I recently lost over 70 pounds. Here are my 7 favorite things to make in an air fryer.
- I've lost 70 pounds, but keeping weight off has been tough. Luckily, my air fryer makes it easier.
- I use my air fryer to make lighter alternatives to dishes I love, like chicken tenders and chips.
- Even foods I once disliked, like Brussels sprouts, have become reliable air-fryer snacks.
Growing up, managing my weight was a challenge. Years later, I'm 70 pounds lighter and have much to thank for the transformation.
My calorie-tracking app helps keep me accountable and my gym workouts have been great for helping me create balance in my life.
However, my air fryer has been my unsung hero throughout my journey. I love using the appliance to prepare lighter versions of indulgent dishes and make vegetables taste better.
Here are my go-to meals and snacks to make in the air fryer when I'm hungry but looking for something light.
From habanero wings to ghost-pepper chips, I'm always looking to test my tastebuds, and I love food with a bit of heat.
Buffalo cauliflower lets me indulge that craving without consuming anything too heavy or calorie-dense. It's also surprisingly easy to make.
Coat some florets with a tablespoon or two of oil, season with salt and pepper, then toss in your hot sauce of choice. Cook in the air fryer until crispy.
When I frequented the drive-thru, I always got chicken nuggets. It's fitting, then, that the day I decided to get in shape, I bought a 20-piece as my "last supper" before driving straight to the gym.
Although I still grab fast food on occasion, I now make crispy chicken tenders at home. This way, I can use less oil and control the ingredients.
First, I use a knife to remove any tendons from the chicken. Then, I season the strips and coat them with flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. They go in the air fryer until golden.
Fries are easy to prepare in an air fryer and even easier to enjoy. Plus, you can season them with any spices you want.
I alternate between making regular fries and sweet-potato fries. The sweet potatoes require some muscle to chop — and take extra time to crisp up — but the effort is worth it.
To make these, I coat my potato strips in oil, air-fry them until crispy, then salt and season to taste.
Haddock, cod, and salmon all turn out great in the air fryer.
When cooking a white fish, I like to coat it in breadcrumbs — just like the tenders — and air-fry until golden brown. For a better bite, make sure to season your flour and breading.
I love pairing my crispy fish with air-fryer fries for a lighter version of fish and chips.
An oven is great for heating up frozen pies, but an air fryer excels if you're making your own pizza. You can really be creative with your crust by using English muffins, naan, or other bases.
On this day, I made air-fryer pizza using a baguette as my base. In an oven, that bread would have toughened up, but after a few minutes in the air fryer, it became flaky and crispy.
I topped my pizza with turkey pepperoni and basil, though it's also super easy to customize.
I couldn't stand Brussels sprouts growing up. The smell was offputting, the texture was slimy, and other vegetables were simply more appealing.
Now, they're my favorite green alongside broccoli — and the secret is preparing them well.
Although I enjoy sprouts baked, roasted, or sautéed, I love them air-fried. Season them generously, air-fry them until crunchy, and you have a great midnight snack.
Plantain chips are one of my favorite snacks to get at the grocery store. I wouldn't call them healthy, but I find them to be a slightly lighter alternative to potato chips.
To make my own version at home, I started air-frying banana slices.
First, thinly slice a firm banana. Toss the slices in oil and salt, then air-fry them until they brown up. Set them aside to cool, and you'll have a sweet-and-savory snack that resembles chips.