If you’ve just bought an air fryer (or you’re thinking about it), you’re not alone. Air fryers have quickly become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in the UK—and for good reason. They’re fast, energy-efficient, and make cooking feel almost effortless.

But if you’re a beginner, one thing can be confusing: most recipes online use cups and ounces instead of grams (g) and millilitres (ml). That’s frustrating when you’re used to UK measurements.

This guide solves that problem.

You’ll learn:

• How to understand air fryer cooking basics
• Simple conversion tips
• Easy air fryer recipes using grams and ml only
• Beginner-friendly techniques for perfect results

Let’s get started.

Why Use an Air Fryer?

An air fryer works by circulating hot air around your food, giving it that crispy, fried texture—without deep frying.

Benefits:

• Uses little to no oil
• Faster than oven cooking
• Easy to clean
• Perfect for small portions

For students, busy workers, or anyone living alone, it’s a game changer.

Basic Air Fryer Tips for Beginners

Before jumping into recipes, here are a few essentials:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

Air fryers need space for air to circulate. Cook in batches if needed.

2. Preheat (If Needed)

Some air fryers require preheating for 2–3 minutes.

3. Shake or Flip Food

Halfway through cooking, shake chips or flip meat for even cooking.

4. Use a Little Oil

Even though it’s an air fryer, a small amount (5–10 ml) improves texture.

Quick Measurement Guide (UK Style)

Here are simple conversions to help you:

• 1 tablespoon = 15 ml
• 1 teaspoon = 5 ml
• 100 ml = about half a cup
• 1 medium potato ≈ 200–250 g
• 1 chicken breast ≈ 150–200 g

Easy Air Fryer Recipes (Grams & ML)

1. Crispy Air Fryer Chips (Fries)

Ingredients:

• 500 g potatoes
• 10 ml vegetable oil
• 3 g salt
• 2 g paprika (optional)

Instructions:

1. Peel and cut potatoes into thin strips.
2. Soak in water for 10 minutes (removes starch).
3. Dry thoroughly with a towel.
4. Mix with oil, salt, and paprika.
5. Cook at 180°C for 18–22 minutes, shaking halfway.

Tip:

For extra crispiness, cook 3–5 minutes longer at 200°C.

2. Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (300–400 g total)
• 10 ml olive oil
• 5 g garlic powder
• 5 g paprika
• 3 g salt
• 2 g black pepper

Instructions:

1. Rub chicken with oil and spices.
2. Place in air fryer basket.
3. Cook at 180°C for 15–18 minutes.
4. Flip halfway through.

Tip:

Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting—it stays juicy.

3. Air Fryer Sausages

Ingredients:

• 6 sausages (about 400–500 g)

Instructions:

1. Place sausages in the basket (no oil needed).
2. Cook at 180°C for 10–12 minutes.
3. Turn halfway through.

Tip:

Pierce lightly if you want less grease.

4. Air Fryer Toasted Bread Pizza

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread
• 100 g tomato sauce
• 100 g grated cheese
• 50 g toppings (ham, vegetables, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Spread sauce on bread.
2. Add cheese and toppings.
3. Cook at 180°C for 5–7 minutes.

Tip:

Perfect quick snack in under 10 minutes.

5. Air Fryer Plantain (Sweet & Crispy)

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe plantains (300–400 g)
• 10 ml oil

Instructions:

1. Slice plantain into rounds.
2. Toss in oil.
3. Cook at 180°C for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Tip:

Use very ripe plantains for a sweeter taste.

6. Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

• 500 g chicken wings
• 10 ml oil
• 5 g salt
• 5 g pepper
• 5 g mixed spices

Instructions:

1. Season wings well.
2. Cook at 190°C for 20–25 minutes.
3. Shake or flip halfway.

Tip:

Increase to 200°C for the last 5 minutes for extra crisp.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Too Much Oil

Air fryers need very little oil—too much makes food soggy.

Not Drying Food

Wet food won’t crisp properly.

Ignoring Cooking Times

Air fryers cook faster than ovens—check early.

Final Thoughts

Cooking with an air fryer doesn’t have to be complicated—especially when you’re using familiar UK measurements like grams and millilitres.

Start simple:

• Chips
• Chicken
• Toast pizzas

As you get more confident, you can experiment with more recipes and flavours.

The best part?
You’ll save time, energy, and still enjoy delicious, crispy meals.