You recently invested in a countertop device that cooks up all your favorite foods with less grease, and you’re looking for healthy air fryer recipes to try. You’re in the right place — these easy air fryer recipes for dinners, sides, and appetizers use only a fraction of the fat that traditional fried dishes require. And the best part is that your whole family can enjoy these meals despite any dietary restrictions or allergies.
An air fryer is essentially a mini, countertop convection oven that circulates superhot air around food to help it get crispy and golden with very little added fat. As such, you can “cook things like chicken wings and steak with a much healthier texture,” Dalina Soto, M.A., R.D., founder of Nutritiously Yours tells SELF. Plus, “an air fryer is often easier to use than a conventional oven because you don’t have to preheat it and stand over a pot of scalding oil,” she says.
Whether you’re an air fryer pro or a newbie, these delicious healthy air fryer recipes will have everyone in your family asking for more. From kid-friendly foods to light breakfasts, there’s something for every meal of the day.
Make a quick weeknight dinner that’s sure to please kids and adults alike with these air fryer chicken thighs. The hot circulating air helps to crisp up the skin, while the chicken is seasoned with a mix of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Add in some broccoli for a healthy veggie side dish, or swap it out with other quick-cooking veggies like asparagus, string beans, bell peppers, and zucchini.
If you’re a fan of fish and want to prepare a fast, nutritious dinner, consider air frying a salmon fillet. It cooks in just 10 minutes and is packed with omega-3s, thanks to a simple marinade made from day-old bread and herbs. Toss in some zucchini fries for a healthy snack, or serve the dish over whole grains or simple air-fried vegetables for a low-carb option.
Another great healthy air fryer recipe to keep in your back pocket is this air fried orange chicken. Typically deep- or pan-fried in a ton of fat, making this recipe in the air fryer saves you a ton of calories and fat while still delivering tons of flavor. Serve over rice or whole grains for a protein-centric main, or go for a low-carb option and pair it with some simple air fried vegetables that can soak up the extra sauce.
These air fryer snacks are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without putting a dent in your health goals. These treats are made with only a handful of ingredients, and each one has a little bit of crunch, thanks to the air fryer. Make a big batch to last you all week, or simply enjoy them as an afternoon pick-me-up. You can even whip these up for a fun Halloween party idea that kids (and adults) will love!