5 Simple Air Fryer Recipes

Air frying is super popular right now and for a good reason! Cooking food in an air fryer gives all of the crisp of deep frying, but without the oils. These simple air fryer recipes are a perfect place to start!

Air frying is a healthy alternative to fried food that you can make right in your own kitchen. If you’re wondering what to cook in an air fryer, start with these 5 simple air fryer recipes. These healthy air fryer recipes will give you the confidence to make the most out of your new favorite kitchen appliance: the air fryer.

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How does air frying work?

Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around it. [1] It is very similar to a convection oven, but the air is circulated faster which allows the food to cook quickly.

Which air fryer should I buy?

Most air fryers are an egg-shaped appliance that sits on the countertop and can be easily moved around. There are controls on the top and a basket to cook the food in on the bottom. The Ninja air fryer is a very popular option.

The air fryer that I have is a combination toaster oven and air fryer. I like this one because it has a slightly larger basket to cook bigger portions. It takes up more room on the counter, but it is more attractive and can be used for more than just air frying.

Why should you air fry food?

Air fryers get food extra crispy but use minimal oil. This makes air frying a healthy alternative to deep-frying. Another benefit to air frying is that it cooks the food faster than roasting in the oven.

Keep reading to grab 5 simple air fryer recipes that I use frequently in my own kitchen.

Air Fryer Salmon

For 1 serving of salmon combine 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp chili powder, and 1/8 tsp smoked paprika in a small bowl. Take 1 filet of salmon and spray it on all sides with spray oil. Take the seasoning mixture and coat the salmon in it. Place the salmon in the air fryer, set to 350F and cook for 6-7 minutes depending on the thickness of the salmon.

Air Fryer Bacon

Spray air fryer basket with spray oil so that the bacon doesn’t stick. Lay bacon strips into the basket. Place in the air fryer and cook at 400F for 8 minutes.

Air Fryer Broccoli

Cut broccoli into florets. Spray broccoli on all sides with spray oil. Season liberally with sea salt. Place in the air fryer basket and cook at 400F for 7 minutes.

Give the basket a little shake to move the broccoli and continue to cook at 400F for an additional 7 minutes. This method will also work for Brussels sprouts.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Cut sweet potato into wedges. Spray on all sides with spray oil. Season the wedges liberally with sea salt.

Arrange the wedges in the air fryer basket with some space between each wedge. Air fry at 350F for 8 minutes. Flip the wedges and cook for an additional 4 minutes.

Air Fryer Cauliflower Gnocchi

The BEST way to crisp up the infamous Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi is to cook it in the air fryer! Take your cauliflower gnocchi and arrange it in the air fryer basket. Try to break up any clumps of gnocchi.

Spray the gnocchi on all sides with spray oil and season with sea salt. Cook at 400F for 7 minutes. Remove the gnocchi from the air fryer, shake and spray with more oil. Cook for an additional 7 minutes or until the gnocchi is as crispy as you want.