Are you excited about using your new air fryer but unsure what to cook first? Look no further because we have the perfect answer for you!
This article will guide you through deciding what to make as your first air fryer creation.
Whether you’re a fan of crispy fries, juicy chicken, or flaky fish, we have options to satisfy your taste buds. So please sit back, relax, and let us help you embark on your delicious air-frying journey!
Vegetables
Roasted Potatoes
If you want to kickstart your air fryer cooking journey, roasted potatoes are a fantastic place to start.
They are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of different cuisines. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, air-fried roasted potatoes delight.
Chop potatoes into bite-sized pieces, toss them with your preferred seasonings, and let the air fryer work magic.
In just minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked and flavorful roasted potatoes ready to be enjoyed as a side dish or a delicious snack.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Next up on your air fryer adventure are crispy Brussels sprouts. If you had a negative experience with Brussels sprouts as a child, it’s time to give them another chance.
Air-frying Brussels sprouts give them a delightful crunch while retaining natural sweetness. Start by trimming the sprouts and cutting them in half, if desired.
Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and let them roast in the air fryer until tender and browned. The result is a mouthwatering vegetable dish that will make even the biggest skeptics fall in love with Brussels sprouts.
Zucchini Fries
Zucchini fries are a healthier alternative to traditional potato fries and are a breeze to make in the air fryer. Begin by cutting the zucchini into strips or wedges, depending on your preference. Dip the zucchini pieces in beaten egg and coat them in a mixture of breadcrumbs and your favorite seasonings.
Then, place the coated zucchini in the air fryer and cook until the fries turn golden brown and crispy. Paired with a tangy dipping sauce or enjoyed alone, zucchini fries are an excellent choice for your first air fryer vegetable dish.
Chicken
Chicken Wings
No air fryer culinary journey is complete without trying your hand at delicious chicken wings. Air-fried chicken wings are a revelation – perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Season the wings with your preferred blend of spices and place them in the air fryer. Cook them until golden brown, and the skin becomes irresistibly crunchy. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or toss them in a spicy buffalo sauce for a finger-licking sensation.
Whether for game day or a weeknight dinner, air-fried chicken wings are crowd-pleasers.
Chicken Tenders
If you’re ready for a quick and satisfying meal, air-fried chicken tenders are the way to go. They are straightforward and can be customized with various spices and coatings. Start by cutting chicken breast into strips or using pre-packaged chicken tenders.
Dip the chicken into a beaten egg, then coat it with breadcrumbs with your favorite seasonings. Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer and let them cook until they reach a crispy golden brown. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Chicken Drumsticks
Air-fried chicken drumsticks are another fantastic option for your air fryer cooking endeavors. With their juicy meat and crispy skin, drumsticks are always a hit at the dinner table. Season the drumsticks with your preferred blend of spices, and then simply pop them into the air fryer.
In just a few minutes, you’ll be rewarded with tender and flavorful chicken drumsticks that will please everyone. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a family dinner, air-fried chicken drumsticks are a classic choice that will leave you wanting more.
Fish
Fish Fillets
Cooking fish ideally can be daunting, but the air fryer makes it much more straightforward. Air-fried fish fillets come out beautifully crispy and flaky without any greasy residue.
Start by choosing your favorite white fish fillets, cod, or tilapia. Season them with salt, pepper, and other desired herbs or spices.
Place the fish fillets in the air fryer basket and let them cook until they’re golden brown. The result is a restaurant-quality dish that you can quickly whip up in the comfort of your kitchen.
Shrimp
Air-fried shrimp is a delicious seafood option that cooks quickly and takes on a delightful crunch. Whether you’re making shrimp scampi or shrimp tacos, the air fryer can simplify the process without sacrificing flavor or texture.
To prepare air-fried shrimp, start by deveining and peeling the shrimp, leaving the tails intact for easy handling. Season the shrimp with your favorite spices or marinade, then place them in the air fryer.
Cook the shrimp until they turn pink, and the coating becomes crispy. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or the main course, air-fried shrimp will have your taste buds dancing joyfully.
Appetizers
Mozzarella Sticks
Who can resist the gooey and cheesy goodness of mozzarella sticks? Air frying them takes this classic appetizer to a whole new level. Cut mozzarella cheese into sticks, then dip them in beaten egg. Roll the cheese sticks in a mixture of breadcrumbs and your preferred seasonings.
Place the coated mozzarella sticks in the air fryer and cook until they’re golden brown and oozing with melted cheese. Serve them with marinara sauce for a classic pairing, or get creative with different dips and sauces. Air-fried mozzarella sticks are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering or game night.
Onion Rings
Crispy and flavorful onion rings are always a hit, and making them in the air fryer ensures a perfect crunch every time.
Begin by cutting onions into thick rings and separating them. In a bowl, whisk together flour and your preferred seasonings. Dip the onion rings into the flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
Place the coated onion rings in the air fryer and cook until they turn golden brown and crispy. Whether enjoyed as a side dish with burgers or as a standalone snack, air-fried onion rings are a tasty treat that will keep you returning for more.
Snacks
French Fries
When it comes to air fryer snacks, French fries are a no-brainer. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, air-fried French fries are a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions. Start by cutting potatoes into thin strips or wedges, depending on your preference.
Toss the potato pieces in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and place them in the air fryer. Cook the fries until they’re golden brown and crispy, checking on them occasionally to ensure they don’t burn. Whether you enjoy them alone or as a side dish, air-fried French fries are a classic snack that never disappoints.
Potato Chips
Why settle for store-bought potato chips when you can easily make your own in the air fryer? Homemade air-fried potato chips are not only healthier, but they also allow for endless flavor combinations. Simply slice potatoes thinly, using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Rinse off excess starch and pat them dry.
Toss the potato slices with oil and your choice of seasonings, such as salt and vinegar or barbecue seasoning. Spread the seasoned potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer until golden and crispy. Homemade air-fried potato chips are addictive and make for a fantastic snack.
Desserts
Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Indulging in freshly baked donuts has never been easier than with an air fryer. These cinnamon sugar donuts deliver the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.
Start by preparing a simple donut dough, which typically consists of flour, sugar, yeast, milk, and butter. Shape the dough into rings or use a donut mold, and then place them in the air fryer. Cook the donuts until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
While still warm, toss them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar to create a delightful coating. Air-fried cinnamon sugar donuts are a heavenly treat for any time of day.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Yes, you read that correctly! You can even make delicious chocolate chip cookies in your air fryer.
The air fryer allows for quick and even baking, resulting in perfectly cooked cookies. Begin by preparing your favorite chocolate chip cookie dough, following the recipe of your choice. Roll the dough into individual cookie balls and place them in the air fryer.
Cook the cookies until they’re golden brown on the outside and soft and chewy in the middle. The result is a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies that rivals any bakery. Serve them warm with a glass of milk for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Breakfast Items
Hash Browns
There’s no better way to start your day than with a plate of crispy hash browns. Making them in the air fryer ensures a perfect golden crust without the need for excess oil. Start by shredding potatoes using a grater or a food processor.
Rinse off any excess starch and pat them dry. Toss the shredded potatoes with oil, salt, and pepper, and place them in the air fryer. Cook the hash browns until golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
Whether served alongside eggs or as a standalone breakfast dish, air-fried hash browns are a delightful way to kickstart your morning.
Egg Cups
Look no further than air-fried egg cups for a quick and protein-packed breakfast option. These individual servings of eggs are easy to make and can be customized with various fillings.
Start by spraying silicone muffin molds with cooking spray or line them with parchment paper. Crack an egg into each mold and add your desired fillings, such as spinach, cheese, or diced vegetables.
Place the egg cups in the air fryer and cook until the eggs are set to your desired doneness. Air-fried egg cups are a fantastic make-ahead breakfast that can be enjoyed on busy mornings or even taken on the go.
Breaded and Fried Foods
Chicken Parmesan
Are you craving the comforting flavors of chicken parmesan without the extra calories from frying? The air fryer is here to deliver a healthier version of this beloved dish.
Start by dipping chicken breast into a beaten egg and then coating it with a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and your preferred seasonings.
Place the breaded chicken breast in the air fryer and cook until it’s golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve the chicken parmesan on a bed of pasta or with a side of garlic bread for a satisfying and guilt-free Italian-inspired meal.
Eggplant Parmesan
For a vegetarian twist on the classic chicken parmesan, try making eggplant parmesan in the air fryer. The air fryer transforms eggplant slices into a crispy and flavorful delight.
Begin by dipping eggplant slices into beaten eggs and then coating them in a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and your favorite herbs and spices.
Place the breaded eggplant slices in the air fryer and cook them until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Layer the cooked eggplant slices with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a hearty and delicious eggplant parmesan.
Pizza
Personal Pizzas
Craving pizza but don’t want to wait for delivery? Whip personal pizzas in your air fryer for a quick and customizable meal. Start by choosing your favorite pizza dough or using pre-made pizza crusts.
Roll out the dough to your desired thickness and shape, and then top it with sauce, cheese, and your preferred toppings. Place the mini pizzas in the air fryer and cook until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Personal air-fried pizzas are a fun and delicious way to satisfy your pizza cravings without needing a delivery driver.
Tofu
Crispy Tofu
For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, air-fried tofu is a fantastic and versatile protein option. Air-frying tofu gives it a delightful crunch while retaining its soft and silken interior. Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture, which helps it become crispier.
Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes or slices, depending on your preference. Toss the tofu with your favorite marinade or seasonings, ensuring that each piece is well-coated.
Place the seasoned tofu in the air fryer and cook until it turns golden brown and crispy. Air-fried tofu can be enjoyed independently, added to stir-fries, or used as a protein-packed topping for salads and bowls.
This comprehensive guide to air fryer cooking provides you with many delicious recipes.
From crispy vegetables and juicy meats to delectable desserts and snacks, there’s something for everyone in the world of air frying. So go ahead, dust off that air fryer, and start cooking up a storm.
You’ll be amazed at the endless possibilities and the mouthwatering dishes that await you. Happy air frying, and bon appétit!
