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23 Cheap Air Fryer Recipes: Perfect for Beginners

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Having an air fryer is the new hit thing, and no wonder! Who wouldn’t want the yummy foods that deep fryers provide minus all the fatty grease?

Everyone would!

With that being said, I know having a family and being on a budget means finding cheap meals are very important, so that is why all these are cheap air fryer recipes only!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best foods to cook in an air fryer?

There really isn’t one all best food for the air fryer, you can cook almost anything in them. From raw chicken to frozen veggies and even bake cookies, the air fryer is super versatile!

Enjoy and experiment with cooking and you will sure find your own best foods to cook in an air fryer.

What can you not cook in an air fryer?

From the previous question I stated how versatile air fryers are however, there are certain foods you should avoid cooking in your air fryer, they are:

  • Cheese – this can be very messy and not worth the clean up.
  • Over seasoned meats – again this can be very messy.
  • Wet batters – not worth the clean up!
  • Whole chicken – unless you have a larger air fryer I would avoid cooking whole chickens, just use your oven.

Air Fryer Recipes for beginners

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    1. {Crispy Breaded} Air Fryer Pork Chops

    Air fryer pork chops

    These easy air fryer pork chops have a perfectly crispy exterior, tender inside, and are cooked so quickly. Pair them with your favorite side dish and you have a wonderful 20 minute meal for any weeknight. Get the recipe from Bellyfull.net.

    2. Easy Air Fryer Donuts

    donuts recipe for air fryer

    When you’re craving homemade donuts, but don’t want to deal with making dough from scratch or waiting for it to rise, you can make air fry donuts in minutes using refrigerated biscuits. No fuss, no oil, inexpensive, and crazy delicious! Get the recipe from Bellyfull.net.

    3. Air Fryer Oreos: 3 Ingredient Fair Favorite

    air fryer oreos

    You only need 3 ingredients to get these delicious air fried Oreos! Get the recipe from Wellifshecandoit.com.

    4. Air Fryer Pop-Tarts

    pop-tarts cooked in air fryer

    A quick and easy breakfast for the family. Just add in your favorite filling. Get the recipe from Wellifshecandoit.com.

    5. AIR FRYER CHICKEN THIGHS

    air fryer chicken thighs

    These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are perfectly seasoned and crispy! Get the recipe at Blackberrybabe.com.

    6. AIR FRYER POTATO WEDGES

    air fryer potato wedges

    Wonderful as an appetizer or side dish, your whole family will enjoy these crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges! Get the recipe from Blackberrybabe.com.

    7. AIR FRYER PINEAPPLE CREAM CHEESE WONTONS

    AIR FRYER PINEAPPLE CREAM CHEESE WONTONS

    Air fryer pineapple cream cheese wontons make the perfect appetizer. Low in calories and high in flavor. Get the recipe at Simplylowcal.com.

    8. Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

    All you need is chicken breast and a handful of spices to make all kinds of healthier air fryer chicken nuggets. Get the recipe at Masonfit.com.

    9. AIR FRYER FRIES MADE FROM SCRATCH

    air fryer homemade fries

    These air fryer fries are made from scratch and cuts back on calories since they are cooked in the air fryer. Same great taste and crispness, and a healthy alternative to deep frying. Get the recipe from Simplylowcal.com.

    10. AIR FRYER TOFU

    This air fryer tofu recipe is extra crispy and full of flavor using just a handful of ingredients.

    Making tofu in the air fryer will be your new favorite method once you try this easy recipe. Much healthier and lower in fat than traditional frying with all the tasty benefits! Get the recipe at Runningtothekitchen.com.

    11. AIR FRYER PIZZA ROLLS

    Either air-fried or oven-baked, these delicious pizza pockets are made from scratch with an easy homemade dough – crunchy on the outside with a steamy, fluffy center. Get the recipe from Thecookingcollective.com.

    12. AIR FRYER FROZEN CHICKEN BREASTS

    Air fryer chicken breasts

    Take your chicken straight from the freezer to perfectly cooked easily by using the air fryer. Get the recipe at Feedingyourfam.com.

    13. Air Fryer Fish Cakes

    Air fryer fish cakes

    This Air Fryer Fish Cakes recipe is easy and delicious. Classic potato and fish patties made with crab and cooked to a golden brown. Get it from Homemadeandyummy.com.

    14. Air Fryer Chicken And Potatoes Dinner

    Air fryer chicken and potatoes dinner

    Want a delicious and super quick Air Fry Chicken dinner the whole family will love? Then whip up this tasty hearty and filling Air Fryer Chicken and Potatoes dinner made from pantry staples. Get the recipe from Budgetdelicious.com.

    15. Easy Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

    Your whole family will love these easy Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas. Homemade seasoned juicy chicken breast with smoky veggies makes a healthy and tasty weeknight dinner that comes together in less than 20 mins. Get the recipe at Recipesfromapantry.com.

    16. Easy Air Fryer Fish Sticks

    Easy Air Fryer Fish Sticks

    If you love crunchy battered fish, you will love these Air Fryer fish sticks. They cook up so much crispier than baked fish sticks and are healthier than deep frying. A kids’ favorite, they are a perfect dinner option for busy families. Get the recipe at Recipesfromapantry.com.

    17. EASY AIR FRYER APPLES

    EASY AIR FRYER APPLES

    Apples are cut into wedges and coated in cinnamon and graham cracker crumbs for an easy air fryer budget-friendly snack! Get the recipe from Everydayfamilycooking.com.

    18. AIR FRYER FRENCH TOAST STICKS

    AIR FRYER FRENCH TOAST STICKS

    French Toast Sticks are incredibly crispy and use simple everyday bread to make this delicious air fryer breakfast! Get the full recipe from Everydayfamilycooking.com.

    19. Air Fryer Tortilla Chips Recipe

    Air Fryer Tortilla Chips Recipe

    Homemade air fryer tortilla chips using only 3 ingredients. Crispy seasoned tortilla chips that you can flavor any way you want from chili lime to sea salt! Get the recipe at Berlyskitchen.com.

    20. Seasoned Air Fryer Home Fries

    Seasoned Air Fryer Home Fries

    Now you can make perfectly seasoned air fryer home fries every time using this quick and easy recipe! All you need is an air fryer and four ingredients. Get the recipe from Berlyskitchen.com.

    21. AIR FRYER KALE CHIPS

    AIR FRYER KALE CHIPS

    These easy air fryer kale chips are delicious, quick and easy! Make them at home in your Instant Pot Air Fryer for a healthy snack. Get the recipe at Champagne-tastes.com.

    22. Air Fried Gluten Free Crackers

    Air Fried Gluten Free Crackers

    These Crunchy, Savory, Vegan Gluten-Free Crackers use only a few ingredients and are so easy to make at home. You are going to love the irresistible flavor of these low-carb protein-rich crackers. These gluten-free crackers are perfect as a pre-dinner nibble either with a dip or a chunk of cheese or even with a hot cup of tea. Get the recipe from Enhanceyourpalate.com.

    23. 5 Flavors Banana chips

    5 Flavors Banana chips

    Crispy homemade Healthy 5 flavors Banana chips / Plantain chips are awesome in taste and way better than store-bought. This plantain chips recipe provides five flavors that you would love. Get the recipe from Thebellyrulesthemind.com.

    Final thoughts on budget-friendly air fryer recipes

    Those recipes are just the tip of the iceberg for Air Fryers! If you do not own an air fryer I hope these recipes change your mind, because even on a budget these meals can save you money and time!

    More cheap recipes:

    21 CHEAP INSTANT POT RECIPES THAT TASTE AMAZING

    10 EASY BUDGET FREEZER MEALS (THAT TASTE GOOD)

    8 DELICIOUS FRUGAL MEALS FOR LARGE FAMILIES

    23 Cheap Air Fryer Recipes (Beginner Friendly)

    Sharing is caring!

    Gloria

    Sunday 31st of January 2021

    I love the air fryer. Great food at a fraction of the calories. Nice collection.

    onbudgetmoms

    Wednesday 3rd of February 2021

    Thank you! I love it as well, so nice not to have greasy foods.