My air fryer sat in the box for two months before I actually used it, mostly because I did not know where to start. If you are in that spot now, these are the recipes that make the case for keeping it on the counter.
Six recipes to make first
1. Frozen french fries
The easiest possible starting point. No oil needed beyond what is already on the fries, just shake the basket halfway through.
2. Air fryer bacon
No splatter, no standing over a pan. Lay strips flat without overlapping and check at the 8 minute mark since thickness varies by brand.
3. Roasted chickpeas
Pat canned chickpeas completely dry first, or they steam instead of crisping up.
4. Frozen chicken nuggets or tenders
Genuinely better than microwave or oven reheating, with a texture close to fresh-fried.
5. Baked potatoes
Faster than a conventional oven and gets a crispier skin, pierced a few times first so they do not split open.
6. Roasted vegetables
Cut to a similar size and do not overcrowd the basket, which is the single most common beginner mistake.
What nobody tells beginners
Air fryers cook faster and hotter than a conventional oven for the same recipe, so start checking a few minutes earlier than any oven-based recipe suggests.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to use oil in an air fryer?
Not always, especially for already-oiled frozen foods, but a light spray helps fresh vegetables and proteins crisp up rather than just drying out.
How do I clean an air fryer basket?
Most baskets are dishwasher safe, or soak in warm soapy water for stuck-on residue, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.