Everything you need to get started with air frying—from gear to go-to meals is here. This guide covers everything you need to get started—from choosing the right air fryer to making your first batch of crispy wings or roasted veggies. No fancy techniques required—just simple cooking made a little easier (and a whole lot crunchier).
In This Post
If you’ve been wondering what all the air fryer fuss is about, you’re not alone. I held off for a while – but once I tried it, I was hooked. Whether you’re looking to make crispy fries without the oil or want an easy way to cook weeknight meals fast, an air fryer can be a total game-changer.
What Is An Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a countertop appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food until it’s golden and crispy—no deep frying needed. Think of it as a super-powered mini convection oven that can:
Air fry, Roast, Bake, Toast, Broil, Dehydrate, Reheat leftovers (hello, next-day pizza perfection!)
Air fryers heat up quickly and cook food fast, usually between 125°F and 500°F. There are two main styles to choose from:
Basket-Style Air Fryer:
This is the most common type and what I started with. It has a pull-out basket that’s great for tossing in veggies, fries, or chicken wings. It’s usually less expensive, cooks fast, and is easy to clean—great for everyday use.
Toaster Oven-Style Air Fryer:
This one looks like a countertop oven and often comes with extra features like bake, toast, and broil functions. With more cooking space and adjustable racks, it’s ideal if you want to cook larger portions or multiple foods at once.
Tried-and-True Favorites from My Kitchen
- Beautiful 9 QT TriZone Air Fryer – this is my absolute FAVORITE air fryer. You can cook 2 different foods at once using the individual cooking zones.
- Ninja Air Fryer, 8 Quart, DualZone, 2 Independent Baskets – this is a good choice and very similar to the Walmart slow cooker. It’s a kitchen workhorse!
- Silicone Cooking Tong Set – these are my go-to tongs, heat-resistant and scratch-free on nonstick surfaces, they handle everything from flipping to serving. I use them daily, and they hold up great.
- Air Fryer Silicone Liners Square 2 Pack – they fit perfectly in my air fryer, are reusable, and keep food from sticking. I just rinse them out, and they’re ready to go again—no scrubbing needed.
- Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Oven – it’s an air fryer oven that’s spacious, heats evenly, and features numerous presets to simplify cooking. I love that it can bake, roast, toast, and air fry—all in one.
- Glass Olive Oil Sprayer for Cooking – I keep this oil sprayer right by my air fryer.It gives a light, even mist—perfect for crisping up veggies or spraying pans. Easy to fill, easy to use, and it looks great on the counter, too.
- Ninja Air Fryer, 4 QT – this was my first air fryer, and I still love it. It’s compact, easy to use, and makes everything from crispy fries to roasted veggies with less oil.
FAQs for Air Fryer Beginners
Some recipes benefit from preheating, especially when cooking meats or foods that need a crispy crust. Many air fryers preheat in just 2–4 minutes. If your model has a preheat button, use it. If not, just run it empty for a few minutes at the set temperature.
Yes, but with care! Parchment paper made for air fryers is a great option—it keeps food from sticking and makes clean-up easier. Just make sure there’s food on top to hold it down so it doesn’t fly into the heating element.
One of the best things about air frying is you only need a little oil—just a light spray or teaspoon in most cases. This cuts back on calories but still gives that golden finish we all love.
Troubleshooting Tips for First-Time Air Fryer Users
- Food isn’t getting crispy – Try reducing how much food is in the basket or increasing the cook time slightly. Also, a light spray of oil can make a big difference in crispiness.
- My air fryer smells weird when I first use it – That’s totally normal! Most new appliances have a “factory smell” the first couple of times you use them. Run it empty at 400°F for 5–10 minutes before your first real use, and it should go away.
- The basket smokes while cooking. – This can happen if there’s too much oil, excess fat from meat, or leftover crumbs from a previous batch. Try cleaning your basket between uses and avoid overly fatty cuts of meat unless using a drip tray.
- Food cooks unevenly – Give the basket a good shake halfway through cooking, or flip the food with tongs if needed. This helps everything cook and brown more evenly.
- It’s taking longer to cook than the recipe says – Every air fryer is a little different! Temperatures can vary, so don’t stress if you need to add a few extra minutes. Start checking for doneness a little early and adjust as you go.
How To Clean An Air Fryer
Here are a few tips for keeping your air fryer clean and in top-notch working order.
- Unplug the air fryer, then let it cool. Remove any crumbs from the basket and inside the fryer.
- Wash the basket. Many air fryer baskets can be put into the dishwasher, but check the manufacturer’s recommendation. Clean the basket like other dishes with warm, soapy water, then rinse and dry.
- Clean the interior around the heating element with a damp sponge or dishcloth, and let it dry completely before using.
Recipes To Get Started Air Frying
Air Fried Appetizers
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
These fries are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and when you add in a spicy dipping sauce, you've got a match made in heaven.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Crispy And Simple)
Extra crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these Air Fryer Chicken Wings are totally irresistible! No oil or marinating is needed for the BEST wings made in about 30 minutes.
Air Fryer Roasted Nuts
Crunchy and perfectly seasoned, Air Fryer Roasted Nuts are a delicious snack, perfect for sprinkling on salads and great for entertaining. Toasting nuts in an air fryer just takes a few minutes and is the best way to bring out the most flavor in these heart-healthy treats.
Main Dish Air Fryer Recipes
Easy Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Make the VERY BEST hot dogs ever in the air fryer! Cooked in less than 10 these hot dogs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and nestled in a toasted bun. This fast, easy way to serve up a family favorite treat is great whether you are feeding a couple of people or a crowd.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
This Air Fryer Whole Chicken is so easy to make! Roasted chicken that's tender and juicy on the inside, with crispy skin, is totally irresistible. This guide for making the BEST whole chicken in the air fryer is one you'll use over and over again!
Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
Ready in just 10 minutes or less, Air Fryer Bacon is crispy, delicious, and perfect every time! There's virtually zero clean-up, no greasy splatters and as a bonus, you can cook the bacon to your liking.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Drumsticks)
This recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Legs is the best for perfectly seasoned drumsticks without heavy breading and extra oil. They are juicy on the inside with mouthwatering crispy, crunchy skin. If that were not enough, they are ready to serve in 20 minutes!
Air Fryer Juicy Steak Bites
Air Fryer Steak Bites in a garlic butter sauce are tender, juicy, and irresistibly delicious! Serve them as an appetizer, for date night or when you want to make a family dinner something special. This recipe is fast, and air frying proves that you don't need to sacrifice flavor for convenience.
Best Air Fryer Salmon (Quick And Easy)
Make the absolute BEST salmon in the air fryer! Perfectly seasoned and made in less than 10 minutes, this salmon is tender and flaky. Cooking in the air fryer makes it crispy and golden on the outside yet juicy on the inside. This will become your new way to cook salmon in no time!
Easy Air Fryer Sausage And Potatoes
Savory and delicious Air Fryer Sausage And Potatoes is an all-in-one meal that's great for dinner or lunch. It's super fast to make with easy prep and loaded with flavor!
Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken is a new healthy twist on the classic Southern dish that people rave about! With iconic sweet heat flavors of honey, cayenne, and hot sauce coating crispy air-fried chicken, this recipe will have you licking your lips and your fingers to savor every amazing bite.
Salmon Sandwhich: Fresh And Easy
If you're looking for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner, this Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Sandwich is the perfect choice! Flaky salmon cooked in just minutes in the air fryer is topped with my staple homemade tartar sauce, fresh butter lettuce, and crisp red onion, all tucked between toasted buns—it's a sandwich you'll want to have again and again. It's a simple recipe that's as easy to make as it is to love.
Air Fryer Roasted Turkey Breast
Make the BEST Air Fryer Roasted Turkey Breast with this simple recipe! Perfectly cooked, juicy, flavorful boneless turkey breast with crispy golden brown skin is a holiday masterpiece. As a bonus, it’s easy enough to make for a weeknight meal.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
Perfectly cooked hot dogs, wrapped in bacon and cooked in the air fryer, are outrageously delicious and slightly indulgent! Nestled in a buttery toasted bun, they have the perfect combination of texture and flavor, making them hard to resist.
Deliciously Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Crispy fried chicken that's juicy on the inside is made in less than 30 minutes thanks to the air fryer! These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are perfectly seasoned without heavy breading and extra oil. If you love fried chicken without all the hassle of making it, then grab your air fryer, THIS recipe is for you.
Air Fryer Side Dishes
Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes cooked to perfection in the Air Fryer is a side dish that takes very little effort to make yet yields amazing results! They're tender and creamy on the inside with crispy skin on the outside for sweet potatoes that you'll be craving time and time again.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Make the BEST Baked Potatoes ever in the Air Fryer! These potatoes are tender and flakey on the inside with an amazing super crispy skin. Keep them simple with butter, salt, and pepper or load them up with your favorite toppings for a side dish that's outstanding.
Best Air Fryer Potatoes Wedges
Air Fryer Potato Wedges are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside making them a great side dish or snack! These perfectly seasoned potato wedges finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and parsley are made in minutes and terrific served with your favorite dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Cajun Potatoes
Take your side dish game to a whole new level with these Cajun Potatoes cooked in the Air Fryer. With classic Cajun seasoning made with spices and herbs, these potatoes, cooked perfectly in less than 15 minutes, are extra crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Air Fryer Corn On The Cob (Quick And Easy)
Air Frying is an easy, one-step way to cook perfect corn on the cob in just minutes. Irresistibly delicious, corn on the cob is crispy on the outside, tender and sweet on the inside, with a grilled taste you'll love!
Air Fryer Green Beans (Quick And Easy)
Learn the secret to making the best Air Fryer Green Beans. This quick and easy recipe using fresh green beans is easy to master and is the perfect way to add a delicious side dish to any meal.
Air Fryer Roasted Carrots
There's no better way to cook carrots that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside than in the air fryer. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper, then finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, Air Fryer Roasted Carrots make a terrific side dish or snack.
Air Fryer Bananas
Air Fryer Bananas are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without all the guilt. With classic flavors of Bananas Foster, this recipe is simple to make in just minutes in the air fryer.
Learn How To Clean Your Air Fryer
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I just found your site by accident. I was on another site and they had a link to your recipe that I was looking at. I started browsing your site and love your information with each recipe as well as easy to find ingredients. I also have an air and will definitely try the hot dogs in the air fryer. I will also be trying some of the other recipes. Thank you very much.
Thank you so much for this! I’m glad you are here and cooking with me.
~Donya
Thank you for these tips. I have an air fryer which I have been too intimidated to try! I also have an Instant Pot which I have no clue how to use, so I will look and see if you have a post on that as well! Your recipes are always excellent. I am an old-fashioned southern cook and know I can count on them to turn out good.
My new air fryer is coming tomorrow (Instant Pot Vortex Plus). Although I have been cooking and baking for 57 years, I am a newbie with the air fryer. I came to your site because I am loving all your recipes I have tried so far, so I wanted to see what you had to say about the air fryer. I want to try baked potatoes first, and I’m wondering if they need to be turned halfway through, like most foods, apparently.
Hey there Barbara!
I am thrilled to hear that you’re getting into Air Frying, it’s one of my most-used kitchen tools, I promise you’re going to love it! Starting off with a recipe like Baked Potatoes is a great idea since it’s super simple to make. For my Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe, you don’t have to flip the potatoes halfway through the cook time, you just let them bake until they’re fork tender which is about 30-40 minutes. Another easy Air Fryer recipe is my Air Fryer Hot Dogs, they’re perfect for learning how to use the air fryer since it’s a relatively inexpensive meal and it allows you to experiment with times and temps. Please let me know if you ever have any questions about a recipe, I’m always happy to help!
~Donya
Excellent recipes! Just an FYI. Did you know you can air fry with a NuWave Oven? Might be good to pass on to your fans, which I am definately one of. Thanks for all the great recipes, I have never tried one I didn’t love!
Hey there Susan!
My goodness, this has made my day! I am thrilled to hear that you’ve been enjoying my recipes, it warms my heart to hear. I appreciate you passing this on, I have seen those NuWave ovens before, but unfortunately I don’t have one so I tend to stick with my countertop Air Fryer. That way I can test my recipes a couple times over before sharing them with everyone. Thank you so very much for your kind words of support and your fabulous rating, if you ever have any questions about a dish please don’t hesitate to ask!
~Donya
My goodness! This is a wonderful, helpful, excellent post!! Thank you so much for sharing this information with us! This is just what I need to learn about my new air fryer!!
I always enjoy your posts. You share the best recipes! Thank you!!
Hey there Pam!
My goodness, reading this just made my day! I am so happy to hear that you found this post useful, I know I was slightly intimidated by my Air Fryer when I first got it so I am very glad this information was helpful. I really hope you enjoy the recipes as well, if you’re new to Air Frying I would recommend starting with Air Fryer Hot Dogs to test out all the settings and then moving onto the recipes like Air Fryer Chicken Wings. If you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Thank you so much for your kind words of support, I hope you have a wonderful day!
~Donya