30 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes That Are Still Totally Satisfying

healthy air fryer recipes
30 Healthy Recipes to Make in an Air FryerWill Dickey


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Some of the best air fryer recipes are the ones that produce crispy results—like French fries without the pot of oil. But the handy kitchen appliance is also great for whipping up other healthy dinner recipes, too. In fact, you can make so many different dishes using only an air fryer. And the best part is—you’ll get dinner on the table quickly without having too much cleanup! Just look at the healthy air fryer recipes ahead. Here, you’ll find lightened up versions of crispy beef taquitos, healthy lunches, and quick cooking vegetable sides. "I was a little late to the air fryer party," Ree Drummond says, "but now I'm obsessed!"

Looking for a dinner your family will love? Try a healthy twist on crispy pork chops, air fryer chicken recipes, or healthy fish recipes made entirely in the air fryer. Serve it up with air fryer veggies, like Brussels sprouts or green beans, for a meal that's both easy and good for you, too. Of course, eating healthy is different for everyone, and we're not going to be the ones to say you need to cut out some of your favorite foods. That's why we've also included a few air fryer desserts to satisfy your sweet cravings like baked apples.

Ready to start using an air fryer for cooking? Check out these air fryer cookbooks for even more recipe ideas.

Air Fryer Taquitos

Flavorful shredded beef stuffed inside crispy, crunchy tortillas? Count us in! This fun snack is perfect for serving with guacamole and salsa for a healthy game day spread.

Get the Air Fryer Taquitos recipe.

SHOP AIR FRYERS

air fryer taquitos
Will Dickey

Air Fryer Baked Potato

There are so many ways to enjoy a baked potato. You can top it with hearty chili or cottage cheese, or serve it up alongside a piece of roasted salmon. The best part? Making it in the air fryer ensures perfect doneness every time.

Get the Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe.

air fryer baked potato
Will Dickey

Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Fried pickles are a state fair classic, but they're not necessarily considered "good for you." That is, until now! Here, you'll find out how to make them in the air fryer, so they're never greasy—just delicious.

Get the Air Fryer Fried Pickles recipe.

air fryer fried pickles
Caitlin Bensel

Air Fryer Parmesan Steak Fries

These fries are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—just the way steak fries should be! Plus, they're loaded with flavor from the blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese.

Get the Air Fryer Parmesan Steak Fries recipe.

air fryer garlic parmesan fries
Caitlin Bensel

Air Fryer Asparagus

Give this spring veggie some extra crunch by tossing the spears in paprika, onion powder, and breadcrumbs. It's a fun variation on a simple side.

Get the Air Fryer Asparagus recipe.

SHOP PLATTERS

air fryer asparagus
David Malosh

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

You only need a thin layer of butter to make this grilled cheese sandwich (or you can skip it and just use mayo). The air fryer does most of the work to make it crispy. It's one of those recipes that's comforting, simple, and delicious all at once.

Get the Air Fryer Grilled Cheese recipe.

healthy air fryer air fryer grilled cheese
Caitlin Bensel

Air Fryer Onion Rings

Fried foods, like onion rings, are often a guilty pleasure. But now they can just be a pleasure—without the guilt! That's because you'll skip the hot pot of oil and make them in an air fryer instead.

Get the Air Fryer Onion Rings recipe.

air fryer onion rings
Caitlin Bensel

Air Fryer Steak

Who says you can't have steak for dinner? The hearty protein is great for keeping you fueled up on busy weekdays and you can even keep things light by slicing it up and serving it over a salad.

Get the Air Fryer Steak recipe.

air fryer steak
Will Dickey

Air Fryer French Fries

We can't think of a better side dish to serve up with a healthy dinner, like chicken burgers or grilled fish. Not to mention they're ready in just 30 minutes flat.

Get the Air Fryer French Fries recipe.

air fryer french fries
Will Dickey

Air Fryer Pork Chops

Weeknight dinner doesn't need to be a chore. It can be healthy, easy, and crispy, too. Just look at these pork chops that only take about 12 minutes to cook.

Get the Air Fryer Pork Chops recipe.

SHOP DINNERWARE

air fryer pork chops with salad and mash
Will Dickey

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

What's the best way to get your family to eat their Brussels sprouts? Make them in an air fryer! The tiny leaves get so crispy and delicious, especially when seasoned with soy sauce, Sriracha, and honey.

Get the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe.

air fryer brussels sprouts with soy sauce
Will Dickey

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

This foolproof chicken recipe comes out juicy and moist every time. Don't worry—you'll still get that crispy chicken skin by raising the air fryer's temperature after flipping. It's genius!

Get the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe.

healthy air fryer recipes air fryer chicken thighs with side salad and mashed potatoes
Will Dickey

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and vitamin A so they make a great alternative to regular potatoes when it comes to fries. Plus, making them in the air fryer eliminates the mess of cooking with hot oil.

Get the Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries recipe.

air fryer sweet potato fries
Will Dickey

Air Fryer Green Beans

Whether you serve them for a holiday meal or just a weeknight dinner, green beans are a simple addition to any family table. Not to mention they only take 15 minutes from start to finish!

Get the Air Fryer Green Beans recipe.

SHOP SERVING PLATES

air fryer green beans
Caitlin Bensel

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

This classic Italian dinner is typically fried, but this air fryer version is just as delicious! The 30-minute meal is even easier, too! Serve it up with zucchini noodles for a healthier twist.

Get the Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe.

air fryer chicken parmesan with spaghetti
Will Dickey

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Using a bone-in turkey breast is the key to making sure this turkey recipe stays moist and juicy while the skin gets crispy from the air fryer. It doesn't have to be Thanksgiving to make it!

Get the Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe.

air fryer turkey breast
Caitlin Bensel

Air Fryer Fish

Even those who are skeptical of fish will love this crispy fish recipe. Between the cornmeal crust and the homemade tartar sauce, it's hard to resist.

Get the Air Fryer Fish recipe.

air fryer fish with fries
Caitlin Bensel

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Anyone craving a healthy super bowl snack will want to add this cauliflower recipe to their list. It has all the buffalo flavor you know and love, plus it's vegetarian and super crispy.

Get the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites recipe.

air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites
Natalie Perry/The Pioneer Woman

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Skip the freezer aisle and try making your own chicken tenders instead! The homemade version is so much better for you and it has that perfect golden coating.

Get the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe.

SHOP DINNERWARE

air fryer chicken tenders with mustard
Will Dickey

Air Fryer Egg Rolls

This lightened-up egg roll recipe doesn't require nearly as much oil (thanks to the air fryer) as the original, but it still has that satisfying crunch.

Get the Air Fryer Egg Rolls recipe.

air fryer egg rolls
Will Dickey

Air Fryer Okra

Okra is low in calories and a great source of vitamin C, but many people are turned off by its texture. Well, not anymore! This version is extra crispy from the air fryer so everyone can enjoy.

Get the Air Fryer Okra recipe.

air fryer okra
Will Dickey

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

While wings might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to healthy eating, this air fryer version makes the popular game day food accessible to everyone. It's cooked first at a lower temperature, then at a higher temperature for that crispy perfection.

Get the Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipe.

air fryer chicken wings
Will Dickey

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

This healthier twist on the popular finger food will surprise your guests. Just beware, it does have a spicy kick!

Get the Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers recipe.

air fryer jalapeno poppers
Caitlin Bensel

Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Salmon

There are so many health benefits to salmon, it's hard to count! Not only is it a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, but it also has tons of B vitamins, protein, and healthy fats. And when prepared with lemon and garlic, it's so delicious.

Get the Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Salmon recipe at Sweet Cs Design.

SHOP CUTTING BOARDS

air fryer lemon garlic salmon
Sweet Cs Design

Air Fryer Breakfast Frittata

Start your day off on the right foot with this healthy frittata made in an air fryer. It has protein-packed eggs and plenty of veggies for your morning meal.

Get the Air Fryer Breakfast Frittata recipe at Recipes from a Pantry.

air fryer breakfast frittata
Recipes from a Pantry

Air Fryer Baked Apples

This sweet recipe has all the flavors of apple crisp, but it's individually portioned and easy to whip up. All it takes is 15 minutes (and a scoop of ice cream).

Get the Air Fryer Baked Apples recipe at Cook It Real Good.

air fryer baked apples with ice cream
Cook It Real Good

Air Fryer Broccoli Tots

Swap out your typical potato tots for this lower-carb broccoli variety instead. They're crispy, flavorful, and even better when served with the creamy buffalo dip.

Get the Air Fryer Broccoli Tots recipe at Evergreen Kitchen.

air fryer broccoli tots with dip
Evergreen Kitchen

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Just like your favorite bag of chips, this salty, crunchy snack is so addicting. Luckily, these are healthier thanks to the air fryer and made from lower-carb zucchini!

Get the Air Fryer Zucchini Chips recipe at Wholesome Yum.

air fryer zucchini chips
Wholesome Yum

Air Fryer Peach Cobbler

From the fresh peaches to the streusel topping, this single serve cobbler is just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Get the Air Fryer Peach Cobbler recipe at Thyme and Joy.

SHOP RAMEKINS

air fryer peach cobbler with ice cream in ramekin
Thyme and Joy

Air Fryer Granola

Unlike many store-bought granolas, this homemade version is naturally sweetened with honey and loaded with good-for-you ingredients like oats, coconut oil, and nuts.

Get the Air Fryer Granola recipe at Healthful Blondie.

air fryer granola on sheet pan with parchment
Healthful Blondie

You Might Also Like