The air fryer first hit the culinary scene in 2010, and it took the world by storm. By circulating hot air at quick speeds, the appliance gives our favorite fried foods a delicious crunch with much less oil and fat than traditional deep frying.
Plus, the air fryer’s cook time is much faster than a traditional oven or stovetop, so you can get your favorite dinner recipes on the table in no time—perfect for the healthy foodie who’s on the go.
Check out these yummy healthy air fryer recipes that will have you kicking the deep fryer to the curb.
1. Air Fryer Salmon
Salmon is more than just a fancy dinner meal. The lean fish is packed with protein and omega-3 acids, amongst other beneficial nutrients.
Cooking your salmon fillets in an air fryer results in a tender, flaky piece of fish in less than 10 minutes, and the combination of olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika make for a simple and delicious dinner.
Pair your salmon with air-fried green beans and you have a healthy meal that will taste like it’s from a 5-star restaurant.
2. Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
Brussel sprouts get a bad wrap when it comes to vegetables, but when cooked right, they make an excellent healthy side dish.
This simple air fryer recipe uses only olive oil, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese to make a crispy, golden brown batch of deliciousness.
These pair well with almost any protein, and can even be served as an appetizer for your dinner party guests.
3. Air Fryer Chicken and Veggies
Chicken and veggies are a staple of clean eating. Whether you use chicken breast or chicken thighs, air-fried chicken is juicy, tender, and exploding with flavor.
This chicken recipe is versatile, so while this meal calls for air fryer broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini, you can use a wide array of veggies and spices to suit your taste.
No matter how you make it, this recipe is perfect to come home to on a busy weeknight.
4. Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
If you’re looking to incorporate more nutrient-dense foods into your diet, sweet potatoes should be top of your list.
Sweet potatoes are full of potassium, fiber, and other important vitamins. But most importantly – they roast perfectly in an air fryer.
The air fryer highlights the sweet flavor and produces a crispy skin with a tender inside.
Try these mixed with chickpeas and spinach or as a breakfast side dish.
5. Air Fryer Fish Tacos
A crispy, fried taco that’s healthy? Yes, you read that right. This air-fried fish bursts with flavor in every crispy bite using panko breadcrumbs and lots of spice.
This tender fish will taste just like the deep-fried version but with much less oil and fat.
The pineapple and cilantro coleslaw salsa adds a sweet and spicy kick that will make you feel like you’re sitting on a beach, sipping a margarita—if only.
6. Air Fryer Pork Chops
Our muscles love being fed lean protein, and a juicy pork chop will make them sing with glee.
A thick-cut pork chop takes only 12 minutes to cook in the air fryer with this recipe, which calls for a brown sugar-based rub that brings out the juicy flavor of the meat.
Your knife will glide right through this tender chop with ease, giving it a quick path to your tastebuds.
7. Air Fryer Meatballs
Meatballs can be a hard meal to make if they don’t cook through evenly, so avoid a misshapen meatball using your air fryer.
This unique recipe has you mixing mushrooms with your ground beef, which allows for more nutrients and fewer calories.
Use air fryer meatballs in a spaghetti dish or alone as a protein-filled, yummy meal.
8. Air Fryer Falafel
Falafel is a delicious, vegetarian, Middle Eastern dish made from chickpeas that is full of both protein and spices.
Traditional falafel is deep-fried, and while incredibly tasty, not always easy on the body. These air-fried patties have the same flavors you know and love but much less oil and easier cleaning.
Whether you use store-bought or homemade Tahini sauce is up to you, just don’t forget the veggies.
9. Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini
Put away the potato chips. This air fryer parmesan zucchini recipe will become your new favorite side dish.
The parmesan and spice blend takes a plain vegetable to new heights and once it’s roasted, you’ll forget it was even a vegetable in the first place.