19 game-changing air fryer recipes you can’t mess up

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Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Four chicken drumsticks with parsley on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These drumsticks show how the air fryer makes crispy skin without deep frying. The recipe provides a beginner-friendly way to learn cooking bone-in chicken.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Three air fryer hot dogs in buns with toppings.
Air Fryer Hot Dogs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This is a foolproof way to cook hot dogs that come out perfect every time. The recipe shows beginners how their air fryer can improve on basic foods.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Air Fryer Tilapia

Air fryer tilapia fillet on a plate with zucchini and lemon.
Air Fryer Tilapia. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This fish recipe makes cooking seafood simple and quick. New air fryer users will learn the basics of cooking seafood without complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tilapia

Air Fryer Frozen Pot Pies

Air fryer frozen chicken pot pie.
Air Fryer Frozen Pot Pies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This is a simple way to cook frozen pot pies better than the microwave. The recipe is perfect for beginners to see how their air fryer can improve ready-made foods.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Pot Pies

Air Fryer Steak Bites

Air fried steak bites on a white plate.
Air Fryer Steak Bites. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This recipe cuts the steak into pieces so it cooks evenly and quickly. The method helps new users learn meat cooking basics without the pressure of a whole steak.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Bites

Air Fryer Cod

Air fryer cod fillets without breading topped with lemon and herbs.
Air Fryer Cod. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This basic fish recipe uses simple seasonings for quick cooking. New air fryer users can learn seafood basics without breading or complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cod

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Chicken drumsticks and thighs coated with BBQ sauce on a wooden cutting board with herbs.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

BBQ chicken becomes a year-round option with this cooking method. The basic steps teach new users how to cook chicken and add sauce in their air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin ready for eating after cooking in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This pork turns out browned outside and juicy inside. The simple seasoning and clear steps make it an achievable first roast for air fryer newcomers.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This takeout-style beef teaches new users how to get crispy meat edges. The recipe breaks down restaurant-style cooking into manageable steps for beginners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Air Fryer Naan Pizza

Naan pizza with chicken and bacon in the basket of an air fryer.
Air Fryer Naan Pizza. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Store-bought naan becomes personal pizzas in the air fryer. This recipe helps beginners practice temperature control while making a fun, customizable meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Naan Pizza

Air Fryer Burgers

Burger on a bun topped with cheese, tomato, onion and bacon.
Air Fryer Burgers. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

You can make juicy burgers without a grill using this method. This recipe shows beginners how to handle ground meat in the air fryer with consistent results.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Burgers

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast

Cut chicken breasts pieces baked.
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This no-fail chicken comes out perfectly moist every time. The recipe uses basic seasonings and simple steps. This makes it a good starting point for anyone new to air frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast

Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs

Meatballs in barbecue sauce with toothpicks.
Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Starting with frozen meatballs creates an easy win for beginners. This recipe shows new users how their air fryer can turn frozen food into quick meals and appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs

Air Fryer Kielbasa with Potatoes

Kielbasa with Potatoes on a plate.
Air Fryer Kielbasa with Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This one-basket meal shows how easy air fryer dinners can be. The recipe teaches beginners how to cook two ingredients at once without any complicated timing.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kielbasa with Potatoes

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Plate of chicken fajitas with chicken, red bell peppers and onion.
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This is a fast one-basket Mexican meal that’s hard to mess up. The recipe is perfect for teaching new air fryer users how to cook chicken strips and vegetables together.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Air Fryer Mini Pizzas

3 biscuit pizzas on a cutting board.
Air Fryer Mini Pizzas. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Store-bought biscuits become pizza crusts in minutes. This recipe teaches new air fryer users how to work with dough and manage toppings in their machine.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mini Pizzas

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Two stuffed yellow bell peppers with melted cheese and herbs served on a white plate.
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Stuffed peppers cook much faster in the air fryer than the oven. The straightforward steps and everyday ingredients make this an easy entry point into air fryer cooking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Drizzling sauce over crispy salmon bites on a cutting board.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cut into chunks, this salmon cooks quickly and evenly. The simple seasoning and short cook time make this a good starter fish recipe for air fryer beginners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Air Fryer Italian Sausages

Sausage with peppers and onions in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Italian Sausages. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This is a complete meal with sausage and vegetables in one basket. New air fryer users learn how to cook multiple ingredients together with minimal prep work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Italian Sausages

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