What to Cook in an Air Fryer for Beginners Easy Recipes to Start With

Discover the easiest and most delicious foods to cook in an air fryer for beginners, from crispy fries and juicy chicken tenders to roasted vegetables and even desserts. With minimal prep, little to no oil, and quick cooking times, air fryers make it simple to achieve golden, crispy results every time. Start with foolproof recipes like garlic parmesan wings or air-fried salmon to build confidence and master your new favorite kitchen gadget.

Key Takeaways

• Start simple: Begin with frozen foods like fries or nuggets for quick, foolproof results.
• Use less oil: Achieve crispy textures with just a light spray of oil.
• Preheat when needed: Boost performance by preheating for 3-5 minutes before cooking.
• Batch small portions: Cook in single layers to ensure even air circulation and crispiness.
• Try versatile proteins: Cook chicken, shrimp, or tofu with minimal prep and cleanup.
• Repurpose leftovers: Reheat pizza, fries, or wings to restore crispiness effortlessly.

What to Cook in an Air Fryer for Beginners: Easy Recipes to Start With

If you’ve just unboxed your air fryer and are standing there, staring at it like it’s a mysterious kitchen gadget from the future, you’re not alone. I remember the first time I held mine—I was equal parts excited and nervous. “What do I even cook in this thing?” I wondered. It looked like a toaster oven, but the promises of crispy fries without oil and juicy chicken in half the time had me intrigued. Fast forward a few weeks, and my air fryer had earned a permanent spot on the countertop.

The truth is, air fryers are game-changers for beginners—especially if you’re short on time, want to eat healthier, or just hate scrubbing greasy pans. But the key to success? Starting simple. You don’t need gourmet skills or a pantry full of specialty ingredients. In fact, some of the best air fryer recipes are the ones you can throw together in minutes with things you already have. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or just trying to cut back on takeout, this guide will walk you through what to cook in an air fryer for beginners—step by step, with zero stress.

Why Air Fryers Are Perfect for Beginners

They’re Almost Foolproof

One of the biggest perks of cooking in an air fryer is how forgiving it is. Unlike stovetop cooking, where one distracted moment can turn your onions into charcoal, air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food evenly. There’s no need to constantly stir or flip (though a light toss halfway through helps). Most models have preset programs—like “fries,” “chicken,” or “veggies”—that do the thinking for you. Just pop in your food, press a button, and walk away.

And if you forget to set the timer? No panic. Air fryers don’t usually burn food the way ovens or skillets can. Overcooking might dry things out a bit, but it rarely leads to a kitchen fire. That peace of mind makes it ideal for busy parents, students, or anyone who’s ever walked away from the stove and come back to a smoke alarm.

They’re Healthier (But Still Tasty)

Let’s be real: we all love crispy, golden-brown food. But traditional frying drenches it in oil, which adds unnecessary fat and calories. Air fryers, on the other hand, use up to 75–80% less oil—and sometimes none at all. A light spray or brush of oil gives you that satisfying crunch without the guilt.

For example, a batch of homemade French fries cooked in an air fryer with just a teaspoon of oil has about 120 calories per serving. The same fries, deep-fried, can easily top 300. And the flavor? Still delicious. In fact, many people say air-fried food tastes better because it’s crisp on the outside and tender inside—without the soggy, greasy mess.

They’re Fast and Energy-Efficient

No preheating needed (usually), and cooking times are often 20–30% shorter than in a conventional oven. That means less time waiting, less energy used, and more time enjoying your meal. Plus, the smaller cooking chamber heats up quickly, making it perfect for reheating leftovers or cooking small portions without heating up your whole kitchen.

5 Beginner-Friendly Air Fryer Recipes to Try First

1. Crispy French Fries (From Frozen or Fresh)

This is the ultimate beginner recipe—and it’s a great way to test your air fryer’s power. Frozen fries work just fine (and are actually easier), but if you want to go fresh, here’s how:

• Cut 2 medium russet potatoes into 1/4-inch sticks.
• Soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch (this prevents sogginess).
• Pat dry completely—water is the enemy of crispiness!
• Toss with 1 tsp olive oil, salt, and a pinch of garlic powder.
• Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.

Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed. Overloading leads to steaming instead of crisping.

2. Air-Fried Chicken Tenders (No Breading, No Mess)

Chicken tenders are a kid (and adult) favorite, but store-bought ones are often full of additives. Making them at home in the air fryer is easy, clean, and customizable.

• Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips.
• Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and a splash of lemon juice or hot sauce.
• For breading: dip in flour, then beaten egg, then breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch).
• Spray lightly with oil.
• Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Bonus: For a gluten-free version, use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. They crisp up beautifully.

3. Roasted Vegetables (Even Picky Eaters Will Eat)

Vegetables can be tricky—overcooked, mushy, or flavorless. But in the air fryer, they come out caramelized, tender, and full of flavor with almost no effort.

• Chop veggies like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts into even pieces.
• Toss with 1–2 tsp olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried herbs (thyme or rosemary work great).
• Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 8–12 minutes, shaking halfway.

Tip: Denser veggies (like carrots or potatoes) may need a few extra minutes. Softer ones (like zucchini) cook faster.

4. Hard-Boiled Eggs (Yes, Really!)

Believe it or not, you can make perfect hard-boiled eggs in the air fryer—no boiling water, no risk of cracking.

• Place eggs directly in the basket (no oil needed).
• Cook at 275°F (135°C) for 15 minutes.
• Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking and make peeling easier.

The result? Creamy yolks, easy-to-peel shells, and zero mess. Great for meal prep or deviled eggs.

5. Garlic Butter Shrimp (Ready in 10 Minutes)

Seafood lovers, rejoice. Shrimp cooks incredibly fast in the air fryer—perfect for a last-minute dinner.

• Toss peeled shrimp with 1 tbsp melted butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, salt, and pepper.
• Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes, until pink and opaque.

Serve over rice, pasta, or in tacos. Add a squeeze of lemon at the end for brightness.

Tips and Tricks for Air Fryer Success

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

This is the number one mistake beginners make. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. If the basket is too full, air can’t flow properly, and your food steams instead of crisps. Think of it like a dance floor—everyone needs space to move.

Rule of thumb: leave about 1/3 of the basket empty. If you’re cooking a large batch, do it in multiple rounds. It only takes a few extra minutes, and the results are worth it.

Use Oil—But Sparingly

You don’t need much oil to get crispy results. A light spray or brush (about 1 tsp per batch) is usually enough. Too much oil can drip into the heating element, causing smoke or a burning smell.

For best results, use oils with a high smoke point, like avocado, canola, or grapeseed. Avoid extra virgin olive oil—it burns easily at high temps.

Shake or Flip Halfway

Even though air fryers cook evenly, giving your food a quick shake or flip halfway through ensures all sides get crispy. This is especially important for fries, nuggets, or anything with a breaded coating.

Most air fryers have a “shake reminder” beep. If yours doesn’t, just set a timer for halfway through the cooking time.

Preheat When Needed (But Not Always)

Some recipes benefit from a preheated air fryer—like chicken wings or delicate pastries. But for most beginner recipes (fries, veggies, frozen foods), you can just load and go. Preheating adds 3–5 minutes, but it’s not always necessary.

When in doubt, check your recipe. If it calls for preheating, do it. If not, skip it to save time.

Clean It Right After Use

Warm, sticky residue is easier to clean than baked-on gunk. Remove the basket and tray, wash with warm soapy water, and wipe down the interior. Most parts are dishwasher-safe, but check your manual first.

For stubborn stains, a baking soda paste (baking soda + water) works wonders. Just don’t scrub the non-stick coating too hard.

Common Air Fryer Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Food Is Soggy or Chewy

Cause: Too much moisture (from wet ingredients or overcrowding) or not enough oil.

Fix: Pat food dry before cooking. Use a light oil spray. Don’t overload the basket. For veggies, cut them evenly so they cook at the same rate.

Food Is Burnt on the Outside, Raw Inside

Cause: Cooking at too high a temperature or not flipping halfway.

Fix: Lower the temp by 25°F and increase time slightly. Always flip or shake halfway. Use a meat thermometer for proteins—165°F for chicken, 145°F for steak.

Smoke or Burning Smell

Cause: Oil dripping into the heating element or cooking fatty meats without a drip tray.

Fix: Place a slice of bread or foil at the bottom (but not blocking airflow) to catch drips. Avoid cooking high-fat meats like bacon directly on the basket. Use the crisper plate or tray.

Food Sticks to the Basket

Cause: Not using enough oil or cooking delicate foods (like fish or eggs) without a liner.

Fix: Lightly oil the basket or use parchment paper liners (cut to fit). For eggs, just place them directly in—no oil needed.

Uneven Cooking

Cause: Food stacked or not rotated.

Fix: Arrange food in a single layer. Shake or flip halfway. For larger items, rotate positions in the basket.

Air Fryer Cooking Times & Temperatures: A Quick Reference

Food	Temperature (°F)	Time (Minutes)	Notes
French Fries (frozen)	400	12–15	Shake halfway
Chicken Tenders (breaded)	375	10–12	Flip halfway
Broccoli	380	8–10	Lightly oiled
Shrimp	375	5–7	Toss in butter/garlic
Hard-Boiled Eggs	275	15	Ice bath after
Salmon Fillet	375	8–10	Skin side down
Frozen Chicken Nuggets	400	8–10	No oil needed
Sweet Potato Fries	390	14–16	Pat dry first

Note: Times may vary depending on air fryer model and food thickness. Always check for doneness—especially with proteins.

Beyond the Basics: What to Try Next

Reheat Leftovers Like a Pro

Air fryers are amazing for reheating—especially foods that turn soggy in the microwave. Pizza, fried chicken, even mozzarella sticks come back to life with a quick 3–5 minute blast at 350°F. Just don’t overdo it, or they’ll dry out.

Bake Small Batches

Yes, you can bake in an air fryer! Try:

• Mini muffins (10–12 minutes at 325°F)
• Brownies in a silicone mold (12–15 minutes at 325°F)
• Single-serve cookies (8–10 minutes at 325°F)

Just use an oven-safe dish or silicone liner. The small space means faster, more even baking.

Cook Frozen Foods Without the Wait

No thawing needed. Frozen foods cook beautifully in the air fryer:

• Fish sticks: 10–12 minutes at 400°F
• Onion rings: 8–10 minutes at 380°F
• Spring rolls: 6–8 minutes at 375°F

Just follow the package directions, but reduce time by 1–2 minutes.

Make Snacks and Appetizers

Impress guests (or yourself) with:

• Air-fried stuffed mushrooms (10 minutes at 375°F)
• Zucchini chips (8–10 minutes at 390°F)
• Garlic knots (6–8 minutes at 350°F)

They’re crispy, flavorful, and ready in minutes.

Remember: the air fryer is your kitchen ally, not a magic wand. It won’t turn a bad recipe into a great one, but it will make good food even better—faster, healthier, and with less cleanup. The key is to start simple, learn from mistakes, and have fun experimenting.

So go ahead—grab that air fryer, pick one recipe from this list, and give it a try. You might just find yourself wondering how you ever cooked without it. And when you nail that first batch of crispy fries or perfectly roasted broccoli? You’ll feel like a kitchen pro—even if you’re still in your pajamas.

Happy air frying!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the easiest things to cook in an air fryer for beginners?

Start with simple staples like frozen french fries, chicken tenders, or reheating leftovers. These require minimal prep and teach you how air fryers deliver crispy results with little to no oil.

Can I cook raw meat in an air fryer, and what’s a good beginner-friendly recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken breasts or salmon fillets are perfect for beginners—just season and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. The air fryer seals in moisture while creating a delicious golden crust.

What to cook in an air fryer that’s healthy but still tasty?

Try roasted vegetables (like broccoli or Brussels sprouts) with a light oil spray and seasoning, or air-fried tofu. These dishes are nutritious, low-calorie, and take under 15 minutes to make.

Are there any quick snacks I can make in an air fryer?

Yes! Mozzarella sticks, jalapeño poppers, or even banana chips are great options. Preheat for 2 minutes, cook for 5-8 minutes, and enjoy crispy, guilt-free snacks without the deep fryer.

How do I avoid dry food when using an air fryer for the first time?

Don’t overcook—use shorter cook times and check food early. Lightly brushing proteins or veggies with oil or sauce also helps retain moisture and flavor.

What to cook in an air fryer for breakfast as a beginner?

Try air-fried eggs (in a silicone mold), hash browns, or breakfast sausages. These take 5-10 minutes and require no flipping, making them ideal for busy mornings.