10 Easy Air Fryer Recipes Perfect for Beginners

Getting a new air fryer is exciting, but it can be intimidating if you do not know where to start. These 10 recipes are specifically chosen because they are simple, forgiving of mistakes, and produce impressive results even on your first attempt.

1. Classic Air Fryer Chips (Fries)

The quintessential air fryer recipe and the perfect place to start.

Method: Cut potatoes into even strips, soak in cold water for 30 minutes, pat completely dry, toss with 1 tbsp oil and salt. Air fry at 204°C (400°F) for 18-22 minutes, shaking every 7 minutes.

Beginner tip: Drying the potatoes thoroughly is the single most important step for crispy chips.

2. Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Wings are incredibly forgiving in the air fryer — it is almost impossible to mess them up.

Method: Pat wings dry, toss with 1 tsp baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Air fry at 193°C (380°F) for 24-26 minutes, flipping at 12 minutes.

Beginner tip: Baking powder on the skin is the secret to extra-crispy wings without deep frying.

3. Crispy Air Fryer Salmon

Restaurant-quality salmon in under 10 minutes.

Method: Season salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Air fry at 204°C (400°F) for 7-9 minutes depending on thickness. The skin will crisp up beautifully.

Beginner tip: Do not flip the salmon. Cook it skin-side down the entire time.

4. Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli

The vegetable that converts air fryer sceptics.

Method: Cut broccoli into florets, toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Air fry at 199°C (390°F) for 8-10 minutes, shaking once.

Beginner tip: Do not overcrowd. The florets need space for the edges to get crispy and caramelised.

5. Air Fryer Toasted Cheese Sandwich

Yes, the air fryer makes an incredible toasted sandwich.

Method: Butter the outside of two slices of bread, add cheese between them. Air fry at 188°C (370°F) for 5-6 minutes, flipping once at 3 minutes.

Beginner tip: Use a toothpick to hold the sandwich together if needed. The fan can shift the top slice.

6. Garlic Bread

Faster and crispier than the oven.

Method: Slice a baguette, spread with garlic butter. Air fry at 188°C (370°F) for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.

Beginner tip: Watch closely — garlic bread goes from perfect to burnt quickly in an air fryer.

7. Air Fryer Sausages

The easiest protein you can cook.

Method: Place sausages in the basket with space between them. Air fry at 193°C (380°F) for 10-14 minutes, turning once at halfway.

Beginner tip: Prick sausages with a fork first to prevent them from bursting. Add a splash of water to the drip tray to prevent smoking from fat drippings.

8. Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

A healthier alternative to regular chips that tastes incredible.

Method: Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, toss with oil, salt, and a pinch of cinnamon. Air fry at 199°C (390°F) for 14-18 minutes, shaking once.

Beginner tip: Cut wedges evenly so they cook at the same rate. Thicker wedges need more time.

9. Air Fryer Eggs (Hard Boiled)

Sounds strange but works perfectly. No boiling water needed.

Method: Place eggs directly in the air fryer basket. Cook at 132°C (270°F) for 15-16 minutes. Transfer immediately to an ice bath.

Beginner tip: The timing may vary slightly with your model. Test with one egg first to find your perfect time.

10. Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Donuts

An easy dessert that tastes indulgent.

Method: Use refrigerated biscuit dough, cut out the centres with a bottle cap. Air fry at 177°C (350°F) for 5-6 minutes until golden. Immediately brush with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.

Beginner tip: These cook fast. Check at 4 minutes the first time you make them.

Getting Started Tips

• Start simple and work your way up to complex recipes
• Use a meat thermometer until you learn your air fryer's quirks
• Write down your times — every air fryer model cooks slightly differently
• Preheat for 3-5 minutes for best results
• Do not overcrowd — it is the most common beginner mistake

Check out our buying guide if you are still deciding which air fryer to get, or browse our full recipe collection for more inspiration.