25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (2024)

If one of your new holiday gifts is an air fryer, you might be looking for some great tasting air fryer recipes to help you kick off the new year. Here are 25 healthy air fryer recipes that are high in nutrition and flavor!

After all of the holiday delights, we know January is a good month to get back to meal plans that won’t add to your waistline. But who wants to sacrifice taste? Not us! So we’ve put together a list of healthy air fryer recipes that taste decadent, but are actually pretty darn good for you! Keep reading to see all the delicious recipes!

And if you are looking for an air fryer to help with your new year diet resolutions, there are some fantastic choices. This air fryer is a great price and has a 5.8 quart sized basket that’s perfect for most dishes. And there’s this affordable and compact version if you just want dabble in occasional air frying and save space.

But our experience is that once you start, you will want to air fry many of your favorite foods regularly! Check out this multi-level air fryer from Nuwave that will help you cook the maximum quantity at once. And if you already have an Instant Pot, no need to get a whole new appliance! Here is an Instant Pot Air Fryer lid that will help you air fry, broil and bake! Keep scrolling to see the tasty yet healthy air fryer recipes!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: In the Market for an Air Fryer? Here are the Best 8 You Can Buy Right Now

Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

We’ve rounded up everything from low carb Jalapeno Poppers and Crispy Salmon, to restaurant classics like General Tso’s Chicken and Crispy Shrimp! There are also amazing vegetarian dishes like cheesy eggplant sandwiches and cauliflower tacos. Read on to see all the flavorful air fryer recipes with none of the guilt!

Chicken Teriyaki Wings

Crispy, crunchy chicken wings can taste great without all the fat from butter and oil. This recipe for air fryer chicken teriyaki wings will satisfy your cravings without costing you a ton of calories. And this recipe has a bonus – it includes a sauce with no added sugar.

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (1)

Keto Jalapeno Poppers

Who doesn’t love a dish that is fried, cheesy, salty and spicy? With this keto-friendly version of jalapeno poppers, you can savor all of those flavors and none of the shame. Cooked in the air fryer with no breading, these are the perfect alternative to the traditionally deep-fried game-day snack.

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (2)

Crispy Shrimp

One of the tastiest fried foods are fried shrimp. Usually enjoyed after loads of breading and oil, you can make a healthier version with this crispy shrimp recipe. These shrimp are low carb and full of crunchy sweet flavors. They are sure to be a healthy family favorite!

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (3)

Pizza Toast

We all definitely like to try to eat healthier and get more nutrients into our diet. But we don’t know anyone who wants to give up on their favorite foods like pizza. This gratifying air fryer pizza toast is a wholesome version of pizza that won’t ruin a healthy diet.

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (4)

Orange Chicken

Do you love savory, crispy orange chicken, but don’t want all those excessive calories? This easy air fryer recipe is so fresh and tasty, you won’t miss the restaurant version at all! And this one has been kid tested, so it’s a great meal to cook that will please everyone in the house.

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (5)

Honey Cinnamon Pears

Baked pears make for a nutritious and enjoyable sweet treat. This air fryer version only has four ingredients and is so easy to make. They are healthy way to end a meal and will help you include more fruit and fiber in your diet.

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (6)

Cauliflower Tacos

Tacos can be full of nutrient rich foods and fresh vegetables. This air fryer recipe for cauliflower tacos is wholesome and flavorful. Air frying the cauliflower will give you a crispy hearty taco filling, and adding toppings like tomato, lettuce and other fresh veggies will increase the health benefits even more.

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (7)

Power Banana Muffins

Baked goods can actually be good for us! These protein packed banana muffins are made in 30 minutes with your air fryer. They’ll give you a boost of power and energy while enjoying a tasty treat.

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (8)

Crumbed Mushrooms

Crispy mushrooms sound like a decadent appetizer, but with this recipe they only taste that way. They are gluten-free, vegan and delectable! Cook them in your air fryer for just 12 minutes and you will be on your way to sustainable, healthy snacking.

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (9)

Crispy Falafel

Protein packed falafel is full of flavor and great if you want to decrease your meat intake while getting healthy. But typically this dish is made by deep or pan frying these delicious balls in tons of oil. With this amazing air fryer version, you can enjoy these veggie filled sandwiches in a refreshing way! And bonus points because this recipe is gluten-free too.

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (10)

Sweet Potato Chips

Snacking on fried potato chips can be satisfying for a brief moment, but then leave us feeling only full of remorse. But if you make this recipe for sweet potato chips in your air fryer, you’ll be snacking smart! The fiber and complex carbs in the sweet potatoes will help fill you up, and you’ll get a satisfying crunch without the guilt.

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (11)

Breaded Tilapia

Fried fish is so crunchy and indulgent, but air fryer fish can taste that same way without all of the calories! Try this breaded tilapia recipe for your air fryer and you can make a beneficial version of a family favorite dinner. Serve it with a fresh salad or veggies for a nutrient rich meal.

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (12)

Zucchini Fries

Getting healthy and staying that way is all about balance. You want to eat a variety of healthy foods, and make sure they are tasty and enjoyable so you stick with it! Try this simple and delicious recipe for air fryer zucchini fries. They are a fantastic healthy side dish or appetizer – low in excess fat and oil, and high on taste.

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (13)

Crispy Juicy Salmon

If you have ever cooked fish on your stove top or in your oven, you know the most difficult part is getting it evenly cooked. But cooking it in your air fryer solves that problem by circulating the air all around the fish and sealing in moisture. Try this healthy and delicious air fryer salmon, and you will definitely want to add it to your weeknight dinner rotation. As far as air fryer recipes go, this one is a stand out!

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (14)

Apple Crisps

Sure, you can buy apple chips at the supermarket, but why not make them on your own so you know exactly what goes into them. This quick and healthy apple crisp recipe can get you snacking in 15 minutes. Plus, it’s a fun activity to do with the kids to show them how healthy snacks are made.

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (15)

Butternut Squash

We love when there is a way to make veggies sweeter and crispier. With this simple recipe for butternut squash, you can do both in just minutes. Cut into cubes or into fries, and enjoy them right out of the air fryer, knowing you are eating something very nutritious!

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (16)

Broccoli Bites

Fried veggies can be so fun and a great way to get more vegetable into your diet. Instead of deep frying or pan frying in oil, you should try air fryer recipes like this one for broccoli bites that will save you a ton of fat and calories. It’s packed with so much flavor, it’s sure the please everyone in the family.

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (17)

Crispy Taco Potatoes

Getting healthy doesn’t mean you have to give up on your favorite flavors. Who doesn’t love crispy potatoes and taco flavors? Here is a fantastic air fryer recipe that combines both! Use these potatoes are a side dish, appetizer or even mixed in with veggies, a salad or a breakfast hash.

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (18)

Crunchy Chickpeas

Love to snack on crunchy, salty foods, and don’t want to give that up? You don’t have to with this protein packed crunchy chickpea recipe. This recipe offers you a healthy, spicy snack that you can make easily in your air fryer in only 15 minutes.

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (19)

Spiced Shrimp

This spicy shrimp with dipping sauce might be something you’d eat on vacation, overlooking the ocean, but with this recipe you can easily make it right in your own kitchen! The garlic and paprika are perfect compliments to the sweet shrimp, but the real kicker here is the spicy “comeback sauce” for dipping. YUM!

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (20)

Eggplant Sandwiches

When we think of eggplant, we often cook our go to recipe for fried eggplant parmesan. But if you air fry some eggplant rounds with this delicious recipe, you can create something better for you. Add the eggplant to a healthy bun and top with fresh veggies for a sandwich that tastes amazing and makes you feel good too!

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (21)

General Tso’s Chicken

Chinese takeout can definitely add too many calories to your day. With this recipe for General Tso’s Chicken, you can make a health version at home. You can still have that flavorful sauce with crispy chicken, but without all of that salt and fat that comes with the restaurant version.

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (22)

Onion Rings

Yes, you can make healthy onion rings! Onions are a great source of vitamins and help control blood sugar. And when you use air fryer recipes like this one to make a healthy version of onion rings, they can be enjoyed without the guilt!

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (23)

Crunchy Broccoli Rabe

The best way to get eat your greens is definitely by cooking them in the air fryer. Make sure your broccoli rabe is crunchy and full of flavor with this recipe. And unlike the typical boiling, ice bowl then saute pan for broccoli rabe, this only requires one pot!

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (24)

RELATED: 30 Delicious Blender Recipes That Aren’t Smoothies, But Are Just As Easy

Crispy Chicken Thighs

Nothing will cook your skin-on chicken like an air fryer. It makes the skin perfectly and evenly crispy, and keeps the chicken tender and juicy on the inside. Definitely give this recipe for crispy chicken thighs a try, and it will become a staple in your kitchen! We promise!

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (25)

Contents

  • 1 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes
  • 2 Chicken Teriyaki Wings
  • 3 Keto Jalapeno Poppers
  • 4 Crispy Shrimp
  • 5 Pizza Toast
  • 6 Orange Chicken
  • 7 Honey Cinnamon Pears
  • 8 Cauliflower Tacos
  • 9 Power Banana Muffins
  • 10 Crumbed Mushrooms
  • 11 Crispy Falafel
  • 12 Sweet Potato Chips
  • 13 Breaded Tilapia
  • 14 Zucchini Fries
  • 15 Crispy Juicy Salmon
  • 16 Apple Crisps
  • 17 Butternut Squash
  • 18 Broccoli Bites
  • 19 Crispy Taco Potatoes
  • 20 Crunchy Chickpeas
  • 21 Spiced Shrimp
  • 22 Eggplant Sandwiches
  • 23 General Tso’s Chicken
  • 24 Onion Rings
  • 25 Crunchy Broccoli Rabe
  • 26 Crispy Chicken Thighs

About Mamas Uncut

Mamas Uncut is THE online place for moms. We cover the latest about motherhood, parenting, and entertainment as well – all with a mom-focused twist. So if you're looking for parenting advice from real parents, we have plenty of it, all for moms from moms, and also experts. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is focused solely on empowering moms and moms-to-be with the knowledge and answers they’re looking for in one safe space.

-->

25 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Taste Indulgent (2024)

FAQs

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

What is the first thing you should make in an air fryer? ›

Make homemade sweetcorn and spring onion fritters in the air fryer for easy, energy-efficient cooking. These would be perfect as a veggie lunch, starter or side.

How to eat healthy with an air fryer? ›

Lean into plant foods like fruits, vegetables, herbs, legumes and nuts. You can use your air fryer to "sauté" greens like kale and Swiss chard, "roast" vegetables including carrots, asparagus and Brussels sprouts and "bake" lean cuts of protein like boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Why is Airfryer not healthy? ›

Air-frying equipment is not known to cause cancer, but the process of air frying does result in the formation of certain compounds, like acrylamide, that are linked to cancer development. Acrylamide is classified as a probable human carcinogen.

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 foods turn out best in an air fryer? ›

Veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms & onions, and cauliflower all turn out incredible in the air fryer. You can also make your main dish IN the air fryer. It works magic with proteins like tofu, chicken drumsticks, meatballs, pork chops, fried chicken… even steak.

Does Gordon Ramsay use an air fryer? ›

Though Gordon Ramsay is clearly a fan of using an air fryer to cook steak, at his restaurants, his go-to method involves using a pan instead. Because you can only cook steak one or two at a time in them, an air fryer isn't the best option if you're feeding a crowd.

What oil is best in Airfryer? ›

The Best Oil for Air Fryer Cooking
  • Olive oil: For foods cooked at 375 degrees or below.
  • Canola oil: For cooking below 400 degrees.
  • Baking spray: For sweet treats fried below 400 degrees.
  • Grapeseed oil: For cooking up to 420 degrees.
  • Avocado oil: For dishes prepared at up to 520 degrees.
Apr 26, 2022

What are the most popular foods cooked in an air fryer? ›

Some of the popular things to make in the air fryer are potatoes (chips, roasted, baked), muffins, scones, and cakes. It's also great for getting dinner on the table fast – we love to use our air fryer to make fritters, rissoles, nuggets, and pork belly (yes, you can cook raw meat in an air fryer).

What is the trick for using an air fryer? ›

Shake it

One of the best tips I can offer you for how to use an air fryer is to periodically shake the basket during its cooking time. I'm not talking anything crazy – just a couple of good shakes during cooking to really move the food around and get that even, crispy coating on every single bite.

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.

Can I eat air fryer food everyday? ›

Nutrient-dense foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, fatty fish and lean meats are generally just as nutritious in the air fryer as in the oven. However, the air fryer isn't a "free pass" to eat unlimited amounts of higher-calorie foods just because it's healthier than deep frying.

What do 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.

What should you never put in an air fryer? ›

Similar to seasoning, any lightweight leafy greens you put in your air fryer will only get blown around. This means they will cook unevenly and burn easily too, so vegetables such as lettuce and spinach should be avoided. Kale chips are possible, but you would need to coat them in enough oil to give them weight.

What are the top 10 foods to cook in an air fryer? ›

Start air frying these 13 foods and watch your cooking time drop and your satisfaction in healthy meals skyrocket!
  • Chicken Breasts. ...
  • Tofu. ...
  • Zoodles. ...
  • Cauliflower Gnocchi. ...
  • Salmon (chopped) ...
  • Chickpeas. ...
  • Personal Pizzas. ...
  • Frozen Cauliflower.
Feb 18, 2020

What ruins an air fryer? ›

Putting a damp basket back into the air fryer can cause damage, such as affecting the time it takes for your air fryer to heat up or damaging the internal components. It is no secret that water and electricity do not go hand-in-hand.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ouida Strosin DO

Last Updated:

Views: 6158

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ouida Strosin DO

Birthday: 1995-04-27

Address: Suite 927 930 Kilback Radial, Candidaville, TN 87795

Phone: +8561498978366

Job: Legacy Manufacturing Specialist

Hobby: Singing, Mountain biking, Water sports, Water sports, Taxidermy, Polo, Pet

Introduction: My name is Ouida Strosin DO, I am a precious, combative, spotless, modern, spotless, beautiful, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.