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    Home » Air Fryer, Instant Pot, & Crock-Pot

    Published: Apr 13, 2022 · Modified: Apr 19, 2022 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Easy Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    For easy air fryer recipes for beginners that are perfect, this list of ideas has it all. If you just purchased an air fryer and are a bit intimidated by how to use it, you are not alone. The good news, it is easy to learn how to cook in an air fryer and the food comes out amazing! These are the perfect recipes to make so you can learn how to cook with your new air fryer.

    I have a collection of the best recipes for anyone that is new or even experienced with air fryers. There are a variety of simple, quick, & tasty air fryer recipes. All are basic to make with straightforward instructions. I have made sure to compile a list of air fryer recipes that are not complex, with just a few steps, and a shortlist of ingredients.

    4 recipe images for air fryer fries, turkey meatballs, hot wings, and breaded fish.

    To help you find something new to try right away, this list of air fryer recipes perfect for beginners has been broken down into the meals of the day. So no matter what time of day you want to make something in the air fryer, a quick & easy new recipe is here on this list. There are some amazing and simple gluten-free, keto, low-carb, paleo, vegan, & diabetic-friendly air fryer recipes too.

    I have included air fryer recipes for breakfast, lunch, snacks/appetizers, dinner, sides, and even desserts! The first section includes all the air fryer recipes I have made and shared here on the blog. The rest are a collaboration of fellow bloggers that continue to off the best of the best. Do not be afraid to get air frying - learn today and enjoy something yummy.

    My Favorite Easy Air Fryer Recipes

    Whether you are making a new recipe, air frying frozen store-bought foods, or learning to reheat in the air fryer, this list has a bit of everything. Our family favorite is the smoky and mildly spiced Air Fryer Shishito Peppers. You do not want to miss this recipe and the amazing Shishito Dipping Sauce that is creamy, nutty, salty, & spicy!

    • Air Fryer Frozen Hash Brown Patties
    • Air Fryer Frozen Waffles
    • Air Fryer Curried Acorn Squash Slices
    • Air Fryer Frozen Potstickers
    • Air Fryer Frozen Fish Fillets
    • Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
    • Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Chicken
    • Air Fryer Frozen Crinkle French Fries
    • Crispy Air Fryer Keto Radishes
    • Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks
    • How to Reheat Chick-fil-A Nuggets in the Air Fryer
    • How to Reheat Pizza in the Air Fryer

    Breakfast Air Fryer Recipes

    I included several easy air fryer recipes for breakfast in the links above. But here are a few more yummy ideas for that first meal of the day. Both of these are so simple to make, why not do both!

    AIr Fryer Toasted Coconut French Toast
    This savory french toast recipe is loaded with coconut goodness. It is easy to make and also happens to be vegan & gluten-free so almost everyone can dig in and enjoy.
    AIr Fryer Toasted Coconut French Toast
    Slices of vegan air fryer french toast w coconut on a plate with a fork.
    Air Fryer Boiled Eggs
    Who knew? But yes air frying to "hard boil" an egg is a thing! And it is simple and amazing.
    Air Fryer Boiled Eggs
    Hard boiled eggs cut in half to explose the yellow yoke.

    Snack or Appetizer Recipes

    These quick munchie recipes are a great way to learn to use your air fryer. They are all easy to make with simple-to-follow instructions. I have them in order of easiest to a bit more involved. But trust me, you can make these air fryer appetizers or snacks. There is a tasty sweet & spicy Air Fryer Honey Hot Wings recipe below in the lunch/dinner section that is also great for an appetizer. Try them and you will be happy you did!

    Air Fryer Chickpeas
    The season on these little crispy garbanzo beans is addicting. This simple recipe pops them in the air fryer until a bit golden. All that is left is popping them in your mouth to enjoy.
    Air Fryer Chickpeas
    A big bowl of toasted chickpeas seasoned, air fried, and now ready to eat.
    Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
    These thinly-sliced colorful sweet potatoes make the best air-fried potato chips. The seasoning mix puts them over the top - Bonus, a dipping sauce recipe is included too!
    Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
    Colorful sweet potato sliced thin into chips and ready to eat.
    Air Fried Black Bean Taquitos
    Do not get intimidated by this gorgeous recipe. These black bean taquitos are easy to make and done in no time in the air fryer. Using canned black beans and store-bought corn tortillas makes this recipe so easy & economical.
    Air Fried Black Bean Taquitos
    Rolled up black bean taquitos on a platter ready to eat.
    Vegan Lumpia
    Crispy and savory is what these bites are all about. This Filipino classic egg roll in a vegan tofu version is only 6-ingredients so you can make this.
    Vegan Lumpia
    Vegan lumpia that has been air fried is on a platter with a dipping sauce.

    Lunch & Dinner Recipes

    Making a hot lunch at home has never been easier thanks to the air fryer. Whether you want a warm sandwich or something more hearty, try one of these recipes. These easy recipes are wonderful for dinner too. So get that air fryer warmed up and get cooking some turkey meatballs, seafood, or more.

    Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
    Forget that skillet or griddle, make a melty grilled cheese in your air fryer. Hot and crispy perfection in just minutes.
    Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
    A cut grilled cheese sandwich on a cutting board.
    Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
    In less than 20 minutes these juicy seasoned turkey meatballs are ready. A few simple ingredients are mixed and pop them in the air fryer for just a few minutes and viola - tasty turkey meatballs are ready.
    Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
    A white plate piled with turkey meatballs.
    Air Fryer Tilapia
    This simple recipe is a quick way to cook frozen or fresh tilapia in the air fryer. There are several seasoning options so this recipe will be your new monthly menu favorite to try over and over again.
    Air Fryer Tilapia
    A plate with cooked tilapia and lemon slices.
    Air Fryer Honey Hot Wings
    Spice up your life with these air fryer honey hot wings. They are sweet, sticky, spicy, and juicy for a great lunch, dinner, or party appetizer.
    Air Fryer Honey Hot Wings
    Spicy chicken wings on a plate with carrots and dip.

    Side Dish Recipes

    Keeping side dish recipes easy is what can make or break your meal. Especially when it comes to busy weeknight dinners, these air fryer sides are the best. Air fryer potatoes, vegetables, and more make a great quick recipe for those just learning to use their new air fryer.

    Air Fryer Carrots
    These addicting Air Fryer Carrots are "french fries" with a lot more flavor. Dip these sweet roasted strips into the Herbed Greek Yogurt Dip for a flavor overload.
    Air Fryer Carrots
    Carrots cut into strips piled on a plate with a dip.
    Air Fryer Cauliflower
    The air fryer does wonders to cauliflower. In just a few minutes it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside for a lovely side dish that goes with just about everything.
    Air Fryer Cauliflower
    Overhead image of crispy air fryer cauliflower florets.
    Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
    Hot, fluffy, and crispy red potatoes are cooked in the air fryer for a simple tasty side dish. These garlic & herb seasoned potatoes are topped with parmesan for a lovely flavor combination.
    Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
    A bowl of roasted wedge potatoes cooked in the air fryer.
    Air Fryer Pumpkin
    Cubes of fresh sugar pumpkin are roasted in the air fryer for a sweet & savory side dish. A sprinkling of cumin and more elevate the flavor in this easy air fryer recipe.
    Air Fryer Pumpkin
    A white bowl filled with air fryer pumpkin.

    Dessert Recipes

    Can you make desserts in an air fryer? Yes, you can! These recipes are a great first try at "baking" something sweet in your air fryer. These beginner dessert recipes will get you even more excited about air frying.

    Air Fryer Beignets
    Go ahead and pour mounds of powdered sugar onto these lovely Air Fryer Beignets. These sweet donut-like treats are puffy, tender, and melt in your mouth.
    Air Fryer Beignets
    A plate of beignets covered in powdered sugar.
    Air Fryer Apple Slices
    Air Fryer Apple Slices are a simple sweet treat. Crunchy apple chips make a great healthy dessert that kids and adults will love.
    Air Fryer Apple Slices
    A pile of air fried apple slices in a bowl.
    Air Fryer Paleo Brownies
    These gluten-free Air Fryer Paleo Brownies use the pot in pot method for your Instant Pot Air Fryer lid. This gooey chocolate dessert can be made in the air fryer and no one will guess how easy it was to "bake".
    Air Fryer Paleo Brownies
    A stack of gooey chocolate paleo Air Fryer brownies.

    Equipment Recommendations

    For these recipes, you obviously need an air fryer. Here are the best air fryer models you can buy. If you want a tray, basket, or Instant Pot lid style, these air fryers have the highest ratings on Amazon. I personally have the Breville Air Fryer Toaster Oven model and love it. Our family of five uses it every day for air frying, toasting, and reheating just about everything.

    Whether you have a basket style or tray, here are some other fun gadgets you may like. This list of useful air fryer accessories will make air frying a lot easier. The oil spray container and the liners really make clean up easy!

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you!  

    4 recipe images for air fryer tilapia, potstickers, popcorn chicken, and brownies.
    4 air fryer recipe images for fries, hot wings, pizza, and acorn squash.

    Easy Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners

    Angela
    All the best easy air fryer recipes for beginners in one tasty list. These ideas are quick and simple so that anyone new to air frying can learn to cook. There are appetizers, snacks, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts. Enjoy gluten-free, vegan, low-calorie, dairy-free, or keto recipes for potatoes, vegetables, chicken, fish, and more.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 0 mins
    Course Appetizer, Dessert, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4

    Equipment

    • air fryer

    Ingredients
      

    • Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
    • Air Fryer Tilapia
    • Air Fryer Paleo Brownies
    • Air Fryer Crinkle French Fries
    • Air Fryer Potstickers
    • Air Fryer Honey Hot Wings
    • Air Fryer Carrots
    • Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
    • Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

    Instructions
     

    • Pick one or more of the easy recipes shared here.
    • Make the recipe to enjoy any time of day.
    • Enjoy!
    Keyword air fry, air frying, easy, fried, quick
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    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat and explore all things food. I have been cooking since I could pull up a stool to finally reach the counter. I still rely on my trusty stool every day. I am a former personal chef turned blogger that enjoys cooking with and for my family, traveling to try new cuisine, and constantly learning about food, drink, & how it touches all our lives.

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