42 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes, Including Our Readers' Favorite Italian-Marinated Chicken
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Air frying first gained popularity as a lower-oil alternative to deep-frying, but today, we use our air fryers for everything from browned chicken and pork chops to caramelized vegetables and crunchy snacks. With so many ways to use this versatile appliance, it can also help you add more nutritious foods to your diet.
“One of the major benefits of air frying over deep frying or pan frying is that it uses significantly less oil. You’re able to achieve a crispy texture without the excess calories and fat,” says Stefani Sassos, registered dietitian and the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab director. But “keep in mind that air frying is only as healthy as the foods you choose to cook.”
The good news: There are plenty of nutritious and delicious options. Use your air fryer to “sauté” greens like kale and Swiss chard, “roast” vegetables such as carrots, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts, or “bake” lean proteins like boneless, skinless chicken breasts. From breakfast to healthy dinners, these recipes make it easy to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Tangy Citrus Salsa
These healthy fish tacos come together in about 30 minutes, with the fish cooking in the air fryer in just 5 to 6 minutes. A bright citrus salsa adds plenty of flavor without added sugar, while avocado contributes creaminess and heart-healthy fats. Served in corn tortillas, the tacos are high in protein and fiber for a satisfying, naturally gluten-free meal.
Get the Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Tangy Citrus Salsa recipe.
RELATED: 78 Best Air Fryer Recipes That Are Easy and Delicious
Air Fryer Chicken Strips
These homemade chicken strips are a more wholesome alternative to drive-through or frozen versions—and kids just love 'em. The air fryer creates crispy, golden chicken with less oil than deep-frying, while toasting the panko ensures an even, crunchy coating. Simple ingredients make it easy to customize the seasoning, too.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Strips recipe.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast with Gravy
Air frying is a practical way to cook turkey, freeing up the oven while keeping the kitchen cool. The result is juicy meat with golden skin, 60 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per serving, plus a rich gravy made with blended roasted vegetables and turkey drippings. Because of the butter, skin-on turkey, and gravy, it’s best suited for special occasions.
Air Fryer Green Beans
The air fryer quickly gives green beans blistered, lightly charred edges and tender centers without the need to preheat the oven. With just 1 tablespoon of oil, they develop a flavorful roasted texture that’s more satisfying than boiled or steamed beans.
Get the Air Fryer Green Beans recipe.
RELATED: How to Make Food in Your Air Fryer That's Actually Healthy, According to Science
Spiced Snack Mix
This salty, savory snack mix is always a hit. The air fryer cuts toasting time in half and is especially convenient for making a small batch. Its circulating heat quickly makes the pretzels, cereal, and crackers crisp and crunchy without spreading the mixture across two baking sheets.
Get the Spiced Snack Mix recipe.
Italian-Marinated Chicken
Air fryer chicken breasts cook up nicely with just a pinch of salt and pepper, but for something even more delicious, marinate the chicken in a mix of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs first. Serve with a salad for a low-carb dinner.
Get the Italian-Marinated Chicken recipe.
RELATED: 60 Healthy Chicken Recipes Perfect for an Easy Weeknight Dinner
Air-Fried Cauliflower Tacos
Looking for a vegetarian air fryer recipe? Try these tacos—filled with spiced cauliflower and topped with a colorful, crunchy slaw.
Get the Air-Fried Cauliflower Tacos recipe.
RELATED: 55 Healthy Vegetarian Recipes for an Easy Weeknight Dinner
Air Fryer Snap Peas
This healthy air fryer side dish is ready in under 10 minutes. Don't skip the sprinkle of spice and squeeze of lemon, which give a li'l boost to simple air-fried sugar snap peas.
Get the Air Fryer Snap Peas recipe.
Air Fryer Salmon and Swiss Chard
Cooking most of your meals at home is a great step toward eating healthier. But it can get exhausting! Enter this 25-minute dinner that doesn't dirty a single extra dish. (Win!)
Get the Air Fryer Salmon and Swiss Chard recipe.
RELATED: 15 Healthiest Fish to Eat, According to Registered Dietitians
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are one of those vegetables that just taste better with a bit of a crisp bite, which you can only achieve by cooking 'em at a high temp. (P.S. They're even tastier when tossed in a maple-sriracha glaze.)
Get the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Air Fryer Granola Bark
Making your own granola lets you customize your mix, which is essential for anyone with allergies or dietary preferences. Plus, the high heat and intense air circulation of the air fryer help crisp up the crunchy clusters.
Get the Air Fryer Granola recipe.
RELATED: 36 Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas to Start Your Day Off Right
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Air fryer cauliflower wings are an ideal vegetarian variation on classic chicken wings—not to mention a great way to add extra vegetables to your game day spread. Score!
Get the Buffalo Cauliflower Bites recipe.
Peanut Sauce Soba with Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Air frying may be our new favorite way to cook tofu. Thanks to the circulating hot air (and a cornstarch dredge!), the air-fried tofu gets super crispy. Paired with soba, it makes for a protein-packed meal.
Get the Peanut Sauce Soba with Crispy Air Fryer Tofu recipe.
RELATED: 40 Easy Tofu Recipes That Make the Perfect Vegetarian Meal
Air Fryer Carrots and Chickpeas with Marinated Feta
This combination of caramelized carrots, extra-crunchy chickpeas, and briny marinated feta brings a ton of flavor to dinnertime. Just imagine that alongside grilled chicken or pork.
Get the Air Fryer Carrots and Chickpeas with Marinated Feta recipe.
RELATED: 24 Easy Vegetable Side Dishes That Go With Any Main
Air Fryer Squash Soup
Healthy, meet comfort. Each bowl of this butternut squash soup packs in fiber and protein, plus delivers peak cozy vibes.
Get the Air Fryer Squash Soup recipe.
RELATED: 37 Best Butternut Squash Recipes That Are Easy to Make for Fall
Air Fryer Broccolini and Mushrooms with Salsa Macha
Impress your dinner guests with a vegetable dish that is absolutely delicious and balanced, thanks to the combination of spicy salsa macha and cooling, creamy ricotta.
Get the Air Fryer Broccolini and Mushrooms with Salsa Macha recipe.
Air Fryer Fish Taco Bowls
The air fryer makes cooking fish quick and easy, using little oil and eliminating the need for a large skillet. Simply season the cod, arrange it in the basket, and cook for 6 to 7 minutes—no flipping or worrying about sticking.
Get the Air Fryer Fish Taco Bowls recipe.
Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Chicken Flatbreads
Chicken breasts and cauliflower florets get a major flavor boost from a tandoori masala-inspired rub. Feel free to ditch the flatbreads and serve all the components with a side of brown rice instead.
Get the Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Chicken Flatbreads recipe.
Air Fryer Falafel Salad
Meal prep lovers, this one's for you! Make a big batch of falafel to freeze for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, air-fry from frozen until fully cooked through. Easy!
Get the Air Fryer Falafel Salad recipe.
RELATED: A Beginner's Guide on How to Meal Prep for the Week
Air Fryer Tostones
Tostones typically involve frying flattened green plantains, then smashing or pressing them and frying again. We replicated this twice-fried process in the air fryer, so it's a lightened-up take on the traditional method.
Get the Air Fryer Tostones recipe.
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