Buying your first air fryer can be an exciting experience. With this revolutionary kitchen appliance, you can cook crispy and crunchy foods using little to no oil. Many people wonder what to make first in their new air fryer. There are so many possibilities! Should you go for something simple like french fries or chicken wings? Or dive right in with a more complex recipe?
When trying to decide what should be the first thing to cook in your new air fryer, there are a few key factors to consider:
Difficulty Level
For your inaugural air fryer dish, you’ll want to choose something relatively straightforward. While your air fryer makes cooking quick and easy, it can take some trial and error to get used to the nuances of air frying. Starting with an overly complicated recipe could lead to frustration and disappointment right out of the gate. Stick to basic recipes with minimal ingredients for the best results.
Cook Time
Many air fryer newbies don’t realize that these appliances tend to cook food much faster than conventional ovens. It’s easy to burn your first batch if you don’t account for the accelerated cook time. When deciding what to make first, look for recipes with shorter cook times, in the 15-30 minute range. This reduces the risk of accidentally overcooking.
Flavor Profile
Since air fryers excel at creating crispy exteriors, it makes sense to choose a food that benefits from a crunchy crust. Fried foods, chicken wings, french fries, and breaded foods are all great options. The air fryer can replicate that deep-fried texture you love, without all the excess grease.
Personal Preference
At the end of the day, choose a dish you’re excited about. If you can’t wait to air fry a batch of juicy chicken wings, go for it! Having a craving for crunchy egg rolls? The air fryer has you covered. Pick your favorite food or cuisine so you can enjoy your first air fryer success.
Here are 10 great options for your first air fryer meal:
1. French Fries
Crispy french fries are a slam dunk first recipe. Simply cut potatoes into fry shapes, toss in oil, and cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway. Finish with salt and any other seasonings you like. French fries come out perfectly golden brown with a satisfying crunch.
2. Chicken Wings
Air fried wings match the taste and texture of deep fried, without needing all the oil. Coat the wings in seasoning, oil, and baking powder (which helps them get extra crispy). Cook at 400°F for 15 minutes, flip, then cook for 10 more minutes.
3. Chicken Nuggets
Kid-friendly chicken nuggets cook up quick and crunchy in the air fryer. Simply coat chopped chicken pieces in egg, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, spray with oil, and cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
4. Frozen Foods
From french fries to pizza rolls, frozen convenience foods were made for the air fryer. Follow package instructions and adjust cook time/temperature as needed for perfect results.
5. Fish Sticks
Recreate the crispy texture of fried fish without having to deep fry. Brush fish sticks with oil, cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, then flip and cook 3-5 minutes more until golden and flaky. Great with tartar or ketchup for dipping.
6. Bacon
Get perfectly crispy bacon without the splatter and mess of pan frying. Lay strips of bacon in the air fryer basket, cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. Drain fat between batches.
7. Donuts
Pre-made refrigerated donut dough bakes up fluffy and tender in the air fryer, while getting that crisp, fried texture on the outside. Top with cinnamon sugar or glaze when done.
8. Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders develop a satisfying crunch in the air fryer. Toss in oil and seasoning, then cook at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and cooked through.
9. Quesadillas
Assemble quesadillas with tortillas, cheese, and other fillings, then cook in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-8 minutes per side until the tortillas get crispy and the cheese melts.
10. Egg Rolls
While they normally require deep frying, egg rolls can get perfectly crispy in the air fryer. Brush the outside with oil and cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through.
Choosing the Right Recipe
When browsing air fryer recipes for inspiration, keep these factors in mind:
Does it require special accessories?
Many air fryer recipes call for accessories like cake pans or grilling trays. For your first recipe, avoid anything that requires buying special equipment and stick to basics cooked right in the air fryer basket.
Is it the right size for your model?
Pay attention to capacity, as air fryer sizes vary. Make sure to choose a recipe sized for your model – for example, don’t attempt to cook a whole chicken in a small 3 quart basket.
Does cook time seem too short or long?
Scan cook times to ensure they seem reasonable based on the food you’re preparing. Extremely short cook times may burn food before it’s done, while overlong times increase risk of drying out.
Are any ingredients pre-cooked?
Raw foods take longer to cook than pre-cooked. If your recipe mixes the two, adjust cook time so raw items get fully cooked.
Is crisping necessary?
Air fryers excel when creating that crunchy exterior. For something like mac and cheese that doesn’t need crisping, you may get better results using your stove or oven.
| Food item | Cook temp | Cook time |
|---|---|---|
| French fries | 400°F | 15-20 minutes |
| Chicken wings | 400°F | 25 minutes |
| Chicken nuggets | 400°F | 10-12 minutes |
| Frozen foods | Varies | Varies |
| Fish sticks | 400°F | 8-13 minutes |
| Bacon | 400°F | 8-10 minutes |
| Donuts | 350°F | 8-10 minutes |
| Chicken tenders | 400°F | 10-15 minutes |
| Quesadillas | 350°F | 5-8 minutes |
| Egg rolls | 400°F | 10-12 minutes |
This table provides recommended air fryer temperature and cook times for 10 popular first recipes.
Tips for Air Fryer Success
Follow these tips and tricks to ensure your first air fryer attempt turns out perfectly:
Use oil and seasoning
Lightly coating foods in oil before air frying helps them get crispy. Season with salt, pepper, spices, or breading.
Don’t overcrowd
Air flow is crucial, so leave space between food pieces. Work in batches for larger amounts.
Preheat properly
Fully preheat your air fryer before adding food. Most recipes call for preheating at the designated temp for 3-5 minutes.
Flip or shake foods
Partway through cooking, flip food over or shake basket to ensure even browning. Follow recipe cues for when to flip.
Use parchment paper
Lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Adjust cook time as needed
Your air fryer may cook slightly faster or slower than the recipe states. Add or reduce cook time based on visual cues.
Let the air fryer preheat again between batches
For crispier results when air frying multiple batches, allow the appliance to preheat again for 2-3 minutes between each batch.
Pat food dry before air frying
Drying foods thoroughly before air frying removes excess moisture that can impede browning and crisping.
Spritz with oil if needed
If food seems dry rather than crispy, spritz with a small amount of oil halfway through cooking.
Common Air Fryer Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these pitfalls when using your air fryer for the first time:
Not preheating fully
Don’t skip preheating. Air fryers need time to reach optimal cooking temperature.
Overfilling the basket
Too much food blocks air circulation, leading to uneven cooking.
Using wrong cook times and temps
Always follow recipe, don’t guess. Air fryers cook hotter and faster than ovens.
Not monitoring during cooking
Check food frequently to avoid burning. Listen for sizzling noises indicating crisping action.
Not flipping or shaking
Turning food midway through allows both sides to brown evenly.
Using batter on foods
Thick batters don’t work well in air fryers, use lighter breading instead.
Not cleaning after each use
Clean the basket and accessories after each use to avoid food residue build-up.
Not patting food dry
Excess moisture on food’s surface inhibits crisping. Pat ingredients dry before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about cooking in your new air fryer:
Should I flip or shake foods during air frying?
Yes, flipping or shaking ensures even browning and cooking on all sides. Follow recipe cues for when to flip.
Can I air fry breaded foods?
Yes, but avoid thick batters which block airflow. Use lighter breading, panko, or flour for the best crisp.
What oil should I use to air fry?
Light oils like olive, avocado, vegetable, and canola work well for air frying. Avoid heavy oils that can get greasy.
How much oil do I need for air frying?
Just 1-2 tbsp oil is plenty for most air fryer recipes serving 3-4 people. Brush or spray oil lightly over foods.
Can I air fry bacon?
Yes! Air fried bacon gets crispy without the splatter. Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, draining fat between batches.
Should I preheat my air fryer before use?
Always preheat for 3-5 minutes before air frying. This allows the appliance to fully reach the set temperature.
What happens if I overfill my air fryer?
Overfilled air fryer baskets prevent proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking. Always leave space around foods.
How do I know if fully cooked?
Use a food thermometer to test doneness, especially for proteins like chicken or fish. Meat should reach safe internal temperatures.
Can I cook frozen foods in an air fryer?
Yes, air fryers can cook frozen foods like pizza rolls, fries, and nuggets. Adjust cook times and monitor carefully.
Conclusion
Air frying your favorite foods is easy once you know the basics. For best results on your first try, opt for a quicker and simpler recipe that benefits from crisping like fries, wings, or nuggets. Preheat properly, don’t overfill the basket, and adjust cook times as needed. Follow recipe guidelines and recommended cook times and temperatures. With a few trial runs, you’ll be churning out amazing air fried meals in your sleep!