Air fryers are often associated with making savory meals, they are also perfect for crafting a wide range of healthy and satisfying snacks.
Some of the best air fryer recipes include Sweet Potato Fries, Avocado Fries, Zucchini Chips, Chicken Wings, and Kale Chips. These recipes use hot air instead of oil for frying, resulting in lower fat and calorie content.
Here are some of the best air fryer recipes for making healthy snacks:
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a healthy alternative to traditional French fries.
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Ingredients
2 large Sweet Potatoes
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Paprika
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into thin wedges.
- In a large bowl, mix the sweet potato wedges with the olive oil, salt, paprika, and black pepper.
- Place the seasoned sweet potato wedges into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 400 °F (204.44 °C) for 20–25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Rich in vitamins and minerals: Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as potassium and iron.
Low glycemic index: Sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index, which means they help regulate blood sugar levels and provide a steady source of energy.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Sweet potatoes contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Good for digestion: Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, which helps support digestive health.
Boosts immune system: The high levels of vitamin C in sweet potatoes can help boost the immune system.
Avocado Fries
Avocados are packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and vitamins.
Ingredients
2 ripe Avocados
1 cup (0.24 l) All-purpose Flour
2 Eggs, beaten
1 cup (0.24 l) Breadcrumbs
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit and cut each half into thin slices.
- Place the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls.
- Season the flour with salt and pepper.
- Dip each avocado slice into the flour, then the eggs, and finally the breadcrumbs, making sure to coat each slice evenly.
- Place the coated avocado slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 400 °F (204.44 °C) for 8–10 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot with a dipping sauce of your choice and enjoy!
Health Benefits of Avocados
Good for heart health: Avocados are high in healthy monounsaturated fats that can help improve heart health.
Rich in vitamins and minerals: Avocados are a good source of vitamins K, B6, and C, as well as potassium and folate.
Supports weight management: Avocados are low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, making them a good choice for weight management.
Good for skin health: Avocados are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats that can help improve skin health and prevent signs of aging.
Boosts digestion: Avocados are high in fiber, which can help support digestive health and prevent constipation.
Zucchini Chips
Zucchinis are a low-carb, low-calorie vegetable that makes a great snack.
Ingredients
2 medium Zucchinis
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Wash and slice the zucchinis into thin rounds.
- In a large bowl, mix the zucchini slices with the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Place the seasoned zucchini slices into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 400 °F (204.44 °C) for 8–10 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Health Benefits of Zucchinis
Low in calories: Zucchinis are low in calories, making them a good choice for weight management.
Good for digestion: Zucchinis are high in fiber, which can help support digestive health and prevent constipation.
Supports heart health: Zucchinis contain potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure and improve heart health.
Boosts immune system: Zucchinis are a good source of vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system.
Promotes healthy skin: Zucchinis are rich in antioxidants that can help prevent skin damage and improve skin health.
Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a classic snack that can be made healthier in the air fryer.
Ingredients
2 pounds (0.91 kg) Chicken Wings
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Paprika
1 teaspoon Olive Oil
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry the chicken wings.
- In a large bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Toss the chicken wings in the mixture to evenly coat.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken wings and mix well.
- Place the seasoned chicken wings into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 400 °F (204.44 °C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 °F (73.89 °C)
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Health Benefits of Chicken Wings
Good source of protein: Chicken wings are a good source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
Supports muscle growth: Chicken wings are rich in branched-chain amino acids that can help support muscle growth and repair.
Low in fat: Air frying chicken wings is a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying methods, as it uses less oil and results in a lower fat content.
Boosts energy levels: Chicken wings are a good source of B vitamins, which can help boost energy levels and improve cognitive function.
Good for bone health: Chicken wings are rich in phosphorus and calcium, which are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Kale Chips
Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, making it a great snack option.
Ingredients
1 large bunch of Kale
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Wash and dry the kale. Remove the tough stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix the kale pieces with the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Place the seasoned kale pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 400 °F (204.44 °C) for 6–8 minutes, or until crispy and light green.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Health Benefits of Kale
Low in calories: Kale is low in calories, making it a great choice for weight management.
Good for digestion: Kale is high in fiber, which can help support digestive health and prevent constipation.
Supports heart health: Kale contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help improve heart health.
Boosts immune system: Kale is a good source of vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system and prevent infections.
Promotes healthy skin: Kale is rich in vitamins A and C, which can help improve skin health and prevent damage from free radicals.
Other Healthy Snack Options
Here are a few other healthy snack options that can be made in an air fryer:
Roasted Nuts: Roast a mixture of your favorite nuts, such as almonds, cashews, and pecans, in the air fryer for a healthy and crunchy snack.
Apple Chips: Thinly slice apples, sprinkle with cinnamon, and air fry until crispy for a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips.
Carrot Fries: Cut carrots into fry-shaped pieces, toss in a little oil, and air fry until crispy for a healthy and tasty snack.
Edamame: Toss edamame in a little oil, season with salt and pepper, and air fry until crispy for a delicious and healthy snack.
Parmesan-Crusted Asparagus: Coat asparagus with a mixture of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, and air fry until crispy for a healthy and delicious snack.
Tofu: Cut tofu into cubes, toss in a little oil, and air fry until crispy for a healthy and tasty snack.
Tips and Tricks
- Preheat the air fryer: Before cooking your snacks, be sure to preheat your air fryer for optimal cooking results.
- Use a light coating of oil: To achieve crispy and delicious results, use a light coating of oil, such as cooking spray, when air frying your snacks. Too much oil can lead to soggy or greasy results.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: To ensure that your snacks cook evenly, be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Allow enough space between each piece of food to allow for proper air flow and cooking.
- Shake the basket frequently: During cooking, be sure to shake the basket frequently to prevent food from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- Experiment with seasonings: To add extra flavor to your healthy snacks, experiment with different seasonings and spices. For example, try sprinkling your sweet potato fries with paprika or your avocado fries with chili powder.
- Check for doneness frequently: Because the cooking time can vary based on the size and thickness of your snacks, be sure to check for doneness frequently to prevent over or under cooking.
- Serve immediately: For best results, serve your air fried healthy snacks immediately after cooking for maximum crispiness.
Questions You Might Have
What makes Air Frying a Healthier option?
Air frying uses hot air to cook food, instead of oil. This reduces the amount of fat and calories in your food, making it a healthier option compared to traditional deep-frying.
Can I make Healthier versions of other snacks in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can make healthier versions of a variety of snacks in the air fryer, such as tofu, eggplant, and bell peppers. The key is to look for recipes that use hot air instead of oil for frying.
Is it easy to clean an Air fryer?
Yes, air fryers are generally easy to clean. Most air fryers have non-stick surfaces that can be wiped down easily, and some models even have dishwasher-safe parts for added convenience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the air fryer is a great appliance for anyone looking to make healthier snack choices. With these five delicious recipes, you can enjoy all your favorite snacks without having to worry about the added fat and calories. So, get your air fryer out and start snacking in a healthier way!
