• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Katie's Cucina
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact Me
    • FAQS
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Collaborate
  • Recipes
    • Appetizer
    • Asian
    • Breakfast
    • Bread
    • Comfort Food
    • Dairy Free
    • Dessert
      • Cookies
      • Ice Cream
    • Drinks
      • Smoothie
    • gluten free
    • Greek
    • Grilling
    • Holiday
      • Christmas
      • Halloween
    • Instant Pot
    • Italian
    • Katie Original
    • Main Dish
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Pork
      • Sausage
      • Turkey
      • Pizza
    • Mexican
    • One Pot Meal
    • Polish
    • Salad
      • Dressing
    • Sandwich
    • Seafood
      • Shrimp
    • Side Dish
    • Slow Cooker
    • Soups and Stews
    • Vegetarian
  • Travel
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About Me
  • Contact
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About Me
  • Contact
×
Katie's Cucina » Air Fryer

Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners

Published: Jan 19, 2023 by Katie · This post may contain affiliate links

25 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • Threads
  • WhatsApp
Salmon on a plate, baked potatoe, turkey breast, and sausage with text on image for Pinterest.
tortilla chips, bacon on plate, brats in buns, and green beans with text on image for Pinterest.
Chicken in an air fryer, french fries, hot dogs, and pork and green beans with text on image for Pinterest.

If you are new to Air Frying I have 20+ Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners! From breakfast, lunch, and dinner and even dessert. If you are looking at buying an Air Fryer, just received one, or maybe have had one I guarantee you will be an air fryer pro in no time!

Chicken in an air fryer, french fries, hot dogs, and pork and green beans with text on image for Pinterest.

If you are new to cooking with an Air Fryer I am here to share with you over 25 Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners. I’m also here to break down the different types of Air Fryers and some common frequently asked questions I get. I’ve been air frying for over two years now. I use my Air Fryer to cook something at almost every meal.

Jump to:
  • Types of Air Fryers
  • Air Fryer vs Air Fryer Oven
  • Air fryers Accessories
  • Air Fryer Questions
  • Top 10 Things to Cook in an Air Fryer
  • Air Fryer Breakfast
  • Air Fryer Bacon
  • Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
  • Air Fryer Breakfast Bowl – Copycat Chick Fil A
  • Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
  • Air Fryer Egg Toast
  • Air Fryer Dinner
  • Air Fryer Sirloin Steak
  • Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
  • Air Fryer Turkey Breast
  • Air Fryer Brats
  • Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
  • Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer
  • Air Fryer Sausage
  • Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
  • Air Fryer Hot Dogs
  • Air Fryer Side Dishes
  • Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
  • Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
  • Air Fryer Green Beans
  • Air Fryer Butternut Squash
  • Air Fryer French Fries
  • Air Fryer Acorn Squash
  • Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
  • Air Fryer Dessert Recipes
  • Air Fryer Cookies
  • Air Fryer Oreos Recipe
  • Air Fryer Donuts With 3 Ingredients
  • Super Easy Air Fryer S’mores
  • Air Fryer Spiced Pecans

Types of Air Fryers

There are two types of Air Fryers. You have the air fryer oven and the air fryer basket. Both get the job done, and both can be limited in space and what you can cook. When you are cooking for a family or even simply cooking for others you will want the largest air fryer possible.

I have the following air fryer models:

  • PowerXL Air Fryer – I have the VORTEX which is more of an oven type that has multiple trays.
  • Instant™ Vortex™ 5.7-quart Air Fryer which is the basket style and my favorite air fryer by far!
  • Instant Omni™ Pro 18L Toaster Oven and Air Fryer which is another oven style but also has a toaster oven built in too!

Air Fryer vs Air Fryer Oven

As you read above. I have both a traditional basket Air Fryer and an Air Fryer oven. I get the question a lot about what is an air fryer vs air fryer oven? A traditional Air Fryer is a countertop appliance that has a basket that you place food in. The Air Fryer Oven is more of a toaster oven style that is multi-use.

Air fryers Accessories

Are you looking for Air fryers Accessories? Check out this list of all the accessories that you can either buy or that come with Air Fryers.

  • Air Fryer Liners – If you want to minimize mess you will want to purchase a pack of the disposable air fryer liners.
  • Air Fryer Magnetic Cheat Sheet Set – This magnetic cheat sheet can come in very handy and be placed on your refrigerator to be used as a quick reference!
  • Oil Sprayer for Cooking – This is a must have in the kitchen when using an Air Fryer. You will save money having your own oil spray bottle verse buying the prepackaged. Plus less waste in the landfills!
  • Silicone Cord Holder – I like to place a silicone cord holder on the back to wrap the cord up nice and neat for storage.
  • Air Fryer Accessories from COSORI – COSORI is one of the leading Air Fryer companies and they have a set of 6 Accessories that fit for most 5.8Qt and larger fryers. This set includes: Oven Cake & Pizza Pan, Metal Holder, Skewer Rack & Skewers, etc. This set is BPA Free, Nonstick Coating, and Dishwasher Safe.

Air Fryer Questions

Got questions about the Air Fryer? I’m here to answer them!

What is the largest air fryer?

The 2 largest Air Fryers on the market are: Wolfgang Puck 9.7QT Air Fryer Stainless Steel, Large Single Basket Design and Paula Deen HF-9001D Family Size Air Fryer which has a 9.5 quart capacity. According to Consumer Reports though both of these Air Fryers actual quart capacity is around the 8 quart mark.

What is the easiest way to clean an air fryer?

Regardless of what style air fryer you own you will want to clean your air fryer right away. If you have the basket style you need to read the manual to see if you can fully submerge your basket. My Instant Brand basket can not be submerged.

If you have an oven, you will want to unplug it and let it cool down. Once cooled, you can wipe clean with a damp cloth. Then dry before you plug it in to cook again. You can also remove the bottom drip tray and clean that out.

If the basket is full of oil and food, I will put a little dish soap in the bottom of the basket and fill with about 2-3 inches of water to let it soak.

Always, clean your air fryer with a soft sponge that is non-abrasive so that you don’t scratch the non-stick surface. Always rinse well and dry immediately.

What should you not put in an air fryer?

There are a few items you should cook in an air fryer.
– Leafy Greens: These do not cook evenly and shrivel up and burn more then anything.
– Grains: You cannot cook rice or any other grain in the air fryer.
– Cheese: Any food that has an excessive amount of cheese will most likely melt off the food and fall in the drip tray causing not only a big mess for you to clean up, but also could burn.
– Battered Foods: If you have a battered ingredient the batter will most likely drip to the bottom causing the batter to burn and the possibility that your food won’t cook properly.
– Large Meat: Large meat such as a large whole chicken that is over 3 pounds. The chicken will burn before it’s cook through to the middle.

Can you put raw meat in Airfryer?

Yes, it is safe to put raw meat in the airfryer as long as it has been thawed and cooked to safe consumption temperature. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the protein is cooked through.

Top 10 Things to Cook in an Air Fryer

Air fryers are versatile kitchen appliances that can make cooking easier and healthier by using less oil. Here are the top 10 things you can cook in an air fryer:

  1. French Fries: Achieve crispy, golden fries with just a fraction of the oil compared to traditional frying methods.
  2. Chicken Wings: Get perfectly crispy and juicy wings without the mess of deep frying.
  3. Vegetable Chips: Make crunchy chips from kale, sweet potatoes, zucchini, and other vegetables.
  4. Mozzarella Sticks: Enjoy gooey, cheesy sticks with a crisp coating, great for appetizers or snacks.
  5. Salmon: Cook tender and flaky salmon fillets with a slight crisp on the outside.
  6. Chicken Tenders: Breaded chicken tenders come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
  7. Shrimp: Perfectly cook shrimp for salads, tacos, or as a standalone dish.
  8. Brussels Sprouts: Achieve caramelized, crispy Brussels sprouts with a nutty flavor.
  9. Steak: Cook a juicy steak with a seared exterior, similar to grilling.
  10. Hard-Boiled Eggs: Easily cook hard-boiled eggs with a creamy yolk and perfectly cooked white.

These dishes demonstrate the versatility of an air fryer, making it a useful tool for preparing a wide variety of meals and snacks.

Air Fryer Breakfast

Craving a quick and easy breakfast? Here are a few of my favorite recipes including my absolute favorite way to cook bacon.

Air Fryer Bacon

Square photo of a paper towel lined plate with crispy bacon
Make crispy crunchy bacon in minutes with my easy Air Fryer Bacon recipe. All you need is non-stick cooking spray, bacon, and an Air Fryer to make this recipe.
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes

White dish with fried breakfast potatoes inside sitting on red and white towel
Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes are made in 20 minutes time with only 15 minutes of cooking time in the Air Fryer. Crispy potatoes paired with onions and bell peppers make for a delicious breakfast side dish.
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Breakfast Bowl – Copycat Chick Fil A

Air Fryer Breakfast Bowl - Copycat Chick Fil A
This Air Fryer Breakfast Bowl was inspired by and made to by a copycat Chick FIl A Breakfast Bowl. It’s a quick and easy breakfast that’s made with chicken nuggets, eggs, tater tots, cheese, and more. You’ll love how quick this Easy Air Fryer recipe is to make.
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
Air Fryer French Toast Sticks are cooked to crispy perfection in this breakfast favorite. You can even cook them from frozen!
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Egg Toast

Air Fryer Egg Toast
Air Fryer Egg Toast, also called Egg in a Hole or Egg in a Basket, is ready in under 10 minutes and 2 ingredients.
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Dinner

Looking to make a quick dinner? Check out some of my favorite dinner recipes including Air Fryer Salmon and Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin.

Air Fryer Sirloin Steak

Sliced steak, baked potatoe, and spianch on a white plate sitting on a white and blue striped cloth.
Craving steak, but don't want to fire up the grill? Make my perfectly cooked Air Fryer Sirloin Steak recipe in under 15 minutes time.
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Top view of an air fryer drawer with four chicken breast.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is an easy way to enjoy an Italian classic in only a half hours time. Plump juicy breaded chicken breast are cooked in the Air Fryer and then topped with marinara and mozzarella cheese.
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Cooked seasoned turkey breast in a black air fryer basket.
Want to enjoy turkey year round? My easy Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe is done in under an hour from start to finish. This is ideal if you are feeding 2-4 people and don't want to cook a larger turkey.
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Brats

White platter filled with 4 sausages in buns.
Air Fryer Brats are made in under 20 minutes time and make for a delicious easy dinner, tailgating meat dish, or even an easy way to complete your Oktoberfest feast.
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Four salmon filets on a white platter with lemon.
If you love salmon you'll love my easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe that is made in under 15 minutes from start to finish. This gluten free / dairy free seafood recipe makes for an easy weeknight dinner or an elegant dinner party main dish.
Check out this recipe

Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer

6 chicken strips on a white platter.
If your family craves that fried chicken taste without all the grease, this is your recipe. My Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer are fast, no-fuss, and a little healthier than your standard fried fare. Grab your air fryer and cook up everyone’s favorite American chicken dish!
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Sausage

Top view of 5 crispy sausage links on a white platter with red and white striped napkin underneath it
My Air Fryer Sausage is made in 12 minutes time with crispy skin and juicy meat. These Italian Sausage links are perfect to serve with pasta, on subs with peppers and onions, or just eat on their own.
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

White plate with sliced pork tenderloins and green beans with pork tenderloin in the background.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin has a homemade rub, is juicy and flavorful, and takes 30 minutes to make! This Air Fryer recipes has become a new easy dinner staple in my home.
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Hot Dogs

three hotdogs on white plate. far left hotdog with green relish and ketchup middle hotdog with chili topped with yellow shredded cheese, far right hotdog topped with green relish and ketchup. fries in he background
If you want an easy way to make hot dogs my Air Fryer Hot Dogs recipe is done in under 10 minutes from start to finish.
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Side Dishes

Looking to make a side dish in the Air Fryer? Try a few of my favorite easy Air Fryer sides from green beans, acorn squash, and homemade french fries!

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Black Air Fryer basket with 6 corn on the cobs inside the basket.
My Air Fryer Corn on the Cob recipe is made in under 20 minutes and takes just 2 ingredients. If you are looking for an easy seasonal side dish give this cooking method a try.
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Two white plates stacked with a loaded baked potato and scallops.
Make crispy on the outside soft in the middle Baked Potatoes in the half the time thanks to the Air Fryer. Coat in oil and sprinkle on salt for a restaurant style baked potato.
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Green Beans

White bowl of green beans with garlic divided up close.
If you are looking for an easy side dish to make my Air Fryer Green Beans recipe is done in under 10 minutes and yields a flavorful side dish everyone is going to love.
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air fryer butternut squash in a dish on a blue and white striped cloth.
Discover the ultimate way to elevate your side dish game with Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Crispy, caramelized, and packed with flavor, this easy recipe is a game-changer for your dinner table!
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer French Fries

French fries on a white platter with with a small bowl of ketchup next to it.
Nothing is better then fresh cut homemade french fries. My Air Fryer French Fries require very little oil and yield a crispy french fry on the outside and a soft middle.
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Acorn Squash

White platter with cooked acorn squash.
If you love the flavor of acorn squash you'll love this easy Air Fryer recipes that will have your squash cooked fork tender in no time!
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

White bowl filled with corn tortilla chips with cilantro and dip in background.
Transform corn tortillas using the Air Fryer to make fresh tortilla chips in minutes. Crispy crunchy and tastes just like you get at the restaurant.
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Dessert Recipes

Craving something sweet? You can actually make quite a few delicious Air Fryer Dessert recipes including Air Fryer Cookies and Air Fryer S’mores!

Air Fryer Cookies

Air Fryer Cookies
Air Fryer Cookies! Have you ever wondered if you can bake cookies in the air fryer? The answer is: YES! These tips will ensure baking success!
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Oreos Recipe

Air Fryer Oreos Recipe
Get all the deliciousness of deep-fried Oreos without the mess or calories in this quick and easy air fryer Oreos recipe! It only takes 3 ingredients to make them and they’ll have the whole family hooked!
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Donuts With 3 Ingredients

Air Fryer Donuts With 3 Ingredients
These air fryer donuts are made from scratch and need just 3 ingredients! So fluffy and made without yeast.
Check out this recipe

Super Easy Air Fryer S’mores

Super Easy Air Fryer S’mores
You won’t need a campfire to make these s’mores, all you need is an Air Fryer. Delicious roasted marshmallows roasted right in the Air Fryer in less than 10 minutes. It’s the perfect easy dessert.
Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Spiced Pecans

Air Fryer Spiced Pecans
These spiced pecans are the perfect snack when you are craving something spicy, salty, and even a little sweet. They are made in the air fryer in just a few minutes, so you will want to make these your favorite go-to snack!
Check out this recipe

I hope you found these tips and tricks very helpful if you are a beginner at using the Air Fryer. What recipe will you try first?

Don’t forget to FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram, and subscribe to my email list!

« Cabbage and Sausage Soup
Sautéed Beet Greens »

About Katie

Katie is a busy mom of 2 children who loves to feed her family delicious meals that don't take hours to cook! She started her blog 15 years ago as a way to help others get cooking in the kitchen.

Reader Interactions

Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

I'm Katie Jasiewicz: home cook, food blogger, and recipe developer. A busy mom of two children who loves to feed her family delicious meals that don’t take hours to cook! My mission is to create easy-to-make modern comfort food for the busy family. (more)

Featured On

brand logos in collaage; food network, MSN, kitchenaid, country living, world market, etc

Most Popular Recipes

  • Glass baking dish filled with peach cobbler resting on a striped dish cloth.
    Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler
  • Broccoli Cheese Casserole spooned out of white baking dish
    Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers
  • Female hand holding a tortilla chip over a bowl of queso dip.
    Velveeta Cheese Dip
  • Glass plate filled with an apple pie with powdered sugar.
    Apple Pie with Streusel Topping
  • White oval dish filled with creamed spinach on a blue and white striped towel.
    Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
  • Dried spaghetti on a countertop.
    KitchenAid Pasta Recipe

Grilling Recipes

  • Skillet filled with pasta, tomatoes, basil, and sliced chicken on a blue and white checkered cloth.
    Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
  • White plate with dots with 2 grilled chicken strips, rice, and green beans on a blue and white checkered cloth.
    Grilled Chicken Strips
  • Thinly slices of steak on a white plate with steak juice on plate.
    Grilled Flank Steak
  • Sliced pork with green beans, and mashed sweet potato on a white and blue checkered cloth.
    Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Footer

logos of places Katie's Cucina has been featured on; food network, KitchenAid, Stonyfield, Country LIving, Women's Health, etc.

COPYRIGHT © KATIE'S CUCINA 2009-2025
AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.
PRIVACY POLICY · ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT · DESIGN BY GRACE + VINE STUDIOS

25 shares