17 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes to Keep in Your Back Pocket

There’s no denying that an air fryer is a great addition to any kitchen. Learn a few recipes that work well in it and you’ll be cooking up plenty of delicious dishes in no time. And, while not everything that you make in the air fryer is automatically healthy (we’re looking at you, Air Fryer Fried Oreos!) you’ll be surprised how many of your favorite recipes can be made with less fat and oil by utilizing this smart countertop appliance. Don’t believe us? This crispy breaded chicken will change your mind. It gets incredibly crunchy, thanks to a light coating of panko and Parmesan—and a quick cook in the air fryer. Serve it with charred broccoli and a tangy yogurt sauce for a complete meal you can throw together any night of the week.

These Sweet and Spicy Air Fryer Carrots are perfectly caramelized with a kick of heat, making them a quick and healthy side dish with bold flavor and crunch.

This Air Fryer Cauliflower turns out irresistibly crispy with a tender center, making it a healthy, hassle-free side or snack that’s big on flavor.

Pomegranate lends its sweet-tart essence and ruby hue to this impressive weeknight dinner or special-occasion main dish in two ways: First, pomegranate molasses is the base of a fruity glaze for the salmon fillets, resulting in perfectly caramelized exteriors. While the fish cooks, we toss together a bold and colorful relish of pomegranate arils, cilantro and spicy serrano chiles to cut through the richness of the salmon. And since it's ready in just about 20 minutes, you'll have plenty of time for your guests or family.

The secret to getting crispy, caramelized acorn squash with very little added oil? Your trusty air fryer! We topped the whole dish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of brown butter, for a comforting and easy fall side dish.

You can have fork-tender turkey meatballs that are golden yet moist, thanks to the air fryer! Pair with fun zoodles, your favorite jarred tomato sauce and an extra pinch of Parmesan for a delicious and wholesome meal.

Get crispy, blistered green beans with very little oil, thanks to your air fryer! We added a simple gremolata topping of fragrant lemon zest, chopped parsley and garlic that's easy to make while the vegetables are cooking.

An air fryer practically guarantees crispy, juicy chicken thighs. Seasoned simply with lemon zest, salt and pepper, they make a satisfying meal with an Italian-inspired salsa verde and bright kale salad (that's easy to make ahead). Air fried panko is the final crunchy touch.

Believe it or not, your air fryer can make perfect soft, medium or hard cooked eggs — no boiling water required! This recipe will show you how.

Air-fried Brussels sprouts make for a quick and easy side that everyone will enjoy. Using the air fryer guarantees the crispiest sprouts possible — without using a lot of oil.

It's hard to resist this quick, oil-free version of the family favorite. It cooks up crisp and golden-brown in just 30 minutes!

If you're used to buying roasted chickpeas, you'll love how fresh these taste! The air fryer is great for making foods you’d normally buy packaged, like potato chips or fruit chips.

Air fryers aren't just for French fries, and this recipe showcases their versatility with a stir-fry-like dish that uses just a fraction of the typical amount of oil. Cleanup is a breeze since any splatters are kept in the fryer, and everything is cooked in about 30 minutes. The tofu is crispy on the outside and tender and soft on the inside, perfect for soaking up the warming chili sauce. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Toasting nuts in an air fryer is not only fast and easy, but also creates very even browning as compared to larger ovens that have various hot spots. These crunchy, sweet and salty air fryer spiced nuts are great to serve alongside drinks as a pre-dinner snack without getting your guests too full!

The ease and speed of an air fryer makes cooking frozen chicken breasts to golden, juicy perfection a breeze, so you can even prepare them in the morning before work or school. You can cook two at a time — just make sure not to stack them.

The perfect one-pot meal: Salmon is brushed with a simple teriyaki glaze and cooked to perfection atop broccoli florets. And thanks to the air fryer, it's ready in a snap, with no fishy smell.