No time to watch your food be cooked? Get an Air-Fryer! It’s a convenient kitchen supply that can cook your food with crispiness and deliciousness. 

The air fryer is just a countertop convection oven that has been cranked up; it does not really cook the food. The heating mechanism and fan of an air fryer are located in the upper area of the appliance. When the device is turned on, the food is placed in a basket similar to a fryer, and hot air is then forced down onto and around the food. This quick circulation causes the food to become crisp, in a manner similar to that of deep frying but without the use of oil.

An air fryer can cook a wide variety of foods, including chicken, vegetables, onion rings, French fries, cheese sticks, fish, pizza, and even doughnuts, all without the need for oil. This means that less oil is being consumed by people which makes it a healthier option for us. Reducing caloric intake by 70 to 80 percent also has a significant reduction in fat content. 

Oil frying's negative health consequences may be mitigated by using this technique instead. Acrylamide, a chemical formed when starchy foods like potatoes are fried, has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. The level of acrylamide in fried potatoes is reduced by 90% when they are air-fried, according to research.

Worried about the taste? There is a crunch to air frying, but it doesn't have the same effect as oil frying. It's also important how you cook. Your food may cook differently if you overcrowd the little basket. You may end up with some crispy and some mushy patches.

If you want a healthier option for your meal, here are 15 Air-Fryer recipes that is healthy and easy to make. 

1. Onion Rings

Onion rings cooked in the air fryer are a healthier alternative to deep-fried ones. Homemade dip adds to the salty taste and provides a creamy contrast to the crunchy covering.

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 2 large (10-ounce) sweet onions, peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup whole-wheat flour
• ¾ cup buttermilk, divided
• 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1. Hard Boiled Eggs

Cooking hard-boiled eggs in the air fryer saves time and effort over the traditional method of boiling them in water. When it comes to meal prep or a quick snack, hard-boiled eggs are a terrific option.

Ingredients:

Large eggs

1. Apples

Cinnamon and orange zest give these air-fried apples a mild spice and taste. These air-fryer apples are just sweet enough thanks to maple syrup.

Ingredients:

• 3 small apples, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

1. Coconut Shrimp

Putting together this air-fryer coconut shrimp dish is a cinch. Make a homemade hot-and-sweet chili sauce for dipping the crispy shrimp, although any store-bought dipping sauce will do.

Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chile-garlic sauce
• ½ cup water plus 2 tablespoons, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs
• 24 large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on
• Cooking spray

1. Hash Browns

Hash brown potatoes cooked in an air-fryer will permanently transform the way you prepare them. Breakfast will never be the same with these air-fried hash browns, thanks to their crispy exterior and cleaner kitchen. The cheese not only binds the potatoes together, but also enhances the taste of each mouthful.

Ingredients:

• 1 (28 ounce) package frozen shredded potatoes (hash browns)
• 2 small red bell peppers, chopped (2 1/2 cups)
• 1 small red onion, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper

1. Meatballs

The meatballs cook rapidly in the air fryer and retain their moistness. With a simple Italian spice and Parmesan cheese topping, they're the ideal evening supper.

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 1 pound 90%-lean ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, grated (about 1/2 cup)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• Marinara sauce for serving

1. Green Bean Fries

The harissa paste and roasted red peppers in the dipping sauce provide a spicy kick to these air-fried green bean fries. Smoked paprika and panko breadcrumbs offer a nutty bite to the outside.

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons whole-wheat flour
• ¼ cup whole milk
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
• 1 ⅓ cups panko breadcrumbs, preferably whole-wheat
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 12 ounces green beans, trimmed (about 3 cups)

For Dipping Sauce

• 3 tablespoons low-fat plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons roasted red peppers, rinsed
• 1 ½ teaspoons harissa paste
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

1. Sweet Potatoes

They're crispy on the outside and delicate on the inside thanks to the air-fryer. If you don't have ground sumac on hand, paprika may be substituted.

Ingredients:

• 2 (8 ounce) sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground sumac
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

1. Pork Chops

Because they're cooked in the air fryer, these crispy breaded air fryer pork chops use less oil than traditional deep-fried dishes. Serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice, or roast some vegetables to accompany them. 

Ingredients:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 (5 ounce) boneless pork chops, trimmed
• Cooking spray
• ¼ teaspoon salt

1. Brocolli & Cheese Baked Potatoes

This meal combines two of your favorite potato dishes into one. Crispy skins are created by air-frying tender baked potato halves with a creamy Cheddar cheese and broccoli mixture. 

Ingredients:

• 4 medium russet potatoes (about 6-7 oz. each)
• 1 cup reduced-fat milk, divided
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup extra-sharp shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup coarsely chopped broccoli florets
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Chopped chives for garnish

1. Brussels Sprouts

Air-fried Brussels sprouts with sweet onions and salty bacon—all amplified with lemon juice—are guaranteed to be a favorite, whether you serve them on a weekday or as part of your Thanksgiving buffet.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices center-cut bacon
• 2 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise
• 1 large red onion, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

1. Zucchini Fries

The air fryer transforms crunchy, crispy zucchini into soft fries with a subtle natural taste. The tomato dipping sauce has just a touch of vinegar and mayonnaise acidity to give it an excellent taste.

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 1 large zucchini (10 ounces)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup canola mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons unsalted tomato paste
• ½ tablespoon red-wine vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper

1. Salmon Cakes

Crisp on the exterior and pillowy delicate on the inside, these air-fried salmon patties are similar to traditional salmon croquettes. Aim for salmon with fewer than 50 milligrams of salt per serving, and don't shy away from kinds with bones.

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 2 (7.5 ounce) cans unsalted pink salmon (with skin and bones)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons canola mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• 2 lemon wedges

1. Falafel

In an air fryer, falafel is nearly foolproof to make. Put all of the ingredients in a food processor, blend until smooth patties form, and cook in an air fryer until golden brown and crispy. Using a countertop convection oven, the falafel will cook faster and with less oil than if you pan-fry. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
• ½ cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• 2 medium cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 to 3 tablespoons water, if needed

1. Kale Chips

Making your own kale chips is as simple as 1-2-3. Fresh kale leaves may be air-fried in less than 15 minutes and with less fat than some store-bought choices, thanks to the air fryer. 

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 6 cups packed torn lacinato kale leaves (from an 8-oz. bunch)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon white sesame seeds
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

For the full procedures of all recipes, visit 25+ Healthy Air-Fryer Recipes for Beginners | EatingWell

Sources:

1. https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/what-is-an-air-fryer/ 
2. Do Air Fryers Have Health Benefits? (webmd.com)
3. 25+ Healthy Air-Fryer Recipes for Beginners | EatingWell