Since the rise of the air fryer among home cooks some years ago, this popular kitchen appliance shows no sign of slowing down. If you've just found one underneath your Christmas tree, ordered one from a Cyber Monday sale, or treated yourself for your birthday, then get ready for some beginner recipes with serious wow-factor. Once you get the hang of how to use an air fryer, it will open up your kitchen to a whole new realm of recipes. These easy air fryer recipes for beginners will quickly become your favorite go-to meals.
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Air Fryer Breakfast Frittata
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This is a light and customizable beginner air fryer option for on-the-go eaters. Load your frittata with whatever makes you happy, be it a bouquet of herbs or ham and cheese.
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Scotch Eggs
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If savory is what you crave early the morning, these Scotch eggs will hit the spot. "You get all the deliciousness without the mess and added fat of deep frying," says recipe creator and Allrecipes Allstar France C. "They make the perfect breakfast or snack, especially when served with the chutney dipping sauce."
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Orange Pecan French Toast
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Try this comforting, sticky classic that cooks perfectly in an air fryer. "Great recipe, " says RUMARTIN. "Tasted just like warm pecan rolls, but much easier to make!"
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Crumbed Chicken Tenderloin
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This top-rated chicken dish only takes four ingredients and 30 minutes, so it's the perfect beginner air fryer recipe. Have delicious nugget-style tenders ready almost as soon as the craving hits.
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Sweet and Spicy Roasted Carrots
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Recipe creator and Allrecipes Allstar Yoly describes her dish as "tender and roasted carrots cooked in the air fryer that can be on your table in less than half an hour." The carrots are tossed in butter, orange zest, and hot honey.
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Cajun Salmon
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Make a flavorful and nutrient rich meal that's also unbelievably easy. A bit of brown sugar and a powerful spice blend make this salmon anything but ordinary.
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Pecan-Crusted Pork Chops
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"This keto-friendly recipe comes together in a snap," says recipe creator and Allrecipes Allstar Bibi. "In addition, using the air fryer makes easy work of these tasty pork chops. The chops make great leftovers too!"
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Eggplant Parmesan
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The well-seasoned eggplant is breaded with Parmesan cheese and a host of spices to create a crispy, classic Italian dish all thanks to the air fryer.
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Spicy Green Beans
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Like to get your greens in with a kick? Red pepper, soy sauce, and vinegar create perfect balance in this side dish. An easy way to please everyone at the dinner table.
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Cinnamon and Sugar Doughnuts
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Start the day on a sweet note. This traditionally deep-fried food gets a lighter spin without sacrificing its trademark tenderness and flavor.
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Roasted Okra
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"With okra growing in the garden, we have made this over and over, " says reviewer WhiteCoatSyndrome. "Simple and quick—glad it was submitted. No changes to the original recipe. "
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Mini Cheese and Sausage Stuffed Peppers
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This appetizer boasts an impressive display with an equally wonderful flavor. Sweet peppers are filled with a mouthwatering mixture of cream cheese, Italian sausage, and chives.
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Fried Pickles
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Here's a state fair staple made in the comfort of your home. Get the snap and vinegary punch of fried pickles anytime you like with this straightforward recipe.
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Rib-Eye Steak
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A rib-eye comparable to restaurant offerings. A simple marinade makes for a big, juicy result in this recipe. Perfect for days unsuitable for grilling, this tender meat is a delicious air fryer option.
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Roasted Bananas
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All you'll need to make this treat are bananas and cooking spray. The fruit caramelizes in the air fryer in under 10 minutes for a healthy dessert option. Reviewers recommend a dusting of cinnamon to seal the deal.
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Easy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
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A baked spud can go with almost any meal, so this recipe is a good one to keep handy. Rub the outside of the potatoes with oil, salt and black pepper, garlic powder, and parsley. Let the air fryer do the rest of the work.
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Air Fryer Ravioli
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This 5-star fried creation takes just minutes to create rich Italian flavor. You're sure to love the crisp, golden exterior and creamy spinach filling.
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Air Fryer Lobster Tails with Lemon-Garlic Butter
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"For any fairly experienced lobster chef, this is so simple and so delicious," shares reviewer Bob. "Anyone can do it, just cut the shell in the manner explained."
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More Inspiration
Try one of Our Best Air Fryer Main Dishes for Dinner. Plus, explore our entire collection of Air Fryer Recipes.
- Air Fryer Chicken Katsu with Homemade Katsu Sauce
- Air Fryer Ranch Pork Chops