Start with these foolproof beginner foods

The best foods to start with are those that are nearly impossible to ruin: frozen fries (400°F, 15 min), chicken wings (380°F, 24 min, flip at 12), roasted broccoli (375°F, 8 min), bacon (350°F, 8-10 min), and salmon fillets (390°F, 8-10 min). These build confidence quickly.

Why It Works

These foods are forgiving, cook quickly, and produce results noticeably better than the oven. Early wins build confidence and help you understand how your specific air fryer behaves before tackling more complex recipes.

Tips

• Frozen foods go directly into the air fryer — no thawing needed
• Lightly spray or toss food with oil for better browning (olive oil spray works great)
• Chicken wings are the air fryer's greatest strength — crispy skin without deep frying
• Clean the basket after every use to prevent smoke from oil buildup