Easy Air Fryer Recipes for Every Day

An air fryer can make everyday cooking quicker and simpler, from crisp potatoes to tender salmon and colourful roasted vegetables. It circulates hot air around the food, helping it brown with little or no oil. The best results come from cooking in a single layer, turning or shaking food part-way through, and checking it early: air fryers vary in size and performance.

Before you start

• Preheat your air fryer if the manufacturer recommends it.
• Leave space between pieces so hot air can circulate. Cook in batches if needed.
• Use a small amount of oil for foods that benefit from extra browning, but avoid pouring oil directly into the drawer.
• Treat the cooking times below as a guide and check your food as it cooks.

Crisp air fryer chips

These homemade chips are golden on the outside and fluffy in the middle.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 500g floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper
• 1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
• Salt and black pepper

Method:

1. Peel the potatoes, if you like, and cut them into evenly sized chips.
2. Rinse under cold water, then dry thoroughly with a clean tea towel. Toss with the oil.
3. Air fry at 200°C for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket two or three times, until golden and tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

For extra-crisp chips, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 20–30 minutes before drying them well.

Lemon and herb salmon

A quick main course that pairs well with salad, rice or air-fried vegetables.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• ½ lemon, juiced, plus wedges to serve
• ½ teaspoon dried mixed herbs
• Black pepper

Method:

1. Pat the salmon dry. Rub with the oil, lemon juice, herbs and a little black pepper.
2. Place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook at 180°C for 8–12 minutes, depending on their thickness, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
4. Serve with lemon wedges.

Garlic and paprika chicken thighs

Smoky paprika and garlic give these chicken thighs plenty of flavour, while the air fryer helps crisp the skin.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic granules
• Salt and black pepper

Method:

1. Pat the chicken dry. Mix the oil, paprika, garlic granules, salt and pepper, then rub over the thighs.
2. Arrange the thighs in a single layer, skin-side down.
3. Cook at 190°C for about 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through.
4. Check that the thickest part of each thigh has reached 75°C and that the meat is cooked through before serving.

Roasted Mediterranean vegetables

A colourful side dish that is also delicious stirred through couscous or pasta.

Serves: 2–3

Ingredients:

• 1 red pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 courgette, cut into half-moons
• 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
• 150g cherry tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper

Method:

1. Toss the vegetables with the oil, oregano, salt and pepper.
2. Air fry at 190°C for 10–15 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice, until tender and lightly browned.
3. Serve warm, or leave to cool and add to a salad.

Cinnamon and apple bites

For a simple pudding, warm apple pieces with cinnamon and serve with yoghurt or custard.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 eating apples, cored and cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

Method:

1. Toss the apple pieces with the cinnamon and, if using, the honey or maple syrup.
2. Place in a small heatproof dish that fits in your air fryer.
3. Cook at 180°C for 8–12 minutes, stirring once, until soft and lightly browned.
4. Serve warm with yoghurt, custard or a scoop of ice cream.

Make the most of your air fryer

Once you know how your appliance cooks, it is easy to adapt favourite dishes. Cut ingredients to a similar size for more even cooking, keep wet batters and loose seasonings under control, and clean the basket after use to prevent lingering flavours. With a few simple ingredients and a little experimentation, air fryer recipes can make weeknight meals both convenient and satisfying.