Have you recently got an air fryer but are not quite sure what to cook in it? Worry not, here are some easy air fryer recipes that are perfect for beginners. All of these recipes involve minimal prep time and cook quickly, so you can have a healthy homemade meal on the table in no time.
An air fryer uses convection heat and rapid air circulation to yield crispy food with little to no oil. This makes it a perfect cooking appliance if you want to eat healthy but do not have much time for prep work. The recipes below are not only delicious but also very simple to put together. So let's get started!
1. Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders
Let's kick things off with a crowd-pleaser – Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders. These golden, crunchy bites are a Quick Prep dream, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Simply coat chicken tenders in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pop them into the air fryer, and in no time, you'll have a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken, without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions:
1. In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dip the chicken tenders in the beaten eggs, then coat them with the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd.
4. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.
2. Beginner-Friendly Air Fryer Roasted Veggies
Looking for a simple and nutritious side dish? Air Fryer Roasted Veggies are the perfect solution for Beginners. This versatile recipe allows you to customize with your favorite vegetables, making it a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet. Plus, the air fryer's hot air circulation ensures evenly cooked, crispy veggies without the need for excessive oil.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb mixed veggies (e.g., Brussels sprouts, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the veggies into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
3. Spread the veggies in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd.
4. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until the veggies are tender and slightly crispy.
3. Quick Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce
Craving a Quick and Healthy meal? Look no further than this Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce. Tender, flaky salmon fillets are air-fried to perfection and topped with a zesty, creamy sauce bursting with bright flavors. This dish is not only a breeze to prepare but also a nutritious and satisfying choice for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions:
1. Pat the salmon fillets dry and brush them with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd.
3. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flaky.
4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, and minced garlic.
5. Serve the air-fried salmon hot, topped with the lemon dill sauce.
4. Healthy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
Craving something light and Healthy but still packed with flavor? Try these Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters! These delightful fritters are a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies while indulging in a crispy, golden treat. Pair them with a tangy yogurt dip or your favorite sauce for a delicious appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, egg, flour, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until a thick batter forms.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
3. Scoop heaping tablespoons of the zucchini mixture and gently drop them into the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd.
4. Air fry at 370°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fritters are golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
5. Beginner Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Craving something a little more indulgent? These Beginner Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp are sure to hit the spot! With a crispy coconut coating and tender, juicy shrimp on the inside, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's a Quick Prep option that even Beginners can master.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
1. In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, shredded coconut, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Set up a breading station with the flour in one bowl, the beaten eggs in another, and the coconut breadcrumb mixture in a third bowl.
3. Dredge the shrimp in the flour, dip them in the beaten eggs, and then coat them with the coconut breadcrumb mixture.
4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
5. Arrange the coated shrimp in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd.
6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
6. Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
Looking for a Quick and Easy appetizer or side dish? These Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful option that will impress your guests or family. Filled with a savory blend of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, these bite-sized morsels are a perfect party pleaser or a tasty addition to your meal.
Ingredients:
- 12 large mushrooms, stems removed and chopped
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the chopped mushroom stems, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Stuff the mushroom caps with the breadcrumb mixture, packing it gently.
3. Place the stuffed mushrooms in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd.
4. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the stuffing is golden brown.
5. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
By trying out some of these beginner-friendly air fryer recipes with simple ingredients and minimum prep time, you will be well on your way to discovering just how versatile air frying is. Explore different flavor combinations to suit your tastes. With so little effort, air frying makes it easy to enjoy healthy comfort foods any time. Let me know if you need any other air fryer recipes recommendations!