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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes » Air Fryer Main Dishes » Easy Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners

    Easy Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners

    November 2, 2021 by Tiffany Leave a Comment

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    There are over 65 easy air fryer recipes for beginners listed here. They have few ingredients, minimal prep work, and taste great!

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

    For all beginners looking to get started with their new air fryer, start here and find a delicious recipe to make.

    Are you just getting started with your air fryer straight out of the box? Check out my beginner’s guide to using an air fryer.

    How to Use an Air Fryer Banner

    You’ll learn how to air fryer grilled cheese, hamburgers, french fries, and more!

    1

    Air Fryer Baked Potato

    Photo Credit: www.simplyhappenings.com

    Learn how to make an air fryer baked potato in just 3 steps with only 2 ingredients! This recipe is made with extra-large baked potatoes that are intended to be served as a main dish rather than a side dish.

    2

    Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

    Photo Credit: lemonsandzest.com

    Only about 5 minutes of prep and less than ten minutes in the air fryer, these simple, crispy, cinnamon sugary Air Fryer French Toast Sticks are easily made with whole-grain bread, Texas Toast and more. Freezer-friendly for a perfect weekday morning breakfast!

    3

    Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

    Grilled cheese in air fryer is a classic American dish made with a cheesy layer in between two crunchy slices of bread. Just as easy to make and customizable to how you like to have your grilled cheese sandwich.

    4

    Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu

    Photo Credit: www.simplyhappenings.com

    Air fryer tofu with teriyaki sauce is an easy way to cook tofu and add it to soups, noodles, rice, stir fry, potatoes, or eat by itself.

    5

    Air Fryer Brats

    Photo Credit: https://www.savorysweetspoon.com

    Looking for a quick weeknight meal? Or a tasty meal for game day? This air fryer brats recipe has you covered! You can have savory sausages with peppers and onions cooked and ready to devour in as little as 15 minutes!

    6

    Extra Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds

    Photo Credit: www.hwcmagazine.com

    Have you carved your Halloween pumpkin yet? Don’t throw away your seeds from your Jack o'lantern! Instead, try our crispy spicy air fryer pumpkin seeds for a quick and easy keto snack or savory Halloween treat.

    7

    Air Fryer French Fries

    Tasty air fryer french fries seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and sprinkled with Parmesan and freshly cut parsley.

    8

    Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

    Easy air fryer baby potatoes seasoned with garlic and paprika. The perfect side dish that is done cooking in 12 minutes!

    9

    Air Fryer Carrots

    Photo Credit: pipingpotcurry.com

    These air fryer roasted carrots are a quick healthy snack or side dish. Make these crispy yet tender roasted carrots in the air fryer.

    10

    Air Fryer Hamburgers with Garlic Aioli

    Try out this air fryer hamburgers recipe with garlic aioli. It is fast and something that your entire family will enjoy on those busy weeknights.

    11

    Air Fryer Plantains

    Photo Credit: homebodyeats.com

    Air fryer plantains are a sweet & simple side dish that pairs perfectly with your morning eggs, South American-inspired dinner, or even eaten alone! They crisp up perfectly in an air fryer and come together in under 20 minutes.

    12

    Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops

    This is a recipe for air fryer breaded pork chops are boneless 1-inch pork chops breaded in panko and grated Parmesan then air fried until crispy and golden brown.

    13

    Easy Ham And Cheese Sliders (Oven Or Air Fryer)

    Photo Credit: onmykidsplate.com

    Quick and easy in the air fryer, with the best-seasoned sauce and gooey cheese.

    14

    Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

    This recipe shows you how to make air fryer chicken Parmesan with a crispy panko-Parmesan crust, melted mozzarella, and marinara sauce.

    15

    Easy Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

    Photo Credit: momswhosave.com

    Here's a super easy air fryer tortilla chips recipe. Enjoy the taste of "handmade" restaurant-style chips at home anytime!

    16

    Air Fryer Broccoli with Mushrooms & Onions

    Savory and tender air fryer broccoli, mushrooms, and onions that have been cooked to perfection. Cooking in the air fryer requires no preheating and is done in under 15 minutes!

    17

    Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

    Photo Credit: www.courtneyssweets.com

    Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is bursting with flavor, sweet, and juicy as can be! Make this with fresh corn for a great side dish recipe.

    18

    Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli

    This recipe shows you how to make air fryer toasted ravioli with cheese-stuffed ravioli that’s been breaded in panko and air fried until crispy.

    19

    Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer

    Photo Credit: www.everydayfamilycooking.com

    Air fryer garlic bread is so easy to make from scratch and from frozen. This post includes both so you can have a fast side to any dinner meal!

    20

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Photo Credit: www.simplyhappenings.com

    This is an air fryer chicken strips recipe that is juicy and crispy with panko breadcrumbs. They’re done cooking in just 12 minutes!

    21

    Juicy Air Fryer Steak

    Juicy sirloin steak cooked perfectly and quickly in an air fryer. The steak is cooked evenly through the middle and tastes delicious.

    22

    Air Fryer Peanuts

    Photo Credit: culinaryshades.com

    Roasted peanuts make a great snack. It is easy to make in the air fryer with a few basic ingredients.

    23

    Air Fryer S'mores

    Photo Credit: biteswithbri.com

    These air fryer s’mores are the easiest quick sweet treat. You only need 3 ingredients and an air fryer. The marshmallows are roasted to a perfect golden brown in no time. No campfire needed! This is the perfect way to enjoy s’more inside all year long.

    24

    Air Fryer Pork Schnitzel

    Photo Credit: www.simplyhappenings.com

    Air fryer pork schnitzel are thin, tender pieces of pork coated in panko breadcrumbs then air fried until golden and crispy in just 12 minutes.

    25

    Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

    Photo Credit: debsdailydish.com

    These turkey burgers are very moist and seasoned perfectly. They taste like your favorite grilled turkey burger but are cooked so quickly in an air fryer.

    26

    Simple Air Fryer Salmon Fillets

    This is an easy air fryer salmon recipe cooked to perfection and fits in the keto diet. Plus, find out how to know when salmon is cooked.

    27

    Air Fryer Reuben Sandwiches

    Photo Credit: homefreshideas.com

    Making this Reuben Sandwich Recipe in your Air Fryer leaves the bread crispy and delicious. Filled with corned beef, swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and sauerkraut you can’t resist going back for another taste.

    28

    Air Fryer Biscuits

    Photo Credit: thecaglediaries.com

    Try making your biscuits in the air fryer next time. Simple and you'll have crispy on the outside fluffy inside biscuits!

    29

    Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Shrimp

    Photo Credit: www.simplyhappenings.com

    Air fryer frozen popcorn shrimp turns out crispy and delicious! It’s better than in the microwave and more convenient than an oven. Add it to salad, sandwiches, pasta, or tacos for a quick meal!

    30

    Air Fryer Hot Dogs

    Photo Credit: soeasybeinggreen-blog.com

    One of the easiest ways to use your air fryer is by making hot dogs! They taste great - even better than grilled!

    31

    Frozen Fish Sticks in Air Fryer

    Photo Credit: www.simplyhappenings.com

    Air fryer frozen fish sticks are a quick and kid-friendly meal. Cook them in the air fryer for a less greasy yet still crispy lunch that they are bound to love.

    32

    Air Fryer Shrimp Taco Recipe - Confessions of a Fit Foodie

    Photo Credit: confessionsofafitfoodie.com

    Quick and easy, these Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos with Mexican Street Corn will have taco Tuesday dinner on the table in minutes!

    33

    Air Fryer Frozen Pizza Rolls

    Photo Credit: www.simplyhappenings.com

    Air fryer frozen pizza rolls are on my list of easy kid-friendly lunches. Use a frozen bag from the supermarket and lunch is served in under 10 minutes!

    34

    Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms

    This is a recipe for easy air fryer stuffed mushrooms filled with cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, and topped with cheddar and chives. They’re great as an appetizer or a side dish!

    35

    Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

    Photo Credit: thebustedoven.com

    A quick and easy meal or appetizer, buffalo chicken taquitos are made with simple ingredients and take only 10 minutes in the air fryer.

    36

    Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets

    Photo Credit: www.simplyhappenings.com

    Air fryer frozen chicken nuggets are less greasy and still crispy. It’s easy to serve for lunch or dinner and kids will love it!

    37

    10-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp

    Photo Credit: confessionsofparenting.com

    If you have 10 minutes you are in luck to make this delicious 10 minute Air Fryer Shrimp dish! You will love the crispy shrimp that is cooked to perfection!

    38

    Air Fryer Salmon

    Photo Credit: bellyfull.net

    This easy air fryer salmon fish recipe is so flavorful with hoisin sauce and other Asian spices. You end up with a crispy exterior, super moist flesh, and done in only 15 minutes!

    39

    Air Fryer Okra

    Photo Credit: www.runningtothekitchen.com

    No eggs or breading is needed for these amazingly crispy okra “fries”. Just a handful of seasonings and these will quickly become your new favorite vegetable side dish.

    40

    Air Fryer Fried Pickles

    These are a classic air fryer pickles recipe made with sliced dill pickles coated in cayenne pepper, garlic, and breadcrumbs then air fried for a crunchy bite.

    41

    Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

    Photo Credit: www.theanthonykitchen.com

    Restaurant-quality mozzarella sticks…in the air fryer? Sounds too good to be true, but rest assured, these Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks boast all the flavor and crunch of a freshly fried cheese stick, only without all that extra oil.

    42

    Air Fryer Pizzas

    Photo Credit: www.theanthonykitchen.com

    These French bread-style personal pizzas come together quick and easy with baguettes taking the place of pizza dough and the air fryer taking the place of your oven!

    43

    Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms

    Photo Credit: www.myplantifulcooking.com

    Incredibly flavorful and juicy, this air fryer Portobello mushroom makes a great healthy side dish that pairs with almost anything! Super quick and easy to make, fuss-free and healthy.

    44

    Air Fryer Naked Chicken Wings

    Learn how to cook these crispy air fryer naked chicken wings with the option to coat them in hot sauce, teriyaki glaze, sweet chili, honey garlic, or just eat them plain! This recipe shows you how to use thawed or frozen chicken wings in air fryer.

    45

    Air Fryer Zucchini

    Photo Credit: www.spendwithpennies.com

    Cook up a batch of Air Fryer Zucchini for the perfect easy side dish! Chunks of zucchini are tossed with a light bread crumb and parmesan topping and baked to crispy perfection. They’re full of flavor, light, and crisp.

    46

    Air Fryer Chicken Balls

    Photo Credit: tidbitsbytaylor.com

    Make these quick and easy Chicken balls right in your air fryer. A healthier substitute from the greasier oil fried you're probably used to.

    47

    Easy Air Fryer Apples

    Photo Credit: www.everydayfamilycooking.com

    Apple slices are coated in graham cracker crumbs and cinnamon for a crunchy sweet snack in the air fryer. Dip them in caramel for the ultimate sweet treat.

    48

    Air Fryer Chicken Legs with Dry Rub

    Photo Credit: www.findingzest.com

    Air fryer chicken legs are a super quick and easy dinner recipe using ingredients from your pantry! So juicy and flavorful, this chicken is sure to be a hit.

    49

    Air Fryer Nachos

    Photo Credit: www.rescuedogkitchen.com

    These air fryer nachos are easy, tasty, and ready to enjoy in minutes! All thanks to the air fryer, nachos are super easy to make! This air fryer recipe is one of my favs!

    50

    Easy Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs

    Air fryer hard-boiled eggs are easy to make with no prepping or other ingredients necessary.

    51

    Air Fryer Meatballs

    Photo Credit: coupleinthekitchen.com

    An easy air fryer recipe to try is this meatball recipe. Making air fryer meatballs is way better than the oven because you get a nice textured outside and juicy, tender inside.

    52

    Amazing Air Fryer Pizza Tots

    Photo Credit: stefseatsandsweets.com

    Check out these amazing air fryer pizza tots for a quick different idea! All your favorite pizza toppings melted over puffy crispy tater tots, yes, please!

    53

    Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

    Photo Credit: airfryereverything.com

    These ultra-soft and fluffy air fryer cinnamon rolls drizzled with icing are perfect for breakfast or brunch! The best part is that making cinnamon rolls in the air fryer is super easy and quick!

    54

    Air Fryer Sausage

    Photo Credit: agrillforallseasons.com

    No grease mess and less than 12 minutes to an easy dinner. Air fryer sausage needs no additional ingredients. Just cook them and serve.

    55

    Spicy Air Fried Potato Wedges

    Photo Credit: thesassyfoodie.com

    Crispy, spicy potato wedges get a lighter twist in the air fryer! Loaded with lots of flavour and spice, these wedges require minimal prep work and are ready in 20 minutes.

    56

    Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

    Photo Credit: moonandspoonandyum.com

    Super easy frozen green beans in an air fryer! Have perfectly seasoned and delicious green beans in a flash!

    57

    Air fryer Popcorn

    Photo Credit: rachnacooks.com

    This air fryer popcorn recipe uses no oil and is as simple as putting in the kernels and popping them. Make a guilt-free snack that is loved by all.

    58

    Air Fryer Acorn Squash with Pesto

    Photo Credit: www.vidhyashomecooking.com

    Delicious and flavorful air-fryer roasted acorn squash with pesto and pine nuts and a kick of chipotle chili flakes.

    59

    Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Photo Credit: www.texanerin.com

    These easy air fryer chocolate chip cookies have the best texture. They're perfectly chewy with crisp outsides that will certainly rival your favorite recipe, and no chilling is required!

    60

    Air Fryer Crab Cakes

    Photo Credit: www.wenthere8this.com

    Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender in the middle, these Air Fryer Crab Cakes have such a satisfying crunch without the efforts of frying!

    61

    Air Fryer Whole Chicken

    Photo Credit: thekitchengirl.com

    Air Fryer Whole Chicken is an easy, affordable way to cook mouth-watering, rotisserie style chicken dinner and requires minimal attention. Tender, juicy inside and crispy outside makes this hands-off whole chicken a busy weeknight miracle!

    62

    Easy Air Fryer Donuts

    Photo Credit: urbanblisslife.com

    Making donuts has never been easier, thanks to the air fryer and refrigerated biscuit dough! These air fryer donuts are super easy to make and taste delicious.

    63

    Air Fryer Bacon

    Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com

    Yes, you can cook amazingly perfect bacon in an air fryer! Crispy, delicious, and ready in about 10 minutes, learn how to cook your favorite tasty bacon in your air fryer with just a few simple steps.

    64

    Air Fryer Cheesy Garlic Naan Bread

    Photo Credit: www.razzledazzlelife.com

    Cheesy Garlic Naan Bread is an easy and delicious appetizer or side dish. Full of garlic butter, and melty cheesy goodness!

    65

    Air Fryer Bagel Boats

    Photo Credit: chunkyinkentucky.com

    Save time with these simple air fryer bagel boats, perfect for preparing breakfast for the week ahead. Cooks in less than 10 minutes and freezes easily!

    66

    Air Fryer Steak Bites

    Photo Credit: www.theroastedroot.net

    Air Fryer Steak Bites are perfectly tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and seasoned to perfection. Serve them as an appetizer for any occasion, or enjoy them as your main dish!

    67

    Air Fried Scallops with Dill Garlic Butter

    Photo Credit: www.fearlessdining.com

    If you love scallops, this quick and easy air fryer scallops recipe is going to become your new favorite scallops recipe. These scallops are cooked to perfection and topped with a dill garlic butter sauce. Serve over pasta or zucchini zoodles!

    68

    Air Fryer Fried Mushrooms

    This is an air fryer recipe for fried mushrooms! They’re made with whole mushrooms tossed in seasoned batter and panko breadcrumbs then air-fried without all the extra oil!

    Air Fryer Cookbooks

    Simply Happening's Air Fryer Cookbook Trio

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    Looking to advance with your air fryer? Try these recipes!

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    « How to Use an Air Fryer: A Beginner’s Guide
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    Filed Under: 30-Minute Dinners, Air Fryer Appetizers, Air Fryer Main Dishes, Air Fryer Side Dishes, Appetizers, Game Day Recipes, Main Dishes, One-Pot Meals, Side Dishes

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    About Me

    Welcome, I'm Tiffany! My love for cooking began in the kitchen with my grandmother at the age of 5. Some of the recipes have been passed down to me and others I create as I go. Simply Happenings was created to share quick and delicious meals for your family highlighting air fryer and Instant Pot recipes. Enjoy! Read More…

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