Simple and Delicious Cooking Recipes for Beginners

Cooking at home is a valuable skill that saves money, improves health, and allows for creativity in the kitchen.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for air fryer recipes, easy cakes, quick dinners, keto meals, vegan dishes, and basic baking recipes. 

Each recipe is designed for beginners, ensuring you can prepare delicious meals with confidence.

1. Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners

An air fryer is an excellent tool for quick and healthy meals. It cooks food faster than an oven and requires little to no oil, making it perfect for beginners.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

This recipe delivers crunchy, golden-brown chicken tenders without deep-frying.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch strips)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
2. Prepare the coating: In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks.
4. Arrange in the air fryer: Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping to ensure even cooking.
5. Cook: Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tenders should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables

A simple and healthy side dish with crispy edges and rich flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
2. Prepare the vegetables: Wash, dry, and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
3. Season: In a mixing bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange in the air fryer: Spread the vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook: Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
6. Serve immediately as a side dish or a healthy snack.

2. Easy Cake Recipes for Beginners

Baking a cake from scratch can seem difficult, but these beginner-friendly recipes require simple steps and basic ingredients.

Classic Vanilla Mug Cake

This microwave cake is soft, fluffy, and ready in under 2 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the batter: In a microwave-safe mug, mix the flour, sugar, and baking powder.
2. Add liquids: Stir in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Microwave: Cook on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds or until the cake rises and sets.
4. Cool slightly before eating.

No-Bake Chocolate Cake

A rich, fudgy cake that requires no oven.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups crushed biscuits (such as graham crackers)
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup melted butter
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk

Instructions:

1. Crush the biscuits in a food processor or place them in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin.
2. Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine the crushed biscuits, cocoa powder, melted butter, and condensed milk. Stir until fully mixed.
3. Mold the cake: Press the mixture into a lined cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
4. Chill: Refrigerate for 2 hours until firm. Slice and serve cold.

3. Easy Dinner Recipes for Beginners

Making a dinner that provides nutrition and satisfaction is possible and easy with:

One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice

A comforting meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

1. Sauté the chicken: Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
2. Add the rice and broth: Pour in the rice, chicken broth, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
3. Simmer: Cover and let cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes until the rice absorbs the liquid.
4. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

4. Free Easy Keto Recipes for Beginners

If you are following a carb-free diet, prove this:

Keto Egg Muffins

Perfect for a low-carb breakfast or snack.

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• ¼ cup shredded cheese
• ¼ cup diced bell peppers
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
2. Whisk eggs: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cheese, bell peppers, salt, and pepper.
3. Fill the muffin tin: Pour the mixture evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
4. Bake for 15 minutes until the eggs are set and slightly golden.
5. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin.

5. Vegan Recipes for Beginners

For those who avoid meat, we have:

Vegan Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned chickpeas (drained and mashed)
• 2 tablespoons vegan mayo
• ½ teaspoon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Whole wheat bread

Instructions:

1. Mash chickpeas with a fork until chunky.
2. Add seasoning: Mix in vegan mayo, mustard, and garlic powder.
3. Assemble sandwich: Spread the mixture on whole wheat bread and serve.

6. Easy Baking Recipes for Beginners

Prove, make this if you like soft baking:

Simple Banana Bread

A moist, flavorful bread made with ripe bananas.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine mashed bananas, flour, sugar, baking powder, egg, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
3. Bake: Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Cool before slicing.

Final Thoughts

Cooking at home is easier than it seems. These beginner-friendly recipes require basic ingredients and simple steps, helping you gain confidence in the kitchen. 

Whether you’re using an air fryer, baking a cake, cooking dinner, or following a keto or vegan diet, you can start your cooking journey today. 

Happy cooking!

Last updated on March 18th, 2025 at 07:34 pm