15 Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Recipes

Benefits of Air Fryer Cooking

So what makes cooking with an air fryer so much better than, say, the toaster oven or stovetop? Here are some of the top benefits of using an air fryer for your meals:

• Healthier option: Air fryers use hot air to cook food, so cooking requires less oil than traditional frying methods. You’ll still get that delicious crispy texture with less fat and calories.
• Time efficient: With a faster cooking time than most traditional methods, using an air fryer can save you time in the kitchen. Plus, they preheat quickly too!
• Versatile: Air fryers are not just limited to making fries or chicken tenders. You can cook almost anything in an air fryer, thanks to all the cool settings and features that many of them have. From air frying and baking to roasting, broiling, and even dehydrating, there are many cooking methods to explore.
• Easy to clean: No more greasy pans or splatters on your stovetop. Most air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher safe, making cleanup effortless. 
• Environmentally friendly: Air fryers are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint as they use less energy than traditional ovens or stovetops. Plus, with less oil used in cooking, less waste is produced.

Tips for Cooking in the Air Fryer

An air fryer’s cooking process is a little different from traditional methods, so it’s important to know the best practices for getting delicious results. 

To start, make sure you preheat the air fryer before adding in your food. This will ensure that the hot air circulates evenly and helps to create that crispy exterior we all love. Not all food needs cooking oil, but it’s recommended to lightly coat the food with butter, oil, or cooking spray for optimal results. 

Once it’s time to put in your food, make sure you don’t overfill the basket or tray. Otherwise, the air won’t be able to circulate properly, and you may end up with unevenly cooked food. It’s best to place your food in a single layer, leaving some space in between each piece. If you are cooking larger quantities, consider cooking in batches for better results.

Another tip is to shake or turn the food halfway through the cooking time. This will help ensure even cooking and browning on all sides. And finally, remember that air fryers cook food faster than traditional methods, so it’s important to check on your food periodically to avoid overcooking.

15 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That You’ll Love

Ready for a delicious meal the whole family will enjoy? Here are 15 of our favorite air fryer recipes that are healthy and easy to make:

1. Air Fryer Steak Bites

After one bite of this juicy steak, you won’t believe it was cooked in an air fryer. Not only are these air fryer steak bites bursting with flavor, but they are also a quick and easy option for any meal or gathering. Just prep and add them to a preheated air fryer basket for a delicious and healthy protein option. All you need is 13 minutes!

2. Air Fryer Banana Chips

Who needs store-bought banana chips when you’ve got a ripe banana at home you don’t know what to do with? These air fryer banana chips are sweet, crunchy, and made in your very own kitchen with healthier ingredients — what more could you ask for? All you have to do is season ’em, fry ’em, flip ’em, and let ’em cool. It’s just that easy.

​3. Crispy Air-Fried Tofu

Protein-packed and oh-so-crave-worthy, this crispy air-fried tofu is the perfect addition to any meal. Simply choose extra firm tofu and press out the excess water. Then season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder before cooking. The result? A beautifully golden brown tofu with a satisfying crunch on the outside and a soft and flavorful inside. 

4. Air Fryer Pork Chops

15-minute pork chops never tasted so good! These air fryer pork chops are packed with savory, smoky flavors and nutrition. They are quickly seasoned with a blend of smoked paprika, garlic and onion powder, ground mustard, black pepper, and salt. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe will become a household favorite! 

5. Must-Have Air Fried French Fries

Deep frying is no match for the delicious taste of these air-fried french fries! Salty, crispy, and perfectly seasoned, these fries will blow your mind without blowing up your diet. Get the same amazing flavor of fast food fries while staying on track with your health goals. 

6. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

These crispy air fryer chicken wings are a perfect example of how you can enhance the taste, convenience, and healthiness of a dish. You only need a little oil (not CUPS like a typical deep-fry process) to coat the chicken before adding the herb mix. It’s that simple, and your wings will turn out crispy and delicious!

7. Air-Fried Fish Tacos with Coleslaw and Lime Crema

Low-fat and gluten-free, these air fryer fish tacos are both healthy and delicious. Using southwestern spices and cooking in an air fryer gives the fish a unique flavor and texture. Top it off with avocado, shredded Mexican cheese, pico de gallo, and jalapeños for the perfect Taco Tuesday dinner. 

8. Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Chinese take-out is an all-time favorite, but it’s not the healthiest dish out there. But with these air fryer egg rolls, you can indulge in your favorite cuisine without feeling guilty. With its crispy and savory taste, you won’t even miss the greasy fried version. 

9. Air Fryer Turkey Bacon

No more messy oil splatters and long cook times — the air fryer is the ultimate tool for making perfect, crispy air fryer turkey bacon in just a few minutes. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack, this method will quickly become your go-to for enjoying delicious and healthy turkey bacon. 

10. The Easiest Air Fryer Chicken Breasts Recipe

These air fryer chicken breasts are packed with flavor, perfectly browned, and crispy on the outside. Our recipe only uses seven simple ingredients, five of which are calorie-free spices. You can choose to use avocado oil spray or extra light olive oil spray for a healthier option. With just 66 calories per serving and 12 grams of protein, this dish is not only delicious but also great for toning muscles. 

11. Air Fryer Cod Fish Cakes

Having fish-fry Friday? Don’t be scared to make your own air fryer cod fish cakes! With just a few pre-cooked ingredients like quinoa, cauliflower, and nutritional yeast, you can create a delicious and nutritious meal. These cakes come out crispy and flavorful, thanks to the green onion and lemon. You’re going to love them!

12. Air-Fried Edamame with Sweet Thai Chili Dressing

This air-fried edamame recipe uses pre-shelled edamame and a sweet Thai chili dressing for a quick and healthy snack with no added chemicals or fat. It only takes 15 minutes to make in the air fryer, making it an easy, satisfying option whenever the cravings hit. 

13. Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Craving some Italian comfort food? This air fryer chicken parmesan recipe is the perfect solution! In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a healthier version of this classic dish. The chicken is coated in a crispy crust using minimal oil and is topped with tangy marinara sauce and melted parmesan cheese. 

14. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

These healthy air fryer mozzarella sticks taste every bit as good as a restaurant’s, but they’re much healthier cooked in the air fryer. Just coat your mozzarella sticks in our flavorful breadcrumb mixture and pop them in the air fryer for a quick, crispy snack or appetizer.

15. The Easiest BBQ Air Fryer Ribs

This BBQ air fryer ribs recipe defies the norm of slow cooking, as it delivers juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs in just under an hour. Enjoy mouth-watering ribs that are infused with flavor and cooked to perfection! You won’t believe how easy and delicious they are.