15 Comfort Food Air Fryer Recipes That Make Fried Food Healthy

Air fryer recipes are all the rage thanks to the air fryer growing in popularity over the past few years. You can use it to cook everything from vegetables and meat to eggs and pancakes for breakfast and even enjoy healthy snacks the whole family will love. 

The air fryer cooks your food by circulating hot air quickly, similar to how a convection oven works. Air frying can give you the taste and texture you want from fried foods with very little, and maybe even no oil. The air fryer is a great way to continue making the meals and snacks you crave in a healthy and delicious new way. Here are fifteen healthy air fryer recipes to show you exactly how versatile your air fryer can be.

1. Air Fryer Cheese Sticks

A cutting board holding a pile of cheese sticks and a small white bowl of marinara dip.
Photo Credit: DronG/Shutterstock.

There are zero things not to love about melty, gooey cheese sticks straight out of the air fryer. These air fryer cheese sticks are ready in minutes and perfect for snacking. They are so much tastier and better for you than the ones you find in the freezer aisle. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce, and get your snacking game on.

2. Air Fryer Green Beans

Air Fryer Green Beans served on a white plate
Photo Credit: johnlck/Shutterstock.

Looking for a simple side dish that you can pair with any main course? Then check out these air fryer green beans. This simple vegetable is delicious and good for you too. They are low in calories and fat, high in fiber, and have a great deal of nutrients that your body needs. All you need are some fresh green beans, a few basic spices, and a few minutes in the air fryer for a delicious side the whole family will enjoy. 

3. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

An overhead view of a cast iron skillet filled with sweet potato fries and a small dish of dip.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Your air fryer is the perfect way to get crispy, delicious sweet potato fries with the use of little to no fat. Sweet potatoes are full of vitamins, fiber, and flavor, and they make excellent fries when cooked in the air fryer. They are so simple and quick to make that you can serve them as a side dish or just when you feel like you need a tasty snack.

4. Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Two chicken breasts in an air fryer basket.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

If you are looking for a dinner recipe that is sure to impress you need to try this recipe for air fryer chicken breasts. These juicy, tender chicken breasts are stuffed with mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and herbs. They are simple to make and will be on your dinner table in under 30 minutes. This is a meal the whole family will love. 

5. Air Fryer Chicken Wings

A few golden brown chicken wings laying on a piece of parchment paper.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Chicken wings are great for snacks, appetizers, or for a full meal. But frying them can be quite messy, and all that oil is not very good for you. That’s where your air fryer comes in. You can make delicious air fryer chicken wings in just a few minutes. Serve them as a party appetizer or just because you have a craving for wings.

6. Healthy Air Fryer Fish N’ Chips

Fish n' chips with lemon slices in a parchment-lined basket.
Photo Credit: Ezume Images/Shutterstock.

Looking for a dinner that no one will complain about? Everyone will love this tasty air fryer fish and chips dinner. Your fish will be cooked to absolute perfection in the air fryer. It’s crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, and this recipe is even low-carb with the use of almond flour. Try this as a healthy dinner alternative to fried fish and chips.

7. Apple Fries

An overhead view of a white bowl holding a pile of apple fries.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Who says fries have to be made from potatoes? You are going to love these delicious air fryer apple fries. They are so simple to make. All you need are some apples, a sweetener of your choice, and cinnamon. These make a fantastic fall dessert or a healthy afternoon snack for both kids and adults alike.

8. Air Fryer Scrambled Eggs

Just cooked Air Fryer Scrambled Eggs in a glass container.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Did you know that you can use your air fryer to cook scrambled eggs? Well, now you do. This can come in really handy if you like to meal-prep your breakfasts for the week. Air fryer scrambled eggs are ready in minutes, and you can add any ingredients you like, such as cheese or veggies. These are a great time saver for busy mornings.

9. Air Fryer Ribeye Steak

An air fryer ribeye steak, sliced on a cutting board.
Photo Credit Natalia Lisovskaya/Shutterstock.

There’s no need to fire up the grill for a tender, juicy steak cooked to perfection. Not if you have an air fryer. You can make a perfectly delicious air fryer steak in your kitchen any night of the week. You only need 15 minutes, your favorite cut of steak, and a selection of seasonings, and you’ll be left with a mouth-watering meal every time.

10. Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

A hand holds an Air Fryer Turkey Burger wrapped in parchment.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Air fryer turkey burgers are deliciously simple and a meal that everyone will be running to the dinner table for. All you need to make them is ground turkey and some basic seasonings. You only need one bowl and your air fryer to make them, so it’s a no-fuss, no-muss meal. Serve these juicy burgers with all of your favorite burger toppings. 

11. Air Fryer Pancakes

Air fryer pancakes topped with strawberries and syrup.
Photo Credit: Pink When.

Your air fryer isn’t just for making dinners and snacks, you can also use it to make air fryer pancakes. Air fryer pancakes are a healthier option than traditional fried pancakes, and they come out perfectly round every single time. These fluffy golden pancakes are sure to be hit with the whole family. Make sure to serve them with all of your family’s favorite pancake toppings.

12. Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower steaks with spice on baking tray.
Photo Credit: Olga Miltsova/Shutterstock.

These air fryer cauliflower steaks are simple to make and can be served as a side dish or a main dish. There are lots of variations for how to season them, and there is a delicious lemon herb yogurt sauce that you can pair them with as well. You can even melt some cheese over these in the last minute or so of roasting for cheesy cauliflower steaks.

13. Tuna Burgers

Tuna burger on a black board. Wooden background.
Photo Credit: Victoria Tori Dim/Shutterstock.

Craving a burger but want something a little different? Then try these air fryer tuna burgers. Chances are, you have everything you need to make them in your kitchen already. These delicious tuna burgers can be served on a bun, in a wrap, or even wrapped in lettuce. This is an easy dinner for busy nights or even a quick lunch. 

14. Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts

A hand dips a smashed Brussels sprout into a small cup of ranch dressing.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

If someone tells you that they don’t like Brussels sprouts, it’s only because they haven’t tried them out of the air fryer yet. These air fryer smashed Brussels sprouts will be more than enough to change their mind. They are crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside for a delicious appetizer or a healthy snack. 

15. Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chickpeas

A funnel of parchment paper holds a batch of Roasted Everything Bagel Seasoning Chickpeas.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Who needs unhealthy snacks and chips when you can have these delicious air fryer everything bagel chickpeas? They’re perfect for an on-the-go snack or for serving at your next movie night with the family. They’re savory and addicting, and you can even use them as a topping on your next salad—if you don’t eat them all first, that is.

More From The Gracious Pantry

A dutch oven with a cooked whole chicken topped with rosemary twigs.
Photo Credit: The Gracious Pantry.

Need more dinner ideas? These can help. Chicken and turkey are very versatile foods that can be used to create an unlimited number of dinners. Here are 118 ideas to get you started.

Author: Allison Manning

Title: Writer

Expertise: Writing

Bio:

Allison Manning is the creative mind behind Simply Stunning Content. With twenty years of writing experience under her belt, she is a master of creating captivating content that connects with audiences of all types. When she’s not working on new content, you can find her cooking, reading, or listening to a very eclectic library of music. When she’s not working,

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