41 Nutritious Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make You Stop And Say "Whoa, Is This Seriously Not Fried?" (2024)

Table of Contents
If you're trying to eat a more balanced and nutritious diet, investing in an air fryer is a great place to start. This handy appliance makes it easier (and more delicious) than ever to cook good-for-you dishes that actually taste incredible. Here's some inspiration to get you started. 1. Crispy Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts 2. Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon 3. Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks 4. Healthy Air Fryer Chicken and Veggies 5. Crispy Air Fryer Tofu 6. Air Fryer Chili-Lime Cod 7. Air Fryer Dijon Pork Chops 8. Air Fryer Chinese-Style Green Beans With Garlic 9. Air Fryer Filet Mignon 10. Crispy Air Fryer Fish Tacos With Pineapple Slaw 11. Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash With Fresh Herbs 12. Air Fryer Sesame Chicken 13. Air-Fryer Shrimp Scampi 14. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan 15. Air Fryer Japanese Sweet Potato Wedges 16. Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Drumsticks 17. Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Wings 18. Honey Balsamic Glazed Air Fried Brussels Sprouts 19. Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs 20. Air Fryer Tuna Cakes 21. Air Fryer Falafel 22. Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin With Lemon and Garlic 23. Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas 24. Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Skins 25. Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Chicken Thighs 26. Air Fryer Pistachio-Crusted Halibut 27. Air Fryer Shish*to Peppers 28. Air Fryer Caprese Chicken 29. Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato 30. Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos 31. Air Fryer Cauliflower 32. Air Fryer Steak Tips 33. Brown Sugar Garlic Air Fryer Salmon 34. Air Fryer Spicy Cilantro Lime Shrimp 35. Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes 36. Air Fryer Asian Roasted Broccoli 37. Air Fryer Healthy Eggplant Parmesan 38. Sesame Air Fryer Mushrooms 39. Air Fryer Cod 40. Air Fryer Chinese BBQ Pork 41. Air Fryer Eggplant Fries FAQs

    Thanks to your air fryer, these meals taste totally indulgent.

    by Hannah LoewentheilBuzzFeed Staff

    If you're trying to eat a more balanced and nutritious diet, investing in an air fryer is a great place to start. This handy appliance makes it easier (and more delicious) than ever to cook good-for-you dishes that actually taste incredible. Here's some inspiration to get you started.

    Joyful Healthy Eats / Via joyfulhealthyeats.com

    Tossed with olive oil, garlic powder, and Parmesan, these Brussels sprouts are ready in about 12 minutes flat and make for a delicious side dish with whatever you're cooking.

    Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

    2. Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon

    41 Nutritious Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make You Stop And Say "Whoa, Is This Seriously Not Fried?" (2)

    The Cooking Jar / Via thecookingjar.com

    If you're intimidated by the idea of cooking fish, this recipe is great place to start. It's basically impossible to mess up.

    Recipe:Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon

    3. Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks

    41 Nutritious Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make You Stop And Say "Whoa, Is This Seriously Not Fried?" (3)

    Sandhy Ahariharan / Via sandhyahariharan.co.uk

    Try serving this cauliflower steak as a filling main come meatless Monday. It tastes amazing with your favorite grains or Israeli salad, served with hummus or tzatziki.

    Recipe:Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks

    Gimme Delicious / Via gimmedelicious.com

    A complete dinner, ready in under 20 minutes in your handy dandy air fryer.

    Recipe: Healthy Air Fryer Chicken and Veggies

    Nutrition in the Kitch / Via nutritioninthekitch.com

    Tossed in a sweet, zesty, and savory mixture of rice wine vinegar, honey, soy sauce, lime, and garlic, these tofu bites taste great in stir fries, over rice, or simply dipped in your favorite condiment.

    Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

    Life Currents / Via lifecurrentsblog.com

    This slightly spicy, zesty air fried cod is so flaky and tender you don't even need a knife. Put it into tacos, burrito bowls, and so much more.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Chili-Lime Cod

    7. Air Fryer Dijon Pork Chops

    41 Nutritious Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make You Stop And Say "Whoa, Is This Seriously Not Fried?" (4)

    Casa de Crews / Via casadecrews.com

    These pork chops are marinated inavocado oil, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt and pepper for as little as an hour or as long as overnight. In the air fryer, they get delightfully crispy on the outside while remaining super tender on the inside.

    Recipe:Air Fryer Dijon Pork Chops

    8. Air Fryer Chinese-Style Green Beans With Garlic

    41 Nutritious Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make You Stop And Say "Whoa, Is This Seriously Not Fried?" (5)

    Piping Pot Curry / Via pipingpotcurry.com

    If you have picky eaters in your house, air fryer vegetables are a total godsend. With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of cooking, turn any bland vegetables into an exciting and delectable side.

    Recipe:Air Fryer Chinese-Style Green Beans With Garlic

    JZ Eats / Via jz-eats.com

    Steak in the air fryer? You bet. You can achieve tender, perfectly cooked fillet without even turning on your oven or stovetop.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Filet Mignon

    10. Crispy Air Fryer Fish Tacos With Pineapple Slaw

    41 Nutritious Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make You Stop And Say "Whoa, Is This Seriously Not Fried?" (6)

    Cooking For Keeps / Via cookingforkeeps.com

    White fish fillets are dredged in egg,panko bread crumbs, and lots of spices. Cooked in the air fryer, the exterior gets so crunchy you'd think it was deep fried in oil.

    Recipe:CrispyAir Fryer Fish Tacos With Pineapple Slaw

    Keeping the Peas / Via keepingthepeas.com

    Shave time off your dinner routine by making spaghetti squash right in the air fryer. It takes about 30 minutes and it easily shreds with a fork. Toss it in your favorite pasta sauce and serve it with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash With Fresh Herbs

    Happily Unprocessed / Via happilyunprocessed.com

    Put down the take-out menu and whip up this Chinese-inspired sesame chicken for dinner. Serve it over rice with some air fryer broccoli.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

    13. Air-Fryer Shrimp Scampi

    41 Nutritious Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make You Stop And Say "Whoa, Is This Seriously Not Fried?" (7)

    Food52 / Via food52.com

    Air fried withbutter, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, and broth, this is the easiest ever shrimp scampi. Serve it with pasta, orzo, rice, or your favorite grain.

    Recipe:Air-Fryer Shrimp Scampi

    Sweet Peas and Saffron / Via sweetpeasandsaffron.com

    This chicken parm is so golden brown and crispy, you literally won't believe it wasn't deep fried in oil.

    Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

    15. Air Fryer Japanese Sweet Potato Wedges

    41 Nutritious Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make You Stop And Say "Whoa, Is This Seriously Not Fried?" (8)

    Dash of Mandi / Via dashofmandi.com

    Japanese sweet potatoes are starchier and sweeter than your average yams. Seasoned in salt, pepper, ground mustard, and garlic powder, these are a delicious side dish you'll make time and time again.

    and Recipe:Air Fryer Japanese Sweet Potato Wedges

    The Recipe Critic / Via therecipecritic.com

    You'll never make drumsticks any other way...trust me.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Drumsticks

    The Novice Chef Blog / Via thenovicechefblog.com

    Paging all chicken wing fanatics. You need an air fryer in your life. Achieve decadently crispy wings with no flour or oil required.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Wings

    18. Honey Balsamic Glazed Air Fried Brussels Sprouts

    41 Nutritious Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make You Stop And Say "Whoa, Is This Seriously Not Fried?" (9)

    The Slim Situation / Via theslimsituation.com

    This mixture of sweet honey and tangy balsamic tastes seriously heavenly on charred Brussels sprouts.

    Recipe:Honey Balsamic Glazed Air Fried Brussels Sprouts

    JZ Eats / Via jz-eats.com

    This recipe calls for ground chicken, but you could try them with turkey, beef, pork, or even salmon. After about 10 minutes in the air fryer, they're ready to eat. Try tossing them with pasta and your favorite sauce.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs

    Wanderlust and Wellness / Via wanderlustandwellness.org

    Turn canned tuna fish into a satisfying dinner with the help of eggs, breadcrumbs, a handful of spices, and most importantly, your air fryer.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Cakes

    Skinny Taste / Via skinnytaste.com

    Whip up wholesome homemade falafel from chickpeas, flour, onion, herbs, and spices... no deep frying required.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Falafel

    Cook at Home Mom / Via cookathomemom.com

    For a family-friendly dinner that's affordable and easy, look no further than this lemon and garlic pork tenderloin.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin With Lemon and Garlic

    Sweet Peas and Saffron / Via sweetpeasandsaffron.com

    This recipe calls for chicken, but you could definitely whip up these air fryer fajitas with any protein like flank steak, shrimp, or chorizo.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

    Skinny Taste / Via skinnytaste.com

    If you love the flavors of buffalo chicken, try it stuffed in zucchini boats for a low-carb, nutritious meal that is bursting with flavor.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Skins

    The Recipe Critic / Via therecipecritic.com

    You can pretty much season or marinate chicken thighs in anything, toss them into the air fryer, and wait for a restaurant-quality chicken dinner.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Juicy Chicken Thighs

    Enjoy Clean Eating / Via enjoycleaneating.com

    This goat cheese, lemon, and pistachio crust makes this halibut worthy of a special occasion. Best of all, it's ready in under 20 minutes.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Pistachio-Crusted Halibut

    Sweet C Designs / Via sweetcsdesigns.com

    Shish*tos on the stove top are delicious, but all that oil splatter is a pain. For an easy-clean side dish, try them in the air fryer. Then drizzle 'em with sesame oil and sea salt.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Shish*to Peppers

    28. Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

    41 Nutritious Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make You Stop And Say "Whoa, Is This Seriously Not Fried?" (10)

    Sweet and Savory Meals / Via sweetandsavorymeals.com

    Looking for a 30-minute family dinner that's guaranteedto please everyone at the table? The search is over.

    Recipe:Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

    29. Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato

    41 Nutritious Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make You Stop And Say "Whoa, Is This Seriously Not Fried?" (11)

    Healthier Steps / Via healthiersteps.com

    Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there's no wrong time of day for baked sweet potato. Top it with anything from maple syrup, tahini, peanut butter, or avocado for a filling meal that won't break the bank.

    Recipe:Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato

    Bits and Bites Blog / Via bitsandbitesblog.com

    This crispy shrimp is done in under 10 minutes. Add it to your salads, rice bowls, tacos, burritos, and so much more.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos

    Amanda's Cookin' / Via amandascookin.com

    This air fried cauliflower, tossed in garlic powder and paprika, quite literally melts in your mouth.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Cauliflower

    32. Air Fryer Steak Tips

    41 Nutritious Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make You Stop And Say "Whoa, Is This Seriously Not Fried?" (12)

    Let The Baking Begin / Via letthebakingbegin.com

    Winner, winner, steak dinner. Start with whatever cut of meat you have on hand and dice it into cubes so that it cooks in no time in the air fryer.

    Recipe:Air Fryer Steak Tips

    33. Brown Sugar Garlic Air Fryer Salmon

    41 Nutritious Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make You Stop And Say "Whoa, Is This Seriously Not Fried?" (13)

    The Recipe Critic / Via therecipecritic.com

    Not only is this recipe fool-proof, but it won't make your whole kitchen smell like fish.

    Recipe:Brown Sugar Garlic Air Fryer Salmon

    34. Air Fryer Spicy Cilantro Lime Shrimp

    41 Nutritious Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make You Stop And Say "Whoa, Is This Seriously Not Fried?" (14)

    Table For Two Blog / Via tablefortwoblog.com

    Thanks to an easy marinade of olive oil, lime, cilantro, and spices, this shrimp might be the quickest, tastiest, easiest dinner of all time. I love serving it over a bowl of rice with some Tex-Mex toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, black beans, or corn.

    Recipe:Air Fryer Spicy Cilantro Lime Shrimp

    A Mind Full Mom / Via amindfullmom.com

    This blend of garlic powder, onion powder, is the perfect flavor to complement sweet potatoes.

    Air Fryer Sweet Potato

    The Novice Chef Blog / Via thenovicechefblog.com

    Say goodbye to boring, tasteless broccoli and say hello to your new favorite veggie side dish.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Asian Roasted Broccoli

    Pinch Me Good / Via pinchmegood.com

    Sliced eggplant is lightly dredged in beaten eggs and breadcrumbs, then it's air fried until golden brown and crunchy. Once the eggplant is just about done, top it with marinara and cheese and let it cook until melty.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Healthy Eggplant Parmesan

    Sweet Peas and Saffron / Via sweetpeasandsaffron.com

    All you need are three ingredients for this side dish: mushrooms, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Take it to the next level by using a blend of different mushrooms like maitakes, baby bellas, and shiitakes.

    Recipe: Sesame Air Fryer Mushrooms

    Running To The Kitchen / Via runningtothekitchen.com

    This seafood dinner tastes and looks totally fancy, but you'll be shocked to see just how easy it really is to make.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Cod

    Ccruff And Steph / Via scruffandsteph.com

    Turns out you can make this Chinese classic, barbecue pork (aka char siu) right in your own kitchen. The marinade is the most important part. Then your air fryer does the rest of the work.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Chinese BBQ Pork

    Hint of Healthy / Via hintofhealthy.com

    Dip these eggplant fries in ketchup, marinara, tahini, or your favorite condiment.

    Recipe: Air Fryer Eggplant Fries

    41 Nutritious Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make You Stop And Say "Whoa, Is This Seriously Not Fried?" (2024)

    FAQs

    41 Nutritious Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make You Stop And Say "Whoa, Is This Seriously Not Fried?"? ›

    Air-frying equipment is not known to cause cancer, but the process of air frying does result in the formation of certain compounds, like acrylamide, that are linked to cancer development. Acrylamide is classified as a probable human carcinogen.

    Why are people saying air fryers are bad? ›

    Air-frying equipment is not known to cause cancer, but the process of air frying does result in the formation of certain compounds, like acrylamide, that are linked to cancer development. Acrylamide is classified as a probable human carcinogen.

    Why are people getting rid of air fryers? ›

    Households are shelving their air fryers in favour of another kitchen appliance that is cheaper to run, and just as healthy.

    Why is air-fried food not healthy? ›

    In one study, air frying of fish raised the amount of a substance called "cholesterol oxidation products" (COPs). COPs form when the cholesterol in meat or fish breaks down during cooking. Studies connect these substances to coronary heart disease, hardening of the arteries, cancer, and other diseases.

    Why you shouldn t use an air fryer? ›

    The worst foods for air frying have sauces or batters," the chef says. The problem isn't the cooking so much as the cleanup. Air fryer baskets have holes in the bottom or wire mesh for air circulation. Sauces fall through the openings and cause a messy disaster to have to clean up,” Klein explains.

    Which air fryers should be avoided? ›

    Sunbeam 22L Multi function Oven + Air Fryer BT7200

    The air fryer oven also underwhelmed in the tests for cooking frozen chips, pork belly and marinated chicken wings. “This air fryer provides no prompt to turn or shake the food during cooking, so you will need a timer to remind you to do this.

    What are the health cons of air fryers? ›

    One example of a negative effect air-frying may have on food, and on your health was illustrated by a study that showed cooking fatty varieties of fish such as sardines in an air-fryer decreased the healthy fat content (poly-unsaturated fats) and slightly increased the cholesterol oxidation products, which may ...

    Why do chefs hate air fryers? ›

    Some say it's too good to be true, that you can't effectively “fry” something with a few tablespoons of oil and hot circulating air. Some say yeah, it works but it takes up too much countertop space for what it's worth.

    What is replacing an air fryer? ›

    A convection oven has the same advantages over an air fryer as a regular oven—size. If you're making multiple dishes or batches of food, a convection oven can help prepare it all at once.

    What is the new alternative to air fryers? ›

    AIR fryers have been a hot topic in recent years, with a huge rise in sales as people look for healthier and more cost-effective ways to cook food. But now shoppers are searching for an alternative kitchen appliance that's said to be a better (and cheaper) alternative to air fryers: halogen ovens.

    What are the forever chemicals in air fryers? ›

    Experts have identified cancer risks related to high levels of certain chemicals found in some air fryers. Several models of air fryers contain polyfluorinated molecules, also known as “forever chemicals,” in the nonstick coating of the basket.

    How do I prevent acrylamide in my air fryer? ›

    Grab your pre-cut, starchy vegetables (think potatoes, squash, beets and other root vegetables), and soak them for a minimum of 15 minutes or longer in filtered water before preparing them for your recipe. This helps reduce the percentage of acrylamide formed.

    What I wish I knew before I get an air fryer? ›

    6 things I wish I'd known before I bought an air fryer
    • Air fryers do not fry. Deep fried foods: not like air fried ones. ...
    • The air fryer parts you use most are easy to clean but the outer parts… not so much. ...
    • There's a war going on in the air fryer community! ...
    • Air fryers can be quite large.

    Can you put raw meat in Airfryer? ›

    It is safe to cook raw meat in the air fryer if it is fully defrosted, seasoned, and monitored. Some fully cooked foods, including chicken tenders or fries, can be placed frozen in the air fryer. However, with raw meat, it's recommended to thoroughly defrost to allow more even cooking and a tasty final product.

    Do you have to clean air fryer after every use? ›

    To keep the machine free from debris and prevent any greasy build up, the machine should be cleaned after every use or every few uses. When cooking in batches, try to remove any debris by letting the machine cool a bit and carefully wiping out with a paper towel in between batches.

    Which air fryers are recalled? ›

    Recall Details

    This recall involves Insignia Air Fryers and Insignia Air Fryer Ovens, model numbers NS-AF34D2, NS-AF5DSS2, NS-AF5MSS2, NS-AF8DBD2, NS-AF10DBK2, and NS-AF10DSS2. The brand name INSIGNIA is on the top or front of each unit.

    What foods have acrylamide? ›

    Acrylamide is found mainly in foods made from plants, such as potato products, grain products, or coffee. Acrylamide does not form, or forms at lower levels, in dairy, meat, and fish products. Generally, acrylamide is more likely to accumulate when cooking is done for longer periods or at higher temperatures.

    Are air fryers bad for your health NHS? ›

    Air frying food is healthier than deep fat frying food. 2. But less healthy food is not made “more healthy” by an air fryer. So highly processed food and food high in fat, sugar or salt like chips, sausages, rashers, chicken nuggets are still not recommended as everyday food, even if you use an air fryer.

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6040

    Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

    Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

    Birthday: 2001-08-13

    Address: 96487 Kris Cliff, Teresiafurt, WI 95201

    Phone: +9418513585781

    Job: Senior Designer

    Hobby: Calligraphy, Rowing, Vacation, Geocaching, Web surfing, Electronics, Electronics

    Introduction: My name is Msgr. Benton Quitzon, I am a comfortable, charming, thankful, happy, adventurous, handsome, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.