There's More to the Air Fryer Than Chips and Fries — Try These Low-Carb Recipes Instead

Updated on 4/21/2020 at 9:50 PM

Imagine: a low-carb diet made easier with an air fryer. Who would've known? If you assumed the air fryer was off-limits on this kind of diet, we're here to set the record straight. While it's best known for cooking perfectly crisp potatoes, chips, and breaded meats — without the oil (and calories) needed for deep frying — there are plenty of healthy uses for the air fryer that won't eat up your daily allowance for carbs. Does that sound almost too good to be true? Well, here's all the proof you need. We've rounded up the best air fryer recipes that are low-carb without sacrificing the golden, delicious results you've come to crave from everyone's favorite appliance.

— Additional reporting by Lauren Harano

Honey Lime Air Fryer Shrimp

If you still don't have an air fryer, what are you waiting for? You can cook this citrusy, sweet shrimp in just five minutes after marinating.

Get the recipe: honey lime air fryer shrimp

Chicken Wings

If you have chicken, olive oil, salt, and pepper, you're only 30 minutes away from the crispiest chicken wings you'll ever eat. (Bonus: they're also gluten-free and Paleo.)

Get the recipe: chicken wings

Zucchini Fritters

If your attempts at skillet-fried fritters have always ended in a stuck-on mess, you'll be blown away by how simple they are to make in an air fryer. Equally thrilling: the lemon-dill dip.

Get the recipe: zucchini fritters

Cajun Breakfast Sausage

These juicy sausage patties are spiced with chili flakes and cayenne, with just a touch of date sugar or maple syrup for sweetness.

Get the recipe: cajun breakfast sausage

Everything Bagel Chicken Roll-Ups

These chicken cutlets are stuffed with spinach, cheese, and cream cheese, then rolled in everything bagel seasoning for added crunch and flavor.

Get the recipe: everything bagel chicken roll-ups

Vegetable Stir-Fry

Who knew you could air-fry vegetables? This stir-fry is delicious on its own or served over a bed of riced cauliflower.

Get the recipe: vegetable stir-fry

Cilantro Ranch Sweet Potato Cauliflower Patties

This vegetarian-friendly appetizer is packed with filling complex carbs and balanced out with virtuous cauliflower. You'll love the flavorful ranch seasoning, too.

Get the recipe: cilantro ranch sweet potato cauliflower patties

Roasted Asian Broccoli

If you prefer your broccoli on the blackened side, you have to try this recipe. Air-frying turns the broccoli a golden brown and gives it a satisfying crunch. Topped off with a spicy Asian sauce, it's sure to be your new favorite side.

Get the recipe: roasted Asian broccoli

Chicken Wings With Buffalo Sauce

To get these wings extra crispy, you actually turn up the heat for the last few minutes of cooking. Before serving, you toss them in homemade buffalo sauce that can be customized based on your tolerance for heat.

Get the recipe: chicken wings with buffalo sauce

Tofu

Naturally low in carbs, this air-fried tofu requires so little work to prepare that it may become your new go-to protein. It's versatile enough to use in soups, salads, stir-fries, and more.

Get the recipe: tofu

Crispy Chickpeas

This tasty snack cooks up crispier than oven-baked chickpeas, and you can season them any way you like. The carbs do add up quickly, though, so keep your portions small or use the chickpeas as a salad topping.

Get the recipe: crispy chickpeas