Got your first air fryer but aren’t sure what to make first? Then this collection of the Best Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners is for you! From main dishes, sides and snacks to breakfasts and sweet treats, each of these air fryer recipes is super quick and really simple to prepare. You’ll love how easy it is to cook up delicious dishes with your new air fryer!
Includes recipes that are suitable for Vegan, Low Carb, Keto, Paleo and Gluten Free diets. Weight Watchers points also includes.
Congratulations, you just got your very first air fryer! But if you find yourself staring at it and thinking ‘what now?!’ do not worry.
You will be amazed and relieved to know that the air fryer can do so much more than simply heat up frozen French fries. Soooooo much more.
And to help you get started, I have gathered up what I think are the Best Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners.
This list of delicious recipes has got you covered.
There are classics like kid-approved chicken tenders and hamburgers, tasty side dishes like Mexican street corn, asparagus, and zucchini fries.
My Top Pick For Air Fryer Accessories
8 Piece Air Fryer Accessories Set for 3.7, 5.3, 5.5, 5.8 QT Air Fryers
My go-to 8 piece accessories set that fits from 3.7 Qt to 5.8QT Air Fryers. Every Air Fryer user should have one.
You will also find recipes that are waaaaaay better than your (formerly) favourite takeout.
We’re talking chicken fried rice, falafels, smoky ribs, and 5 minute pita bread pizzas. And yeap, you can even bake up a batch of delicious muffins or whip up some fresh donuts right in the air fryer.
Best Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners Tools
KITCHEN TOOLS, UTENSILS & APPLIANCES NEEDED
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, check out my disclosure.
Here are some of the items you will need to make these recipes.
- This Air Fryer is perfect for cooking your food.
- This 13 piece air fryer accessories kit.
- Use these measuring teaspoons for your seasonings.
- You need this awesome sharp knife for cutting your ingredients.
- Use this fun and colourful cutting board.
- These handy mixing bowls are good for mixing up ingredients.
- I love these tongs for turning food in the air fryer.
- Bowls with covers.
- Store leftover food in these bowls.
- Meat thermometer
- For checking the temperature of meats.
- Check out this list of must-have Air Fryer essentials.
- Try my favorite spice kit for different flavours on your recipes.
- Sea Salt Flakes <= amazing salt that makes your food taste good.
- Free meal planning kit.
Whether you’re brand new to the wonderful world of air fryers or a seasoned pro, I am confident you will love this collection of super quick, really simple, and amazingly delicious air fryer recipes.
Related Link : Best Glass Meal Prep Containers.
And to make this post even more helpful, I have organized the recipes in the following categories:
So, are ready to start cooking with your air fryer? Then read on!
Air Fryer Main Dishes
Parmesan Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Parmesan Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly golden and crunchy every time. And the best part? They are ready to serve in under 15 minutes!
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls.
A family favorite, these wholesome kid-friendly air fryer pizza rolls are easy to make and totally delicious!
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers {Low Carb}
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are a healthy and easy burger alternative that doesn’t compromise on texture or flavor.
Easy Air Fryer Falafels {Vegan, Gluten Free}
Healthier than the deep fried versions, these air fryer falafels are perfect for serving up as snacks, appetizers, or as a satisfying meal.
Air Fryer Garlic Mushroom Steaks {Vegan, Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free}
Air Fryer Garlic Mushroom Steaks are perfect for your meatless Mondays! These big, hearty marinated portobello mushroom steaks cook up super quick and easy right in the air fryer.
5 Minute Air Fryer Pita Bread Pizza {Vegetarian}
With this recipe for Air Fryer Pita Bread Pizza, all it takes is just 3 everyday ingredients, 5 minutes, and almost no effort at all to enjoy delicious cheesy pizza goodness.
Related: Homemade Poultry Seasoning. (For flavoring your recipes)
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks {Gluten Free, Low Carb, Keto, Paleo}
Delicious Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are easy to whip up, made from pantry staples, and a totally versatile meal prep solution.
Air Fryer Chicken Quesadilla {Gluten Free}
These Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas are a quick, easy and tasty meal. Perfect for serving up for a quick lunch, dinner, appetizer, or even as an afternoon snack.
Golden Crispy Air Fryer Fish {Low Carb, Gluten Free}
With this recipe for Crispy Golden Cajun Air Fryer Fish, you can indulge in a healthier version of super delectable, crunchy fish fillets without the guilt.
Air Fryer Hibachi Shrimp Dinner {Gluten Free, Low Carb, Keto}
Hibachi Shrimp is a delicious restaurant-quality Japanese meal that is quick and easy to make in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Cornish Hen {Gluten Free, Low Carb}
Air Fryer Cornish Hen is a super delicious dish that’s also quick and easy to make! Just the thing for Sunday suppers, meal prep, and fuss-free weekday meals.
Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice {Gluten Free}
Making chicken fried rice in the air fryer is super easy and budget-friendly. Plus it’s faster and healthier than ordering takeout.
Smoky Air Fryer Ribs {Low Carb, Gluten Free}
These Smoky Air Fryer Ribs turn out super tender and are ready to serve in less than 30 minutes. The air fryer makes it easy to enjoy the classic summer barbecue flavor all year round.
Juicy Air Fryer Hamburgers {Gluten Free}
Air Fryer Hamburgers are simple and easy to whip up. Everything a classic hamburger should be, these air fried burgers are tasty, juicy and oh-so-cheesy.
Golden Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast {Gluten-Free, Low Carb & Keto Options}
This recipe for Golden Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts lets you indulge in deep-fried classic taste without any of the guilt. Delicious, versatile and so easy to make, this just might become your favorite way to prepare chicken.
Air Fryer Salmon {Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Keto, Paleo, Whole 30}
Air Fryer Salmon is not only good for you but tastes good too! In just a few minutes, and almost no effort you can enjoy perfectly moist, tender, and flaky salmon fillets.
Related : Homemade Fajita Seasoning Mix (for flavoring your recipes)
Air Fryer Pork Chops {Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free}
A healthier version of your classic comfort food favorites, Air Fryer Pork Chops are nice and crispy on the outside, yet deliciously tender and juicy on the inside.
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs {Gluten Free, Low Carb, Paleo, Keto}
This recipe for Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs is quick, easy, and super versatile. We’re talking turkey, juicy bell pepper, and fresh herbs all mixed up and air fried to perfection. Appetizers, dinners, and snacks have never tasted sooooo good.
Air Fryer Chili Nachos
Delicious Air Fryer Chili Nachos is a comforting cheesy meal that cooks in about 5 minutes.
Air Fryer Chicken Kebobs
Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs are full of delicious Asian flavor! An easy-to-make recipe that’s great for lunch, dinner, or serving up as a party appetizer.
Air Fryer Taco Lasagna
Taco Lasagna is a delicious and easy-to-make air fryer casserole that’s the perfect mashup of Mexican meets Italian.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Fajitas {Gluten Free, Low Carb, Keto, Paleo, Whole30}
Delicious Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Fajitas are super versatile and super flavorful.
Air Fryer Fish and Chips
That’s right, you can make an entire meal in the air fryer at the same time! This recipe for Air Fryer Fish and Chips lets you easily whip up a healthier version of your pub favorite whenever the mood strikes.
Air Fryer Sides and Snacks
Air Fryer French Fries {Vegan, Gluten Free}
Homemade Air Fryer French Fries are easy to make and totally delicious! You will love this healthier version of everyone’s favorite side dish.
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts {Vegan, Gluten Free, Low Carb, Keto, Paleo, Whole30}
Just 3 ingredients and a handful of minutes are all that’s needed to whip up deliciously crispy air fryer Brussel sprouts.
Mexican Air Fryer Corn on the Cob {Vegan, Gluten Free, Low Carb}
This Mexican Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is cooked to tender charred perfection in just 10 minutess. So easy and so delicious, you may never make corn on the cob any other way again!
Air Fryer Asparagus {Vegan, Low Carb, Keto, Paleo, Whole 30, Gluten Free}
Cooking asparagus in the air fryer requires just 3 simple ingredients and is ready in a fraction of the time as traditional methods. Makes a perfectly healthy and delicious accompaniment for all sorts of main dishes.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries {Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free}
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are the perfect starter, side dish or snack. Totally crave-worthy, these air fried Parmesan zucchini fries are crisp and golden on the outside, yet moist and tender on the inside.
Air Fryer Kale Chips {Vegan, Gluten Free, Low Carb, Paleo, Whole30}
Air Fryer Kale Chips are a super healthy snack that is so easy to make, even the kids will want to help!
Air Fryer Potato Chips {Vegan, Gluten Free}
Crispy, crunchy homemade air fryer potato chips are perfect for snacking and serving with sandwiches, burgers, and more!
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges are a tasty and easy side dish and appetizer that turns out tender on the inside and golden and crunchy on the outside every time.
Air Fryer Breakfasts and Sweets
Air Fryer Monkey Bread
Air Fryer Monkey Bread is a delectably sticky and sweet sugar and cinnamon pull-apart bread that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Air Fryer Breakfast Frittata {Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free}
This Air Fryer Breakfast Frittata is a quick, easy, and protein-packed dish that comes together in just minutes.
The Crispiest Air Fryer Bacon {Keto, Low Carb, Paleo, Gluten Free}
With this recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Bacon you can cook up a healthier version of crave-worthy bacon that turns out perfect every time!
Air Fryer Sausages {Gluten Free, Low Carb, Keto, Paleo}
Making sausage in air fryer takes no time at all and means your meal prep will be a total breeze. Perfect for serving at breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Air Fryer French Toast Sticks {Vegetarian}
French toast sticks are a kid-approved breakfast that is so easy to make, thanks to the air fryer!
Air Fryer Banana Bread
Air Fryer Banana Bread is tender and moist with the perfect texture. Made with everyday pantry staples, and so easy even the kids can make it unsupervised.
Air Fryer Raspberry Muffins {Vegetarian}
Delicious Air Fryer Raspberry Muffins are quick and easy to put together and great for breakfast, serving at brunch, or just eating on the go.
Related : Best Meal Prep Glass Containers.
Healthier Air Fryer Donuts – 2 Ways {Vegetarian}
Making donuts uses just a fraction of the oil as the traditional method. A healthier way to indulge your sweet tooth that is easy, fun, and guilt-free.
Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Sunday mornings just got a little brighter, thanks to these homemade air fryer apple fritters!
Air Fryer Fried Oreos
Make your own Air Fried Oreos and satisfy those carnival food cravings! It’s super easy and super fun to make delicious fried Oreos in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Nutella S’Mores {Vegetarian}
These utterly delicious Air Fryer Nutella S’mores are a tasty twist on the classic campfire treat.
Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
Make these classic cookies in the air fryer with just 3 ingredients and they’ll be ready to devour in less than 10 minutes. Soooo good!
Air Fryer Gingerbreadman Cookies
‘Tis the season to bake delicious seasonal cookies right in the air fryer! Everyone will love helping make these festive treats…almost as much as they love eating them.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Ready to cook up even more using your Air Fryer? Then you’ll want to check out these collections:
This round-up of the easiest and best Air Fryer Frozen Foods is a busy cook’s secret weapon!
And this collection of Healthy Air Fryer Recipes is full of good tasting, and good for you, dishes.
Learning how to Reheat Food in Air Fryer is a great way to save money and reduce food waste.
Thank you for reading my Best Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.
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These all look so delicious! I can’t decide which recipe to try first!
Muffins and donuts?!? I had no idea! I need to save a few of these recipes to try out asap!! What a great list!
I had no idea that you could make all of these recipes in a air fryer! mind blown! I don’t own one but maybe this post will change my mind! Great round up
What a great collection of recipes for air fryer newbies like myself. I want to try the doughnuts first!
Wow! This is huge list of air fryer recipes! I got one last winter and just love it! I’m just not sure which one to make first!