10 Best Air Fryer Recipes for Healthy and Delicious Meals

Who doesn’t want to find the best fried recipes? The truth is that we all love fried foods but can’t stand the amount of oil used in traditional cooking methods. The air fryer stands out among the countertop appliances for its ability to cook in a healthy and quick way for delicious food.

In this article, we have gathered the 10 best air fryer recipes for your breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. You can find your favorite recipe on the list. Start cooking and experience the pleasure of an air fryer!

Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe

Air fryer chicken legs is one of the free air fryer recipes for beginners. You will get crispy outside but tender inside chicken legs.

Ingredients:

• Bone-in chicken legs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder

Instructions:

1. Clean and dry the chicken legs in the bowl. Sprinkle a little oil on them.

2. Mix all the dry ingredients together, and season the chicken legs with the mixture.

3. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, and place the chicken legs in the air fryer.

4. Cook the chicken legs in the air fryer for about 10 minutes. You need to flip them during the cooking process.

5. Test if the chicken legs are able to eat with a meat thermometer. If they are okay to eat, remove the chicken legs from the air fryer, and you can enjoy them.

Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe

You will never go wrong with the baked potato in the air fryer, one of the best things to cook in an air fryer, as this appetizer ensures the potato is crispy outside and fluffy inside, the same as when baked in the oven.

Ingredients:

• 4 baking potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Rinse the potatoes under running water and dry them with a cleaning paper towel.

2. Brush the potatoes with olive oil and season them with salt, garlic powder, and parsley. Move the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket.

3. Cook the potatoes in the air fryer for about 40–50 minutes, depending on the potato size.

4. Cut the air-fried potatoes in the middle and add the butter to each potato.

Air Fryer French Fries Recipe

When talking about what can you cook in an air fryer, French fries are definitely a good choice if you are seeking a healthy diet. Without using too much oil, you will get the French fries as crispy as those from a fast food restaurant.

Ingredients:

• 2 russet potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F. Clean the potatoes and cut them into 1/4-inch sticks.

2. Put the potato sticks in a bowl, and rub them with oil and salt.

3. Place the potatoes into the air fryer basket, and cook them for 12–15 minutes in the air fryer.

4. When the cooking is done, serve the French fries with your favorite sauces and side dishes.

Air Fryer Tempura Green Beans Recipe

Air fryer tempura green beans is one of the easy and good air fryer recipes for beginners. The green beans cooked in the air fryer are healthier than those cooked with the deep-frying method. It can be served as a snack, a side dish, or an appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb. green beans
• 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• Panko bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons of water
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of mirin
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Put the green beans and the flour in a bowl, and place the bread crumbs in the second bowl. Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them to blend.

2. Remove any excess flour from the beans. Dip the green beans into the egg bowl, then coat them with the bread crumbs.

3. Spray a little olive oil and put the green beans in the air fryer basket. Cook them at 375 degrees F for about 8–10 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking.

4. Whisk mirin, lemon juice, soy sauce, water, and scallion together. You can serve it with the sauce.

Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

Cooking salmon in an air fryer is one of the easy air fryer dinner recipes, providing an incredibly tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked piece of fish. It is so cost-efficient that you won’t need to queue and order salmon in the restaurant.

Ingredients:

• 4 6-ounce salmon pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon wedges
• Tartar sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.

2. Coat each salmon fillet evenly with olive oil, and then sprinkle salt, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika for seasoning.

3. Put the salmon in the air fryer and cook it for 7 to 9 minutes, with the exact time depending on the thickness of the fish.

4. Check if the salmon is done with a fork or with a meat thermometer. The salmon is safe to eat if the thermometer gets to 145 degrees F.

Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Air fryer lemon garlic shrimp is one of the top 10 air fryer recipes and also air fryer dinner recipes. This air fryer recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for occasions like a date night or dinner party.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of large shrimp
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Mix the garlic, salt, olive oil, lemon juice, crushed red pepper, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Put in the shrimp and lemon slices, and stir them to ensure they're thoroughly coated with the mixture.

2. Arrange the shrimp and lemon slices evenly in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400 degrees F for about 4 to 6 minutes.

3. Move the cooked shrimp and lemon slices neatly on a serving platter, and sprinkle the finely chopped parsley over the top.

Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe

Through the air circulation in the air fryer, you will get juicy and tender pork chops, an example of easy air fryer recipes with a delightfully crispy exterior. It is a healthier alternative to traditional frying.

Ingredients:

• 2 pork chops (about 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Rinse the pork chops with running water and dry them with a paper towel.

2. Mix all the dry ingredients together. Rub each pork chop with olive oil, then evenly coat them with the seasonings.

3. Put the seasoned pork chops in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10–12 minutes. Flip halfway through until the pork chops are golden brown.

4. Rest the pork chops for a few minutes after cooking. Serve them with your favorite sauces and side dishes.

Air Fryer Tofu Recipe

If you are a tofu lover, you should try this air fryer tofu recipe, one of the air fryer easy recipes. Cooking tofu in an air fryer gives it a wonderful crispy exterior and a soft interior. It is simple, delicious, and perfect for a quick, nutritious meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 block of firm tofu, sliced into 1 1/2 cubes
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons of sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup of cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Add the tofu, sesame oil, soy sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder in a big bowl. Mix well, then cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 20 minutes.

2. Mix the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in another bowl. Coat the marinated tofu evenly in this mixture.

3. Put the tofu pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and spray them with the cooking spray.

4. Cook tofu in the air fryer at 400 degrees F for about 15 minutes. Flip them over halfway through the process.

5. When the tofu becomes golden brown and crispy, remove it from the air fryer. You can serve it with sauces and rice.

Air Fryer Brownies Recipe

An air fryer is a perfect option if you want small brownies without turning on the conventional oven. Out of expectation, these brownies are easily but deliciously made in the air fryer.

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Grease the bottom and sides of your 7-inch baking pan generously with butter.

2. Preheat your air fryer at 330 degrees F for approximately 5 minutes.

3. Mix cocoa powder, flour, sugar, salt, eggs, vegetable oil, melted butter, baking powder, and vanilla extract.

4. Pour the brownie batter into the greased baking pan and smooth the top.

5. Put the baking pan in your air fryer and bake for around 15 minutes.

6. Remove the brownies from the air fryer and allow them to cool in the pan before cutting and serving.

Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Bagels

Air fryer protein bagels with cottage cheese are indeed an excellent breakfast option, especially for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional bagels. They are not only high in protein, but they also offer a good balance of nutrients to start your day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup of 2% cottage cheese
• 1 beaten egg white
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl. Add the drained cottage cheese, blending with a fork or spatula until it resembles fine crumbs.

2. Knead the dough within the bow for about 2 minutes. Continue until the dough becomes smooth and slightly sticky, yet not clinging to your hands.

3. Separate the dough into four even portions. Shape each piece into a rope about 3/4-inch in diameter, then connect the ends to form a bagel shape. Alternatively, you can create a ball and form a hole in the center, then gently expand it.

4. Apply an egg wash to the bagels and generously season both sides with your preferred spices or herbs.

5. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil. Put the bagels into the basket in small groups to avoid crowding. Air fry at 280°F for 15 to 16 minutes, or until they turn a golden color.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the versatility and convenience of air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods without sacrificing flavor. The recipes we explored, ranging from innovative takes on classic dishes to creative new ideas, demonstrate the air fryer's ability to produce a wide array of delicious meals. These recipes not only cater to various dietary preferences but also encourage cooking with less oil, promoting a healthier lifestyle. As we continue to discover and share more air fryer recipes, the potential for easy, quick, and healthy meals seems limitless, making the air fryer an essential tool for modern, health-conscious cooking.