Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners

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A guide to air fryer recipes for beginners! We cover what air fryers are, how to use an air fryer, what you can / can’t cook, and share over 85 recipes perfect for those new to air fryers!

There’s no question that air fryers are everywhere right now. People seem to either love them or feel a bit unclear about why they’re such a big deal. If you’ve been debating an air fryer purchase, or bought one but have no idea what to do with it, this guide has all the answers you’ve been searching for.

What is an air fryer?

Said to imitate the effect of deep-frying with much less oil, air fryers are basically a convection oven that lives on your counter. Convection is a type of current (aka chemical energy) that transfers heat via air, and that air is then circulated by fans in the cooking process.

However, the method of convection used in air fryers differs from your typical convection oven. While a convection oven slowly produces heat from gas or electric power, air fryers contain a special type of “rapid air technology” that does not stem from a specific source, which allows food to heat up rapidly and with a more even, crispy result.

Plus, air fryers are typically much smaller than your average convection oven, another reason why foods cook so much faster.

How to use an air fryer

This will be different depending on the type of air fryer you have, but the general instructions remain the same. You can place your food in the basket or on the tray, set the time and temp, and let the gadget do its work! Of course, these steps will also depend on the food.

If you’re cooking a chicken breast, some recipes will suggest flipping it halfway through, and some won’t. Sometimes you’ll want to shake the basket up a little bit, similarly to how you shuffle veggies around on the roasting tray to make sure all sides get equally crispy.

Which air fryer is best?

I consulted a lot of my culinary colleagues before making an air fryer purchase and went with the one that came most recommended – the Phillips XXL Air Fryer (affiliate link – if you purchase I receive a small commission).

What can you cook in an air fryer?

That’s the best part. You can cook pretty much anything you’d cook on a regular oven or stovetop. However, it’s best to start simple to figure out what you like and the ins and outs of your specific air fryer.

First, think about anything you might typically deep-fry. We’re talking french fries, chips, donuts, chicken fingers, onion rings, you name it. Beyond that, the options truly continue to be endless. It’s great for frozen foods, hearty veggies, proteins, and even some breakfast and dessert options.

It actually might be more helpful to name what you CAN’T cook. Namely, anything with too much liquid, like batter or too much drippy cheese. Raw grains are also a no-go, as well as your less sturdy leafy greens. Other than that, it’s basically a choose your own adventure!

Is air frying healthier than other cooking methods?

You can talk about less oil – I would make this factual vs. morality.

Personally, I didn’t purchase my air fryer because I wanted to cook with less oil. I purchased it because I love crispy, crunchy food and the air fryer produces that in a fraction of the time it takes to bake in the oven (and even then you can’t get food that crispy.)

Like I talk about with my clients, it’s all about intentionality when it comes to food choices. Buying an air fryer doesn’t necessarily collude with diet culture if your intention is rooted in taste and satisfaction.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

It depends on the type of air fryer you have and the specific recipe you’re making. Check the manufacturer’s manual and the recipe for more guidance! I typically do not preheat my air fryer unless the recipe I’m making specifically tells me to.