Since the popularity of air fryers took off, healthy food lovers everywhere have found reasons to celebrate. For those who enjoy their veggies and lean meats flavorful and with a little bit of crunch, there is so much one can do by trading in the skillet for the air fryer. The ubiquitous kitchen contraption works by circulating hot air around food placed in a perforated tray or basket.

The result is gloriously tasty low-fat snacks and mains that are fully cooked and crispy on all sides, all while keeping the grease content super low. And the real secret is that if you can pan-sear or deep-fry it, you can air fry it, easier and way faster. Read on for ideas to help you transform your next meal with these healthy air fryer recipes.

Healthy Air Fryer Veggies

These veggies whip up quickly and make for an excellent side dish – or even the main dish.

Air Fryer Squash

Ingredients: Yellow squash or butternut squash, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper.
Directions: Cut squash into rounds/slivers and toss in olive oil and spices; spread evenly in the basket and air fry at 400°F for 10–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, pepper.
Directions: Halve Brussels sprouts and toss with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and spices. Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until crispy.

Air Fryer Spicy Tofu

Ingredients: Firm tofu, avocado oil, sriracha, cornstarch, salt.
Directions: Press tofu in a clean towel between two hard surfaces for 20 minutes. Cube and toss with cornstarch (about 1 Tbsp), oil, and sriracha. Cook at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until crispy, flipping or shaking halfway through.

Air Fryer Crispy Kale Chips

Ingredients: Chopped kale (washed, de-stemmed, and patted dry), olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper.
Directions: Toss the kale pieces in oil and spices, and arrange on the tray or basket, not letting them overlap too much. Cook at 370F for 2–4 minutes.

Air Fryer Zesty Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper.
Directions: Rough cut potatoes or cut them into fries. Toss in olive oil and seasonings, and cook at 400F for 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy.

Healthy Air Fryer Meats

If you want a meatier main dish, these healthy air fryer recipes are perfect for a weeknight meal. Or, dress them up to make up an impressive grand centerpiece.

Air Fryer Salmon

Ingredients: Salmon fillets, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, salt, pepper.
Directions: Season the salmon with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 7–9 minutes until flaky or reaching desired doneness.

Air Fryer Chicken or Turkey Breast

Ingredients: Boneless chicken breasts/turkey breast, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper.
Directions:
Chicken: Rub the chicken with olive oil and season with spices. Cook at 375F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
Turkey: Prepare the turkey breast the same as you would chicken, but make sure to start by cooking it skin-down first at 350F for 40–50 minutes. Turkey breasts will take longer due to their thickness. After 20 minutes, check the turkey breast and flip. Cook for another 20–30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165F.