You Just Got an Air Fryer—Here Are 17 Low-Carb Recipes to Make First (2024)

FAQs

Are air fryers good for low carb diets? ›

Looking for a light and delicious dish to "fry" up in your new air fryer? Try one of these flavor-packed, low-carb recipes. From protein-packed mains to veggie sides, these dishes contain no more than 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving, which means they meet our parameters for low-carb recipes.

Air fryers are versatile kitchen appliances that can be used to cook a variety of foods quickly and easily. If you're using an air fryer for the first time, it's best to start with something simple, like French fries, chicken wings or vegetables.

Due to its smaller size, an air fryer generally cooks food faster than a conventional oven. So you'll need to convert the oven recipe to suit air fryer temperatures. The general rule of thumb is to lower the cooking temperature by 25°F and shorten the time by roughly 20-25%.

Air fryers have a limited cooking capacity compared to traditional ovens or deep fryers, making them unsuitable for larger families or cooking larger portions.

Air Fryers Reduce Taste Quality

Out of the top three reasons restaurants don't use air fryers, the taste is the leading cause. It has numerous benefits and can cook food efficiently. However, the taste can be subpar compared to other cooking methods available at the commercial level.

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

Dry the outside of the food properly before you add oil. Do not use too much oil, as this will make the food less crispy and more fattening. Meat or poultry can be lightly brushed with oil or marinated to get the crispiest results.

Foil can disrupt the airflow within the appliance, preventing food from cooking evenly. Although you shouldn't use foil in your air fryer, KitchenAid^® countertop ovens with air fry are simple to clean in just a few steps, and some components are also dishwasher-safe.

It's OK to Open the Air Fryer

Occasionally checking in on air fryer foods while they cook is A-OK. Sometimes, recipes call for flipping, shaking, or spraying food with oil mid-cook. Opening the basket is often an essential part of recipes and allows food to be evenly cooked and crisped to perfection.

Benefits of air fryers

A higher intake of fried foods has direct links with higher obesity risk. This is because deep fried foods tend to be high in fat and calories. Switching from deep-fried foods to air-fried foods and reducing regular intake of unhealthful oils can promote weight loss.

Does air fryer add carbs? ›

Does Air Frying Reduce Carbs? Air frying does not magically make carbs disappear, but it does provide a variety of recipes to make that are keto and low carb. Using an air fryer helps cut down on oil used in the recipe and cook in less time.

The evidence so far suggests that air frying is healthier than deep-frying, but it's not necessarily healthier than pan frying or baking in an oven. What really matters is your overall dietary pattern and the quality of the food you're eating.

Air fryers may be better for you than deep fryers, but they're only as healthy as the food you put inside. They won't magically remove the saturated fat from bacon or the trans fats from a bag of processed chicken wings. To reap the benefits, reach for better-for-you options like vegetables and lean proteins.