10+ Air Fryer Recipes Healthy and Delicious for Everyday Cooking

If you want to enjoy tasty meals without all the extra oil or long cooking times, air fryer recipes might just be your new best friend. Using an air fryer lets you make food crispy and delicious while keeping things lighter than old-school frying.

You can whip up all sorts of healthy meals in your air fryer, from veggies to proteins, with just a handful of ingredients and simple steps. Honestly, it makes eating better so much easier—no need to spend forever in the kitchen or give up flavor.

Ingredients

• Varies by recipe—think chicken, veggies, spices, fish, and so on

Cooking Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer (usually 350°F/175°C to 400°F/200°C).
• Season or marinate your ingredients as you like.
• Spread everything in a single layer in the basket.
• Cook for the recommended time, flipping or shaking halfway for even results.
• Check for doneness and adjust if needed before you dig in.

1) Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon and Dill

Making air fryer salmon is a breeze, and you’ll have dinner ready in about 10 or 15 minutes. The lemon and dill bring in a pop of fresh flavor without piling on calories.

The air fryer keeps salmon moist and flaky, which is exactly what you want. You only need a few ingredients, so it’s perfect for those busy nights when you’re not in the mood to fuss.

Lemon juice brightens everything, and dill adds a nice herbal kick. Pair it with veggies or a light salad if you like.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush salmon with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
3. Lay the fillets skin-side down in the basket.
4. Cook 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily.
5. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle dill on top before serving.

For the nitty-gritty, check out this air fryer salmon with lemon and dill.

2) Crispy Chicken Tenders with Whole Wheat Coating

You can get that satisfying crunch on chicken tenders by using whole wheat flour. It adds a little more fiber, and the air fryer gives you great crispiness without drowning everything in oil.

These tenders turn out juicy inside, golden outside. You just need chicken strips, whole wheat flour, a few spices, and an egg.

Season the coating with garlic powder, paprika, and pepper for a bit more flavor. The air fryer cooks them fast—about 12 minutes, give or take.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 large egg

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Beat the egg in a bowl.
3. Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in another bowl.
4. Dip chicken in egg, then coat with flour mix.
5. Arrange tenders in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
6. Cook 10-12 minutes, flipping once.
7. Make sure they hit 165°F (74°C) inside before serving.

3) Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs with Zoodles

Turkey meatballs in the air fryer? Super easy. They come out juicy and nicely browned.

Serve them over zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lighter, veggie-packed meal. The meatballs cook at 400°F (205°C) and only need about 10 minutes.

Just be sure to give them space in the basket so they brown up right. Zoodles are a fun, low-carb swap for pasta—toss ’em with a little olive oil and garlic for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 medium zucchini (for zoodles)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (205°C).
2. Mix turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Roll into meatballs.
4. Place meatballs in the basket with space between each.
5. Cook 10 minutes, shaking halfway.
6. Spiralize zucchini into zoodles.
7. Sauté zoodles in olive oil for 2-3 minutes.
8. Serve meatballs over zoodles.

Give it a try for a quick, healthy dinner. For more details, here’s a Healthy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs with Zoodles recipe.

4) Mediterranean Veggie Flatbreads

Mediterranean veggie flatbreads are a colorful and tasty way to eat more veggies. Load them up with bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes—whatever you have on hand.

The air fryer grills the veggies without a ton of oil, so the flatbreads stay light but full of flavor. Want it creamy? Add goat cheese or a dollop of yogurt.

These work well as a snack or light meal. Plus, they’re quick and fun to share.

Ingredients:

• Flatbread
• Bell peppers, sliced
• Zucchini, sliced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Red onion, sliced
• Goat cheese or plain yogurt
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil spray
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spray veggies with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
3. Put flatbread in the basket.
4. Top with veggies.
5. Cook 8-10 minutes, until veggies are soft and flatbread is crisp.
6. Add goat cheese or yogurt and basil before serving.

If you want more specifics, check out air fryer grilled Mediterranean veg flatbread.

5) Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries in the air fryer are a game changer. They’re ready in about 10 to 15 minutes and don’t need much oil.

You’ll get fries that are crispy outside, soft inside. All you need is a light coating of oil and some salt and pepper. They’re great as a snack or side.

Want to change it up? Try garlic powder, paprika, or even a pinch of cinnamon.

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and cut sweet potatoes into thin strips.
2. Toss with oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Arrange fries in a single layer.
5. Cook 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway.
6. Check for crispiness, add a few more minutes if needed.

If you want more tips, you can find them at Feel Good Foodie.

6) Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts get super crispy and tasty in the air fryer. Toss them with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan for a side dish that’s way better than you’d expect.

The air fryer roasts them at 375°F (190°C) in about 12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway for even browning.

Want a little extra zing? Add lemon juice or balsamic vinegar. It’s a great way to make veggies less boring.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread in a single layer in the basket.
4. Cook 12 minutes, shaking once.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan while hot.
6. Serve right away.

More details here: Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts air fryer recipe.

7) Air Fryer Shrimp with Garlic and Herbs

Shrimp cooks up fast in the air fryer. Toss them with minced garlic, fresh herbs (parsley or thyme work great), and a splash of olive oil.

This combo gives you juicy, flavorful shrimp without much effort. Herbs add a fresh touch, and you’ll have a healthy meal in about 10 minutes.

Serve these over salad, rice, or just eat them straight. They’re light, easy, and actually taste good.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix shrimp with garlic, oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange in a single layer in the basket.
4. Cook 8-10 minutes, until shrimp turn pink.
5. Serve right away.

For more, check this garlic and herb air fryer shrimp recipe.

8) Healthy Chicken Drumsticks with Spices

You can make healthy chicken drumsticks in your air fryer with just a few spices. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and dried herbs keep things flavorful without piling on calories.

This combo keeps your chicken tasty and light. Cooking drumsticks in the air fryer crisps up the skin, but the meat stays juicy.

It only takes about 15 to 20 minutes at 380°F (190°C). Flip them halfway so everything cooks evenly.

You won’t need extra oils or heavy sauces—these drumsticks are plenty delicious on their own.

Ingredients

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme or oregano)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
2. Mix all the spices, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Rub the spice mix all over the drumsticks.
4. Put the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip them.
6. Cook another 7 to 9 minutes, until they’re cooked through.
7. Double-check that the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) before serving.

9) Air Fryer Falafel with Tahini Sauce

Air fryer falafel is a clever, healthier spin on the classic. You get crispy, flavorful falafel without dunking them in oil.

It cooks up fast, so you won’t be waiting long for dinner. The tahini sauce brings a creamy, tangy kick that just works.

Just mix tahini, lemon juice, yogurt, and a splash of olive oil for the sauce. Serve falafel tucked into pita with lettuce, tomato, and cucumber.

You end up with a meal that’s light but surprisingly filling.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpeas (soaked and cooked)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray

For the tahini sauce:

• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Blend chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, salt, and pepper. Don’t overdo it—you want some texture.
2. Roll the mixture into small balls.
3. Lightly spray or brush the falafel balls with olive oil.
4. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
5. Place falafel in the basket in a single layer.
6. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
7. For the sauce, mix tahini, yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl.
8. Serve the falafel with tahini sauce and fresh veggies or pita.

For a detailed recipe, check this air fryer falafel recipe.

10) Crispy Tofu Bites with Soy Glaze

You’ll love how crispy these tofu bites get in the air fryer. The outside turns golden and crunchy, but the inside stays soft and tasty.

The soy glaze gives a salty, slightly sweet punch that makes each bite pop. This recipe is simple and healthy.

Just press the tofu to get rid of extra moisture, cube it, and toss with soy sauce, garlic, and a little ginger. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) until crispy, flipping halfway through.

These tofu bites are awesome on their own, or you can throw them over rice and veggies. Honestly, they’re great tossed into a salad, too.

Ingredients

• 14 ounces extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Press the tofu to get rid of extra water. Cut it into cubes.

2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.

3. Toss the tofu cubes in the sauce. Make sure they’re coated well—don’t rush it.

4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

5. Arrange the tofu in the air fryer basket. Keep them in a single layer, or they’ll stick.

6. Cook for 15 minutes. Flip the tofu halfway through so it crisps up on all sides.

7. Take the tofu out and serve it warm. Enjoy!