Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners 2020 Easy Recipes to Start Cooking Today

The ultimate starter guide for air frying success, the Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners 2020 delivers simple, flavorful recipes designed to help new users master their appliance fast. From crispy snacks to full meals, each recipe includes easy steps and everyday ingredients—perfect for building confidence in the kitchen with minimal cleanup.

Key Takeaways

• Start simple: Master 5-ingredient recipes for quick, stress-free meals.
• Save time: Most recipes cook 30% faster than traditional methods.
• Healthier eating: Use 75% less oil without sacrificing crispiness.
• No preheating: Begin cooking instantly with energy-efficient air frying.
• Easy cleanup: All recipes use dishwasher-safe, non-stick baskets.
• Beginner guides: Includes step-by-timer tips for foolproof results.

Why the Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners 2020 Is a Game-Changer

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen, staring at your shiny new Ninja Air Fryer, wondering, “Now what?”—you’re not alone. I remember the first time I unboxed mine. It looked like a futuristic spaceship, with buttons and dials I didn’t quite understand. I wanted to make crispy, healthy meals without the guilt of deep frying, but I felt overwhelmed. That’s when I discovered the Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners 2020—and it changed everything.

This cookbook isn’t just a stack of recipes. It’s a friendly guide that meets you where you are, whether you’re a total kitchen newbie or just new to air frying. It’s written with clarity, practical tips, and a tone that feels like your best friend giving you cooking advice. The 2020 edition is especially valuable because it was released just as air fryers exploded in popularity, meaning it’s tailored to real users—people like us who want quick, tasty meals without the hassle. In this post, I’ll walk you through what makes this cookbook special, how it simplifies air frying, and how you can start cooking delicious meals today—no stress, no confusion.

What Makes the Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners 2020 Stand Out?

Let’s be honest: the market is flooded with air fryer cookbooks. Some are overly technical, others are just rehashed recipes from other appliances. But the Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners 2020 hits the sweet spot between simplicity and usefulness. It was designed specifically for the Ninja line of air fryers (like the AF101, AF161, and Foodi models), so the timing, temperatures, and basket sizes are spot-on. No more guessing if a recipe meant a 4-quart or 6-quart basket—this one gets it right.

Designed for Real-Life Beginners

The book starts with a Getting Started section that answers the questions you’re actually asking: How do I preheat? What’s the difference between air frying and roasting? Do I need to shake the basket? These aren’t just tips—they’re lifelines for anyone who’s ever burned chicken tenders on the first try (guilty).

The recipes are written in plain, friendly language. No culinary jargon. You won’t see terms like “julienne” or “deglaze.” Instead, you’ll see things like “cut into bite-sized pieces” or “flip halfway through.” It’s like the author knew exactly what a beginner needs to hear.

Smart Organization and Visuals

One of the best things about this cookbook is how it’s organized. Recipes are grouped by meal type and cooking time:

• Breakfast in 15 Minutes or Less (think: air-fried eggs, breakfast potatoes)
• Lunch & Snacks (mini quiches, mozzarella sticks, sweet potato fries)
• Dinner Favorites (chicken, fish, pork, and vegetarian options)
• Desserts & Sides (cinnamon apples, roasted veggies, even brownies!)

Each recipe includes a photo (yes, actual color photos!), estimated prep and cook time, and a difficulty rating (Easy, Medium, or “Worth the Effort”). This makes it easy to pick a recipe that fits your schedule and skill level.

Built-In Safety and Maintenance Tips

The book also includes a section on cleaning and maintenance—something many cookbooks skip. It explains how to clean the basket, handle, and crisper tray without damaging the non-stick coating. There’s even a tip about using parchment paper liners (a game-changer for cleanup!) and avoiding metal utensils. These small details show the author truly understands the user experience.

Top 5 Easy Recipes from the Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners 2020

Let’s get into the fun part: the food. I’ve tested several recipes from this book, and here are five that stood out for their simplicity, taste, and how well they work in the Ninja Air Fryer. These are perfect for your first week of cooking.

1. Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Tenders (30 Minutes)

This is the recipe that made me fall in love with air frying. The book gives two options: a classic breadcrumb coating or a panko version for extra crunch. I tried both—panko wins for texture, but classic is easier for kids to eat.

Why it works:

• Uses simple ingredients: chicken breast, eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, and a little salt/pepper.
• No flipping required—just shake the basket once halfway through.
• Cooks at 375°F for 12–15 minutes (depending on thickness).
• Results in crispy, juicy tenders with 75% less oil than deep frying.

Pro tip: Spray lightly with olive oil spray at the 5-minute mark for extra crispiness. The book suggests this, and it’s a total win.

2. Garlic Butter Salmon (20 Minutes)

Salmon can be tricky—overcook it, and it’s dry; undercook it, and it’s rubbery. This recipe nails it. The Ninja Air Fryer cooks the salmon at 400°F for 10 minutes, and the garlic butter baste keeps it moist.

Key details:

• Use 1-inch thick salmon fillets (skin-on or off—your choice).
• Baste with a mix of melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and dill.
• Serve with a side of air-fried asparagus (also in the book).

I served this to guests, and no one believed it was made in an air fryer. It’s that good.

3. Breakfast Potatoes with Onions (18 Minutes)

Who knew you could make crispy breakfast potatoes in under 20 minutes? The secret is cutting the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes and tossing them with a little oil and seasoning before cooking.

Why beginners love it:

• No peeling required—just wash and chop.
• Shake the basket once at 8 minutes for even browning.
• Perfect for meal prep—make a big batch and reheat in the air fryer.

I add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor, but the base recipe is solid.

4. Veggie Spring Rolls (25 Minutes)

A fun vegetarian option that’s healthier than the deep-fried version. The book uses store-bought spring roll wrappers (yes, they work in the air fryer!) and a filling of shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions.

Tips from the book:

• Spray each roll lightly with oil before cooking.
• Cook at 375°F for 8 minutes, then flip and cook 5 more minutes.
• Serve with a sweet chili dipping sauce (recipe included).

My kids loved helping roll them up—great for a weekend cooking project.

5. Cinnamon Apple Slices (12 Minutes)

Yes, you can make dessert in your air fryer! This recipe turns sliced apples into sweet, tender treats with a hint of cinnamon.

Simple steps:

• Toss apple slices with cinnamon, a little sugar, and a drizzle of honey.
• Cook at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
• Top with Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

It’s like apple pie without the crust—and 100 times easier.

How to Use the Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners 2020: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’ve seen some recipes, let’s talk about how to actually use this cookbook. It’s not just about following instructions—it’s about building confidence in your air frying skills.

Step 1: Read the “Air Fryer 101” Section

Don’t skip this! The first 20 pages are packed with essential info:

• Preheating: Most recipes assume you’ve preheated for 3–5 minutes.
• Shake vs. Flip: Some foods (like fries) need shaking; others (like salmon) need flipping.
• Basket capacity: The Ninja 4-quart basket holds about 1.5 lbs of food—don’t overcrowd!
• Oil use: A light spray (1–2 tsp) is enough for crispiness. More oil isn’t better.

I made the mistake of skipping this at first and ended up with soggy fries. Lesson learned.

Step 2: Start with “Easy” Recipes

The book labels recipes by difficulty. For your first week, stick to the “Easy” ones. These are:

• One-pot or one-basket meals
• Minimal prep (no marinating or special equipment)
• Clear, step-by-step instructions

Examples: Air-Fried Eggs, Sweet Potato Fries, Chicken Nuggets.

Step 3: Use the “Cooking Chart” for Quick Reference

One of my favorite features is the Quick-Reference Cooking Chart at the back of the book. It’s a table that shows cooking times and temperatures for common foods:

Food	Prep	Temperature	Time	Notes
Frozen French Fries	None	400°F	12–15 min	Shake at 7 min
Chicken Breast (6 oz)	Pat dry, season	375°F	18–22 min	Flip at 10 min
Salmon Fillet (1 inch)	Season, baste	400°F	10 min	Check for flakiness
Asparagus	Trim, toss with oil	375°F	8–10 min	Shake at 4 min
Frozen Mozzarella Sticks	None	390°F	6–8 min	Serve immediately

I keep this chart taped to my fridge. It’s saved me so many times when I’m in a rush.

Step 4: Customize Recipes to Your Taste

The book encourages experimentation. For example, the “Basic Air-Fried Chicken” recipe gives a base method, then suggests variations:

• Spicy: Add cayenne and smoked paprika to the breading
• Herb: Mix in dried thyme and rosemary
• Asian: Use panko + sesame seeds + soy sauce glaze

I tried the Asian version with a honey-soy glaze—it’s now a family favorite.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make (And How the Cookbook Helps You Avoid Them)

Even with a great cookbook, beginners can stumble. Here are the top mistakes I’ve seen (and made!), and how this book helps you avoid them.

1. Overcrowding the Basket

Problem: Piling in too much food leads to uneven cooking—some pieces are burnt, others are raw.

Solution: The cookbook emphasizes “single-layer cooking” and includes a visual guide (e.g., “fill basket no more than 2/3 full”). It also suggests cooking in batches for large meals.

2. Not Preheating

Problem: Starting with a cold basket means food steams instead of crisps.

Solution: Every recipe includes a note like “Preheat air fryer for 3 minutes.” The book also explains why preheating matters—it helps the food start crisping immediately.

3. Forgetting to Shake or Flip

Problem: Foods like fries or nuggets can cook unevenly if not agitated.

Solution: The cookbook specifies when to shake (“shake basket halfway through”) or flip (“flip fillets at 10 minutes”). It even includes a tip: “Set a timer on your phone so you don’t forget!”

4. Using Too Much Oil

Problem: New users think more oil = crispier food. But excess oil can smoke or make food soggy.

Solution: The book recommends a light spray (1–2 tsp) and explains that the Ninja’s rapid air circulation does most of the work. It also warns against pouring oil directly into the basket.

5. Skipping the Cool-Down Time

Problem: Removing food too soon can cause it to steam from residual heat, losing crispiness.

Solution: The cookbook suggests letting food sit in the basket for 1–2 minutes after cooking. This “resting” time locks in the crisp texture.

Who Should Buy the Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners 2020?

This cookbook isn’t for everyone. Let’s be honest about who it’s best for—and who might want to look elsewhere.

Perfect For:

• Ninja Air Fryer owners (especially AF101, AF161, or Foodi models)
• First-time air fryer users who want clear, no-fuss guidance
• Busy families needing quick, healthy meals (many recipes are under 30 minutes)
• People with dietary preferences (it includes vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-carb options)
• Gift-givers—it’s a practical, thoughtful present for new homeowners or college students

May Not Be Ideal For:

• Advanced cooks seeking gourmet or fusion recipes (this is beginner-focused)
• Owners of other air fryer brands (timing/temps are optimized for Ninja)
• Keto/strict diet followers (while some recipes fit, it’s not a specialty diet book)
• People who hate reading (it’s text-heavy with minimal video integration)

Bonus: It’s Affordable and Widely Available

Priced under $15, the Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners 2020 is a steal compared to other air fryer cookbooks. You can find it on Amazon, Target, Walmart, or even in the “cookbook” section of some Ninja product boxes. Many users report buying a copy for themselves and gifting it to friends.

Final Thoughts: Should You Get This Cookbook?

After using the Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners 2020 for months, I can say this: it’s the most practical, user-friendly guide I’ve found. It doesn’t promise miracles. It doesn’t overcomplicate things. It simply helps you cook better food, faster, with less stress.

I’ve used it to make everything from weeknight dinners to holiday sides. My kids eat more veggies because they’re crispy and fun. I’ve saved time by using the quick-reference chart. And I’ve learned skills (like proper preheating and shaking) that apply to any air fryer.

The only downside? It’s a 2020 edition, so it doesn’t include recipes for newer Ninja models like the Foodi Max XL or the 10-in-1 models. But the core techniques—preheating, shaking, timing—still apply. And honestly, the recipes are timeless. Crispy chicken, garlic salmon, and cinnamon apples will never go out of style.

If you’re new to air frying, or just want a reliable guide to get the most out of your Ninja, this cookbook is worth every penny. It’s not flashy. It’s not trendy. But it’s useful—and that’s what matters. So grab a copy, preheat your air fryer, and start cooking. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners 2020 about?

This cookbook offers simple, step-by-step recipes designed for new air fryer users, featuring easy meals like crispy chicken, roasted veggies, and desserts—all tailored for the Ninja Air Fryer. It’s perfect for anyone starting their air frying journey in 2020 or beyond.

Are the recipes in this cookbook suitable for true beginners?

Absolutely! The Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners 2020 assumes no prior cooking experience, with clear instructions, prep times, and tips to avoid common air fryer mistakes. Each recipe builds confidence for new users.

Can I find healthy recipes in the Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners 2020?

Yes! The cookbook emphasizes low-oil, high-flavor meals, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and keto-friendly options. You’ll discover how air frying reduces fat while keeping food crispy and delicious.

What types of dishes can I cook using this cookbook?

From breakfast to dinner, the cookbook covers crowd-pleasers like air fryer bacon, salmon, and even baked potatoes, plus snacks and desserts. It’s a versatile guide for everyday meals and special occasions.

Do I need special ingredients or tools for these recipes?

No—most recipes use pantry staples and basic kitchen tools. The focus is on simplicity, so you won’t need hard-to-find items or extra gadgets beyond your Ninja Air Fryer.

How does this cookbook help me use my Ninja Air Fryer better?

It includes pro tips on preheating, basket spacing, and cleaning, plus cooking charts for meats, veggies, and frozen foods. These insights help you master your air fryer’s settings for perfect results every time.