While an air fryer can seem intimidating at first, it is very similar to cooking in an oven. An air fryer uses a heating element and a fan to circulate hot air at high speeds, creating a crispy and evenly cooked food.
Below I include links to 70+ simple recipes that are perfect for beginners, from chicken to beef to veggies to frozen food. And I include an easy recipe for chicken drumsticks.
Try some of these easy recipes first and you will gain the confidence you need to tackle more involved recipes like a bloomin’ onion or fried chicken.
🥘Cooking With Your New Air Fryer
Air fryers can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, including french fries, chicken, fish, vegetables, and even desserts. They can provide a healthier alternative to a deep fryer, since they require little oil to create crispy food.
Air fryers are also great for reheating leftovers. Some models come with additional features such as a built-in timer, multiple cooking baskets, and temperature control.
🥣Most Common Air Fryer Mistakes
While air fryers aren’t difficult to use there are few common mistakes new owners make:
- Not Reading the Manual – I know, I know, users manuals are boring. But skim through it anyway before using your air fryer for the first time.
- Not Following a Recipe – Don’t try to wing it the first few times you use your air fryer. Find a recipe, like one of the ones linked below, and follow the directions.
- Overcrowding the Air Fryer – It can be tempting to cram a few extra pieces of food in the air fryer. But it works by circulating air, so there has to be space for the air to circulate and cook the food. For the crispiest food, keep things in a single layer.
🍴Air Fryer Cooking Tips
- Don’t be afraid to use a little oil in your cooking. An air fryer uses less oil, but a small amount of oil can improve the quality of the food.
- Check the food at the end of the cooking time and decide if more time is needed. Different air fryers will yield different results, so don’t rely just on cooking time.
With a little bit of practice you’ll soon discover the many delicious dishes you can make with your new air fryer.
📝FAQ About Air Frying
What is the best oil for air frying?
When it comes to air frying, the best oil to use is one with a high smoke point. These oils can withstand the high heat of air frying without breaking down. Two of the best options are avocado oil and canola oil.
Can I cook frozen food in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen food in an air fryer. In fact, many people find that air fryers are a convenient way to cook frozen foods quickly and easily.
Can I use parchment paper in the air fryer?
Yes, parchment paper can be used to line the basket or tray of the air fryer, which can help to prevent food from sticking to the surface and make cleanup easier.
Can I put raw meat in an air fryer?
Yes, you can put raw meat in an air fryer. Air fryers are great for cooking a wide variety of meats, including chicken, beef, pork, and fish. When you cook raw meat in an air fryer it is important to use a meat thermometer to verify it is cooked completely before serving.
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Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners
Easy Main Dishes
Making dinner in the air fryer is quick and easy.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Easy air fryer chicken legs are crispy outside and juicy inside for a family favorite meal! Get tasty, crispy drumsticks with minimal effort in 25 minutes.
Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Cooking air fryer hot dogs gives you perfectly cooked hot dogs. Use frozen hot dogs or cook them inside breadsticks for a simple family meal.
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast
This foolproof air fryer chicken breast recipe gives you delicious, juicy air fryer boneless chicken breast with minimal ingredients in 30 minutes for an easy weeknight meal.
Air Fryer Ham Steak with Pineapple
Make air fryer ham steak for a delicious quick dinner! Ham steak is brushed with a brown sugar glaze and cooked with sweet caramelized pineapple on top for delicious flavor.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef
Make Mongolian beef in the air fryer for crispy beef coated in a sweet & salty sauce, just like P.F. Changs. This kid-friendly meal is ready in 20 minutes.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Easy air fryer chicken thighs are seasoned with simple spices and quickly air fried. They are both crispy and juicy and are ready in 30 minutes.
Air Fryer Steak Bites
Bite-sized air fryer steak bites have charred edges with a tender interior for a delicious melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Ready in about 15 minutes.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Air fryer pork tenderloin is a delicious weeknight dinner. The air fryer makes the outside crisp and brown while leaving a tender juicy interior.
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Air fryer fajitas are a versatile and delicious meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken combines with veggies for a simple 15 minute meal!
Air Fryer Salmon
This quick and easy air fryer salmon recipe results in perfectly cooked salmon that is a little crispy outside but tender on the inside.
Air Fryer Meatballs
Easy air fryer meatballs are quick to make & tasty. Have homemade meatballs ready in about 20 minutes. Eat as is, make a meatball sub or combine with pasta.
Glazed Air Fryer Chicken thighs
Simple & delicious glazed air fryer chicken thighs are crispy & juicy. Coated in an Asian chicken marinade for the perfect balance of sweet & spicy.
Air Fryer Naan Pizza
Make air fryer personal pizzas from naan bread! These air fryer naan pizzas are simple & delicious. Enjoy eating a pizza you made in about 10 minutes!
Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Wings
Air fryer ranch chicken wings are a tasty game day snack! They are tender and crisp with lots of ranch flavor which makes them perfect for dipping.
Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich
This air fryer grilled ham and cheese is a classic sandwich. Make an easy comfort food dinner with hot ham, gooey cheese and toasted bread!
Air Fryer Shrimp
This delicious recipe for air fryer shrimp is quick and easy! The air fryer makes juicy and crisp shrimp, perfectly cooked.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Air fryer BBQ chicken turns a summer staple into a 30 minute meal you can enjoy anytime. Season and air fry chicken, then coat in barbecue sauce!
Easy Air Fryer Tilapia
This easy air fryer tilapia lets you have a healthy dinner on the table in about 15 minutes. A tender and flaky fish dinner, seasoned with garlic and lemon.
Air Fryer Brats
Air fryer brats are deliciously crispy sausages with an amazing flavor. Get a grilled taste in 15 min. You can air fry uncooked, pre-cooked or frozen brats!
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer is an easy dinner recipe. Air fryer whole chicken is juicy & tender inside, with a crispy skin. Get rotisserie chicken taste at home.
Air Fryer Carnitas
Pork is marinated and air fried for tender, juicy pork with crispy edges, in this air fryer pork carnitas recipe! Perfect for tacos, burritos or your favorite Mexican inspired dishes.
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Tender air fryer turkey meatballs are delicious! These tasty meatballs are loaded with flavor, but they’re neutral enough to add to your favorite dishes.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken
Air fryer honey garlic chicken is simple to make & delicious! Easy air fryer chicken dinner is sticky, crispy, tender, juicy & ready in 20 minutes. Perfect meal for busy weeknights.
Air Fryer Tuna Melt
Air fryer tuna melt is a quick & easy way to make an open faced tuna melt. Tuna is piled high on a crusty roll, and topped with melted cheese.
Air Fryer Pork Loin Roast
Make this delicious air fryer pork loin for a fast roast pork dinner. The meat is brown and crispy outside with tender, juicy meat inside.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast with Prosciutto
Quick & easy dinner idea! This air fryer chicken breast recipe has only 5 ingredients. The chicken is wrapped with prosciutto resulting in a crispy prosciutto outer layer with juicy chicken inside.
Air Fryer Mini Pizzas
Have a fun pizza night with irresistible Air Fryer Mini Pizzas! Make the crust from refrigerator biscuits, add your favorite toppings and cheese, and cook 4 min. for an easy snack or meal!
Air Fryer Cod
This flakey and tender air fryer cod recipe is ideal for air frying cod without breading. Healthy, delicious, and ready to eat in 15 minutes!
Air Fryer Chicken Caprese
Tasty air fryer chicken caprese is a delicious way to cook chicken! Chicken breast is topped off with fresh mozzarella cheese & ripe tomatoes.
Air Fryer Meatloaf
Air fryer meatloaf is a classic weeknight dinner that is simple & delicious, with crispy edges and soft insides. Ready in 40 minutes! Serve with ketcup or sauce.
Air Fryer Ham
This air fryer glazed ham recipe is a quick and easy meal! Learn how to make air fryer ham along with homemade glaze. Perfect for Easter, Christmas, or any dinner.
Air Fryer Kielbasa with Potatoes
Air fryer kielbasa and potatoes is a one pot meal cooked entirely in the air fryer! This easy dinner will be ready in about 30 minutes.
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
Air fryer lemon pepper wings are a delicious and crispy chicken wing appetizer. Easy, keto friendly, three ingredient recipe. Air fry frozen wings too!
Air Fryer Pizza
Air fryer pizza is a quick and easy dinner. Make pizza in the air fryer starting with unbaked pizza dough or with a premade pizza crust!
Air Fryer Italian Sausage and Vegetables
Air fryer Italian sausage and vegetables make a quick and easy family dinner. Put the sausage & vegetables in rolls for a meal with minimal prep & clean up!
Air Fryer Pork Chops
Air fryer pork chops are a tender and juicy family favorite dinner. Have delicious pork chops on the table in about 20 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Air Fryer Hamburgers
Air fryer hamburgers are a simple meal that is juicy and delicious. Learn how to make fresh hamburger patties in an air fryer for a family dinner
Veggies and Side Dishes
Make easy sides the entire family will enjoy.
Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
Air fryer fingerling potatoes are simple to make! They are crispy outside and creamy inside. Toss these crispy potatoes with fresh herbs for an easy side dish!
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
This easy air fryer spaghetti squash is ideal as a side dish or a pasta substitute. It is delicious, versatile and ready in about 20 minutes!
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Air fryer sweet potato wedges are the perfect side dish! The thick-cut wedges have crispy edges with a creamy sweet taste inside. Add a dipping sauce!
Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
Air fryer shishito peppers are easy and delicious! The air fryer chars the skin for bite sized Japanese peppers with a burst of mild or spicy flavor.
Glazed Air Fryer Carrots
Roasted air fryer carrots have a fantastic texture, with crisp edges and soft and fork-tender insides. Coated in a sweet honey sauce, which caramelizes on them and enhances their flavor.
Air Fryer Red Potatoes
Air fryer red potatoes are almost effortless to make, healthy, delicious, and the perfect side dish for your next meal.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Air fryer butternut squash is a savory & healthy side dish! Cubes of squash are tossed with spices & roasted in the air fryer. Ready in 20 min.
Air Fryer Yellow Squash
Air fryer yellow squash is an easy summer side dish! Slices of squash are seasoned, tossed with olive oil & air fried. Ready in minutes.
Air Fryer Broccoli
This easy air fryer broccoli is tender and delicious. Quick, easy and ready in less than 10 minutes. Make some healthy broccoli for dinner tonight!
Air Fryer Baked Potato
Air fryer baked potato - When you bake a potato in the air fryer it is crispy outside and light & fluffy inside in half the time of baking in the oven.
Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Air fryer acorn squash is delicious & simple to prepare. Perfect fall side dish for anyone looking for simple, low effort dish. Ready in about 25 minutes!
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
Air fryer baby potatoes are a simple recipe! Baby potatoes are tossed with oil and salt and air fried until the insides are fluffy & the outside is crispy.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick, easy and delicious way to roast fresh corn! Delicious, juicy and tender corn is just minutes away.
Air Fryer Asparagus
Lightly seasoned, topped with Parmesan cheese and drizzled with lemon juice this air fryer asparagus is the ultimate spring vegetable with a delicate taste.
Air Fryer Delicata Squash
These tasty crescent moon shaped air fryer delicata squash rings make a fun finger food too, that you can eat as a healthy alternative to fries.
Air Fryer Green Beans
Simple side dish recipe makes air fryer green beans in about 10 minutes! Quick and easy these garlicky beans make a delicious healthy side dish for dinner.
Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
Twice baked potatoes are filled with mashed potatoes, sour cream and cheese and topped with bacon and chives and cooked in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Eggplant
This easy recipe for air fryer eggplant is a delicious & healthy side dish. Simple to make and is a quick, easy & healthy recipe.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Baking sweet potatoes in an air fryer makes a delicious and easy side dish. The sweet potatoes are tender and fluffy inside and crispy outside.
Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Make garlic bread in the air fryer & have this easy side ready in 10 minutes. This buttery & crisp air fryer garlic bread will be a family favorite.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
These tasty air fryer sweet potato fries are a fun and healthy alternative to french fries. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Breakfast
Start the day off with some easy air fryer recipes.
Air Fryer Toast
You can easily use your air fryer to toast bread, bagels, English muffins, and more! An air fryer makes it quick & easy to toast all kinds of bread.
Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
Air fryer breakfast potatoes are a tasty diner breakfast side. Cubes of potatoes are seasoned & air fried with peppers until they are crispy outside and light and tender inside.
Air Fryer Bacon
Make quick and cripsy air fryer bacon. Using an air fryer means you can cook bacon easily with less mess and consistently tasty results.
Air Fryer Eggs
Air fryer eggs are a simple, convenient way to make hard-boiled or soft-boiled eggs! The eggs are very easy to peel and make a great quick breakfast.
Air Fryer Donuts with Chocolate Glaze
Make these quick and easy air fryer donuts from refrigerator biscuits for a simple yet delicious dessert. Donuts are dipped in chocolate glaze & sprinkles.
Air Fryer Turkey Bacon
Make perfect air fryer turkey bacon for breakfast! It is light and crispy without any mess. Ditch greasy food and learn how to make turkey bacon in the air fryer.
Frozen Foods
An air fryer is great at making frozen foods.
Frozen Chicken Tenders
Air fryer frozen chicken tenders can go from freezer to table in less than 15 minutes. They are golden, crispy chicken strips perfect for dipping in sauce like ranch or fry sauce.
Frozen Pizza Rolls
Quick and convenient, making pizza rolls in an air fryer is simple. Air fryer pizza rolls are crisp outside for delicious bite size goodness. These are a perfect snack.
Frozen Meatballs
Cook frozen meatballs in the air fryer for inexpensive and easy meals! Ready to eat in only 15 minutes and are perfect for a meatball sandwich, added to pasta or as a quick appetizer.
Frozen Egg Rolls
Cook frozen egg rolls in the air fryer for easy egg rolls! These tasty Chinese restaurant favorites are perfect for dinner. They cook up fast & crispy.
Tater Tots
Using an air fryer to cook tater tots makes them crispy without deep frying. This dish is great a side dish or an appetizer dipped into spicy ketchup.
Frozen Burgers
Learn how to cook frozen burgers in the air fryer! It is quick and easy to cook hamburgers, even if the patties are still frozen - 20 minute meal.
Easy Beginner Recipe – Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- You can remove the chicken skin or leave it on, whichever you prefer. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel or kitchen cloth.6 chicken drumsticks
- In a small bowl, stir together all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, ground pepper, baking powder, and onion powder.3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Drizzle the chicken drumsticks with the oil. Then add the flour mixture and stir until the drumsticks are well coated with the spice mixture.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Use parchment paper or foil in the basket to make cleanup easier.
- Air fry at 360 degrees F for 10 minutes. Flip and cook for another 10 minutes or until lightly brown and charred.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to check the chicken for doneness. It is done when it reaches 165 degrees F.
Notes
- Use your favorite spice blend, like Montreal steak seasoning, Italian seasoning, or seasoning salt, instead of my spice suggestions.
- Feel free to change the seasoning, but don’t skip using baking powder, as it helps the chicken crisp up.
- Don’t crowd the drumsticks in the basket.
- Always use a thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature and ensure it reaches 165 degrees F.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.