12 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That You Can Whip Up Right Now
Adult chicken wings are about to rock. your. world.
When it comes to the wonderful world of kitchen gadgets, a few popular products continue to hog the spotlight—and, TBH, rightly so. One such dynamo device? An air fryer. The countertop appliance uses convection heat, super-hot air, and a little bit of oil to give foods a taste and texture that's similar to real deep-frying—minus most of the fat. Basically, they're great if you love fried foods but want to keep your fat intake in check.
Healthy eating experts love that the air fryer gives you control over how much salt and oil you add, and note that it's not just great for making healthier versions of your favorite fried foods. You can also crisp vegetables, roast chicken, and even cook a steak in the air fryer.
They're also great from a convenience standpoint. If you don't love cooking, an air fryer will yield tasty results without a lot of effort (or dishes to wash). These 30 healthy air fryer recipes range from meaty mains to nutrient-packed vegetable sides, and all of them are easy enough for beginners.
Air Fryer Potato Chips
Potato chips, but make them healthy. These thinly sliced crisps are nearly oil-less (just a few spritzes of high-heat oil spray), making them the healthy alternative to your childhood favorite (read: greasy) snack.
Per serving: 74.3 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 17.6 g carbs, 0.7 g sugar, 290.7 mg sodium, 1.4 g fiber, 2 g protein
Air Fryer Shrimp
This easy dish takes just 10 minutes to whip up. Plus, it's low-carb, paleo, and Whole30-approved, so it's sure to please any type of diner.
Per serving: 221 calories, 7.9 g fat (1.2 g saturated), 1 g carbs, 0.4 g sugar, 0.1 g fiber, 34.2 g protein
Air Fried Chicken Wings
Football season ain't got nothing on you. That is, of course, when armed with the recipe for these healthy homemade eats. Plus, they're so simple to make, you won't miss a minute of the big game.
Per serving: 296 calories, 22 g fat (6 g saturated), 2 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 572 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 22 g protein
Tex-Mex Cauliflower Rice
Fans of spice will love this veggie dish that packs quite the kick. And thanks to its neutral cauliflower base, you can get creative with the toppings.
Per serving: 436 calories, 17.1 g fat (6.5 g saturated), 55 g carbs, 10.2 g sugar, 336 mg sodium, 18.6 g fiber, 23.5 g protein
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
After a long day at work or when feeding a group of picky eaters, a basic chicken breast is exactly what you need. Enter: this simple, savory recipe that takes a total of 22 minutes, during which your handy air fryer does most of the hard work.
Per serving: 163 calories, 3 g fat, 454 mg sodium, 30 g protein
Air Fryer Pop Tarts
Could these be any cuter? Heart-shaped for Valentine's Day or regular ole squares for the other 364 days of the year, these protein-packed (thanks to the Greek yogurt) pop tarts take only 12 minutes to make. ICYMI, that's less time than it takes for you to actually go to the market for the store-bought option.
Per serving: 147 calories, 0.4 g fat (0.1 g saturated), 29.6 g carbs, 8.1 g sugar, 0.6 g fiber, 6.3 g protein
Crispy Avocado Tacos
Taco Tuesday's about to get a whole lot easier thanks to these veggie tacos. Toss the avocados in bread crumbs for an amplified crunch or just let the air fryer do the crisping. Either way, you're left with a creamy and slightly crunchy creation that is packed with healthy fats.
Per serving: 624 calories, 34.7 g fat (7.1 g saturated), 70.7 g carbs, 17.1 g sugar, 281 mg sodium, 14.7 g fiber, 14.1 g protein
Air Fryer Tortilla Chisp
These crunchy chips are just as good as your restaurant fave, but way healthier. One reason? They're made with practically no oil, so you're left with a lighter snack that's just begging to be dipped in a hearty guac.
Per serving: 120 calories, 1.5 g fat (0 g saturated), 24 g carbs, 3 g sugar, 3 g fiber
Crispy Air Fried Tofu
Score that savory crisp without using any cornstarch. Umm, how? Simply letting the air fryer work its magic.
Per serving: 212 calories, 15.7 g fat (2.3 g saturated), 5.2 g carbs, 0.2 g sugar, 465 mg sodium, 24 g fiber, 16.5 g protein
Vegan Air Fryer Crumble With Blueberries And Apple
Made with brown rice flour, this easy dairy-free dessert is perfect all those gluten-free foodies out there looking to get their sugar fix in seconds. Okay, fine, minutes—15 minutes to be exact—and you've got yourself an air fryer delight.
Per serving: 310 calories, 12 g fat (7 g saturated), 50 g carbs, 26 g sugar, 5 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 2 g protein
Madagascan Bean Stew
Think a stew from Madagascar requires a Top Chef? Well, think again. All you need is an air fryer, a few simple ingredients, and a few minutes—40 to be exact—to make this gingery dish. Oh, and it's vegan and gluten-free too!
Per serving: 321 calories, 6.2 g fat (1 g saturated), 52.5 g carbs, 5.7 g sugar, 337 mg sodium, 14.7 g fiber, 16.4 g protein
Eggplant Bacon
Vegetarians and vegans, rejoice! In just 25 minutes (yes, it's that easy), you can have a delicious combo of maple syrup, soy sauce, and smoked paprika, all of which mix together to turn this veggie into a crispy meat-free bacon.
Per serving: 99 calories, 7.2 g fat (1 g saturated), 8.9 g carbs, 4.7 g sugar, 748 mg sodium, 4.3 g fiber, 1.7 g protein
