Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for a healthier lifestyle? Look no further! Air frying is a game-changer, and with these 20 mouth-watering recipes, you can enjoy crispy, flavorful meals without breaking the calorie bank. From classic comfort foods to international-inspired dishes, we’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to greasy deep-frying and hello to a slimmer you!
Whether you’re a health-conscious foodie or just looking for some tasty and nutritious meal ideas, our low-calorie air fryer recipes are sure to please. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, even on busy weeknights. So go ahead, get cooking, and start your weight loss journey with confidence!
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Say goodbye to soggy zucchini chips and hello to crispy, flavorful snacks with this easy air fryer recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the zucchinis into thin rounds.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together cornstarch and Parmesan cheese.
4. Dredge the zucchini slices in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess.
5. Place the coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt to taste.
7. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until crispy, shaking halfway through.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
These crispy and juicy chicken tenders are infused with the brightness of lemon pepper, making them a perfect snack or meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders
– 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon pepper seasoning and salt.
3. Add chicken tenders to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the seasoning mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken tenders and sprinkle with lemon juice.
5. Cook in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Low Calorie Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Satisfy your cravings for sweet potato fries without compromising on taste or nutrition. This low-calorie recipe uses an air fryer to achieve crispy results with minimal oil.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the sweet potatoes into long, thin strips (about 1/2 inch thick). Rinse with cold water to remove excess starch.
3. In a bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, and paprika. Toss the sweet potato strips in the seasoning mixture until evenly coated.
4. Load the air fryer basket with the sweet potato fries in batches if necessary. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Elevate your side dish game with this simple and flavorful recipe that yields crispy, cheesy, and garlicky Brussels sprouts. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a show-stopping appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
3. Load the Brussels sprouts into the Air Fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your Air Fryer.
4. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until tender and caramelized, shaking the basket halfway through.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the Brussels sprouts and return to the Air Fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Spicy Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
Transform cauliflower into a flavorful snack with this simple recipe. Perfect for a quick and healthy appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– Salt, to taste
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss cauliflower with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt until well coated.
3. Load the cauliflower mixture into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
5. If using cheese, sprinkle on top of the cauliflower during the last minute of cooking.
6. Remove from the air fryer and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs with Marinara
Elevate your mealtime with these crispy and flavorful turkey meatballs cooked to perfection in the air fryer, served with a rich and tangy marinara sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Place on the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Cook for 6-7 minutes or until cooked through, shaking halfway.
5. Serve hot with marinara sauce and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-7 minutes
Low Calorie Air Fryer Salmon with Dill
A healthier take on a classic dish, this recipe yields a moist and flavorful salmon fillet infused with the bright flavor of dill. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried dill weed
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, dill weed, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Drizzle the dill mixture evenly over the salmon.
6. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through to your desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms
Transform ordinary mushrooms into a sweet and savory masterpiece with this easy Air Fryer recipe. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, these balsamic glazed mushrooms are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), stems removed and caps sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, toss mushrooms with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Load the mushroom mixture into the Air Fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and caramelized.
5. During the last minute of cooking, drizzle balsamic glaze over the mushrooms.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs (if using) and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes
Crunchy Air Fryer Green Bean Fries
Transform green beans into crispy, addictive fries using your air fryer! This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy snack or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss green beans with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using) until evenly coated.
3. Load the green bean mixture into the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
4. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through. The fries should be tender and crispy.
5. Remove from the air fryer and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
Sweet and savory, these Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs are a delicious twist on traditional chicken dishes. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying crispy, caramelized goodness in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Place the chicken thighs in the Air Fryer basket, leaving some space between each thigh.
5. Brush the honey-mustard mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
6. Cook the chicken thighs for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
7. Check for crispiness and cook an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Low Calorie Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers
Transform your love for seafood into a guilt-free indulgence with these scrumptious Low Calorie Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner that’s both healthy and flavorful.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the shrimp to the marinade and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Thread 3-4 shrimp onto each skewer.
5. Place the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Slices
This recipe transforms ordinary apple slices into a sweet and crispy treat, perfect for snacking or as a dessert topping. The air fryer’s gentle heat and cinnamon spice combination creates a delightful flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
– 1-2 apples, sliced (Granny Smith or your preferred variety)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together cinnamon and sugar.
3. Add sliced apples to the bowl and toss until they’re evenly coated with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
4. Place apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the apple slices.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
7. Remove from the air fryer and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Light Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
Elevate your eggplant game with this easy and healthier take on the classic Italian-American dish.
Ingredients:
• 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each eggplant slice into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place the coated eggplant slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the eggplant and sprinkle with minced garlic.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Top each slice with mozzarella cheese and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Enjoy your crispy and delicious air fryer eggplant parmesan!
Air Fryer Herb-Roasted Carrots
Bring out the natural sweetness of carrots with this simple recipe that combines the power of herbs and air frying. A perfect side dish for any occasion!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder or paprika for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss carrots with olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Load the carrot mixture into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece.
4. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until carrots are tender and slightly caramelized, shaking halfway through.
5. Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with optional garlic powder or paprika (if using).
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Low Calorie Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets
A healthier twist on a childhood favorite, these air-fried tofu nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. With only 120 calories per serving, you can enjoy this snack without guilt!
Ingredients:
– 1 block of extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 1/2 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite seasonings (e.g., paprika, cumin, or chili flakes)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the tofu cubes to the breadcrumb mixture and toss until evenly coated.
4. Load the coated tofu nuggets into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Enjoy your crispy and delicious low-calorie air-fryer tofu nuggets!
Air Fryer Pesto Cauliflower Steaks
Transform cauliflower into a delicious, crispy, and flavorful main dish with this easy Air Fryer recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a healthy side.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, lemon wedges
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem.
3. Cut the cauliflower into 1-inch thick slices (steaks).
4. In a bowl, toss the cauliflower steaks with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
5. Spread a spoonful of pesto sauce on each steak, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Place the cauliflower steaks in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until tender and crispy, shaking halfway through.
7. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Spicy Chickpeas
This recipe yields a flavorful and spicy snack that’s perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a side dish. With the power of an air fryer, you can achieve crispy chickpeas without deep-frying.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (15 ounces)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges and chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the chickpeas and remove any excess liquid.
3. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
4. Add the chickpeas to the bowl and toss to coat with the spice mixture.
5. Load the chickpeas into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
7. Season with salt to taste.
8. Serve warm or let cool completely before storing.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Low Calorie Air Fryer Cod with Lemon
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this low-calorie air fryer cod recipe infused with the brightness of lemon. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the cod fillets and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley.
4. Place the cod fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Brush the lemon mixture evenly over both sides of the fish.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Air Fryer Rosemary Garlic Potatoes
Elevate your potato game with this easy and flavorful recipe! Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these Air Fryer Rosemary Garlic Potatoes are a perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the potato mixture and toss again to combine.
4. Load the potatoes into the Air Fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your Air Fryer.
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
6. Check for crispiness and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa
Transform bell peppers into a flavorful and nutritious meal by filling them with quinoa, cheese, and spices, then air-frying to perfection. This recipe is a great way to enjoy the sweetness of bell peppers in a new and exciting way.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers (any color), seeded and chopped
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa, cheese, black beans, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture, filling to the top.
4. Place stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them.
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until the bell peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Discover the power of air frying with these 20 delicious low-calorie recipes perfect for weight loss! From crispy zucchini chips to sweet potato fries, and from chicken tenders to shrimp skewers, this collection has something for everyone. With flavors like lemon pepper, garlic parmesan, and honey mustard, you’ll never get bored. Plus, many of these recipes are under 200 calories per serving, making them a great choice for those watching their weight. Get ready to indulge in guilt-free snacking with these amazing air fryer recipes!