Just got a new air fryer and wondering what to cook? No worries, we’ve rounded up 17 easy and appetizing recipes perfect for beginners. Whether you’re craving juicy steaks or a crispy faux-fried dinner , these dishes are ideal for getting to grips with your new kitchen favorite. Let’s get cooking and explore the potential of your air fryer with these straightforward yet impressive meals!
Air Fryer Garlic Ginger Shrimp
Enjoy a flavor-packed meal with these air fryer frozen shrimp coated in garlic ginger sesame sauce. It’s an incredibly simple meal, from freezer to plate in under 20 minutes, perfect for beginners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Ginger Shrimp
Air Fryer Skirt Steak
The air fryer offers a convenient method to cook skirt steak to juicy perfection, making it a great beginner-friendly option. It’s a fast solution for steak lovers, especially when outdoor grilling isn’t possible.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Skirt Steak
Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks
These homemade air fryer fish sticks, with just six ingredients, are an easy and quick meal. The recipe is both gluten-free and eggless, and comes with a simple dijon remoulade sauce, ideal for beginners looking for a simple seafood option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks
Air Fryer Ribeye
Enjoy a classic ribeye steak with this simple air fryer recipe. It’s an easy way to prepare a tender, juicy steak with flavorful seasonings, ideal for those new to air frying and looking for a quick, gourmet dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
Air fryer chicken leg quarters are a fantastic beginner-friendly meal, roasting perfectly in under 25 minutes. They offer crispy skin, a delicious spice rub, and tender meat, making for an easy and impressive dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Frozen salmon becomes a hassle-free meal in the air fryer, no defrosting required. The maple mustard sauce adds a wonderful flavor, and the whole process is quick and straightforward, perfect for air fryer novices.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Marinated in garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, these air fryer salmon bites cook to perfection. Served with a dip made from the marinade, this recipe is simple and ideal for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts
Forget about defrosting with this air fryer recipe for frozen chicken breasts. They cook to tender and juicy perfection in less than 30 minutes, a straightforward and foolproof option for those new to air frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts
Air Fryer Filet Mignon
This air fryer filet mignon cooks to juicy, tender perfection every time. It’s an impressive yet effortless gourmet dinner, perfect for beginners wanting to create a special meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Air Fryer Cod
Discover the ease of making air fryer cod with this simple recipe. Using lemon and basic spices, you can create a tender and delicate fish dinner in less than 20 minutes, ideal for air fryer beginners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cod
Air Fryer Scallops
In just a few minutes, you can make scallops in the air fryer with a beautiful sear and tender texture. Pair them with a simple chive, garlic, and lemon butter sauce for a sophisticated meal that’s surprisingly easy for beginners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Scallops
Air Fryer Tofu
This air fryer tofu recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional frying, yielding a tasty result with less fat. It’s an easy method for beginners and offers all the flavor benefits of fried tofu.
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Air Fryer Lamb Chops
These lamb chops, marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, cook to tender perfection in the air fryer in less than 10 minutes. It’s an easy and quick recipe for those new to air frying, providing a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lamb Chops
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
These air fryer buffalo chicken tenders offer a healthier alternative to the deep-fried version. They’re ultra-crispy and easy to make, perfect for a simple, crave-worthy appetizer or main dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Brats
Cooking brats in the air fryer is not only simple and quick but also yields tender and juicy results that even grill enthusiasts will appreciate. It’s an ideal beginner’s recipe, ready in under 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brats
Air Fryer Sausage
For an effortless and efficient way to cook sausage, the air fryer is a top choice. It yields perfectly juicy, golden brown Italian sausages, making it an ideal method for beginners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sausage
Air Fryer Cornish Hens
This straightforward recipe for air fryer Cornish hens produces stunning results with minimal effort. The hens roast whole, achieving crispy golden skin and juicy meat, making this dish a comforting and simple choice for new air fryer users.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornish Hens