While it may seem too good to be true, there’s actually a way to enjoy healthy fried food. The key lies in using an air fryer, which allows you to replicate the flavor of fried dishes without any actual frying. This magical device eliminates the need for greasy aftertastes, messy oil splatters, and lingering regret. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for delicious options to serve to vegetarians, these irresistible ‘fried’ recipes are sure to please.
Start with classic favorites like french fries or try something new with cauliflower. For a snack, rustle up some crispy kale chips or go big with a blooming onion. And don’t forget about dessert – treat yourself to apple fries, grilled peaches, or homemade churros. It’s time to dust off your air fryer and explore the endless possibilities of veggie delights.
Air Fryer French Fries
The allure of French fries was what initially drew me to my air fryer, and now I’m enjoying the reality. That reality is a dream where I can indulge in crispy, golden shoestring fries every night of the week, no exceptions. And you too can experience this culinary delight with this simple recipe that yields restaurant-quality fries. What’s more, these spuds are cooked to perfection using heart-healthy olive oil, requiring only 15 minutes of cooking time.
Sweet Potato Fries
Indulging in sweet potatoes can have numerous benefits for your overall well-being. Packed with beta-carotene, vitamin C, and fiber, this nutrient-dense root vegetable is a powerhouse of health. To unlock its full potential, it’s essential to prepare it in a way that brings out the best qualities – think crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside. This recipe masterfully achieves just that, elevating the humble sweet potato to new heights.
Air Fryer Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
To elevate your Brussels sprouts to new heights, you’ll only need a trifecta of ingredients: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and an air fryer. This winning combination yields consistently delicious results, but there are a few key tweaks to take them from good to great. For instance, selecting sprouts that are uniform in size ensures they cook evenly throughout. Additionally, a quick par-boil before air frying helps achieve the perfect balance of crunch outside and tender inside.
Air Fryer Baked Potato
While baked potatoes are a delightful and effortless dinner option, they can indeed be a time-consuming affair. To circumvent this, consider air-frying them instead! This method yields tender spuds with an added bonus – the skin transforms into a crispy, salty, and utterly addictive delight.
Air Fryer Carrots
Indulge in these delectable air-fried carrots, as they can be savored in three mouth-watering ways. For a savory delight, opt for the garlic and herb combination that will tantalize your taste buds. If you’re craving something with a spicy kick, try cumin and paprika for an added depth of flavor. Alternatively, when you need a sweet treat, the coconut sugar and maple syrup variation is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Transforming humble squash into a show-stopper requires little more than a light drizzle of olive oil and 20 minutes in the air fryer’s gentle heat. By ‘roasting’ butternut squash in this way, you’ll unleash its natural nutty flavors and tender, sweet flesh. This delectable holiday side dish is a seasonal staple that’s sure to become a fall favorite.
Air Fryer Fried Cauliflower
With the pungent flavors of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, this air fryer cauliflower recipe is elevated to new heights. The combination yields a satisfying crunch and a medley of bold, exciting tastes that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy them as a snack on their own or paired with a rich, creamy dip for added indulgence.
Air Fryer Patatas Bravas
Indulge in the bold flavors of Spain with patatas bravas, crispy fried potatoes smothered in a rich and spicy tomato sauce. This straightforward recipe makes it easy to recreate this Mediterranean delight in your own kitchen. Simply season potato wedges and cook them to a golden crisp in an air fryer, then serve alongside a chunky homemade tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
Crispy Chickpeas
Chickpeas offer a nutritious alternative to nuts for those seeking a satisfying and crispy snack with a savory flavor profile. To transform these protein-rich legumes into crispy morsels, simply coat them in oil, season as desired, and then deep-fry until golden brown. This process typically takes around 20 minutes, resulting in a delightful textural change from soft to crunchy.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Transforming leftover cauliflower into a mouthwatering snack is a game-changer. The key to this vegan recipe lies in coating the florets with a thick, spicy batter that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. By frying them to a tangy, crispy perfection, you’ll be rewarded with an addictive treat that rivals buffalo chicken bites – and still manages to outdo its non-vegan counterpart!
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
While corn on the cob is a classic summer delight, it’s not always practical or comfortable to fire up the grill during the hottest days. This is where the air fryer comes to the rescue! Simply coat the cobs with oil, add your favorite seasonings, and place them in the air fryer basket. The result is tender, juicy, and deeply flavorful corn that’s sure to please. Just be sure to slather it with butter before taking a bite (and have some napkins on hand!)
Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Imagine a majestic onion, its layers transformed into bite-sized pieces, coated in a light and crispy batter, and then crisply fried to perfection. This show-stopping treat is not only visually stunning but also tantalizes the taste buds with its savory goodness. The best part? You can enjoy this indulgent delight without compromising your dietary goals, as it can be easily adapted for gluten-free and low-carb preferences.
Air Fryer Garlic Chips
While some may shy away from pungent garlic, these crispy chips are well worth the effort. Their versatility lies in their ability to elevate a variety of dishes with just a sprinkle. Keep a stash on hand and crumble them into salads for an instant flavor boost, or add them to soups and stews for a satisfying crunch.
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Indulge in crispy tofu chunks, a convenient and flavorful meal option for those opting out of meat-based dishes. The recipe at its core relies on the trifecta of garlic, onion, and paprika to create an alluring, spicy flavor profile that will leave you craving more. Whether served with a side of creamy dip or piled high atop saucy noodles, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and provide a substantial dose of protein-rich goodness.
Air Fryer Toast
The humble standard toaster has seemingly become a relic of the past, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. The rise of air fryers has brought with it a new era of crispy, golden-brown toast, all thanks to the power of convection cooking. It’s surprising just how well these small appliances can transform plain bread into a crunchy delight.
Air Fryer Kale Chips
Need a conversion from kale skeptics to enthusiasts? This delicious recipe does just that! Even those who crave potato chips will find their cravings satisfied – and with no pangs of guilt, too.
Air Fryer Buttered Spinach
When it comes to elevating the humble spinach, air frying is a game-changer. This method not only preserves the delicate texture but also unlocks a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve through other cooking methods. The addition of generous amounts of butter in this creamy recipe takes it to the next level, resulting in a rich and indulgent side dish that’s sure to become a staple.
Air Fryer Potato Chips
When it comes to potato chips, the packaged varieties often come loaded with a plethora of undesirable additives, preservatives, and artificial flavorings. To avoid these unwanted ingredients, making your own potato chips is a great alternative. Not only will you eliminate the need for artificial enhancements, but you’ll also create a snack that’s not just comparable to store-bought, but actually surpasses them in terms of crunchiness and flavor. Your taste buds will thank you!
Air Fryer Okra
While okra’s slimy nature might be off-putting for some, this air fryer recipe offers a solution to that issue. By lightly battering the okra and then dry-frying it, you can achieve a crispy, golden-brown texture that’s sure to delight your taste buds. The slime factor is effectively eliminated, replaced by an irresistible crunch and a burst of flavor.
Air Fryer Eggplant
Indulge your veggie-loving guests with this mouthwatering eggplant recipe that’s as easy as it gets. This gluten-free and low-carb delight features garlicky chunks of perfectly cooked eggplant, bursting with flavor. Enjoy them straight from the fryer or store them for a future salad adventure.
Air Fryer Churros
While churros may seem daunting, this simplified recipe puts beginners at ease. The process starts by preparing sweet pastry dough that’s fried to perfection – yielding a fluffy interior and crunchy exterior. Once golden brown, the churros are gently dusted in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, creating a delightful textural contrast. To round out the experience, a rich and creamy dulce de leche sauce is served on the side, allowing you to indulge in the perfect sweet treat.
Air Fryer Apple Chips
Fruity apple chips offer a delightful combination of healthiness and tastiness, defying conventional expectations. With an astonishingly low caloric count per serving – mere 48 calories – these crispy treats have earned their reputation as the ideal snacking choice for those mindful of their weight. The perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and indulgent flavor, fruity apple chips are a game-changer in the world of snacks.
Air Fryer Apple Fries
For an exceptional outcome, opt for crisp apple varieties that will yield a delightful combination of taste and texture in this straightforward recipe. Unlike other approaches, this method ensures your ‘fries’ remain crunchy and free from mushiness, resulting in sweet and satisfying wedges. To elevate the experience even further, consider serving them with a rich caramel sauce for an added layer of indulgence.
Air Fryer Grilled Peaches
Transforming ripe, succulent peaches into a sweet masterpiece is as easy as firing up your air fryer! By grilling the fruit, you unlock its full potential of intense sweetness and add deep, caramel-like undertones. The result is nothing short of peachy perfection. Enjoy your grilled peaches on their own or paired with a scoop of creamy ice cream – either way, it’s a treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Air Fryer Shortbread
Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery, crumbly shortbread cookie, freshly baked in mere minutes using your air fryer. That’s exactly what you can achieve with this recipe, which yields delectable treats in just 10 minutes. Whether you’re looking to share these sweet goodies as holiday gifts or indulge yourself, the allure of fresh-baked shortbread is undeniable. And let’s be honest, it’s hard to resist its charm (I’m guilty of devouring them all myself!).
