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.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu

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