10 Easy Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners: Quick and Delicious Results

The air fryer is the most used kitchen appliance in millions of homes — but many people cook the same three things in it repeatedly. These 10 recipes unlock what the air fryer does best and expand your repertoire from chips to a full weekly meal rotation. Whether you just unboxed your first air fryer or have had one for years, these recipes will change how often you reach for it.

Air Fryer Basics Before You Start

A few principles apply to every air fryer recipe. First, do not overcrowd the basket — food needs space for hot air to circulate around it. A single layer with gaps produces crispiness; a packed basket produces steaming. Second, a light coat of oil spray (use a refillable oil sprayer rather than aerosol cooking spray which can damage non-stick coatings) produces better browning on vegetables and proteins. Third, shake or flip food halfway through cooking for even results on all sides. Fourth, preheat your air fryer for 3 minutes before adding food. With these principles in mind, every recipe below produces consistently excellent results.

1. Crispy Air Fryer Chips

The dish that sold most people on air fryers. Cut potatoes into 1cm strips, toss with a tablespoon of oil and generous salt. Air fry at 200°C for 18-20 minutes shaking the basket halfway. The result is genuinely crispy on the outside and fluffy inside — better than oven chips and without the oil of deep frying. For extra crispiness, soak cut chips in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking to remove surface starch, then dry completely before oiling.

2. Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Season bone-in skin-on chicken thighs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Air fry at 190°C for 25 minutes skin side down, then flip and cook 5 minutes more skin side up. The skin crisps to a golden crackling while the meat stays extraordinarily juicy — results that take significantly longer in a conventional oven. Check that internal temperature reaches 74°C before serving.

3. Air Fryer Salmon

Season a salmon fillet with lemon zest, fresh or dried dill, salt, and a thin coat of olive oil. Air fry at 180°C for 10-12 minutes depending on thickness. Perfectly cooked throughout with a lightly caramelised exterior. The air fryer is the fastest way to cook salmon with consistent results every time.

4. Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Lay bacon strips in a single layer — do not overlap. Air fry at 200°C for 8-10 minutes depending on thickness. No splatter, no mess, perfectly crispy every time. The rendered fat falls through the basket into the drip tray — drain carefully as it stays hot.

5. Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables

Cut any combination of vegetables into similar-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices. Air fry at 200°C for 12-15 minutes shaking halfway. The high circulating heat caramelises vegetables faster than a conventional oven, developing deeper flavour in less time. A squeeze of lemon juice and fresh herbs after cooking brightens everything.

6. Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Split a baguette lengthways. Combine softened butter with minced garlic, fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt. Spread generously on the cut sides. Air fry at 180°C for 5-6 minutes until golden and visibly crispy. The perfect accompaniment to pasta — see our 15 quick pasta recipes for weeknight dinner ideas.

7. Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs

Place eggs directly in the air fryer basket. Cook at 130°C for 15 minutes for hard boiled or 12 minutes for jammy yolks. Transfer immediately to an ice bath for 5 minutes. Consistent results every single time and the shells peel effortlessly. Batch cook a week of hard boiled eggs in one 15-minute session.

8. Air Fryer Steak

Bring steak to room temperature for 30 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes. Cook at 200°C for 7 minutes per side for medium-rare on a 2cm thick steak. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Use a meat thermometer — 54°C medium-rare, 60°C medium.

9. Air Fryer Cookies

Portion cookie dough balls onto parchment paper cut to fit your air fryer basket — leave 3-4cm between each cookie. Air fry at 150°C for 8-10 minutes until edges are set. They continue cooking as they cool. Produces chewy centres with slightly crispy edges in under 10 minutes.

10. Air Fryer Reheated Pizza

The best use of an air fryer that nobody talks about. Reheat leftover pizza at 180°C for 3-4 minutes. The base becomes crispy again, the cheese melts and bubbles — incomparably better than microwave reheating. This alone justifies the counter space for many air fryer owners.

What to Buy Next

If these recipes have convinced you to upgrade your air fryer, see our complete air fryer buying guide for the best models at every budget. For more essential kitchen equipment see our best kitchen gadgets guide.