The air fryer, this year’s most popular fancy kitchen gadget, does what many people previously thought impossible: Taking fried food, and making it healthy. Who doesn’t want to eat some fried donut holes, jalapeno poppers, or sweet potato fries without having to worry about the consequences?
This nifty little appliance uses hot air and a minimal amount of oil to get the same great taste and crunch as a traditional deep fryer. With it, there’s not much you can’t fry, but just like any food preparation there are some recipes that are definitely better than others.
15 Best Air Fryer Recipes – Taking Fried Food & Making It Healthy
Check out below for our recommendations on the 15 best air fryer recipes to try in your own home.
Jalapeno Poppers
If you’re looking for a gluten-free snack for your parties or events, look no further than these tasty jalapeno poppers. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these poppers are a healthy alternative to the traditional deep-fried variety, and can even be made in a conventional oven if you’re looking to make a large batch at once.
Sweet Potato Fries
Interested in a healthy alternative to restaurant or traditional fryer fries? These sweet potato fries require only a few seasonings and a small amount of oil (much less than a traditional fryer). They’re a healthier option than traditional potato fries, and with only eight minutes of cooking time, can be prepared for your next night-in with little effort.
Chicken Wings
These chicken wings are seasoned with Old Bay and a coating of warm lemon butter that combines to give the wings a flavor that is out of this world. They’ve got a little bit of spiciness to them, making them a perfect game-day addition to your other air fryer treats.
Donut Holes
If you’re looking for a great treat to bring into your office or drop-off at your child’s classroom, these cinnamon sugar donut holes are sure to please. With almost zero prep time and only three minutes of cooking time, these donut holes are so easy they can be prepared at the last minute and still taste great.
Mozzarella Sticks
Even better than normal mozzarella sticks, this recipe is low carb and perfect for those looking for delicious crunchy mozzarella bites without the typical breadcrumb coating. They do take a little less than two hours to prepare and cook, but by planning ahead you can cook these sticks and be ready for your next big sports party or hosted cocktail hour.
Garlic Parmesan Chips
These crunchy chips are cooked without using oil and are a healthy alternative to traditionally store-bought or prepared chips. They can even be coated with a vegan parmesan topping, making them a great addition for any vegetarians or vegans at your get together. With just four ingredients, these easy chips have the flavor and crunch to make them a hit.
Pickle Chips
Dill pickle chips are perfect for snacking on while watching a big game or even a movie. Pair the chips with the perfect dipping sauce (we recommend a side of ranch), and enjoy the tangy crunch of these air-fried chips. The recipe is as simple as mixing up the ingredients to coat the chips, then baking for 10 minutes.
Ham and Egg Toast Cups
If you’re crunched for time in the mornings, but you’d still like to prepare a delicious meal to start your day, look no further than these amazing ham and egg toast cups. With just a few ingredients, you can cook these cups in your air fryer and be on your way to enjoying a hearty breakfast in just fifteen minutes.
Breakfast Potatoes
Along with the previous ham and egg toast cups, these crispy potatoes are a great addition to your family breakfast. They require next to no prep (other than chopping), and can cook in your air fryer while you finish up other dishes. Best of all, other than a light coating of oil and salt and pepper, these potatoes require no additional ingredients.
Bang Bang Shrimp
These shrimps are a healthy and low-fat treat that is sure to please all your guests and family. A Sriracha dipping sauce accompanies them and takes the shrimp from just good to great. Best of all, fresh shrimp are not required; you can use frozen shrimp to create this delicious dish.
Chicken Parmesan
Interested in making chicken parmesan, but worried about your health? The chicken parmesan made with this recipe using your air fryer is delightfully low-calorie, and can be prepared quickly. Best of all, it tastes like the original, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out by not using a traditional fryer.
Molten Lava Cake
If you love the taste of a chocolate cake that oozes warm, chocolatey goodness when you cut into it, you’ll love this air fryer recipe for molten lava cakes. These cakes can be paired with a raspberry drizzle or ice cream for a wonderful after-dinner treat, and best of all, can be cooked in your air fryer in less than ten minutes.
Cinnamon Rolls
When you think of air fryer recipes, you might focus on the more traditional items like chicken wings, jalapeno poppers or fries, but your air fryer is capable of making some delicious desserts and breakfast pastries as well!
With a little bit of time to let the bread dough rise, these delicious and sweet cinnamon rolls can be ready for your next brunch or a family breakfast.
Fried Banana Smores
An unusual (but no less delicious) air fryer recipe, these fried banana smores have five simple ingredients and are a great dessert treat for kids and adults alike. Eaten with a spoon, these smores have the great flavors of banana, peanut butter, chocolate and graham crackers fried into a banana peel.
They can be prepared in a few simple minutes and cooked in less than 10, making them an easy addition to your mealtime.
Taquitos
If you’re looking for a recipe with a delicious mix of cheese, tortillas and meat, these taquitos are it. Prepared with either shredded pork or chicken, these taquitos also have a delicious combination of mozzarella, flour tortillas, and some side sauces for dipping.
These taquitos take less than ten minutes, and can also be baked in the oven if you’d prefer.
Whether you choose to fry vegetables, meats or even desserts, any of these air fryer recipes is sure to be a hit at your next party or get-together. Try one (or all), and enjoy all delicious fried food you know and love, without the additional health costs.