23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (2024)

It’s easy to say to people that you will eat healthy and provide a healthy meal for your family, but what if your children don’t like what you’re making? I’ve seen some kids straight up refuse to eat most foods and you’re caught between a rock and a hard place to get them to eat.

However, what if you could provide some foods that taste like your fried foods, are fried foods, but are prepared in a healthier manner? Enter the air fryer. You’re using less oil in preparing your food than traditional fried foods, and you are free to use much healthier oils like coconut oil.

With that in mind, here are 23 simple air fryer recipes that I found to get you started.

Please enjoy these Air Fryer Recipes. To view the full recipe, please click the links under the images.

Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

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There is a quaint little restaurant in our city that serves fried brussel sprouts. I was not a brussel sprouts fan at all but one night when we were out to dinner, we decided to give them a try. Fabulous and delicious!!!! So I thought there must be a way to make these tasty morsels healthier, yet taste just as good.

From: Coupons for the Family

Cinnamon Honey Glazed Air Fryer Sweet Potato Bites

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These Cinnamon Honey Glazed AIr Fryer Sweet Potato Bites are a super quick, easy side that goes with any meal! Toddlers love them too!

From: The Millenial Sahm

Easy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

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If you’re needing an island getaway but can’t quite make it there, bring the islands to you with this coconut shrimp recipe. These coconut shrimp are anair fryerrecipe which means shrimp perfectly cooked to crispy coconut perfection. And, it’s so easy that it’s like having a mini vacation in your kitchen.

From: Easy Peazy Mealz

Perfect Air Fryer Salmon

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I would have never guessed making salmon in an air fryer would have produced the most tender and juicy salmon every time. I promise this Perfect Air Fryer Salmon will become your new way to conquer salmon in the kitchen.

From: Noble Pig

Air Fryer Bacon

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I am not even that big of a bacon eater, but this is sooooo good. After you try this method for cooking bacon, you may never do it any other way.It’s a total game-changer, people.

From: A Pinch of Healthy

Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms

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If you’re a mushroom lover you will really enjoy thiseasy air fryer mushrooms recipewith garlic. Overall, it’s a quick and easy way to cookair fried mushroomsin the air fryer without a lot of fuss.

From: Best Recipe Box

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

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If you’re in the mood for a delicious melted cheese snack, you’ve gotta try making breaded mozzarella sticks in theair fryer! They’re super easy and fun to make, and they’re such a yummy snack or appetizer.

From: Hip 2 Save

Air Fried Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

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These Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are the perfect healthy game day snack. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, just serve them with your favorite ranch sauce and you can’t stop eating them!

From: Father and Us

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

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Air Fryer Truly Crispy Baby Potatoes.Truly crispy, addictive, perfectly seasoned, Mediterranean baby potatoes cooked in the air fryer. Quick prep and a perfect Mediterranean side on the family dinner table.

From: Recipe This

Air Fryer Personal Pizza

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Surprisingly low in calories and amazingly satisfying these Perfect Personal Pizzas (in an Air Fryer) will be your new favorite snack.

From: Foodtastic Mom

Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Zucchini

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If you’re looking for a super simple side dish to make in the air fryer, you’ve come to the right place. Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Zucchini is the recipe for you! Especially when you have garden fresh zucchini growing like crazy!

From: Cooks Well With Others

Air Fryer Fried Pickles

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Today we’re making homemadefried pickles! These are crisp breaded dill pickle slices made with no deep fryer required. I’ve also included a simple zesty dipping sauce in the recipe!

From: Sugar Spun Run

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

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Juicy crunchy perfect air fryer corn on the cob recipe. Easy and ready under 10 minutes! I promise, this will become your go to recipe for a sweet side dish corn for your air fryer.

From: Berry Maple

Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato

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I’m potato obsessed! I could eat potatoes with every meal if that was a healthy option just to eat potatoes,ALL DAY EVERYDAY!

My husband and our daughter also share a love for potatoes, so we have our fair share of them throughout the week. We love ourAir Fryer Baked Potato, but thisAir Fryer Baked Sweet Potato recipe is just as good!

From: Courtneys Sweets

Air Fryer Onion Rings

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The other day we made this homemade air fryer onion rings recipe and they turned out pretty tasty, so now I’m sharing it with you! The recipe is pretty easy but takes a few minutes to prepare the ingredients and to cut the onion. It’s well worth the work, though! Enjoy!

From: Thrifty Nifty Mommy

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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These air fryer chicken thighs are easily the best chicken thighs I’ve ever made or tried. The flavoring sauce on them is pure delight. It’s slightly sweet and tangy, with a little bit of savory coming from soy and Worcestershire sauces and garlic. The maple syrup in the sauce, combined with high heat air frying, makes the skin beautifully caramelized and very tasty. Even addictive. Trust me, you will be running for seconds.

From: Craving Tasty

Air Fryer Hamburgers

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If you’re like me and you don’t like the mess and hassle of cooking hamburgers on the stove top, you’ll love these Air Fryer Hamburgers. They taste delicious and there’s no greasy mess to clean up.

From: Grace Like Rain Blog

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

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If you’re living in the South, then knowing how to makefried chickenis amust. I tried for the longest to avoid posting a fried chicken recipe on the blog because in all honesty, I didn’t tend to get excited about fried chicken.

Until now.For years, when my Southern husband requested fried chicken, I’d just shrug and make him theseair fried chicken wingscovered in an Asian sauce instead.

From: My Forking Life

Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

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This easy air fryer jalapeno poppers recipe stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon is keto, low carb and weight watchers friendly. This peppers will be perfect for your next party as an appetizer, they are filling, crunchy outside and creamy cheesy inside.

From: Berry Maple

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

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Need an easy, kid-friendly, whole family pleasing dinner recipe? ThisAir Fryer Popcorn Chicken recipeis it!

From: Urban Bliss Life

Air Fryer Quesadilla

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Perfect breakfast air fryer cheese quesadilla with leftover chicken! Great quick recipe that is very easy to make , kid friendly and even a beginner can make it. So nice and cheesy! Weight watchers 5 points per serving.

From: Berry Maple

Best Air Fryer Baked Potato

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Our Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe is the ultimate air fryer side dish! Cover your baking potatoes with our parsley garlic salt rub. The garlic parsley potatoes skin is flavorful and crispy! This recipe will make you love your air fryer! The flavor and texture make this the best baked potato ever!

From: Courtneys Sweets

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp

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Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp αre heαlthy αnd delicious. This is αlso α greαt mαin dish Weight Wαtchers recipe with only 1 Freestyle SmαrtPoint per serving.

From: Healthy Ridz

Pin these Air Fryer Recipes for later!

If you enjoyed this roundup of simple air fryer recipes, don’t forget to pin these to your air fryer board on Pinterest. You can also follow Fluffy’s Kitchen on Pinterest for more recipes and ideas!

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23 Simple Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners (2024)

FAQs

What is the first thing I should cook in my air fryer? ›

Make homemade sweetcorn and spring onion fritters in the air fryer for easy, energy-efficient cooking. These would be perfect as a veggie lunch, starter or side.

What 5 foods should you not put in an air fryer? ›

Take a gander of this list of top foods that should never make their way into your air fryer.
  • Wet Batters. ...
  • Cheesy Items. ...
  • Large, Bone-In Meat Cuts. ...
  • Baked Goods. ...
  • Greens. ...
  • Raw Rice and Other Grains. ...
  • Too Much of Anything.
Apr 14, 2023

What are the top 10 foods to cook in an air fryer? ›

Start air frying these 13 foods and watch your cooking time drop and your satisfaction in healthy meals skyrocket!
  • Chicken Breasts. ...
  • Tofu. ...
  • Zoodles. ...
  • Cauliflower Gnocchi. ...
  • Salmon (chopped) ...
  • Chickpeas. ...
  • Personal Pizzas. ...
  • Frozen Cauliflower.
Feb 18, 2020

Why are people getting rid of air fryers? ›

Air fryers, once hailed as a kitchen revolution, are now being sidelined by some users. But why are people getting rid of air fryers? This concise exploration uncovers the primary concerns: they're bulky, they have limited cooking uses, and they often don't deliver on the promise of crispy, tasty food.

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer? ›

Air fryers work by circulating hot air, which originates at the bottom of the fryer. Lining it with foil can constrict the air flow and your food won't cook properly. If you are going to use aluminum foil in an air fryer, use a small amount in the bottom of the basket, making sure not to cover the food.

How to use an air fryer for dummies? ›

Air Frying Tips for Optimal Results
  1. Balance Your Basket. Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. ...
  2. Use the Right Basket. Use the perforated basket or pan that came with your appliance. ...
  3. Don't Overdo the Oil. Don't use too much oil. ...
  4. Convert Cooking Time. Adjust cooking time. ...
  5. Avoid Non-Stick Sprays.

Why is Airfryer not healthy? ›

Air-frying equipment is not known to cause cancer, but the process of air frying does result in the formation of certain compounds, like acrylamide, that are linked to cancer development. Acrylamide is classified as a probable human carcinogen.

Can you put raw meat in an airfryer? ›

It is safe to cook raw meat in the air fryer if it is fully defrosted, seasoned, and monitored. Some fully cooked foods, including chicken tenders or fries, can be placed frozen in the air fryer. However, with raw meat, it's recommended to thoroughly defrost to allow more even cooking and a tasty final product.

What ruins an air fryer? ›

While many air fryer recipes say to spray your baskets with spray oil, most commercial oil sprays contain a lubricating additive called lecithin which can react with non-stick surfaces under heat and degrade its quality over time, slowly destroying your air fryer basket (and any non stick surface for that matter).

What is the best meat to air fry? ›

As with all dry-heat cooker methods (grilling, broiling, pan frying and oven roasting), tender beef cuts perform best in the air fryer. Those cuts include Top Sirloin, KC Strip, Ribeye, Tenderloin and Tri Tip. Ground beef also can be easily prepared in an air fryer.

Can I fry an egg in an air fryer? ›

Place it in the fryer basket and preheat it for 5 minutes at 400°F (204 °C). Crack an egg to a small cup and slide the egg to the hot pan. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 3 minutes for a sunny side over easy fried egg. If you prefer a fried egg with medium egg yolk, add 1 more minute to the cooking time.

Why do chefs hate air fryers? ›

Some say it's too good to be true, that you can't effectively “fry” something with a few tablespoons of oil and hot circulating air. Some say yeah, it works but it takes up too much countertop space for what it's worth.

What are bad things about air fryers? ›

While air fryers offer numerous benefits, it's essential to be aware of the potential side effects of air fryer to make informed choices:
  • Formation of Harmful Compounds:
  • Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs):
  • Oxidative Stress:
  • Potential Loss of Nutrients:
  • Moderation is Key to Avoid the Side Effects of Air Fryer:
Sep 16, 2023

Is there something better than an air fryer? ›

Air fryers are faster and easier to clean. Convection ovens can cook larger portions and do a lot more than a standalone air fryer unit.

What is the first thing you do when you buy an air fryer? ›

Some manufacturers recommend running the air fryer empty for 10 minutes before you actually cook with it, to let it off-gas. There might be a slightly chemical smell (one manual referred to it as a “new appliance smell”), so have the vents on or windows open.

Do you put oil on food before Airfryer? ›

While you would typically add oil to a pan before adding your food, the case is not the same when using an air fryer. In a bowl, toss your food in a few teaspoons of vegetable oil or olive oil along with your seasoning before putting it in the air fryer. This method works best for cooking fresh meats and vegetables.

How do you arrange food in an air fryer? ›

If you're using two cooking trays, arrange the food in a single layer on each tray. Place one tray on the top rack and one on the middle rack; if you're using one tray, place it on the middle rack. If you're using the basket, do not fill more than ⅔ full.

What is the general rule for cooking in the air fryer? ›

When taking a recipe from oven to air fryer, the general rule is to reduce the temperature by 20ºC – 30ºC, and cook for 20% less time.

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