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Do you love fried foods, but the excessive fat and calories make you think twice about indulging? Or is it the oil splatters, messy cleanup job, and lingering oil smell due to which fried foods are a no-no in your kitchen? If any of these reasons sound familiar, you need to get your hands on an air fryer.

Unfortunately, many think an air fryer is just for cooking fries or nuggets — a perception that severely limits this handy appliance’s potential. An air fryer is an incredibly versatile kitchen gadget that can help you whip up several restaurant-style veg and non-veg dishes at home. What’s best? Air frying can help you enjoy your favorite fried treats without excessive fat and calories.

So, if you’re craving some finger-licking fried goodness, try out these five drool-worthy recipes in an air fryer:

1.    Air-Fryer Eggplant

Every meal needs a side dish, and eggplant is a delicious option. It’s a hearty, filling food that is also low in calories and fat and offers various nutritional benefits.

You need:

·       1 Eggplant

·       3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

·       Two tablespoons of Avocado or olive oil

·       One teaspoon of Italian seasoning

·       One teaspoon of garlic powder

·       One teaspoon of paprika

·       Fresh parsley or freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)

First, cut the eggplant into either ½-inch slices or 1-inch cubes. If you like, you can salt the slices or cubes before preparing them.

Next, Brush each side of the slices with oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt. If you have cubed eggplant, place it in a shallow bowl, drizzle with oil, and add seasoning. Transfer the seasoned slices to a pre-heated air fryer in a single layer.

Air-fry the pieces for 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Follow this popular air fryer eggplant recipe to make perfectly crisp eggplant slices or cubes, and learn how to store, reheat, and freeze them.

2.    Air-Fried Zucchini Fries

All fries lovers, rejoice. Zucchini fries are a healthier alternative to regular potato fries, and you can make them in an air fryer within minutes.

You need:

·       Three medium-sized zucchinis

·       1/2 cup all-purpose flour

·       Two eggs, beaten

·       One cup of Italian-style breadcrumbs

·       One teaspoon of garlic powder

·       Salt & pepper to taste

First, cut the zucchini into strips about 4 inches long and 1/2 to 3/4 inches wide. Then, dip each strip in the flour and shake off any excess before dipping it into the beaten egg and the breadcrumb mixture. Place each strip on a plate or baking sheet until ready for air frying.

Set your air fryer to 375°F and transfer the zucchini strips in. Cook for about 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking time. You can spray the fries with oil before air-frying for a little extra crunch. Serve your zucchini fries with your favorite hot sauce or dip.

3.    Air-Fried Lemon Pepper Chicken

This mouthwatering air-fried lemon pepper chicken is an easy, quick, and healthy option for a weeknight dinner.

You need:

·       Four boneless skinless chicken breasts

·       1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

·       One teaspoon of onion powder

·       Two teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning

·       One tablespoon of olive oil

·       Salt & pepper to taste

Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and add garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper seasoning, salt & pepper. Rub the seasonings into the chicken breasts until they are coated evenly. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.

Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 10 minutes, flipping after 5 minutes of cooking time is up. Or you can look up the ideal cooking temperature for optimal doneness.

Serve warm with a side salad or your favorite veggies.

4.    Air-Fried Bacon Wrapped Pineapple

Are you craving something sweet and savory? Try this air-fried bacon-wrapped pineapple, which takes only a few minutes of prep.

You need:

·       Six slices of thick-cut bacon

·       One large fresh pineapple cut into 1” cubes

·       Toothpicks or wooden skewers

·       Ground black pepper to taste

Start by wrapping each piece of pineapple cube with a bacon slice. Secure the bacon in place using toothpicks or wooden skewers. Place the prepared bacon-wrapped pineapple cubes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Sprinkle some ground black pepper and set your air fryer to 400°F.

Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning the cubes with tongs once during cooking. You can dress them with a bit of honey or serve them as-is.

5.    Air-Fried Salmon Teriyaki

This Asian-inspired dish combines sweet, salty, and savory flavors perfectly. You can serve it for dinner or lunch with steamed vegetables or rice.

You need:

·       Two salmon fillets (6 ounces each)

·       1/4 cup teriyaki sauce

·       Two tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

·       Salt and ground black pepper to taste

It’s up to you to cut the fillets into smaller pieces or prepare them as whole fillets. However, do not throw the salmon skin away. The skin helps to keep the salmon moist and makes for a delicious, crispy texture. Salmon skin also provides several nutritional benefits.

Start by brushing the salmon fillets with teriyaki sauce. Make sure that they are evenly coated. Drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil over the top and sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Place the prepared salmon in the air fryer basket. Ensure they don’t overlap.

Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 12 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through cooking time. Serve immediately with a side of your choice, and enjoy all its savory flavors.

Conclusion:

You no longer have to sabotage your diet to enjoy the oh-so-delicious, crunchy fried foods because air-frying is the healthier alternative. Not only is it low-fat, but you can also make various dishes with your air fryer.

If you love fries and chips, try the air-fried Zucchini fries and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors. Whip up a healthy dinner with air-fried Salmon Teriyaki or the air-fried lemon pepper chicken. Bacon-wrapped pineapple is another delicious air fryer recipe. And when it comes to side dishes for your air-fried meal, nothing tastes better than the air-fried eggplant. So, try air-frying and enjoy the deliciousness of your favorite fried foods guilt-free.