house!
- Servings: 4
- Time: 20 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Instructions:
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- Place chicken tenders in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve with a side of honey mustard or your favorite dipping sauce!
3. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
These mozzarella sticks are gooey on the inside and crispy on the outside, perfect for snack time or a quick appetizer. They’re super simple and ready in just 10 minutes. You’ll want to keep these in your recipe rotation!
- Servings: 4
- Time: 10 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella sticks
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Instructions:
- Dip mozzarella sticks in flour, then egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- Place mozzarella sticks in the air fryer and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping!
4. Air Fryer Veggie Fries
Not in the mood for potatoes? Try these veggie fries! You can use sweet potatoes, carrots, or zucchini for a healthier alternative to regular fries. They’re crunchy and delicious, making it easy to sneak in some veggies.
- Servings: 4
- Time: 20 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 1 large zucchini, cut into fries
- 1 sweet potato, cut into fries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Toss the veggie fries with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the veggie fries in the basket and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
5. Air Fryer Falafel
Falafel is a delicious Middle Eastern dish made from chickpeas. These air fryer falafels are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and pair well with hummus or pita bread.
- Servings: 4
- Time: 25 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup flour
- Instructions:
- Blend chickpeas, onion, garlic, cumin, parsley, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth.
- Add flour and mix.
- Form the mixture into small balls or patties.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the falafel for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve with tahini sauce or in pita bread.
6. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular fries, and they taste amazing when cooked in the air fryer! Crispy, slightly sweet, and perfectly seasoned—what’s not to love?
- Servings: 4
- Time: 25 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt to taste
- Instructions:
- Toss sweet potato fries with olive oil, cinnamon, and salt.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place fries in the basket and cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve as a side dish or snack!
7. Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Zucchini chips are a great low-carb snack that’s crispy and addictive. These air fryer zucchini chips are simple to make and a healthy alternative to regular chips. Perfect for a quick snack or even to pair with a sandwich!
- Servings: 4
- Time: 20 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 2 zucchinis, sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Instructions:
- Toss zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay zucchini slices in a single layer in the basket.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Enjoy these crispy, crunchy zucchini chips!
8. Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms
These garlic parmesan mushrooms are bursting with flavor and are so easy to make in the air fryer. They’re perfect as a side dish or a savory snack. My family loves them with pasta or just on their own!
- Servings: 4
- Time: 15 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 16 oz button mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Toss mushrooms with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook mushrooms for 8-10 minutes.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve warm!
9. Air Fryer Apple Chips
These apple chips are naturally sweet and crispy, making them a perfect healthy snack. You don’t need any added sugar or preservatives—just fresh apples and a dash of cinnamon!
- Servings: 4
- Time: 25 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Instructions:
- Slice apples thinly and remove the core.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange apple slices in a single layer and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Let them cool and enjoy the crispy goodness!
10. Air Fryer Chicken Wings
These chicken wings are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for game day or any casual meal. With no alcohol in the recipe, they’re family-friendly and easy to whip up.
- Servings: 4
- Time: 25 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 10-12 chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Season the chicken wings with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- Cook wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing!
11. Air Fryer Shrimp
Shrimp cooks so quickly in the air fryer, and the result is juicy, tender shrimp with a nice crispy coating. These are perfect for a quick dinner or to serve as an appetizer.
- Servings: 4
- Time: 10 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook shrimp for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve with a squeeze of lemon and enjoy!
12. Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers
These stuffed bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of rice, veggies, and cheese. They cook quickly in the air fryer and are perfect for a healthy, filling meal.
- Servings: 4
- Time: 30 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup black beans (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Mix rice, cheese, black beans, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the bell peppers with the mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place stuffed peppers in the basket and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve warm!
13. Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Potato wedges are the perfect side dish, and they’re so easy to make in the air fryer. You’ll love the crispy skin and soft inside of these seasoned wedges!
- Servings: 4
- Time: 25 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
- Instructions:
- Toss potato wedges with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve with ketchup or aioli!
14. Air Fryer Banana Fritters
These banana fritters are a sweet treat that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. A perfect way to use up ripe bananas and satisfy your sweet tooth!
- Servings: 4
- Time: 15 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Instructions:
- Mix mashed bananas, flour, cinnamon, and sugar.
- Scoop the mixture into small fritters.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve warm with honey or powdered sugar!
15. Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
This eggplant parmesan is a great vegetarian meal that’s crispy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. Made in the air fryer, it’s lighter but still packed with flavor!
- Servings: 4
- Time: 30 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 2 eggplants, sliced
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- Instructions:
- Dredge eggplant slices in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook eggplant slices for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Top with marinara sauce and cheese and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve with pasta or as a side dish
Air fryer cooking is a game-changer for beginners, offering a simple, quick, and fun way to make delicious meals. Whether you’re trying air fryer recipes for chicken, exploring easy beginner recipes, or experimenting with new air fryer recipes, there’s something for everyone. Knowing the right air fryer cooking times is key to perfecting your dishes, and with the best air fryer, you can enjoy crispy, flavorful air fried food without the hassle.
These air fryer recipes for beginners are designed to be both easy and fun, helping you build confidence as you discover all the amazing air fryer recipes out there. So, get ready to try beginner air fryer recipes, learn how to cook with air fryer, and enjoy some of the best air fryer recipes for your next meal!