Have you thought about getting an air fryer but are worried that all you can cook in it is prepackaged foods? An air fryer actually helps you to prepare healthier, homemade options. Find 65 Easy and Healthy Air Fryer Recipes that are perfect for beginners.
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*This post has been updated in 2024 to include 45 new healthy air fryer recipes (for a total of 65 recipes to add to your collection.)
Are you reluctant to invest in an air fryer because you’re not sure it’s worth the cost? Air fryers have quickly become a popular small kitchen appliance among people wanting to cook their favorite fried foods in a healthier way.
When I got my air fryer, I was excited but apprehensive. I had no idea what to cook in it except for prepackaged foods such as French fries and chicken wings. After doing a little research, I realized I wasn’t taking full advantage of the air fryer and all that it could do.
Looking for more easy and healthy air fryer recipes? Try these 21 Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
What is an air fryer?
If you are unfamiliar, an air fryer is similar to a convection oven as it uses hot air that circulates around your food at a temperature of up to 400 degrees. This way of cooking allows for crispy food without all the oil and fat that goes with traditional deep-frying.
You probably never thought you would hear crispy and healthy in the same sentence. I know that I always assumed to get that nice crispy texture, you would have to deep fry your food. But, this isn’t true at all. With the air fryer, you can achieve that same crispiness without all the oil and butter.
How do you use an air fryer?
There are a few things that you should keep in mind before using your air fryer for the first time:
You may want to use a small amount of oil if you are looking to get a nice golden-brown coating. I recommend using an oil mister because non-stick aerosol sprays such as Pam can cause peeling of the fryer basket. I share some helpful tips for using an oil mister in my 12 Must-Have Air Fryer Accessories post.
Make sure you are not overcrowding the basket. Your food will cook quicker if there is enough air to circulate around it.
Shake and or turn your food halfway through cooking so both sides can get crispy.
What are the advantages of using an air fryer?
- Less oil– the air fryer uses little to no oil to cook your food.
- Saves time– it takes no time to preheat, less than 5 minutes.
- Easy clean-up– there is very little mess to clean up and my air fryer easily wipes clean after using it.
When it comes to cooking in your air fryer the opportunities are endless. Yes, you can cook those prepackaged frozen foods, but why would you want to when you can control the ingredients yourself with homemade options and still get that crispy taste you crave? All, without any guilt from the extra oil you would have had from deep-frying your food.
You May Also Like:
- 25 Must-Have Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners- easy recipes to try in your air fryer.
- 18 Quick Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes– quick appetizer recipes for game days or parties.
- 27 Tasty Air Fryer Ground Beef Recipes– frugal and family-friendly recipes you will love.
- 16 Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Dessert Recipes– simple dessert recipes to make in your air fryer.
Easy and Healthy Air Fryer Recipes
While I love this new way of “frying” my food, I have started looking for even better ways to cook easy and nutritious meals for my family. Since the air fryer is so versatile, I have decided to find simple, healthy recipes that have inexpensive ingredients that I can cook in my air fryer. I have rounded up some of my favorites to share hoping to inspire you to enjoy more healthy and delicious meals in your air fryer.
Main Dishes
These air fryer main dishes are perfect for beginners who want a quick and hearty weeknight dinner that they can cook in their air fryer with no fuss. You will find healthy proteins like chicken, turkey, and seafood recipes that your family will love.
Juicy Whole Chicken- The Slow Roasted Italian
Caprese Chicken– Thriving in Parenting
Blackened Chicken– The Virtual Caterer
Chicken Bites and Broccoli– Healthy Fitness Meals
Chicken and Veggies– Gimme Delicious
Honey Lemon Pepper Wings– The Dairy-Free Menu
Lemongrass Chicken Skewers-Kitchen on the Avenue
Chicken Fajitas– Hungry Hobby
Blackened Chicken Tenders-Lauren Fit Foodie
Turkey Breast- Yum in the Kitchen
Steak Bites- Love From the Oven
Steak and Potatoes- Tasty Thin
Pork Tenderloin Medallions- Deb’s Daily Dish
Citrus Honey Glazed Halibut-Kaleena’s Kitchen
Seasoned Halibut-Olivia’s Kitchen
Haddock- Corrie Cooks
Salmon Bites- A Cedar Spoon
Salmon- Spend With Pennies
Shrimp Tacos- Begin With Balance
Scallops with Lemon & Tarragon- Aleka’s Get Together
More Easy Main Dishes To Try
- Tender Pork Loin–(The Typical Mom)
- Whole Chicken–(Cook it Real Good)
- Chicken Breast-(Noshtastic)
- Roasted Turkey Breast-(My Forking Life)
- Lemon Pepper Shrimp-(Life is Sweeter by Design)
- Honey Glazed Salmon–(Happy Foods Tube)
- Chicken Fajitas-(Whole Kitchen Sink)
- Chicken and Broccoli-(Eat Better Recipes)
- Chicken Fried Rice-(Mommy Hates Cooking)
Side Dishes
Side dishes are some of the best things to make in the air fryer because it frees up the stovetop and oven when cooking your main dishes. Find all your favorite veggie dishes, like baby potatoes, green beans, asparagus, broccoli air fryer recipes, and more.
Roasted Vegetables-The Food Blog
Baby Potatoes– Sweetly Splendid
Green Beans– The Short Order Cook
Green Beans with Garlic Butter Sauce- Glenda Embree
Carrot Fries- The Food Hussy
Zucchini Fries– Haute and Healthy Living
Zucchini- A Virtual Vegan
Crispy Brussel Sprouts- The Cookin’ Chicks
Chili Garlic Sauce Brussel Sprouts– Garlic All Day
Asparagus- Home Sweet Farm Home
Parsnips– Easy Chickpeasy
Chickpeas- Food Banjo
Beets- Piping Pot Curry
Cauliflower Steaks– Through the Fibro Fog
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings- The Picky Eater
Broccoli with Mushrooms and Onions- Air Fryer at Tiffany’s
Broccolini with Lemon and Parmesan-Milk Glass Home
Broccoli– Chew Out Loud
Garlic Mushrooms-Boomhaven Farms
Butternut Squash– Veggies Save the Day
More Healthy Sides
- Sweet Potatoes–(Plated Cravings)
- Baked Potato–(Know Your Produce)
- Roasted Green Beans–(Life Currents)
- Corn on the Cob-(Berry & Maple)
- Roasted Broccoli–(Thyme and Joy)
- Roasted Carrots-(Journey to SAHM)
- Asparagus-(Recipes from a Pantry)
- Brussels Sprouts- (Well Plated)
Snacks
Looking for healthy snack options you can make in your air fryer? Try some healthy kale or spinach chips. Or, how about some apple or zucchini chips? You are sure to find something you enjoy in this list of healthy air fryer snacks.
Kale Chips– Craving Something Healthy
Spinach Chips– Hassle Free Vegan
Parsnip Chips- Let’s Go Tomato
Roasted Peanuts- Make Healthy Recipes
Roasted Nuts- A Southern Soul
More Delicious Snack Recipes
- Apple Chips-(Project Meal Plan)
- Zucchini Crisps– (Kirbie’s Cravings)
- Sweet Potato Chips-(Awe Filled Homemaker)
If you are looking to take advantage of your air fryer to prepare healthier meals for your family that have budget-friendly ingredients then these recipes are perfect for you. The best part is that they are easy for anyone starting out with their air fryer. They are perfect for the beginner or the home chef wanting to expand their recipe collection.
Looking for ways to get the most out of your new air fryer?
- 20 Best Air Fryer Tips for Beginners– helpful tips and tricks when using your air fryer.
- 15 Best Air Fryer Cookbooks to Buy – find the best air fryer recipes to try this year.
- How to Clean an Air Fryer to Make it Last– easy ways to keep your air fryer clean.
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