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Home » Recipe Collections

17 healthy air fryer recipes that don’t taste “healthy”

Published: May 25, 2026 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

The best healthy recipes are the ones that never feel like a compromise. These air fryer favorites deliver crispy textures, bold flavors, and serious comfort-food energy without the heaviness of traditional frying. They’re easy enough for busy weeknights but tasty enough to make repeatedly. Even picky eaters may forget these recipes are actually good for them.

Samosas

An image of air fryer samosas on a plate that's ready to be served.
Samosas. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These crispy samosas come out light and golden in the air fryer, making them a healthier take on the classic snack. This air fryer meal is quick to prepare and works especially well as an appetizer for parties without the need for deep frying.
Get the Recipe: Samosas

Hasselback Potatoes

An overhead image of air fried hassel back potatoes on a plate with parsley on top and a fork and knife on the right side.
Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Hasselback potatoes turn tender inside and crisp outside when cooked in the air fryer. This air fryer meal is ready in less than an hour and is perfect for gatherings since it requires little attention while cooking.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Buffalo Cauliflower

Air fryer vegan buffalo cauliflower bites in a bowl with dip nearby, placed under a wooden board.
Buffalo Cauliflower. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Buffalo cauliflower wings turn crispy in the air fryer while keeping just the right amount of spice. This air fryer meal is a popular choice for game nights or casual get-togethers because it cooks fast and serves easily.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower

Fried Avocado Tacos

An overhead view of three fried avocado tacos on parchment paper surrounded by garnishes.
Fried Avocado Tacos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fried avocado tacos are built around creamy avocado fries that turn crisp in the air fryer. This air fryer meal pairs well with refried beans and sauce, creating a hearty option that’s both quick and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Fried Avocado Tacos

Spaghetti Squash

An overhead image of air fried spaghetti squash.
Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Air fryer spaghetti squash comes out tender in about 30 minutes, making it simple to prepare. As an air fryer meal, it’s a quick side dish that pairs well with almost any main course.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash

Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks on a plate.
Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Sweet potato casserole stacks come out golden and evenly cooked in the air fryer. This air fryer meal is an easy side dish that pairs well with weeknight dinners or holiday spreads.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

Marinated Salmon Bites

A plate with air fryer salmon bites, rice, broccoli and sauce on it.
Marinated Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Salmon bites marinated in garlic and soy sauce cook quickly in the air fryer, staying tender and flavorful. This air fryer meal is versatile, with the same marinade doubling as a dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Salmon Bites

Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad

Two bowls of Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons on a wooden board.
Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Blackened chicken Caesar salad gets extra crunch from air fryer croutons. This air fryer meal brings together fresh salad and tender chicken for a balanced main dish.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad

Tempeh

Someone holding a bowl of Air Fryer Tempeh.
Tempeh. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Air fryer tempeh cooks up with a crisp texture and garlic flavor, making it a versatile protein option. This air fryer meal works well for meal prep since it can be added to salads, bowls, or wraps.
Get the Recipe: Tempeh

Cod

Air fryer cod on a plate with green beans and rice.
Cod. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cod fillets with lemon and spices cook in under 20 minutes in the air fryer. This air fryer meal is straightforward and pairs well with fresh vegetables or salads.
Get the Recipe: Cod

Rice Paper Dumplings

A plate of Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings with a dip and a pair of chopsticks.
Rice Paper Dumplings. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Rice paper dumplings cook to a crunchy texture in the air fryer, holding a fresh vegetable filling. This air fryer meal is a lighter option that works well as a snack or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Rice Paper Dumplings

Fiesta Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Close-up image of air fryer fiesta chicken stuffed poblano peppers.
Fiesta Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Stuffed poblano peppers turn tender and full of flavor in the air fryer. This air fryer meal is a simple dinner choice with bold taste and minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Fiesta Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Artichoke

A white plate with two grilled artichoke halves and a small stone bowl of dipping sauce.
Artichoke. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Artichokes in the air fryer develop a crisp finish without deep frying. This air fryer meal takes about 45 minutes and makes for a lighter version of a classic seasonal recipe.
Get the Recipe: Artichoke

Lasagna

Someone holding up a slice of Air Fryer Lasagna.
Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Air fryer lasagna keeps all the layers and flavors of the traditional version but with faster cooking and easier cleanup. This air fryer meal develops a crisp top and makes a family-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna

Ham and Cheese Double Crust Quiche

An image of Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Double Crust Quiche.
Ham and Cheese Double Crust Quiche. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Ham and cheese quiche with premade crust turns golden in the air fryer. This air fryer meal is hearty and convenient, working for both brunch and dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Double Crust Quiche

Fish Sticks

Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops on a wooden board.
Fish Sticks. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Fish sticks come out crispy in the air fryer with only a handful of ingredients. This air fryer meal is simple to prepare and pairs well with dipping sauces for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fish Sticks

Honey Mustard Pork Chops

Honey Mustard Pork Chops. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Honey mustard pork chops stay juicy when cooked in the air fryer, taking only about 30 minutes. This air fryer meal is a convenient choice for busy evenings when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Pork Chops

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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