30 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Are Still Totally Satisfying (2024)

Perfect for when you're craving something crispy!

By Kara Zauberman
30 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Are Still Totally Satisfying (1)

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Some of the best air fryer recipes are the ones that produce crispy results—like French fries without the pot of oil. But the handy kitchen appliance is also great for whipping up other healthy dinner recipes, too. In fact, you can make so many different dishes using only an air fryer. And the best part is—you’ll get dinner on the table quickly without having too much cleanup! Just look at the healthy air fryer recipes ahead. Here, you’ll find lightened up versions of crispy beef taquitos, healthy lunches, and quick cooking vegetable sides. "I was a little late to the air fryer party," Ree Drummond says, "but now I'm obsessed!"

Looking for a dinner your family will love? Try a healthy twist on crispy pork chops, air fryer chicken recipes, or healthy fish recipes made entirely in the air fryer. Serve it up with air fryer veggies, like Brussels sprouts or green beans, for a meal that's both easy and good for you, too. Of course, eating healthy is different for everyone, and we're not going to be the ones to say you need to cut out some of your favorite foods. That's why we've also included a few air fryer desserts to satisfy your sweet cravings like baked apples.

Ready to start using an air fryer for cooking? Check out these air fryer cookbooks for even more recipe ideas.

1

Air Fryer Taquitos

30 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Are Still Totally Satisfying (3)

Flavorful shredded beef stuffed inside crispy, crunchy tortillas? Count us in! This fun snack is perfect for serving with guacamole and salsa for a healthy game day spread.

Get the Air Fryer Taquitos recipe.

SHOP AIR FRYERS

2

Air Fryer Baked Potato

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There are so many ways to enjoy a baked potato. You can top it with hearty chili or cottage cheese, or serve it up alongside a piece of roasted salmon. The best part? Making it in the air fryer ensures perfect doneness every time.

Get the Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe.

3

Air Fryer Fried Pickles

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Fried pickles are a state fair classic, but they're not necessarily considered "good for you." That is, until now! Here, you'll find out how to make them in the air fryer, so they're never greasy—just delicious.

Get the Air Fryer Fried Pickles recipe.

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4

Air Fryer Parmesan Steak Fries

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These fries are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—just the way steak fries should be! Plus, they're loaded with flavor from the blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese.

Get the Air Fryer Parmesan Steak Fries recipe.

5

Air Fryer Asparagus

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Give this spring veggie some extra crunch by tossing the spears in paprika, onion powder, and breadcrumbs. It's a fun variation on a simple side.

Get the Air Fryer Asparagus recipe.

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6

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

30 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Are Still Totally Satisfying (8)

You only need a thin layer of butter to make this grilled cheese sandwich (or you can skip it and just use mayo). The air fryer does most of the work to make it crispy. It's one of those recipes that's comforting, simple, and delicious all at once.

Get the Air Fryer Grilled Cheese recipe.

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7

Air Fryer Onion Rings

30 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Are Still Totally Satisfying (9)

Fried foods, like onion rings, are often a guilty pleasure. But now they can just be a pleasure—without the guilt! That's because you'll skip the hot pot of oil and make them in an air fryer instead.

Get the Air Fryer Onion Rings recipe.

8

Air Fryer Steak

30 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Are Still Totally Satisfying (10)

Who says you can't have steak for dinner? The hearty protein is great for keeping you fueled up on busy weekdays and you can even keep things light by slicing it up and serving it over a salad.

Get the Air Fryer Steak recipe.

9

Air Fryer French Fries

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We can't think of a better side dish to serve up with a healthy dinner, like chicken burgers or grilled fish. Not to mention they're ready in just 30 minutes flat.

Get the Air Fryer French Fries recipe.

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10

Air Fryer Pork Chops

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Weeknight dinner doesn't need to be a chore. It can be healthy, easy, and crispy, too. Just look at these pork chops that only take about 12 minutes to cook.

Get the Air Fryer Pork Chops recipe.

SHOP DINNERWARE

11

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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What's the best way to get your family to eat their Brussels sprouts? Make them in an air fryer! The tiny leaves get so crispy and delicious, especially when seasoned with soy sauce, Sriracha, and honey.

Get the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe.

12

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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This foolproof chicken recipe comes out juicy and moist every time. Don't worry—you'll still get that crispy chicken skin by raising the air fryer's temperature after flipping. It's genius!

Get the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe.

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13

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

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Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and vitamin A so they make a great alternative to regular potatoes when it comes to fries. Plus, making them in the air fryer eliminates the mess of cooking with hot oil.

Get the Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries recipe.

14

Air Fryer Green Beans

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Whether you serve them for a holiday meal or just a weeknight dinner, green beans are a simple addition to any family table. Not to mention they only take 15 minutes from start to finish!

Get the Air Fryer Green Beans recipe.

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15

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

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This classic Italian dinner is typically fried, but this air fryer version is just as delicious! The 30-minute meal is even easier, too! Serve it up with zucchini noodles for a healthier twist.

Get the Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe.

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16

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

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Using a bone-in turkey breast is the key to making sure this turkey recipe stays moist and juicy while the skin gets crispy from the air fryer. It doesn't have to be Thanksgiving to make it!

Get the Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe.

17

Air Fryer Fish

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Even those who are skeptical of fish will love this crispy fish recipe. Between the cornmeal crust and the homemade tartar sauce, it's hard to resist.

Get the Air Fryer Fish recipe.

18

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

30 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Are Still Totally Satisfying (20)

Anyone craving a healthy super bowl snack will want to add this cauliflower recipe to their list. It has all the buffalo flavor you know and love, plus it's vegetarian and super crispy.

Get the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites recipe.

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19

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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Skip the freezer aisle and try making your own chicken tenders instead! The homemade version is so much better for you and it has that perfect golden coating.

Get the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe.

SHOP DINNERWARE

20

Air Fryer Egg Rolls

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This lightened-up egg roll recipe doesn't require nearly as much oil (thanks to the air fryer) as the original, but it still has that satisfying crunch.

Get the Air Fryer Egg Rolls recipe.

30 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Are Still Totally Satisfying (2024)

FAQs

Why is air fried food not healthy? ›

In one study, air frying of fish raised the amount of a substance called "cholesterol oxidation products" (COPs). COPs form when the cholesterol in meat or fish breaks down during cooking. Studies connect these substances to coronary heart disease, hardening of the arteries, cancer, and other diseases.

What 5 foods should you not put in an air fryer? ›

Take a gander of this list of top foods that should never make their way into your air fryer.
  • Wet Batters. ...
  • Cheesy Items. ...
  • Large, Bone-In Meat Cuts. ...
  • Baked Goods. ...
  • Greens. ...
  • Raw Rice and Other Grains. ...
  • Too Much of Anything.
Apr 14, 2023

Can you eat healthy with an air fryer? ›

Air fryers may be better for you than deep fryers, but they're only as healthy as the food you put inside. They won't magically remove the saturated fat from bacon or the trans fats from a bag of processed chicken wings. To reap the benefits, reach for better-for-you options like vegetables and lean proteins.

What is the disadvantage of Airfryer food? ›

Cons of Cooking with an Air Fryer:
  • Potential Loss of Nutrients: While air fryers boast being a healthier cooking option, there is a possibility of nutrient loss during the cooking process. ...
  • Formation of Acrylamide: ...
  • Limited Cooking Capacity: ...
  • Texture and Taste Differences:
Jul 12, 2023

Is there anything you shouldn t air fry? ›

Any foods with wet batter cannot be cooked in an airfryer . Whole Chicken roast should be avoided in an airfryer . Leafy vegetables should not be cooked in an airfryer . Avoid using cheese in an airfryer .

What are the forever chemicals in air fryers? ›

Several air fryers have a non-stick coating that contains chemical polyfluorinated molecules, better known as PFAs and nicknamed “forever chemicals,” due to the decades they take to break down in the environment, as explained by Joseph G.

Why shouldn t you cook hamburgers in an air fryer? ›

Hamburgers. Air fryers aren't really designed to grill red meat, especially if you like your burgers medium-rare. Though it takes a fairly short amount of time for an air fryer to cook the inside of meat to medium-rare, the outside of the burger won't brown as quickly.

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer? ›

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

What I wish I knew before I get an air fryer? ›

6 things I wish I'd known before I bought an air fryer
  • Air fryers do not fry. Deep fried foods: not like air fried ones. ...
  • The air fryer parts you use most are easy to clean but the outer parts… not so much. ...
  • There's a war going on in the air fryer community! ...
  • Air fryers can be quite large.

Can I eat air fryer food everyday? ›

In airfryer, hot air is used to prepare food. Since oil is not used to fry, it does not add calories. But, if you are person who gains weight easily or you have high cholesterol and you fry chicken/red meat/potato etc. in airfryer and use it frequently thinking you are not deep frying them, it is not healthier.

Can you fry an egg in the Airfryer? ›

Place it in the fryer basket and preheat it for 5 minutes at 400°F (204 °C). Crack an egg to a small cup and slide the egg to the hot pan. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 3 minutes for a sunny side over easy fried egg. If you prefer a fried egg with medium egg yolk, add 1 more minute to the cooking time.

Are air fried potatoes healthy? ›

An air fryer is a healthier option than deep frying foods and can be an inventive way to fry not only meats and potatoes but other nutritious foods such as broccoli, yams, tofu, or eggs. Compared with deep-frying, using an air fryer can reduce the amount of fat, calories, and potentially harmful compounds in your food.

Why I don t like air fryers? ›

I find the texture of most air-fried food a bit off-putting

Air fryers are advertised as a healthier cooking option, mostly because they don't require a lot of oil. But fat has a big impact on the texture of foods. I've found that the appliance typically produces dishes that are more dry than crisp.

How do I prevent acrylamide in my air fryer? ›

Grab your pre-cut, starchy vegetables (think potatoes, squash, beets and other root vegetables), and soak them for a minimum of 15 minutes or longer in filtered water before preparing them for your recipe. This helps reduce the percentage of acrylamide formed.

What are the disadvantages of the Ninja air fryer? ›

It's worth noting that air fryers don't actually fry food, which requires submerging food in hot oil. Air fryers use hot air circulation to mimic frying food. There are some downsides to air fryers. They're bulky, can be difficult to clean, and have limited cooking capacity.

Is Air fried Meat bad for you? ›

Generally, when compared to deep frying, the air fryer is a healthier option because it contributes fewer calories to the finished product and can result in less inflammation, potentially decreasing the risk for chronic disease down the line. When comparing the air fryer to the oven, the answer is less clear.

Is grilling healthier than air frying? ›

moreover, air fryer is healthier as this uses less oil. in grill oven your food is fried using a fire, None of this is guarantees as far your health is concerned. An air fryer is more recommended than any of these roasted, grilled, slow-cooked or pan-seared styles of cooking.

Which is healthier microwave or air fryer? ›

Which is better: an air fryer or a microwave? An air fryer is ideal for cooking healthier, crispy dishes, while a microwave is best for quick reheating and defrosting. Choose the appliance that aligns with your specific cooking needs and preferences.

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