Air Fryer Recipes: 10 Easy Ideas for Beginners

If you have just bought an air fryer — or you are thinking about it — the

best way to fall in love with it is to cook with it straight away. Air

fryers are now the UK's most-used cooking appliance, and "air fryer

recipes" is one of the most searched food topics in the country. Here are

ten easy ideas to get you started, all doable in a standard basket air

fryer like the COSORI Pro LE 4.7L or the Tower 4L Digital Air Fryer.

1. Crispy chips

The classic. Cut potatoes into chips, toss in a teaspoon of oil and salt,

and cook at 200°C for 18–20 minutes, shaking halfway. Soaking the chips in

cold water for 20 minutes first gives a crispier finish.

2. Roast chicken pieces

Thighs and drumsticks cook beautifully: 190°C for 20–25 minutes, skin side

up, until the juices run clear. A family-sized 4.7L basket fits a whole

meal's worth at once.

3. Frozen chips and nuggets

Straight from the freezer, no defrosting: 200°C for 12–15 minutes. This is

the weeknight dinner that made air fryers famous.

4. Roasted vegetables

Toss carrots, courgettes, peppers and red onion in oil and seasoning,

180°C for 15 minutes. They caramelise at the edges without drying out.

5. Salmon fillets

Skin side down, 180°C for 8–10 minutes. No fish smell lingering in the

kitchen afterwards, and the top stays moist.

6. Halloumi fries

Slice halloumi into fingers, cook at 190°C for 8 minutes, and serve with a

squeeze of lemon. Crispy outside, soft inside.

7. Baked potatoes

Microwave for 5 minutes first, then finish in the air fryer at 200°C for

15 minutes for a properly crispy skin.

8. Garlic bread

Butter, garlic and parsley on sliced bread, 180°C for 5–6 minutes. Faster

than heating the oven, and it stays crisp rather than soggy.

9. Chicken wings

Dry the wings well, season, and cook at 200°C for 20 minutes, turning

once. The circulating hot air crisps the skin without deep frying.

10. Apple crisps

Thinly sliced apple, a dusting of cinnamon, 160°C for 10–12 minutes.

A healthy snack that actually feels like a treat.

Tips that make every recipe better

• Do not overcrowd the basket. Food needs space for hot air to

circulate; cook in two batches rather than one packed one.

• Shake or turn halfway. It is the single biggest difference between

patchy and even results.

• Preheat for 3 minutes. Most air fryers are ready fast, and a hot

basket gives a better crisp.

• A light spray of oil beats none at all. You use far less oil than

frying, but a little helps browning.

Which air fryer suits these recipes?

For one or two people, a 4L model like the Tower 4L Digital Air Fryer

(£36.79) covers all ten ideas. For a family, the COSORI Pro LE 4.7L

9-in-1 Air Fryer (£82.79) gives you a bigger basket and nine presets.

Both come with free UK delivery over £30 and a 2-year warranty at

Clean Smile Home.