19 Best Ever Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

If you’re like me and you love a quick and easy air fryer recipe that also happens to be healthy, you’re going to love this roundup of 19 of my favorites!

I’ve designed this collection of recipes so you can dip in and out and treat it like a pick-and-mix menu kind of situation. We’ve got protein-packed main courses like chicken fajitas and garlic and paprika prawns, we’ve got veggie side dishes like parmesan crusted zucchini and tomato chips, and we’ve got meal prep winners like ‘boiled’ eggs and Greek yogurt bagels.

Whether you’re a brand new air fryer owner and you’re eager to get stuck into trying a whole host of healthy and wholesome ideas, or you’re a seasoned air fryer lover who’s just got stuck in a rut with the same old ideas, you’re going to find all the inspiration you need right here. Once you’ve tried them, don’t forget to let me know which ones you enjoyed the most!

1. Air Fryer Pizza Bagels

The easiest pizzas you’ll ever make — and surprisingly wholesome, too. These air fryer pizza bagels are perfect for quick lunches, after-school snacks, or even a savory breakfast. Use whole grain or high-protein bagels if you like, then load them up with your favorite toppings. Try ham or shredded chicken for extra protein, and don’t skip the veggies — chopped peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach all work deliciously here.

2. Air Fryer Crunchy Kale Chips

Crispy, salty, and wildly addictive — these kale chips are proof that healthy snacking doesn’t have to be boring. They come together in minutes in the air fryer and make a great nibble while you’re cooking dinner or assembling an after-school snack board. You’ll be surprised how good kale can taste when it’s done right.

3. Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drizzled with that signature sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce — these salmon bites are a total game changer. Pile them over rice with crunchy salad veggies for a quick balanced dinner, or serve them solo for a protein-packed snack. However you plate them, they always disappear fast.

4. Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes

Fluffy on the inside, perfectly crisped on the outside — these air fryer sweet potatoes are as easy as it gets and endlessly useful. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a healthy lunch, load them up for a light dinner, or serve them on the side with steak. A total staple you’ll come back to again and again.

5. Air Fryer Boiled Eggs

Yes, you can “boil” eggs in the air fryer — and once you try it, you might not go back. It’s a fuss-free way to cook a batch of eggs for the week, perfect for healthy snacking, meal prep, or tossing into salads and sandwiches. No pot of water required.

6. Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls

This viral hit lives up to the hype — a high-protein twist on pizza night that comes together right in your air fryer. Creamy cottage cheese and marinara form the base, then it’s all about piling on your favorite toppings. Easy, satisfying, and totally customizable.

7. Air Fryer Greek Yogurt Bagels

These bagels look bakery-worthy, but they’re made with just a handful of ingredients — and a whole lot of protein thanks to the Greek yogurt. Toast them up in the air fryer, then add your favorite toppings. Smoked salmon and cream cheese is a classic, but they’re great with anything from eggs to avocado.

8. Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini

Roasted veggies are great, but this crispy, cheesy zucchini takes things up a notch. The air fryer gives it golden edges and a tender bite, while the parmesan adds just the right savory kick. An easy, tasty side dish that works with just about anything.

9. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

These aren’t the frozen kind — they’re made from scratch, perfectly seasoned, and crisped up in the air fryer with minimal fuss. A go-to side that’s just as good with burgers as it is next to a salad. Simple, healthy, and way better than anything from a bag.

10. Air Fryer Corn On The Cob

An easy, wholesome side that never disappoints. This air fryer version gives you juicy, buttery corn with just the right amount of char — no grill required. It’s a summer staple, but honestly, we make it all year round.

Ingredients (serves 4):

4 ears of corn, husked
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes (if your model requires preheating.
Place each ear of corn on a piece of aluminum foil large enough to wrap it completely.
Add 1 tablespoon of butter to each ear of corn.
Sprinkle with salt, dividing it evenly among all four.
Wrap each ear of corn tightly in the foil.
Arrange the wrapped corn in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
Carefully unwrap the corn and return it to the air fryer basket.
Cook uncovered for another 3 minutes to get that lovely bit of char.
Serve hot, straight from the air fryer.

11. Air Fryer Garlic & Paprika Shrimp

Quick, healthy, and packed with protein — these shrimp are a staple in my summer rotation. I love tossing them over a fresh salad for an easy lunch, but they’re just as good piled onto a baked potato or served alongside a steak for a no-fuss surf and turf. Bold, garlicky, and ready in minutes.

Ingredients (serves 4):

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine the avocado oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Add the shrimp and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for about 10 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes, if preheating is required for your appliance.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overlapping.
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5–6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Once the shrimp are pink and opaque, remove from the air fryer.
Serve hot with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley, if you like.

12. Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

These air fryer baked potatoes are a go-to side and just as good as oven-baked (with way less waiting around). Perfect alongside dinner or loaded up with tuna or chicken salad for an easy, healthy lunch.

Ingredients (serves 3):

3 large russet potatoes
Olive oil or spray oil
Salt, to taste

Instructions:

Scrub the potatoes clean under running water and pat dry.
Pierce each one several times with a fork to let steam escape.
Rub with olive oil or spray with oil, then sprinkle with salt.
Preheat your air fryer to 385°F (195°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Place the potatoes in the basket, spaced apart.
Cook at 385°F for about 60 minutes, flipping halfway through.
They’re done when tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Let cool slightly, then slice open and load them up.

13. Air Fryer Chicken Breast

A total air fryer essential — this chicken breast turns out tender, juicy, and endlessly versatile. Serve it with green veggies for a simple dinner, or slice it over salads, grain bowls, or wraps throughout the week. Once you’ve nailed this method, you’ll make it on repeat.

Ingredients (serves 3):

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1.5 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried onion
1/4 teaspoon dried garlic
2 tablespoons avocado oil

Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes, if your model requires preheating.
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, salt, pepper, dried onion, dried garlic, and avocado oil to make a marinade.
Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade and let them sit for 15–20 minutes to soak up the flavor.
Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, rounded side down.
Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F/74°C).
Let rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving.
Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges, if you like, and pair with your favorite sides.

14. Air Fryer Cod

Light, flaky, and perfectly seasoned — this air fryer cod is one of those recipes that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier. Serve it with steamed greens and baby potatoes for a healthy, satisfying dinner that comes together fast.

Ingredients (serves 2):

1 tablespoon avocado oil
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cod fillets (about 320g/11oz)

Instructions:

In a small bowl, mix together the avocado oil, lemon juice, salt, parsley, and black pepper.
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels.
Brush the seasoned oil mixture over both sides of the cod, coating evenly.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes, if required for your appliance.
Place the cod fillets in the basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overlapping.
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, or until golden and flaky.
Carefully remove from the air fryer and serve right away.

15. Air Fryer Salmon

A light yet satisfying midweek meal that comes together with almost no effort — this air fryer salmon is tender, flaky, and full of fresh lemon flavor. Perfect with roasted veggies, salad, or whatever’s already in your fridge.

Ingredients (serves 4):

4 x 7oz salmon fillets
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Zest of one fresh lemon
Fresh lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes, if required for your model.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
Brush both sides of the salmon with avocado oil.
Season evenly with salt and black pepper.
Sprinkle lemon zest over the fillets.
Place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side down.
Cook for 7–10 minutes, or until the internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C) and the salmon flakes easily.
Let rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

16. Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

These air fryer chicken thighs are everything you want in a quick, no-fuss dinner. Packed with flavor and super versatile, they’re just as good with a simple salad as they are with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.

Ingredients (serves 4):

1 kg chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
1.5 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

In a small bowl, mix together the salt, parsley, oregano, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and olive oil to make a marinade.
Coat the chicken thighs evenly in the marinade, using a bowl or resealable bag. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight for extra flavor).
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes, if necessary for your appliance.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess.
Place the thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the basket. Cook in batches if needed.
Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes.
Flip and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crisp.
Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh herbs, if you like, and dig in while they’re hot.

17. Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Making a batch of these is one of my favorite healthy eating hacks — they’re perfect for quick lunches, high-protein snacks, or just something easy to grab from the fridge. Crisp on the outside, juicy inside, and full of smoky, savory flavor.

Ingredients (serves 5):

10 chicken drumsticks
2 tablespoons avocado oil
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes, if required for your model.
In a small bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.
Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Let marinate for at least 10 minutes to boost the flavor.
Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without overlapping.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Let rest a few minutes before serving.

18. Air Fryer Asian Chicken Wings

For when you want dinner to feel a little fancy but still keep things protein-packed and easy. These sticky, flavorful wings come out perfectly crisp from the air fryer and pair beautifully with an Asian-inspired salad or simply steamed greens. A total crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients (serves 4):

1 lb chicken wings, split into 2 parts
1 tsp paprika
0.5 tsp granulated garlic
0.5 tsp salt
3 tsp black pepper
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp grated ginger
2 tsp grated garlic
2 tbsp cornstarch
4 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp chili flakes
2 tsp honey
1 tbsp sesame oil

Instructions:

In a bowl, toss the chicken wings with paprika, granulated garlic, salt, and black pepper. Let sit for 5–10 minutes if you have time.
Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
While the wings cook, make the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the olive oil, grated ginger, grated garlic, soy sauce, chili flakes, honey, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes.
Mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, add to the sauce, and stir until it thickens.
Once the wings are cooked and golden, remove them from the air fryer.
Toss the wings in the sauce until well coated.
Serve topped with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and extra chili flakes if you like a little more heat.

19. Air Fryer Tomato Chips

Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor — these tomato chips are perfect for healthy snacking or as a fun side dish. Light, satisfying, and a clever way to use up extra tomatoes.

Ingredients (serves 3):

Cooking spray
3 tomatoes, sliced ¼” thick
½ cup grated Parmesan
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp freshly chopped basil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Line a plate with paper towels. Lay the tomato slices on top, cover with another paper towel, and gently press to remove excess moisture.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Arrange the tomato slices in a single layer in the basket (you may need to cook in batches).
Sprinkle each slice with Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Air fry at 250°F (120°C) for 15–20 minutes, checking occasionally, until the tomatoes are dried out and the cheese is golden and crisp.
Carefully remove and let cool slightly — they’ll crisp up a bit more as they cool.
Garnish with chopped basil and serve warm or at room temperature.

A full lineup of healthy air fryer recipes that prove quick cooking and wholesome eating can absolutely go hand in hand! Whether you’re prepping protein for the week, throwing together a fast lunch, or just trying to snack a little smarter, the air fryer’s got your back. Save this list, pin your favorites, and come back anytime you need a little inspiration!