65 Insanely Easy Air Fryer Recipes For Beginners

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65 easy air fryer recipes for beginners that you can make on day one of having your air fryer that are still full of flavor!

Collage of air fryer recipes for beginners (apple wedges, chicken breasts, and garlic bread)
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Whether you just opened your air fryer box or are a beginner cook in general, this list of recipes is exactly what you need.

They use simple ingredients, but pack a lot of flavor, and are super easy to make!

You’ll find everything from chicken breasts to steak to desserts, vegetables, breakfast, and so much more.  

I’ve even included some of my favorite frozen foods to make in the air fryer since they are quick to cook and require basically no cooking skills!

Tips to Make an Air Fryer Fail-Proof for Beginner Cooks

  • Use a recipe! If you’re not sure how to cook something in the air fryer, search for it on this website first or Google a recipe to follow
  • Check on your food halfway through cooking. If it’s browning too much, drop your temperature down 20-30 degrees. It will still cook okay and it won’t be burnt!
  • Check on your food a few minutes before it’s done cooking! It’s possible what you’re using is thinner and may cook faster. It’s okay to open your air fryer for a quick second to peak in. The hot air will still stay in there!

Want to learn more about your air fryer? Check out these 6 mistakes most air fryer owners make, especially newbies.

The Best Air Fryer Cookbooks for Beginners

These cookbooks are great to use when just starting to use you’re just starting out with your air fryer and need some inspiration.

3 halves of garlic bread inside the air fryer cooked

Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer

4.54 from 13 votes
It’s so easy to make hot and delicious garlic bread in the air fryer!Best of all, you only need a few ingredients and about 10 minutes.
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Air Fryer Meatloaf on a white serving tray with half sliced

Air Fryer Meatloaf

4.52 from 58 votes
This air fryer meatloaf gets a wonderful crisp on the outside and turns out perfectly moist without being greasy. Perfect for feeding the family on busy nights!
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Air Fryer Ranch potatoes on a white plate with more in a square air fryer basket

Air Fryer Ranch Potatoes

4.21 from 24 votes
Crispy and creamy potatoes are coated in ranch seasoning for the perfect addition to a summer BBQ!
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Hard-Boiled Air Fried Eggs on a small wooden cutting board

Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs

4.49 from 27 votes
An easy way to make a healthy hard-boiled egg breakfast.
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Air Fryer Bacon on a white plate

Air Fryer Bacon

4.49 from 52 votes
Crispy air fryer bacon cooked to perfection. Includes directions on how to make it extra crispy.
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Raw chicken fajitas inside air fryer

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

4.53 from 86 votes
Air fryer chicken fajitas are coated in chili lime seasoning for a spicy flavorful meal.
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Cooked Bone-in pork chops in air fryer

Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops with Breading

4.49 from 90 votes
The perfect way to make crispy breaded pork chops in the air fryer that turn out moist and juicy.
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Close-up of air fryer chicken Parmesan on a white plate.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

4.67 from 6 votes
Crispy, juicy, absolutely irresistible air fryer chicken parmesan is easier to make than you think! This is a simple recipe the whole family is sure to love.
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Closeup of grilled cheese in the air fryer basket sliced in half with cheese pulling from both halves.

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich

4.43 from 7 votes
This air fryer grilled cheese is crispy and golden on the outside, gooey and melty on the inside, and so easy to make! Each sandwich cooks to perfection in less than 10 minutes.
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Closeup of shrimp in air fryer basket

Air Fryer Shrimp with Lemon and Pepper

4.53 from 44 votes
Shrimp is flavored with olive oil, lemon, and pepper for a simple and light lunch idea.
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Fried pickles in an air fryer basket.

Air Fryer Pickles

5 from 1 vote
Looking for a perfect snack or appetizer? Air fryer pickles are crunchy on the outside, hot and juicy on the inside, and can be ready in less than 20 minutes!
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Turkey breast sliced and resting on a wooden cutting board.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

5 from 2 votes
Looking for a mouthwatering, hassle-free turkey dish? Air fryer turkey breast is the answer! Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly roasted, it's the ultimate Thanksgiving centerpiece.
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Air Fryer Cookie Cake for One from overhead with ice cream anf syrup drizzled on top

Air Fryer Cookie Cake

4.39 from 13 votes
A sweet and rich air fryer cookie loaded with chocolate chips and ready to be your new favorite dessert.
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Closeup view of a prepared blooming onion on aluminum foil in a black air fryer basket.

Air Fryer Blooming Onion

5 from 3 votes
Traditional blooming onion recipe in the air fryer. Please make this an easy and overly delicious recipe. If you need more time to perfect this one, let me know because I need it perfect.
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4 pieces of toast in an air fryer basket with perfect golden brown on top.

Toast in the Air Fryer

5 from 2 votes
If you’ve wondered if you can make toast in the air fryer, the answer is yes! Add your favorite toppings for a seriously yummy treat.
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air fryer basket with pork chops

Shake and Bake Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

4.30 from 10 votes
Entertaining just got a whole lot easier thanks to this recipe for shake and bake pork chops in the air fryer! It’s such a simple way to get juicy, tender, perfectly-seasoned chops.
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Overhead view of air fryer roast beef half sliced on a serving plate.

Air Fryer Roast Beef

4.47 from 58 votes
Easy air fryer roast beef only takes minutes to prep for a tender, juicy dish that’s sure to impress! Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just because.
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Cooked meatballs in air fryer

Air Fryer Meatballs

4.34 from 3 votes
A delicious freezable air fryer meatball recipe that's perfect as an appetizer or with spaghetti!
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flip Pillsbury biscuits in air fryer

Air Fryer Biscuits

5 from 5 votes
Looking for the best way to make frozen Pillsbury biscuits? These air fryer biscuits turn out golden, fluffy, hot, and delicious every time!
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Overhead view of air fryer spaghetti squash with strands mixed in.

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

4.74 from 15 votes
Spaghetti squash is roasted in the air fryer and topped with parmesan cheese for a simple vegetable side dish.
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An air fryer quesadilla cut into slices with sour cream dolloped on top.

Air Fryer Quesadilla

4.67 from 3 votes
This air fryer quesadilla recipe is bursting with two types of yummy cheeses, and they come together in under 15 minutes!
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Cooked fish sticks in air fryer

Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks

4.48 from 21 votes
Frozen fish sticks are air fried to get a crispy breading and flaky inside.
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teriyaki salmon filets cooking in air fryer

Teriyaki Salmon in the Air Fryer

5 from 3 votes
Try making teriyaki salmon in the air fryer using a simple sauce from scratch for a super delicious and easy weeknight dinner!
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Frozen corn dogs in air fryer

Air Fryer Corn Dogs

5 from 5 votes
Frozen corn dogs are cooked in the air fryer for a delicious kid-friendly way to please the whole family.
Air fryer apples on a white plate with one wedge being dipped in caramel

Air Fryer Apples

4.54 from 47 votes
Air fryer apples are covered in graham cracker crumbs and cinnamon to create a delicious snack or dessert.
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Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato cut in half with butter in the middle

Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato

4.41 from 15 votes
A fluffy roasted sweet potato that is air fried to bring out its sweetest flavor.
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Cooked toasted ravioli in an air fryer

Air Fryer Ravioli

4.42 from 173 votes
A delicious healthier version of a deep-fried snack. 3 ingredients and perfect for an air fryer beginner!
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Close up of turkey meatballs in the air fryer basket.

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

4 from 1 vote
These air fryer turkey meatballs make a delicious, healthy, high-protein meal that still delivers big on taste. Serve over pasta, in a hoagie, or all on their own!
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Air Fryer nachos in air fryer basker

Air Fryer Nachos

4.75 from 24 votes
A delicious healthy snack to enjoy whether it's raining or gorgeous outside. It's vegetarian, but loaded with tasty ingredients.
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Cooked pork tenderloin in an air fryer basket.

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

4.50 from 72 votes
Pork tenderloin is marinated in a dijon mustard sauce and air fried into a flavorful dinner.
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Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus in the Air Fryer

4.59 from 12 votes
Crispy bacon pairs perfectly with tender asparagus in my recipe for bacon-wrapped asparagus in the air fryer!
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Crispy air fryer frozen green beans

Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

4.51 from 53 votes
Air fryer frozen green beans are so crispy and flavorful, no one will they were frozen! A perfect veggie side for busy weeknights.
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turkey legs in air fryer

Air Fryer Turkey Legs

No ratings yet
Craving something meaty & delicious? Sink your teeth into these air fryer turkey legs! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, & ready in just 30 minutes.
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Air Fryer Jelly Donuts stacked with jelly oozing out

Air Fryer Jelly Donuts

4.41 from 52 votes
Air fryer donuts made with raspberry jelly in just 4 ingredients with canned biscuits.
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Cooked carrots in the air fryer.

Roasted Air Fryer Carrots

4.47 from 115 votes
The same great taste of roasted carrots from the oven in less time and less oil.
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Air fryer french bread pizza with pepperoni on a wooden serving tray.

French Bread Pizza in the Air Fryer

5 from 8 votes
A delicious and crunchy French Bread Pizza suitable for the entire family!
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closeup of sliced chicken on plate

Shake and Bake Chicken In The Air Fryer

4.45 from 9 votes
Shake and bake chicken in air fryer is crispy and delicious! This simple air fryer recipe is so easy to prepare –– ready in just 30 minutes!
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Air Fryer Hot Pocket in hand with cheese oozing out

Air Fryer Hot Pockets

4.63 from 24 votes
A new way to create an extra crispy crust by cooking Hot Pockets in an air fryer. Any new cook can make these!
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Closeup of a bite of crispy air fryer hash brown patties on a fork with ketchup to the side

Air Fryer Frozen Hash Brown Patties

4.59 from 89 votes
A simple way to make crispy hash brown patties without any oil.
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Frozen Air Fryer Pizza Rolls on a white plate

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

4.52 from 131 votes
An easy frozen air fryer snack and appetizer. Nice and crispy with no oil needed.
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Hot Dogs in Buns inside Air Fryer

Air Fryer Hot Dogs

4.69 from 86 votes
An easy way to cook hot dogs without a grill. Can be cooked from fresh or frozen.
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Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls with icing on them on top of a round white plate

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

4.34 from 6 votes
Pillsbury cinnamon rolls are cooked in the air fryer in just minutes for a quick and easy breakfast.
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Air Fryer Chicken Breast on a white plate

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

4.53 from 304 votes
An easy and delicious take on chicken breasts that takes just 12 minutes to make. With a golden brown crusting and a tender inside, these chicken breasts are perfect by themselves or added in a light salad.
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cooked baked potatoes in an air fryer basket

Air Fryer Baked Potato

4.88 from 8 votes
This air fryer baked potato recipe is your ticket to a quick, easy, and versatile meal. They have crispy skin and soft fluffy insides.
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Closeup of cooked salmon in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Salmon

4.62 from 47 votes
A delicious air fryer salmon dish cooked with the skin on and covered with a simple garlic butter sauce.
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Close up of air fryer turkey sliced to see the inside meat.

Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin

4.50 from 108 votes
Need a quick and healthy weeknight dinner? This air fryer turkey tenderloin recipe is tender, juicy, and ready in 30 minutes.
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Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Wings on a white plate with a lemon slice and full lemon in the background

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings

4.67 from 39 votes
Chicken wings are cooked in lemon pepper seasoning then coated with a lemon and pepper honey sauce for an extra boost of flavor.
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Closeup of cooked frozen steak in air fryer basket

Air Fryer Ribeye Steak

4.54 from 43 votes
Cook a ribeye steak in the Air Fryer until it's perfectly tender and juicy.
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Close up of air fried chicken thighs sitting on a white plate with extra marinade glazed on top.

Air Fryer Honey Soy Chicken Thighs

4.45 from 118 votes
An air fryer chicken thighs recipe with Asian flavor that is easy to make and delicious to eat.
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flip hash browns in air fryer halfway to cook evenly on both sides

Hash Browns in the Air Fryer

4.54 from 47 votes
These hash browns in the air fryer are an ideal breakfast side dish! Enjoy perfectly cooked potatoes with some seasonings.
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Cooked bone in chicken in air fryer

Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Breasts

4.48 from 271 votes
Air Fryer Bone-in Chicken Breasts are coated in brown sugar, paprika, and red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy dinner dish.
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cooked baby carrots

Air Fryer Baby Carrots

4.50 from 28 votes
This air fryer baby carrots recipe is so easy! All you’ll need are carrots, a few seasonings, and your air fryer to make this side dish.
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Hand holding an air fryer oreos that has been bitten into so you can see the oreo in the middle.

Air Fried Oreos

4.58 from 410 votes
An air fryer take on deep-fried Oreos without the excess oil.
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Close up of air fried chicken leg quarters on a white plate served next to lemon slices.

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

4.62 from 26 votes
A delicious and easy way to make chicken leg quarters for dinner!
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ham wrapped in foil

Air Fryer Ham

4.67 from 3 votes
You’re going to fall in love with the pineapple glaze over this homemade air fryer ham! From holiday feasts to Sunday family dinner, you’ll want to make this recipe on repeat.
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Raw fresh green beans in the air fryer basket about to be air fried.

Asian-Style Air Fryer Green Beans

4.39 from 18 votes
A delicious Asian-Inspired air fryer dish that can complement stir fries or even just chicken.
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Air fryer sweet potato fries from overhead with crispy pieces.

Easy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

4.53 from 153 votes
Delicious sweet potato fries that are perfect as a side dish to any meal.
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Frozen Chicken Nuggets in air fryer

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets

4.64 from 11 votes
Chicken Nuggets are air fried from frozen to create a crispy breading in little time.
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Baby Potatoes on a white plate

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

4.50 from 34 votes
Roasted baby potatoes are cooked to perfection for any air fryer beginner in this easy flavorful air fryer side dish.
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Air Fryer Whole Chicken

4.63 from 45 votes
Skip the store-bought rotisserie chicken, and make this easy air-fryer roasted chicken recipe right at home! Simply season and cook. You'll be left with perfectly cooked juicy meat and irresistibly crispy skin.
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Cooked air fryer frozen hamburger on a sesame bun with condiments

Frozen Hamburgers in the Air Fryer

4.45 from 38 votes
No thawing required for these air fryer frozen hamburgers! If you have beef patties in the freezer, you can whip them in no time at all for a quick and satisfying lunch.
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Italian sausage with peppers and onions cooked in an air fryer basket

Air Fryer Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions

4.47 from 90 votes
A delicious Italian sausage dish served in a toasted roll with air fried peppers and onions.
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Roasted broccoli in air fryer basket cooked

Air Fryer Broccoli Parmesan

4.55 from 37 votes
Broccoli is air fried into a crispiness that can't be recreated anywhere else. It's topped with fresh parmesan cheese to create a nice flavor combination.
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Dipping Air Fryer Dumpling in Sauce on a white plate

Air Fryer Dumplings

4.52 from 115 votes
An easy dumpling recipe made in an air fryer from frozen. The dipping sauce comes together in just 2 minutes.
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Cooked asparagus in air fryer

Air Fried Asparagus with Garlic and Parmesan

4.55 from 59 votes
A delicious and healthy air fryer asparagus recipe done in less than 10 minutes. This is one of my favorite air fryer recipes for beginners!
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Air Fryer Onion Rings with Ketchup on a white plate

Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings

4.36 from 78 votes
An easy way to make frozen onion rings crispy without any added oil.
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Air Fryer Sausage Patties on a white plate

Air Fryer Sausage Patties

4.52 from 54 votes
Sausage patties are a delicious side dish to any breakfast menu. You can even cook them from fresh or frozen!
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Air fryer corn on the cob cooked inside an air fryer basket.

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

4.65 from 39 votes
An easy roasted air fryer corn on the cob recipe coated with parmesan cheese. It's everything you didn't know you needed in a corn recipe.
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Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Brussel Sprouts on a white plate

Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Brussels Sprouts

4.63 from 16 votes
A sweet and spicy air fryer side dish that creates crispy brussels sprouts with a nice kick in flavor.
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Homemade air fryer tortilla chips with guacamole and salsa

Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

5 from 1 vote
Crispy, crunchy, and homemade, these air fryer tortilla chips will take your Mexican-inspired meals to the next level.
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Close up of air fried kale chips to show the crispy edges.

Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips (5 Ingredients!)

4.50 from 2 votes
Kale chips in the air fryer are cooked at the perfect time and temp to get a super crispy kale chip every time. Just 5 ingredients and they get a cheesy and nutty flavor!
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Cooked zucchini and squash in the air fryer basket.

Easy Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

4.67 from 3 votes
An easy way to air fryer zucchini and squash that's roasted and flavorful, perfect for summer nights. Made with simple ingredients.
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turkey burger patties in air fryer basket

Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

5 from 4 votes
Air fryer turkey burgers are lean and seasoned for that perfectly savory and satisfying bite using simple ingredients to pack on the flavor.
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air fryer basket with cooked shrimp

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

5 from 1 vote
You won’t believe how quick and easy it is to make air fryer coconut shrimp! Coat the shrimp, air fry to golden perfection, and be ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.
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air fried baby back ribs in basket

Easy Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

4.53 from 73 votes
Air fryer baby back ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender in little time! I use a flavorful dry rub and BBQ sauce for the best flavor!
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A pepperoni pizza baked in the air fryer, topped with basil, resting in a black air fryer basket.

Pizza in Air Fryer

5 from 2 votes
Air fryer pizza delivers warm, mouthwatering melted cheese and perfectly crispy crust in a matter of minutes. These scrumptious air fried pizzas are perfect for feeding your family on busy weeknights. 
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Samantha cutting a pepper in a kitchen

Hi, I'm Samantha!

I'm the creator of Everyday Family Cooking and I share easy shortcut recipes and air fryer meals with simple ingredients. Rotisserie chicken lands in my cart pretty much every week. My two kids taste-test everything, and they're honest. Sometimes a little too honest.

Read more about me

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11 Comments

  1. Cindy says:

    What a great resource this is! Not just the recipes but the information you gave. I’m new to my air fryer and this is going to be really useful!

    Reply
  2. Cindy says:

    5 stars
    This is such a great resource! I’m going to make a list and start trying these recipes!

    Reply
  3. Glenda says:

    5 stars
    Garlic Bread is a weakness for me and this recipe makes it even more so. Crispy, crunchy outside, soft and fluffy inside. Plus all the buttery, garlic goodness. Heaven!

    Reply
  4. Allyssa says:

    5 stars
    Thank you so much for this really tasty fudge brownies recipe! Super easy to make, will surely have this again! Highly recommended!

    Reply
  5. Pat says:

    I own air fryer/ baker/ convection oven/ griller/ broiler…any tips with this type of oven??

    Reply
    1. Samantha says:

      Hi Pat, you can use the air fryer function on any of our air fryer recipes on the site and then use the typical baking and broiling option for normal oven recipes!

  6. Debbie says:

    If my airfryer runs hot, should I lower the cook temp or the cook time?

    Reply
    1. Kaely says:

      Hi Debbie,
      If you feel your air fryer is running a little hot I would take the cooking time down a couple minutes. Make sure to use a thermometer to check the temperatures of meats and foods to ensure they are done before eating.
      Thanks 🙂

  7. Andrew says:

    no comment really. Need simple recipes for 81 year old bloke with an air fryer. Live in Brisbane down under

    Reply
  8. Doris says:

    Wonderful recipes. I am also new to air fryer cooking. Tried the hot dogs. Best, I think I ever had. Keep up the good work.

    Reply
    1. Sam says:

      Hi Doris, Thank you so much for your kind words! I think you’ll love air fryer cooking. You can find all my air fryer recipes here. Enjoy!