10 Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners

Why you should get an Air Fryer

An air fryer is a must-have kitchen appliance that brings convenience and health benefits to your cooking routine. It allows you to enjoy crispy, delicious meals with significantly less oil, making your favourite dishes healthier without sacrificing flavour.

Not only does an air fryer cook food quickly and evenly, but it also offers versatility, allowing you to fry, roast, bake, and grill a variety of dishes with ease. Its compact size makes it perfect for any kitchen, and many models come with pre-set cooking programs that simplify meal prep.

Plus, cleanup is a breeze, as air fryers typically create less mess than traditional frying methods. With an air fryer, you can enjoy tasty meals while saving time and energy, making it a fantastic investment for any home cook.

Top 10 air fryer recipes for beginners

Now that you understand the benefits of having an air fryer, it's time to dive into some delicious recipes that will help you make the most of this fantastic kitchen appliance. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a tasty snack, or a sweet treat, these 10 easy air fryer recipes are perfect for beginners. Each recipe is designed to showcase the versatility of the air fryer while keeping preparation simple and straightforward.

From crispy chicken tenders to flavorful stuffed capsicums, these dishes are not only delicious but also quick to prepare, allowing you to enjoy homemade meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

Air fryer stuffed capsicums

Stuffed capsicums are a vibrant and healthy dish that can easily be made in the air fryer. Bursting with flavour and colour, these stuffed peppers are filled with a savoury mixture that makes for a satisfying meal. They are also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.

Ingredients

Capsicums (any colour)
Cooked rice or quinoa
Ground beef, lamb, or plant-based mince
Tomato sauce
Grated cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Capsicums: Wash the capsicums and slice the tops off, removing the seeds and membranes. If necessary, trim the bottom slightly to ensure they stand upright.

Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine cooked rice or quinoa with the ground meat of your choice, tomato sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Mix well until everything is evenly combined.

Stuff the Capsicums: Fill each capsicum generously with the meat and rice mixture, pressing it down gently to pack it in. Top with grated cheese for a delicious, melty finish.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (about 350°F) for 5 minutes.

Cook the Stuffed Capsicums: Place the stuffed capsicums upright in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the capsicums are tender and the filling is cooked through. The cheese should be bubbly and golden.

Air fryer pork belly bite

Pork belly bites are a delightful treat that’s rich in flavour and incredibly easy to prepare in the air fryer. These bite-sized pieces are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them an excellent appetiser or a main dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Pork belly (cut into bite-sized cubes)
Soy sauce
Brown sugar
Garlic powder
Olive oil spray

Instructions

Marinate the Pork Belly: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Add the cubed pork belly to the bowl and mix well, ensuring all pieces are coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours infuse.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F) for around 5 minutes. This helps achieve a nice crispy texture on the pork.

Cook the Pork Belly Bites: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated pork belly cubes in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The bites should be golden brown and crispy.

Check for Doneness: Ensure the pork belly is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of at least 75°C

Air fryer lemon garlic salmon

Lemon garlic salmon is a fresh and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare in the air fryer. The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and tender salmon makes for a delicious and healthy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Salmon fillets
Lemon (sliced)
Garlic (minced)
Olive oil
Fresh herbs: dill or parsley

Instructions

Prepare the Salmon: Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick better.

Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture over the salmon fillets, ensuring they're well coated. Place lemon slices on top of each fillet for added flavour.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F) for about 5 minutes.

Cook the Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Garnish: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer and sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley for an added touch of flavour and freshness.

Air fryer roasted kumara

Roasted kumara (sweet potato) is a delicious and nutritious side dish that comes out perfectly crispy in the air fryer. This versatile vegetable is naturally sweet and pairs well with a variety of meals, making it an ideal addition to your dinner table.

Ingredients

Kumara (any variety, such as orange or purple)
Olive oil
Seasonings: salt, pepper, smoked paprika

Instructions

Prepare the Kumara: Begin by washing the kumara thoroughly to remove any dirt. Peel if desired, then cut it into even-sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly.

Season the Kumara: In a mixing bowl, toss the kumara cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Make sure each piece is well coated in the seasoning mix for maximum flavour.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F) for 5 minutes.

Cook the Kumara: Place the seasoned kumara cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The kumara should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining tender on the inside.

Check for Doneness: Once cooked, pierce a cube with a fork to check for tenderness. If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Air fryer falafel

Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas and herbs, and it can easily be prepared in the air fryer for a healthier twist. These crispy bites are packed with flavour and make for a satisfying snack or meal option.

Ingredients

Canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Fresh herbs: parsley and coriander (chopped)
Spices: cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Mixture: In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, coriander, cumin, coriander powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still has some texture. Be careful not to over-process; you want it to hold together without becoming a paste.

Form the Falafel Balls: Once the mixture is ready, use your hands to form small balls or patties, about the size of a golf ball. If the mixture is too crumbly, add a little water or olive oil to help bind it together.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (about 350°F) for 5 minutes.

Cook the Falafel: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the falafel balls in the basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Check for Crispiness: If you prefer your falafel extra crispy, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Air fryer chocolate chip cookies

Indulging in freshly baked chocolate chip cookies has never been easier than with an air fryer. These cookies turn out perfectly soft and gooey on the inside while maintaining a delightful golden-brown exterior. Ideal for a quick dessert or an afternoon snack, these treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Flour
Butter (softened)
Brown sugar
Chocolate chips
Baking soda
Vanilla extract
Egg

Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Form the Cookies: Scoop small amounts of the dough and roll them into balls, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined plate or tray, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread slightly during cooking.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (about 320°F) for 5 minutes.

Cook the Cookies: Carefully place a few cookie dough balls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced apart. Cook for 8-10 minutes, checking for a light golden colour. The cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer.

Cool and Enjoy: Once done, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes before enjoying.

Air fryer vegetable fritters

Vegetable fritters are a fantastic way to incorporate more veggies into your diet while still enjoying a tasty dish. With the air fryer, you can achieve crispy fritters without the excess oil typically used in frying. These fritters are versatile and can be customised with your favourite vegetables, making them a great option for a snack or light meal.

Ingredients

Grated vegetables: zucchini, carrots, and corn
Eggs
Flour
Baking powder
Seasonings: salt, pepper, and herbs (such as dill or parsley)

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Start by grating your chosen vegetables. If using zucchini, it’s a good idea to squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to prevent the fritters from becoming soggy.

Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated vegetables, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and any herbs you like. Mix until everything is well incorporated and forms a batter.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F) for 5 minutes.

Cook the Fritters: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Spoon portions of the vegetable mixture into the basket, flattening them slightly to form fritters. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on both sides.

Check for Crispiness: If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.

Air fryer banana bread

Banana bread is a classic favourite that is simple to make and perfect for using up ripe bananas. The air fryer makes it easy to bake this moist and flavorful bread, giving you a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack any time of the day.

Ingredients

Ripe bananas (mashed)
Flour
Sugar
Eggs
Butter (melted)
Baking powder
Cinnamon
A pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the melted butter and mix well. Stir in the sugar and eggs until fully incorporated. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (about 320°F) for 5 minutes.

Prepare the Baking Dish: Line a small loaf pan that fits into your air fryer with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Cook the Banana Bread: Place the loaf pan in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the centre of the bread. If it comes out clean, the banana bread is ready; if not, continue to cook in 5-minute intervals until fully cooked.

Cool and Serve: Once done, remove the loaf pan from the air fryer and let the banana bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Shop Air Fryers at Briscoes

Air fryers are a game-changer in the kitchen, providing a healthier way to enjoy your favourite fried foods while saving time and effort. With these ten beginner-friendly recipes, you can explore the versatility of your air fryer and create delicious meals that the whole family will love. 

Ready to bring the magic of air frying into your kitchen? Visit Briscoes to browse our wide selection of high-quality air fryers.