15 Recipes to Try Right After You Get an Air Fryer

Air Fried Chicken Tenders sit on craft colored parchment along side mustard dipping sauce
Photo: Allrecipes Magazine

The air fryer has been a popular kitchen appliance addition in recent years — and has 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 air fryer recipes for beginners will quickly become your favorite go-to meals.

01 of 16

Air Fryer Breakfast Frittata

Air Fryer Breakfast Frittata
Buckwheat Queen

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.

02 of 16

Scotch Eggs

Scotch Egg
Homemade English Scotch Eggs Wrapped in Sausage. bhofack2 / Getty Images

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."

03 of 16

Orange Pecan French Toast

Orange Pecan French Toast
Kimberly Kahmann Harvey

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!"

04 of 16

Crumbed Chicken Tenderloin

Air Fried Chicken Tenders sit on craft colored parchment along side mustard dipping sauce
Allrecipes Magazine

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.

05 of 16

Sweet and Spicy Roasted Carrots

colorful roasted carrots garnished with green herb
Yoly

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.

06 of 16

Cajun Salmon

Cajun salmon with carrots and rice
France C

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.

07 of 16

Pecan-Crusted Pork Chops

pecan encrusted pork chops on a bed of deep green salad
Bibi

"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!"

08 of 16

Eggplant Parmesan

A platter of cheese-topped fried eggplant slices with marinara sauce
Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan. Allrecipes

Air frying equals cheesy goodness over crisp eggplant in this classic Italian dish. The well-seasoned vegetable is breaded with Parmesan cheese and a host of spices.

09 of 16

Spicy Green Beans

Air Fryer Spicy Green Beans
France C

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.

10 of 16

Cinnamon and Sugar Doughnuts.

Air-Fried Cinnamon and Sugar Doughnuts

Start the day on a sweet note. This traditionally deep-fried food gets a lighter spin without sacrificing its trademark tenderness and flavor.

11 of 16

Roasted Okra

air-fried okra in a white bowl
Buckwheat Queen

"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. "

12 of 16

Mini Cheese and Sausage Stuffed Peppers

small charred peppers with cheesy stuffing.
Allrecipes

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.

13 of 16

Fried Pickles

Deep Fried Dill Pickles
Allrecipes Magazine

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.

14 of 16

Rib Eye Steak

rib-eye steak on a white plate with potatoes
Soup Loving Nicole

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.

15 of 16

Roasted Bananas

caramelized banana slices on parchment paper
Yoly

All you'll need to 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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