Snacking doesn’t have to be unhealthy. If you’re looking for crispy, delicious, and guilt-free treats, your air fryer is about to become your new best friend.
Air fryers make it easy to whip up snacks that taste fried—but without the excess oil and calories. Whether you’re craving something crunchy, savory, or naturally sweet, you can create healthier alternatives in just minutes.
In this post, we’re sharing six easy, nutritious snacks you can make in your air fryer. These recipes are packed with flavor, require minimal ingredients, and are perfect for any time of day. Ready to snack smarter? Let’s dive in!
Why Choose an Air Fryer for Healthy Snacking?
If you love crispy snacks but want to cut back on oil and calories, an air fryer is a game-changer. It gives you that satisfying crunch without the guilt—no deep frying needed.
Healthier Cooking with Less Oil
Traditional frying soaks your food in oil, adding unnecessary fat and calories. With an air fryer, you only need a light spray or none at all. The hot air circulates to crisp up food, making it just as tasty but way healthier.
Cooks Faster Than an Oven
No need to wait for your oven to preheat. Air fryers heat up quickly and cook food faster, meaning you get your snacks in less time. Perfect when you’re hungry and don’t want to wait.
Keeps Nutrients Intact
Deep frying and overcooking can strip vegetables of their nutrients. Air frying helps retain vitamins and minerals while still delivering great texture and flavor.
Less Mess, Easy Cleanup
No splattering oil. No greasy mess. Most air fryer baskets are nonstick and dishwasher-safe, so cleaning up is a breeze.
Crispy Texture Without Additives
Store-bought snacks often contain preservatives, excess salt, and artificial flavors. When you make your own, you control the ingredients—just fresh, whole foods with no unnecessary extras.
An air fryer makes healthy snacking easier, faster, and tastier. Now, let’s get to the good part—the recipes!
6 Healthy Snacks to Make in an Air Fryer
Air fryers aren’t just for fries and frozen foods. They’re perfect for making healthier snacks that are crispy, delicious, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re in the mood for something crunchy, savory, or naturally sweet, these air fryer recipes have you covered.
Each of these snacks is packed with nutrients, easy to customize, and comes together in minutes. Let’s dive into six of the best healthy snacks you can make in an air fryer.
1. Crispy Chickpeas
If you love crunchy snacks but want a healthier alternative to chips, crispy chickpeas are the way to go. They’re high in protein, fiber, and full of flavor. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make in the air fryer.
Why You’ll Love It
Chickpeas become perfectly crunchy in the air fryer without needing a deep fryer. They’re endlessly customizable, meaning you can season them however you like—spicy, savory, or even slightly sweet.
How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas
- Drain and dry the chickpeas. Remove excess moisture using a paper towel. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get.
- Season well. Toss them with a teaspoon of olive oil and your favorite spices—paprika, garlic powder, cumin, or even a dash of cayenne for heat.
- Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
- Let them cool. They continue to crisp up as they sit. Enjoy them as a snack or add them to salads for extra crunch.
Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, remove the outer skin of the chickpeas before seasoning. This helps them crisp up even better in the air fryer.
2. Sweet Potato Fries
Craving fries but don’t want the excess oil? Sweet potato fries made in the air fryer are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with vitamins.
Why You’ll Love It
Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants. Unlike deep-fried versions, these air fryer fries use just a small amount of oil for a much healthier alternative.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Slice evenly. Cut sweet potatoes into thin fries for the best crispiness. The thinner they are, the crunchier they’ll get.
- Soak in cold water for 30 minutes. This removes excess starch and helps them crisp up. Pat them dry completely before seasoning.
- Season to taste. Toss with a teaspoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and spices like paprika or garlic powder.
- Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 15-18 minutes. Shake the basket halfway to ensure even cooking.
- Serve immediately. They’re best when hot and fresh.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy fries, cook them in a single layer without overcrowding the basket.
3. Zucchini Chips
Zucchini chips are the perfect light and crunchy snack. They satisfy your craving for chips but without the unhealthy fats and preservatives.
Why You’ll Love It
Zucchini is naturally low in calories and packed with nutrients. When air-fried, it turns into crispy, flavorful chips with just a fraction of the oil found in store-bought versions.
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
- Slice thinly. Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to get even slices, about ⅛-inch thick.
- Pat dry. Zucchini has a lot of moisture, so drying them with a paper towel helps them crisp up.
- Coat lightly. Toss slices with a bit of olive oil, salt, and optional parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. Flip halfway for even crispiness.
- Cool before eating. They get even crispier as they sit.
Pro Tip: For a crunchier texture, coat the zucchini slices in almond flour or panko breadcrumbs before air frying.
4. Air-Fried Apple Chips
Looking for a naturally sweet snack? Apple chips are crispy, slightly chewy, and packed with natural sweetness—no added sugar needed.
Why You’ll Love It
Unlike store-bought apple chips, these are free from added sugars and preservatives. They’re a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way.
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Chips
- Slice apples thinly. A mandoline slicer works best for even slices. Keep the peel on for extra fiber.
- Season lightly. Sprinkle with cinnamon for a warm, naturally sweet flavor.
- Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes. Flip halfway to ensure even crispiness.
- Let them cool. They will firm up as they sit.
Pro Tip: For extra crunch, leave the apple slices in the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes after turning it off.
5. Veggie Tots (Cauliflower/Broccoli Tots)
These homemade veggie tots are a healthier alternative to traditional tater tots. They’re packed with fiber and vitamins while still being crispy and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love It
Cauliflower and broccoli tots are great for sneaking in extra veggies, especially for kids. They have a crispy outside, a soft center, and taste amazing with dipping sauces.
How to Make Air Fryer Veggie Tots
- Prepare the veggies. Steam and mash cauliflower or broccoli until soft.
- Mix with binding ingredients. Combine with an egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings.
- Shape into tots. Form small, cylindrical shapes.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. Flip halfway for even browning.
Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, coat the tots lightly in panko breadcrumbs before air frying.
6. Stuffed Mini Peppers
Stuffed mini peppers are a quick, low-carb snack that’s loaded with flavor. They’re easy to make and can be filled with various delicious ingredients.
Why You’ll Love It
Mini peppers are naturally sweet and a great source of vitamin C. When stuffed and air-fried, they become warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
How to Make Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers
- Slice peppers in half and remove seeds.
- Stuff with filling. Options include cream cheese, cottage cheese, hummus, or shredded chicken.
- Season as needed. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, or fresh herbs.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. The peppers should be soft, and the filling slightly golden.
Pro Tip: For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs or grated cheese on top before air frying.
If you’re looking for even more tasty and guilt-free options, check out this list of 30 low-calorie air fryer snacks for healthy cravings. From crispy veggies to protein-packed bites, you’ll find plenty of ideas to keep your snacking both satisfying and nutritious!
FAQs About Healthy Snacks in the Air Fryer
What are the healthiest snacks to make in an air fryer?
Some of the best healthy air fryer snacks include crispy chickpeas, zucchini chips, sweet potato fries, and veggie tots. These options are nutrient-dense, high in fiber, and use little to no oil compared to traditional fried snacks.
Can I use frozen vegetables in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Just cook them straight from frozen—no need to thaw. For best results, spray lightly with oil and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
How do I keep snacks from sticking to the air fryer basket?
A light coat of oil or a piece of parchment paper can help prevent sticking. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can cause food to steam instead of crisping up. Also, make sure your air fryer basket is clean before cooking.
Why aren’t my air fryer snacks crispy?
If your snacks aren’t crispy, it could be due to too much moisture. Pat foods dry before air frying, avoid overcrowding, and shake the basket halfway through cooking. Also, cooking at a slightly higher temperature (around 375-400°F) can help achieve better crispiness.
Can I reheat snacks in the air fryer?
Yes! The air fryer is great for reheating snacks while keeping them crispy. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 3-5 minutes. This works well for foods like fries, chickpeas, and veggie tots.
Final Thoughts
Snacking doesn’t have to mean reaching for unhealthy, processed foods. With an air fryer, you can make crispy, delicious, and nutrient-packed snacks in just minutes—without the excess oil or additives.
From crunchy chickpeas to sweet potato fries, zucchini chips, apple chips, veggie tots, and stuffed mini peppers, these recipes prove that healthy eating can be both easy and satisfying. The best part? They’re simple to customize with your favorite seasonings and ingredients.
So, the next time you’re craving a quick bite, skip the store-bought snacks and try one of these air fryer recipes instead. Your taste buds—and your health—will thank you!
