Obsessed with your air fryer? Us too. We love the air fryer because it’s faster than roasting in the oven, doesn’t heat up your kitchen, and it makes it super easy to create healthy, whole-food snacks at home. Let’s get snacking!
But first, two important air fryer tips:
- Never use aerosol spray cans (like Pam) on your air fryer’s basket or tray because it can damage the nonstick coating. If oil is needed, toss snacks in oil or use a pump bottle to spray.
- Don’t overcrowd your food – for maximum crispiness, your food needs space.
Easy & Super-Fast Snacks
1. Kale chips
SO easy! Wash your kale, destem and pat dry. Toss with olive oil and salt. Add extra seasoning if desired: experiment with garlic powder, Everything Bagel seasoning, cumin, or spices of your choice. Cook at 330 F for 5 minutes, giving your basket a shake about halfway through.
2. Roasted Zucchini & Yellow Squash
Slice your zucchini into ¼-inch round slices. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Cook at 350 F for 5 minutes, then flip your squash over and air fry for another 5 minutes. And done!
3. Za’atar Roasted Parsnips & Carrots
Wash and peel your parsnips and carrots – 2 lbs total. Slice into 3-4 inch “fries.” In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil with your choice of seasoning. We used 1 tbsp za’atar, ¾ tsp salt, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp garlic powder and ¼ tsp ground pepper. Pour over your veggies and toss well to coat. Add seasoned veggies to the bottom of your air fryer in a single layer. Cook at 400 F for 12 minutes, tossing often, until golden. Delicious!
4. Crispy Tofu
Tired of soggy tofu? No problem. Drain and press your tofu, then cut into bite-sized cubes. Marinate your tofu for 15 minutes in a mix of 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 clove of garlic, minced. Preheat your air fryer to 375 F and add tofu in a single layer. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the pan a few times through your cook time.
5. Apple Crisps
For perfect, evenly cooked crisps, use a mandolin on the thinnest setting to slice your apple. Place your slices in the basket and sprinkle with cinnamon. Cook on 300 F for 16 minutes, flipping and rotating the apples every 5 minutes. Make sure to keep an eye on these so they don’t burn!
6. Crispy Chickpeas
Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas. Toss with a tbsp of olive oil and season with 1/8 tsp salt and ¼ tsp each of garlic and onion powders. Cook at 390 F for 12-15 minutes, shaking a few times while cooking.
7. Roasted Almonds
Watch out, these are addictive—no salt or oil required. Preheat the air fryer at 350 F for 2 minutes. Cook for 5 minutes at 350 F. Give them a shake and continue to cook one minute at a time until finished—or until you’ve reached 8 minutes total.
If you want these to be more of a special treat, you can coat them in honey, salt and sugar.
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Trim and quarter your brussels sprouts. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tsp salt. Set air fryer to 390 F and preheat for 5 minutes. Move sprouts into the air fryer and cook, tossing halfway through, until well-browned and crispy, about 18 minutes.
More Complicated Snacks (But SO Worth It)
9. Buffalo Cauliflower “Wings”
A light, delicious take on chicken wings!
What you need:
- ½ head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup buffalo sauce of choice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
What you do:
- In a large bowl, stir together cauliflower and all other ingredients.
- Lightly grease your air fryer rack.
- Arrange cauliflower in a single layer. Cook at 375 F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until fork tender and slightly browned.
10. Cajun Bloomin’ Onion
A healthier reimagining of your favorite restaurant appetizer. Dip in ranch or another creamy dip.
What you need:
- 1 large sweet onion
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup flour
- 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
What you do:
- Peel onion and cut off the top. Place cut side of the onion down onto a cutting board. Starting 1⁄2 inch from the root, cut downward, all the way through. Make 8 cuts total around the onion. Open to expose “petals” of the onion.
- Put 1 cup of flour into a large bowl. Dip onion in bowl, making sure to dust the onion thoroughly.
- In another bowl, mix panko, salt, pepper and Cajun seasoning. Add eggs and buttermilk and stir to combine. Dip the onion into the mixture, making sure to get it between the petals.
- Turn onion upside down and let excess mixture drip off. Use a spoon to ladle mixture into crevices.
- Cook at 360 F for 15 minutes. Check for crispness and cook 5-10 extra minutes as needed.