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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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? ›

Brussels sprouts are the best place to start your air-fried vegetable journey. They crisp up beautifully and take no time at all. If you're making these for a crowd, we suggest frying them up in batches as overcrowding the basket can lead to soggy results.

What tastes best cooked 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.

Why are people getting rid of Air fryers? ›

Households are shelving their air fryers in favour of another kitchen appliance that is cheaper to run, and just as healthy.

Why is Airfryer not healthy? ›

Acrylamide is a chemical that can be created by cooking processes including baking, air frying, and toasting. Acrylamide is considered a probable human carcinogen based on the results of studies in laboratory animals.

Do air fryers have negative effects? ›

One example of a negative effect air-frying may have on food, and on your health was illustrated by a study that showed cooking fatty varieties of fish such as sardines in an air-fryer decreased the healthy fat content (poly-unsaturated fats) and slightly increased the cholesterol oxidation products, which may ...

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.

What are the disadvantages of the Ninja air fryer? ›

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.

What are the 10 best foods to cook in 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

Can I bake a cake in an air fryer? ›

An air fryer can do much more, including baking a cake. It's surprisingly not too different from baking a cake in your regular oven. In fact, baking in an air-fryer helps you save time, and energy and allows you to bake a variety of cakes, including sponge cakes, brownies, and more.

What is the best thing to use an air fryer for? ›

Insider asked chefs to share their favorite things to make in an air fryer. Their favorite dishes to make in this appliance include gnocchi, chicken, and crunchy chickpeas. It's also possible to make flavorful steak, bacon, and chicken nuggets in an air fryer.

What meat tastes good in the air fryer? ›

Meat: Air fryers are great for cooking meat such as chicken, beef, and pork. They come out juicy and tender. Seafood: Air fryers can cook seafood like shrimp, salmon, and tilapia. They come out crispy and delicious.

What is the best meat to air fry? ›

Ribeye and New York strip steak tastes great when prepared in an air fryer, but many other cuts such as tri-tip, flank steak, and top round also work well. Marinate lean steak cuts prior to cooking, and try to stick with 1-inch-thick steaks for the best results.

What is the best meat to cook in the air fryer? ›

As with all dry-heat cooker methods (grilling, broiling, pan frying and oven roasting), tender beef cuts perform best in the air fryer. Those cuts include Top Sirloin, KC Strip, Ribeye, Tenderloin and Tri Tip. Ground beef also can be easily prepared in an air fryer.

What Cannot be cooked in an Airfryer? ›

What can you not put in an air fryer? 11 items experts warn against cooking in your appliance
  1. Water. ...
  2. Cheese. ...
  3. Roast chicken. ...
  4. Wet batter. ...
  5. Popcorn. ...
  6. Vegetables with low water content such as broccoli and fresh greens. ...
  7. Loose seasoning and breadcrumbs. ...
  8. Red meat.
Jan 7, 2023

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.

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.

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