Cooking at home can be intimidating.
With the right recipes and a bit of patience, you’ll quickly gain confidence in the kitchen.
With an air fryer or simple ingredients, making meals from scratch becomes easier and more enjoyable.
From beginner air fryer recipes to simple homemade macaroons, this list is packed with ideas to make cooking fun and stress-free.
Try these 19 easy and delicious recipes and start creating tasty meals today!
1. Air Fryer French Fries
One of the easiest beginner air fryer recipes, homemade French fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Cut potatoes into strips and soak them in water to remove excess starch.
Drain, pat dry, and toss with a little oil and seasoning.
Air fry at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Serve them hot with ketchup, mayonnaise, or your favorite dipping sauce.
2. Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs are a staple for beginners.
Crack eggs into a bowl, whisk them well with a bit of milk for creaminess, and heat a non-stick pan on low.
Add butter, pour in the eggs, and stir gently with a spatula.
Continue stirring slowly until the eggs are fluffy and just set.
Season with salt and pepper, and serve with toast for a quick, satisfying meal.
3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A classic comfort food, grilled cheese is easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Butter two slices of bread and place cheese between them.
Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the sandwich until golden brown on one side.
Flip and cook until the cheese melts and the bread is crispy.
Serve with a warm bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal.
4. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
For a crispy and flavorful meal, try air fryer chicken tenders.
Cut boneless chicken into strips and coat them in flour, beaten egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serve with honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
5. Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce
Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente.
In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Toss the drained pasta in the garlic butter sauce, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and mix well.
Serve warm with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of parsley for extra flavor.
6. Macaroons Easy Recipe
Macaroons may seem intimidating, but this simple recipe makes them easy.
Mix shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and lightly beaten egg whites until well combined.
Scoop small portions onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 325°F for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Let them cool completely before serving for a chewy, delicious treat.
7. Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables
For an easy dinner recipe that’s healthy and cheap, chop up vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini.
Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve as a side dish or over rice for a wholesome meal.
8. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a fun and tasty snack.
Cut mozzarella cheese into sticks and coat in flour, beaten egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs.
Freeze for 30 minutes before air frying at 375°F for 6–8 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve with marinara sauce for a satisfying appetizer or snack.
9. Banana Pancakes
Banana pancakes are naturally sweet and simple to make.
Mash ripe bananas and mix with eggs, flour, and a pinch of cinnamon.
Heat a pan with butter and pour small amounts of batter.
Cook until bubbles form, flip, and cook for another minute.
Serve with honey, syrup, or fresh fruits.
10. Easy Baked Chicken Breast
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a nutritious meal.
11. Quesadillas
Quesadillas are quick and customizable.
Place shredded cheese and fillings like chicken or vegetables between two tortillas.
Cook on a skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy.
Flip, cook the other side, and serve with salsa or guacamole.
12. One-Pot Chili
Brown ground beef in a pot with diced onions and garlic.
Add canned beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chili seasoning.
Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Garnish with shredded cheese and serve with cornbread for a hearty meal.
13. Peanut Butter & Banana Toast
For a quick snack, spread peanut butter on whole wheat toast and top with banana slices.
Sprinkle with cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.
It’s a great energy-boosting breakfast or afternoon treat.
14. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Slice sweet potatoes into thin strips and toss them with olive oil, salt, and paprika.
Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Serve with a dipping sauce for a healthier alternative to regular fries.
15. Omelette
Whisk eggs and pour into a heated non-stick pan.
Add fillings like cheese, tomatoes, mushrooms, or ham.
Cook on low heat until the eggs set, then fold and serve with toast for a nutritious meal.
16. Instant Pot Rice
For perfect rice, rinse it well and add it to an Instant Pot with water and a pinch of salt.
Cook on high pressure for a few minutes and let the pressure release naturally.
Fluff with a fork and serve with any main dish.
17. Avocado Toast
Mash avocado on toasted bread, season with salt and pepper, and add toppings like sliced eggs, tomatoes, or smoked salmon.
It’s fresh, nutritious, and incredibly easy to make.
18. Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
In a pan, heat marinara sauce and simmer for a few minutes.
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and mix well.
Serve with grated Parmesan and fresh basil.
19. Fruit Salad
Chop fresh fruits like apples, berries, grapes, and oranges.
Mix them in a bowl and squeeze a bit of lemon juice over them.
Serve chilled for a refreshing, healthy treat.
Conclusion
Cooking is simple and rewarding with these easy recipes.
With practice, confidence in the kitchen will grow, and homemade meals will become a daily joy.
These beginner-friendly recipes will help create delicious, satisfying dishes every day.
Happy cooking!