Skip the deep-fryer! Instead, crisp up air-fryer recipes for people with diabetes. Enjoy healthy mains, sides and more without the fat but with the flavor and texture.
16 Air-Fryer Recipes for People with Diabetes
Updated on Sep. 13, 2024
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Air-Fryer Kale Chips
Harvesttime means big bunches of kale from local farmers. These crunchy air-fryer kale chips are delicious, super healthy and easy to make. I make them with seasoning to take the flavor up a notch. For extra zip, add a dash of cayenne pepper. —Luanne Asta, Hampton Bays, New York
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Air-Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Do you have fajitas only if you go to a Mexican restaurant? Then this air-fryer chicken fajitas recipe is just what you need. It's simple to put together, and by cooking the fajitas in an air fryer, you avoid a lot of the mess. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
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Air-Fryer Carrots
I love roasting carrots to bring out their sweetness. I think thyme really complements the flavor of these air-fryer carrots, but feel free to mix it up and use other herbs, like rosemary or tarragon. —Marlene Schott, Devine, Texas
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Air-Fryer Hash Browns
These air-fryer hash browns are one of my go-to sides. They come together quickly, and the air fryer gets them nice and crispy in no time. If you'd like, try topping them with a sprinkling of shredded pepper jack cheese. —Cindi Boger, Ardmore, Alabama
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Air-Fryer Cumin Carrots
Air-fryer carrots make a super side—big on flavor and a breeze to cook. Plus, I can actually get my husband to eat these fragrant, deeply spiced veggies. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida
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Air-Fryer Pork Tenderloin
The flavors of mustard, onion and garlic really come through in this quick-and-easy air-fryer pork tenderloin recipe. The meat turns out juicy and tender, so you won’t need to serve it with a sauce.
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Air-Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs
Air-fryer hard-boiled eggs make cooking eggs easier than we ever imagined, and they turn out just the same as stove-cooked eggs. It is a kitchen shortcut for the win!
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Air-Fryer Potatoes
Red potatoes tossed with olive oil and herbs will become your new staple side. Crisp and fluffy air-fryer potatoes go with just about anything, from burgers to pork chops or prime rib.
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Air-Fried Radishes
Radishes aren't just for salads anymore. These fried radishes make a colorful side for any meal. Plus, they're quick to make in your air fryer. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Air-Fryer Zucchini Chips
Many recipes for air-fryer zucchini chips call for tossing the zucchini rounds in oil before air-frying, but this one is different. The result is a vegan, gluten-free, low-carb and oil-free snack. —Anvita Bhatnagar Mistry, Cary, North Carolina
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Air-Fryer Tofu Steaks
This Asian-inspired air-fryer tofu recipe was the first meatless meal my fiance made for me. It's a wonderful light protein and is so easy to pair with broiled or grilled veggies such as eggplant, asparagus or even tomatoes. —Emily Steers, Los Angeles, California
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Air-Fryer Okra
After a blast in the air-fryer, grassy, mild-tasting okra becomes crispy and addictive. Air-fryer okra is an easy side dish recipe that takes just minutes to make with fresh okra, olive oil and a few seasonings.
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Air-Fryer Asparagus
Air-fryer asparagus turns a favorite side dish into a quick and flavor-rich recipe that cooks in mere minutes.
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Air-Fryer Green Beans
Our air-fryer green beans are loaded with savory mushrooms and onions. It is a bit crunchy, a bit caramelized, and a whole lot of delicious.
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Air-Fryer Potato Chips
These crispy air-fryer potato chips require just four ingredients, and one of them is optional. Thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy homemade chips anytime!
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Chili-Lime Roasted Chickpeas
These zesty, crunchy chickpeas will have everyone happily munching. For a diabetes-friendly snack, reduce the salt to 1/8 teaspoon. —Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North CarolinaAir-Fryer Cooking FAQ
Are air fryers good for people with diabetes?
Yes, air fryers are a great kitchen addition for people with diabetes. With an air fryer, it’s easier to make recipes that usually require a lot of oil to get crispy with significantly less saturated fat, which is a great way to protect heart health. Plus, when vegetables cook up so quickly, it’s easier to add more disease-fighting, high-fiber vegetables to your diet.
What can I do with an air fryer?
Use an air fryer to make almost anything, from proteins such as meats, poultry and fish to vegetable sides. The air fryer is popular for making hard-boiled eggs and other healthy snacks, like apple chips. You can also use it to make treats, like fiber-rich breakfast cookies.
What type of oil is best for air-fryer cooking?
For higher temperature recipes, say 375° to 400°F, choose avocado or canola oil. For recipes lower than 375°, choose olive oil. All three are low in saturated fatty acids and good for heart health. Use an oil spritzer to mist foods as small amounts of oil go a long way in the air fryer, another benefit of this appliance!
