20 Healthy Air-Fryer Recipes That Are Still Super Satisfying
Crispy and nutritious, these dishes will curb your cravings!
Some of the best air-fryer recipes are the ones that produce extra-crispy results like French fries, chicken tenders, and egg rolls that emerge from the basket with an upgraded, super-satisfying crunch. Since this handy kitchen appliance uses less oil than a deep fryer, it's also an amazing tool for whipping up healthy dinner recipes. And thanks to a powerful fan that circulates hot air at a rapid pace, this nifty gadget gets food on the table in a quarter of the time. Plus, when cooking consists of tossing dishes in an air fryer, cleanup is such a breeze (psst: discover the right way to clean one here!) Even Ree Drummond is a fan! "I was a little late to the air fryer party, but now I'm obsessed," she says.
For easy, nutritious meals with an insane level of crispiness and flavor, we've rounded up 20 healthy air-fryer recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. Here, you’ll find lightened-up versions of your favorite comfort-food dishes like beef taquitos, onion rings, and grilled cheese. There are also plenty of ideas for making vegetable sides like Brussels sprouts and green beans taste more divine and come together faster than you could imagine. If you're looking for a tasty entrée, you'll also spot several air-fryer chicken recipes like drumsticks and chicken breasts, plus nourishing recipes for fish, turkey, and pork.
So, select one of these healthy air-fryer recipes, grab your clever cooking companion, and prepare to be astonished by the crunch factor!
Achieve your healthy-eating goals with more wholesome recipes:
Air-Fryer Ribs
By slotting ribs in the air fryer, the meat will turn moist and crisp, and the sauce will become caramelized—all in just over 40 minutes! Plus, this recipe cuts back on oil, so you’ll feel good about eating it.
Get Ree's Air-Fryer Ribs recipe.
Air-Fryer Cauliflower
Take cauliflower to a new level of deliciousness by coating the veggie in bold seasonings and cooking it in the air fryer. The crispy florets will taste even better when dunked into a creamy, tangy sauce!
Get the Air-Fryer Cauliflower recipe.
Air-Fryer Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts get a bad rap for tasting dry and bland, but this healthy air-fryer recipe converts them into a juicy, flavorful delight—without loading on the calories! What's more, you'll only need to set aside five minutes for the prep.
Get Ree's Air-Fryer Chicken Breasts recipe.
Air-Fryer Falafel
Not only does falafel taste amazing, but it also makes an excellent source of vegetarian-friendly protein! These herbaceous balls of chickpea are typically fried in oil, but the air fryer makes them lighter and turns them golden.
Get the Air-Fryer Falafel recipe.
Air-Fryer Snap Peas
With an air fryer and a sprinkle of parmesan, this naturally sweet vegetable becomes even more scrumptious. Enjoy this crunchy veggie as a side dish, or munch on them for your afternoon snack.
Get Ree's Air-Fryer Snap Peas recipe.
Air-Fryer Taquitos
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 or as a starter for Taco Tuesday.
Get the Air-Fryer Taquitos recipe.
Air-Fryer Baked Potato
There are so many delicious 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.
Air-Fryer Asparagus
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.
Air-Fryer Parmesan Steak Fries
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.
Air-Fryer Grilled Cheese
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.
Air-Fryer Onion Rings
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.
Air-Fryer Pork Chops
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.
Air-Fryer Steak
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.
Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts
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.
Air-Fryer Green Beans
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.
Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs
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.
Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
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.
Air-Fryer Turkey Breast
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.
Air-Fryer Fish
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.
Air-Fryer Okra
Okra is low in calories and a great source of vitamin C, but many people are turned off by its texture. Well, not anymore! This version is extra crispy from the air fryer so everyone can enjoy.
Get the Air-Fryer Okra recipe.
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