52 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes
Lean protein and vegetables, cooked with a teaspoon of oil.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Illustration generated to show a typical finished result. It is not a photograph of a specific batch we cooked.
The honest case for an air fryer being healthier is narrow but real: it produces deep-fried texture using roughly a tenth of the oil. That is a genuine reduction in fat for the same result. It does not make a doughnut into a salad, so this collection sticks to lean protein, fish and vegetables where the appliance is doing real work.
All 52 healthy air fryer recipes
Air Fryer Acorn Squash
190°C · 18-24 min
Tender acorn squash wedges glazed with maple and brown butter notes. The air fryer roasts the dense flesh until soft and caramelised at the edges, a cosy autumn side that comes together far quicker than the oven. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 18-24 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Artichokes
190°C · 12-16 min
Tender, lemony artichokes with crisped, golden leaves ready for dipping. The air fryer finishes steamed artichokes with a lovely char, making an impressive starter that is far simpler than it looks. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 12-16 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Beets
190°C · 22-28 min
Earthy, sweet roasted beetroot with concentrated flavour and no messy oven tray. The air fryer intensifies their natural sugars beautifully, giving tender wedges that are ideal in salads, grain bowls or served warm with feta. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 22-28 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Bell Peppers
190°C · 8-12 min
Soft, sweet peppers with lightly charred edges in under 12 minutes. Great for fajitas, pasta, bowls and sandwiches. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 8-12 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Blackened Salmon
200°C · 8-10 min
Salmon fillets rubbed in a smoky, spicy blackening mix and air fried until the crust is deeply savoury and the flesh stays moist. Bold flavour with minimal effort. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 8-10 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Bok Choy
190°C · 6-9 min
Crisp-edged bok choy with tender stems and a savoury sesame-garlic glaze. The air fryer chars the leaves while keeping the crunchy base juicy, a speedy Asian-inspired side for rice bowls and stir-fries. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 6-9 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Broccolini
190°C · 8-10 min
Charred, tender-stemmed broccolini with crispy tips and a garlicky finish. The air fryer blisters the florets while keeping the stalks snappy, a fast, elegant green side for any meal. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 8-10 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Carrot Fries
200°C · 14-18 min
Sweet, crisp-edged carrot fries with a tender bite, a colourful veg-packed alternative to chips. The air fryer caramelises the natural sugars and crisps the outsides using barely any oil, a hit with kids and adults alike. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 14-18 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Carrots
190°C · 15-18 min
Sweet, caramelised carrots with golden edges and tender centres. They are one of the easiest air fryer vegetable sides and go with everything from chicken to salmon. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 15-18 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Cauliflower
200°C · 12-15 min
Golden, crispy cauliflower with deeply savoury edges. Roasted flavour in half the time, straight from the air fryer. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 12-15 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks
200°C · 15-18 min
Thick slabs of cauliflower roasted until the edges caramelise and the centre turns tender and sweet. The air fryer chars them like a griddle without heating the oven, making a striking meat-free centrepiece in under twenty minutes. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 15-18 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Cod
190°C · 10-12 min
Flaky, tender cod with a lightly seasoned top and almost no cleanup. This is one of the easiest air fryer fish dinners and works for weeknights, bowls and tacos. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 10-12 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas
200°C · 12-16 min
Chickpeas roasted until crunchy and popcorn-like, seasoned with smoky spice. The air fryer's rapid circulation dries them out beautifully so they turn addictively crisp, perfect as a snack, salad topper or protein-rich crouton swap. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 12-16 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Delicata Squash
200°C · 12-16 min
Sweet delicata squash rings with caramelised edges and tender, edible skin, so no peeling needed. The air fryer roasts them quickly into golden half-moons, a beautiful autumnal side for any table. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 12-16 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Flounder
190°C · 8-10 min
Thin, delicate flounder fillets with a light lemon butter and herb crumb topping. The air fryer cooks this fragile fish quickly and gently so it stays tender and flaky. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 8-10 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Haddock
190°C · 10-12 min
Flaky haddock with a lightly crisped top and delicate texture. Quick, clean and ideal with vegetables, chips or salad. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 10-12 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Halibut
200°C · 10-12 min
Thick, meaty halibut fillets with a lemon garlic butter finish, cooked to moist, flaky perfection. The air fryer's even heat prevents this lean fish from drying out. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 10-12 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
190°C · 8-10 min
Flaky salmon with a glossy honey garlic glaze and a lightly caramelised finish. Simple ingredients, big flavour and almost no cleanup. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 8-10 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Kale Chips
150°C · 5-8 min
Feather-light, salty kale chips that crackle at the first bite. The gentle heat of the air fryer crisps the leaves in minutes without scorching, giving you a wholesome, addictive snack packed with green goodness. Cooks at 150°C / 300°F for 5-8 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
200°C · 8-10 min
Firm, meaty mahi mahi fillets seasoned simply and air fried until just flaky. A quick, lean dinner that stays moist thanks to the air fryer's fast, even heat. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 8-10 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Mushrooms
190°C · 8-10 min
Savory, golden mushrooms with concentrated flavour and none of the sogginess you get from a crowded pan. They are brilliant as a side, toast topping or breakfast add-on. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 8-10 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Okra
200°C · 10-14 min
Crisp, blister-edged okra with none of the sliminess, thanks to the dry heat of the air fryer. Lightly spiced and roasted until charred, it makes an addictive snack or a punchy side for curries and grilled meats. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 10-14 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Plantains
190°C · 10-14 min
Sweet, caramelised plantains with golden edges and a soft, custardy centre. The air fryer coaxes out their natural sugars with barely any oil, making a quick Caribbean-style side or snack that is hard to stop eating. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 10-14 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms
190°C · 8-11 min
Meaty portobello caps marinated in garlic and balsamic, then air fried until juicy and deeply savoury. The air fryer concentrates their flavour and drives off excess water, giving a robust burger filling or steak-style plate. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 8-11 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Radishes
200°C · 12-15 min
Roasting mellows radishes into a surprisingly soft, buttery low-carb side that tastes like roast potatoes. The air fryer draws out their sharp bite and leaves lightly crisped edges, a clever swap for anyone watching the carbs. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 12-15 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables
190°C · 14-18 min
A colourful mix of roasted vegetables with crisp edges and tender middles. Perfect when you want one easy side that goes with almost any main. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 14-18 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Salmon Bites
200°C · 7-9 min
Tender salmon bites with crisp edges and loads of flavour in under 10 minutes. They are perfect for rice bowls, salads, tacos or quick meal prep. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 7-9 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Salmon Patties
190°C · 8-10 min
Crispy salmon patties with a soft, savoury middle and hardly any oil. Great for burgers, salads or a quick protein-packed meal. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 8-10 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Scallops
200°C · 5-7 min
Tender scallops with lightly golden tops in just minutes. One of the fastest elegant dinners you can make in the air fryer. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 5-7 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
190°C · 20-30 min
Roasted spaghetti squash that forks into tender, noodle-like strands, a brilliant low-carb pasta swap. The air fryer roasts the halves faster than the oven while keeping the strands firm and separate. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 20-30 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Tempeh
190°C · 12-15 min
Marinated tempeh strips turned crisp and caramelised in the air fryer, with a nutty depth you only get from the whole soybean cake. A steaming and marinating trick tames any bitterness and lets the savoury glaze soak right in. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 12-15 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
190°C · 8-10 min
Tender salmon glazed with a sticky teriyaki sauce and finished with a lightly caramelised top. A fast, flavour-packed dinner. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 8-10 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Tilapia
190°C · 8-10 min
Light, flaky tilapia with a gentle seasoning and fast cook time. A great budget-friendly fish dinner for busy nights. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 8-10 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Tofu Fries
200°C · 12-15 min
Crispy tofu sticks with a savoury coating and chewy centre. Perfect for dipping or serving as a side. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 12-15 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets
200°C · 12-15 min
Crispy tofu nuggets with a chewy centre and savoury seasoned coating. A great plant-based option for dipping, wraps or bowls. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 12-15 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Trout
190°C · 10-12 min
Delicate trout fillets with lemon, butter and herbs, cooked gently in the air fryer until they flake at the touch of a fork. A wholesome, fast midweek supper. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 10-12 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Tuna Patties
190°C · 10-12 min
Budget-friendly tinned tuna patties with a crisp exterior and soft, savoury middle. The air fryer sets them firmly without the greasy shallow-frying, so they hold together beautifully. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 10-12 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Tuna Steaks
200°C · 6-8 min
Firm, meaty tuna steaks with a lightly seared outside and tender centre. Ideal for quick salads, rice bowls and healthy dinners. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 6-8 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Turkey Breast
175°C · 45-55 min
A boneless turkey breast turns out juicy and golden in the air fryer, perfect for a small festive dinner or meal prep. It frees up the oven and delivers crisp herby skin with tender, sliceable meat. Cooks at 175°C / 350°F for 45-55 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
190°C · 10-12 min
Juicy turkey burgers with a browned crust and leaner profile than beef. Fast, family-friendly and easy to customise. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 10-12 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
190°C · 10-12 min
Tender turkey meatballs with a savoury herb flavour and leaner bite. Easy to serve with pasta, rice or salads. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 10-12 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin
185°C · 22-28 min
A lean turkey tenderloin cooks up moist and flavourful in the air fryer, ideal for a quick healthy dinner. A simple herb rub gives a golden crust while the meat stays tender, ready to slice for meals all week. Cooks at 185°C / 365°F for 22-28 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Zucchini
200°C · 10-12 min
Golden zucchini rounds with crisp edges and a tender middle. A simple side that comes together in minutes. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 10-12 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
180°C · 10-14 min
Crunchy, golden courgette chips with a crisp parmesan crumb coating. The air fryer makes them shatteringly crisp with a fraction of the oil of frying, a moreish veg-packed snack the whole family will devour. Cooks at 180°C / 360°F for 10-14 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Asparagus in the Air Fryer
200°C · 7-9 min
Cook asparagus in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 7-9 minutes, shaking halfway, until the spears are tender-crisp and the tips are lightly charred. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.
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Broccoli in the Air Fryer
190°C · 8-10 min
Cook broccoli in an air fryer at 190°C / 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway, until the edges are crisp and a fork slides into the stalk. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.
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Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer
190°C · 12-15 min
Cook halved Brussels sprouts in an air fryer at 190°C / 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway, until the cut sides are caramelised. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.
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Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer
190°C · 18-22 min
Cook chicken breast in an air fryer at 190°C / 375°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until the thickest part reaches 74°C / 165°F. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.
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Green Beans in the Air Fryer
190°C · 8-10 min
Cook green beans in an air fryer at 190°C / 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway, until they are tender and lightly blistered. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.
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Salmon in the Air Fryer
190°C · 8-12 min
Cook salmon in an air fryer at 190°C / 375°F for 8-12 minutes, skin-side down, until the thickest part reaches 63°C / 145°F. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.
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Shrimp in the Air Fryer (Prawns)
200°C · 6-8 min
Cook shrimp, or prawns, in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway, until they turn pink and curl into a loose C. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.
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Tofu in the Air Fryer
200°C · 12-15 min
Cook pressed tofu cubes in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway, until the edges are crisp. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.
Read moreWhere the calorie saving actually comes from
Deep frying works by immersion, and the food absorbs a meaningful amount of that oil. Air frying uses a teaspoon or two as a browning aid rather than a cooking medium, so almost none is absorbed.
For chips that difference is somewhere around a 70-80% cut in fat for a comparable crust. That is the whole health claim - it is a real one, but it applies to the cooking method, not to the food.
Keeping nutrients in vegetables
Short cook times and no water help here. Boiling leaches water-soluble vitamins straight into the pan; air frying keeps them in the food, and 10-12 minutes is far less exposure than a 45-minute roast.
Use the minimum oil that still coats everything - about a teaspoon per basket. Less than that and the vegetables dehydrate and turn leathery rather than roasting, which helps nobody.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is air frying actually healthier?
For anything you would otherwise deep fry, yes - it uses roughly a tenth of the oil for a comparable result, cutting fat substantially. It does not change the food itself, so what you cook still matters more.
How much oil is in air fryer food?
Usually one to two teaspoons per basket, and almost none of it is absorbed because the food is not immersed. Deep frying can add several tablespoons to the same portion.
Does air frying destroy nutrients?
Less than boiling or a long roast. Short cook times and no cooking water mean water-soluble vitamins stay in the food rather than leaching out.
Can you air fry with no oil at all?
For fatty meat and frozen breaded food, yes. For fresh vegetables it is a mistake - with no oil they dehydrate and go leathery instead of roasting. A teaspoon is enough.