wide-angle view of a professional commercial kitchen with chefs preparing food, featuring a chef using a large commercial air fryer in the foreground

February 12, 2025 Lisa Santorelli

Air Fryer Cooking: What's the First Thing You Should Make?

Just got your air fryer and wondering where to start? The answer is simple—fries or chicken wings! A commercial air fryer or home model works best with easy, crispy foods first. Keep reading for foolproof beginner tips to get the most out of your new kitchen gadget.

Top Recommendations for Your First Air Fryer Meal

Classic & Easy: Frozen Foods

If you’re looking for an easy win, frozen foods are the way to go. They’re already pre-cooked, so they just need a crisp-up in the air fryer. The results? Crispy, golden bites that make you wonder why you didn’t get an air fryer sooner.

French Fries

Spread them out evenly in the basket, set the temperature to 400°F (200°C), and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even crispiness.

Tater Tots

A childhood favourite and super simple to make. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes to keep them from sticking together.

Onion Rings

Light, crispy, and perfect for dipping. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway.

basket of freshly cooked French fries inside a commercial air fryer, golden and crispy with steam rising, set in a professional kitchen

Simple Proteins: Chicken & Fish

Air fryers do a great job of cooking meat while keeping it juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Perfect if you want that fried texture without all the oil.

Chicken Wings

Toss them with a bit of oil and your favourite seasoning. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure an even crisp.

Chicken Thighs

Juicy and full of flavour, chicken thighs cook well in an air fryer. Set the temperature to 380°F (195°C) and cook for 22 to 25 minutes. Bone-in thighs take a little longer, so adjust as needed.

Salmon or Other Fish Fillets

Lightly oil and season your fillets, then cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. The result? Perfectly flaky fish with a slightly crisp exterior.

Veggie-Friendly First Tries

Roasting vegetables in an air fryer brings out their natural sweetness while keeping them crisp.

Roasted Vegetables

Toss veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini with a little oil, salt, and pepper. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

chef using a commercial air fryer in a professional kitchen, carefully placing food in the basket to ensure proper spacing and optimal airflow

Tips for Air Fryer Success

Preheating and Preparation

Some air fryers preheat automatically, but if yours doesn’t, let it run for a couple of minutes before adding your food. This helps ensure even cooking and better crispiness.

Don't Overcrowd the Basket

Air fryers work best when hot air can circulate around the food. Avoid piling food on top of each other. If you need to cook a large batch, do it in rounds. Read more about how to properly layer food in an air fryer in the article, "Does Food Have to Be Single Layer in an Air Fryer?"

Cooking Times and Temperatures

Every air fryer is a little different. Check your food a couple of minutes before the suggested time to make sure it’s not overcooking. Adjust based on your specific model.

Cleaning Your Air Fryer

A clean air fryer is a happy air fryer. Let it cool, then wipe down the inside and wash the basket with warm, soapy water. Avoid abrasive sponges that could damage the non-stick coating.

Beyond the Basics: Easy Air Fryer Recipes to Try Next

Quick & Flavourful Meals

Once you’ve got the basics down, try making stuffed chicken breasts, crispy tofu, or homemade burgers. The air fryer is incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative.

Sweet Treats

Air fryers aren’t just for savoury dishes. Whip up some air-fried apples, cinnamon sugar donuts, or even a quick chocolate lava cake. Dessert has never been easier.

Conclusion

Your air fryer is about to become your new favourite kitchen tool. It’s quick, efficient, and makes healthier cooking a breeze. By starting with easy recipes and gradually experimenting with different ingredients, you’ll soon be an air frying pro. Whether it’s crispy fries, juicy chicken, or even a sweet treat, the possibilities are endless. So plug in that air fryer, pick a recipe, and enjoy the journey to delicious, hassle-free meals!