Five best beginner air fryer recipes

5 of the very best air fryer recipes – for pro chefs and beginners

When you’re cooking with an air fryer, you’re always going for gold. So, we don’t want you to waste time on anything but the best recipes. On this page we’re serving up the insider scoop, sharing the most popular and straightforward air fryer recipes for you to try out at home.

Air fryers are taking the culinary world by storm. We’ve certainly found them easy to fall in love with. Air fryers offer a healthier alternative  to deep-frying, while still serving that irresistible crunch. If lower calorie, fast-to-fry foods are the key to your heart too, then get stuck in.

Our easy and irresistible air fryer recipes

There’s something on our list to satisfy every craving – from tender chicken wings to showstopper vegetarian delights! Don’t forget to check out our air fryer chip recipe for the perfect accompaniment.

Juicy chicken wings

If you’re a wing lover, then air fryer chicken wings are a must-try. These tender, peppery, fried chicken pieces are super easy to make in the air fryer. Get your favourite sauces lined up and let’s go.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken wings, (split into flats and drums)
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• A generous grind of black pepper
• Optional, 2 tbsp of your favourite wing sauce

Method

• Pat down your chicken pieces with a paper towel to dry them.
• In a large bowl, add the wings and sprinkle over the seasoning. Toss to combine.
• Place the chicken in the air frying basket, spacing each wing out evenly.
• Air fry at  200°C for 18 minutes. Shake the basket once or twice during cooking so that everything cooks evenly.
• Pop your crispy chicken wings out the air fryer. Coat with sauce or enjoy just as they are!

Zingy corn on the cob

Sweetcorn always brings the taste of summer. In this salty citrusy recipe, summer never tasted so good! Use this simple air fried veggie recipe to liven up your lunches all year round.

Ingredients

• 2 ears corn, shucked and cleaned
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp crunchy kosher salt
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander
• Half a lime
• 1 tbsp butter for melting

Method

• Coat your corn with oil and half the salt, then place them in your fryer basket. Make sure they don’t touch.
• Preheat your air fryer for the recommended time and cook at 180°C for 14 minutes. Turn the corn halfway through. Your corn should be slightly charred and the kernels soft.
• Garnish your corn with the butter, a squeeze of lime and the chopped coriander. Season to taste and tuck in

Sweet and spicy salmon bites

If seafood is your thing, then air fryer fish is a must-try. Spice up your weeknight dinners with this rapid recipe for air fried salmon.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets, cut into equal 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 thumb sized piece of ginger, finely grated
• 3 minced cloves of garlic
• Spring onions for garnish
• Optional, big pinch of chilli flakes

Method

• Setting the spring onions side, throw everything else into a large mixing bowl. Ensure that your salmon pieces are well coated and leave to rest for 10-15 minutes.
• Spread your salmon evenly across the air fryer tray.
• Cook in the air fryer on 200° C for 6-8 minutes. There you have it, succulent salmon bites rustled up in seconds!

Deliciously light onion rings

This classic side dish is about to become a headline act. After air frying onion rings once, you’ll never look back. Is there a mightier vegetarian treat than this? We think not. Here’s how it’s done:

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, sliced into ½ inch rings
• 1 egg
• 100g flour
• 110ml full fat milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 220g course breadcrumbs (panko are best)
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

• Set out three shallow dishes. In the first, mix your flour and garlic powder and generous grind of salt and pepper; in the second, mix the milk and egg; in the third, add your breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp oil – stirring well to make sure all the crumbs are lightly coated.
• Dip your onion rings into the bowls to coat with flour, egg and then breadcrumbs, then again into the egg and breadcrumbs.
• Press the rings gently to make sure the coating sticks.
• Drizzle or spray with oil and lay the onion rings out on the air fryer tray.
• Preheat air fryer to 200°F and for 10-13 minutes or until crisp on the outside. Pow!

Golden roasted veg

For Sunday roasts or winter warmers, roasted vegetables are a welcome comfort food. Using an air fryer to roast your veggies is superbly satisfying. Get golden finishes, soft centres and caramelised edges in minutes.

Ingredients

• You can throw in any vegetables of your choosing. Quantities will vary depending on your air fryer size.
• Root vegetables: Squash, sweet potato and carrots work well.
• Soft vegetables: Courgettes, peppers and onions for sweetness.
• 1 tsp crunchy kosher salt
• 2 tbsp oil

Method

• Peel and chop all of your chosen vegetables in 1-2 inch chunks.
• Throw your hard root veggies together into a large bowl and coat with oil and salt.
• In a separate bowl, do the same with the more tender vegetables.
• Preheat air fryer to 180°C and air fry your root vegetables for 5 minutes.
• Add your soft vegetables and air fry for a further 10 minutes, until everything is looking tender and delicious.

Now that you’re armed with these simple but brilliant air fryer recipes, you’ll never have a dud dinner or lacklustre lunch.

But keep you air frying adventure alive and continue collecting new recipes. You can pick up some fantastic air fryer cookbooks online. Get recipes and tips from award-winning chef Todd English, or check out our 100 recipe cookbook for inspiration throughout the year.