14 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

This handy countertop appliance is the key to making some of your favorite foods — without all the extra oil.

January 14, 2022

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By: Kristie Collado

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There’s no denying that an air fryer is a great addition to any kitchen. Learn a few recipes that work well in it and you’ll be cooking up plenty of delicious dishes in no time. And, while not everything that you make in the air fryer is automatically healthy (we’re looking at you, Air Fryer Fried Oreos!) you’ll be surprised how many of your favorite recipes can be made with less fat and oil by utilizing this smart countertop appliance. Don’t believe us? This crispy breaded chicken will change your mind. It gets incredibly crunchy, thanks to a light coating of panko and Parmesan — and a quick cook in the air fryer. Serve it with charred broccoli and a tangy yogurt sauce for a healthy and complete meal you can throw together any day of the week.

Get the Recipe: Healthy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken with Broccoli

Air Fryer Acorn Squash with Brown Butter

The secret to getting crispy, caramelized acorn squash with very little added oil? Your trusty air fryer! We topped the whole dish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of brown butter, for a comforting and easy fall side dish.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Acorn Squash with Brown Butter

Healthy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs with Zoodles

You can have fork-tender turkey meatballs that are golden yet moist, thanks to the air fryer! Pair with fun zoodles, your favorite jarred tomato sauce and an extra pinch of Parmesan for a delicious and wholesome meal.

Get the Recipe: Healthy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs with Zoodles

Air Fryer Green Beans with Gremolata and Toasted Almonds

Get crispy, blistered green beans with very little oil, thanks to your air fryer! We added a simple gremolata topping of fragrant lemon zest, chopped parsley and garlic that's easy to make while the vegetables are cooking.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Beans with Gremolata and Toasted Almonds

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Salsa Verde and Lemony Kale Salad

An air fryer practically guarantees crispy, juicy chicken thighs. Seasoned simply with lemon zest, salt and pepper, they make a satisfying meal with an Italian-inspired salsa verde and bright kale salad (that's easy to make ahead). Air fried panko is the final crunchy touch.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Salsa Verde and Lemony Kale Salad

Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs

Believe it or not, your air fryer can make perfect soft, medium or hard cooked eggs — no boiling water required! This recipe will show you how.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air-fried Brussels sprouts make for a quick and easy side that everyone will enjoy. Using the air fryer guarantees the crispiest sprouts possible — without using a lot of oil.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Pork Chops

It's hard to resist this quick, oil-free version of the family favorite. It cooks up crisp and golden-brown in just 30 minutes!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Chops

Air Fryer Ranch Chickpeas

If you're used to buying roasted chickpeas, you'll love how fresh these taste! The air fryer is great for making foods you’d normally buy packaged, like potato chips or fruit chips.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ranch Chickpeas

Air Fryer Chili-Garlic Tofu with Green Beans

Air fryers aren't just for French fries, and this recipe showcases their versatility with a stir-fry-like dish that uses just a fraction of the typical amount of oil. Cleanup is a breeze since any splatters are kept in the fryer, and everything is cooked in about 30 minutes. The tofu is crispy on the outside and tender and soft on the inside, perfect for soaking up the warming chili sauce. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chili-Garlic Tofu with Green Beans

Air Fryer Spiced Nuts

Toasting nuts in an air fryer is not only fast and easy, but also creates very even browning as compared to larger ovens that have various hot spots. These crunchy, sweet and salty air fryer spiced nuts are great to serve alongside drinks as a pre-dinner snack without getting your guests too full!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spiced Nuts

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast

The ease and speed of an air fryer makes cooking frozen chicken breasts to golden, juicy perfection a breeze, so you can even prepare them in the morning before work or school. You can cook two at a time — just make sure not to stack them.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast

Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Fillets with Broccoli

The perfect one-pot meal: Salmon is brushed with a simple teriyaki glaze and cooked to perfection atop broccoli florets. And thanks to the air fryer, it's ready in a snap, with no fishy smell.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Fillets with Broccoli

Air Fryer Tostones

These plantains taste just like they came from a restaurant. Parcook them in the air fryer before giving them a good smash — then return them to the fryer to crisp them up. It's that easy!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tostones