If you haven’t tried an air fryer yet … what are you waiting for? Unlike other TV gadgets that say they slice and dice but don’t, the air fryer is the real deal: Using superheated air instead of oil, the countertop wonder turns out cripsy fried chicken, crunchy potato chips and other fried food favorites with fewer calories and fewer ingredients than store-bought or other homemade options. Meals like these Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks use just three ingredients.
So get your hands on an air fryer and start making your favorite fried food for less the calories. Need a place to start? We’ve got you covered with PLENTY of delicious “fried” recipes right here on The Leaf.
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Try these 9 no-sweat recipes (with zero guilt!) that are inspired by fried food favorites:
Calories per serving: 60
On Nutrisystem, counts as: 2 Extras
Wonton treats like these are a fried food takeout favorite, and they seem like they’d be impossible to replicate at home. But there’s a secret in your grocery freezer: Premade, pre-cut wonton wrappers. Fill them with a tasty combination of cream cheese, green onions, lump crab meat and a few spices, and you’ve got a pile of poppable snacks or a smart-portioned side dish that pair perfectly with other Flex Meals like the Asian Edamame Power Bowl. And at just 60 calories for two crab wontons, you can enjoy these creamy, crunchy favorites while staying on plan.
Calories per serving: 81
On Nutrisystem, counts as: 1 PowerFuel
Omelets and other egg scrambles can be frustrating on a busy morning: There’s the pan to clean up, and the risk that in your morning rush, you might not cook the dish just right. This air fryer recipe solves both problems: The machine cooks the breakfast to perfection at the push of a button in just five to eight minutes, and you’ll eat it in the same ramekin you cook it in—so there’s nothing to clean up. It’s a tasty, flavorful breakfast to power you up for the day and keep you filled with protein and vegetable protein long into the morning.
Calories per serving: 151
On Nutrisystem, counts as: 1/2 SmartCarb, 1/2 PowerFuel and 2 Extras
Just because you’re losing weight doesn’t mean watching the game is accompanied just by carrot sticks. While it’s great to get your veggies in while cheering on your favorite team or binging your favorite new show—and The Leaf has recipes for amazing dips (try this popular Skinny Spinach Dip >) to accompany those vegetables—you can still enjoy indulgent favorites while staying on plan. Case in point: These chili-filled potato skins are just as delicious as calorie-filled fried food. Thanks to the air fryer, each skin—loaded with chili, cheese and sour cream—is just 151 calories.
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Calories per serving: 143
On Nutrisystem, counts as: 1 PowerFuel and 2 Extras
Not a chili fan? These skins swap out the red for pulled pork and barbecue sauce and keep the cheese and dollop of sour cream. They’re simple to make: Just crisp the potato in the air fryer for five minutes while mixing the other ingredients—including store-bought pulled pork and sauce—in a bowl. Fill each skin once it’s cooked and top with sour cream for an appetizer experience that would be welcome fare in any sports bar … but at 143 calories, these are more than welcome in your weight loss plan.
Calories per serving: 165
On Nutrisystem, counts as: 1 PowerFuel and 2 Extras
Many “diet” versions of your favorite fried food offer a teeny, tiny portion. Not so with these easy-to-make egg rolls: Each 165-calorie serving is six rolls, filled with chicken, cheese, vegetables and avocado. And with ready-to-use egg roll wrappers from the grocery store freezer, all that deliciousness couldn’t be easier to make. Just a few steps on the stove and 16 minutes in the air fryer, and you’re in crunchy, chewy appetizer heaven.
Calories per serving: 67
On Nutrisystem, counts as: 2 Extras
There’s bad news about the pizza rolls you remember microwaving as a youth: They weren’t good. Try those same rolls as an adult, and you’re sure to be disappointed—and you’ll still burn your mouth on the boiling sauce inside. But these air fryer rolls have fewer calories and more flavor: Thanks to using real ingredients like actual mozzarella cheese, your favorite low-sodium pizza sauce, and turkey pepperoni, they’ve got the real flavor of pizza swaddled in each ready-made wonton wrapper. And thanks to the magic of the air fryer’s superheated air, they’re lower in calories, too. Just watch your mouth: You can still burn yourself on these healthier, tastier rolls!
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Calories per serving: 221
On Nutrisystem, counts as: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel and 1 Vegetable
Three of these poppable “fried” snacks is just 221 calories, but they’ve got a whole day’s worth of flavor. Salty from Parmesan cheese, savory from eggplant cubes at the base, spiced up with Italian seasoning, and given a smooth finish from a dip in marinara sauce, each ball offers the full range of eggplant parmigiana flavors in a single bite. Prepare them before your next big gathering or hoard them all for yourself. The recipe makes three servings, so you can enjoy these snackable favorites tonight and then as a side with other meals tomorrow.
Calories per serving: 325
On Nutrisystem, counts as: 1 SmartCarb, 2 PowerFuels and 1 Extra
Get the gooey cheesiness you love from a Mexican pizza without worrying about burning it: The air fryer makes it easy. After browning some ground turkey with cilantro, green onion and spices, you’ll add it into the air fryer on top of a tortilla with spinach and cheese. In less than 10 minutes, your pizza is ready to be topped with salsa and avocado for a perfect Flex Meal you’ll love—and love to share. The recipe makes 4 servings, so cut it up and make this Nutrisystem-friendly meal something the whole family can enjoy together.
Calories per serving: 103
On Nutrisystem, counts as: 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra
If you don’t love tofu, get ready to change your mind: These air fried tofu cubes are crunchy and breaded from a panko breadcrumb and cornstarch coating and bursting with the flavors of orange, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. They’re a surprising appetizer that your family or guests will love—and ask you to make again for your next get-together. Best of all, they fit right in with your healthy lifestyle: Each serving of orange tofu is just 103 calories, leaving plenty of room in your Flex plan for more of your favorite foods … or another serving of these tofu bites!
Calories per serving: 144
On Nutrisystem, counts as: 1 PowerFuel and 2 Extras
These crispy chicken bites are a must-try air fryer meal that are complemented by a delicious homemade honey mustard sauce you can enjoy with zero guilt. Whip up these Honey Mustard Chicken Bites for the family, your next get-together, a work gathering or just to enjoy throughout the week. Their golden and crunchy exterior (thanks to the air fryer!) will have you reminiscing of your favorite chicken nuggets from your favorite drive-thru, but guess what?! With a fraction of the calories, these Chicken Bites can be enjoyed while losing weight!
Calories per serving: 245
On Nutrisystem, counts as: 2 PowerFuels and 1 Extra
These hearty Dry Rubbed Chicken Bites are filled with flavor thanks to chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder and onion powder. “Fried” to crispy chicken perfection, this air fryer recipe is certain to become a family favorite. Looking to make these Chicken Bites into a full-on meal? Pair them with these delicious Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries > for a classic meal that’s made the healthy way—so you can enjoy every single bite without the added guilt!
Calories per serving: 97
On Nutrisystem, counts as: 1 SmartCarb
Golden and crispy—these homemade Salt and Vinegar Chips are even more delicious than your store-bought favorites. Thinly sliced potatoes are cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer to make this diet-friendly snack or side. Coated with loads of flavor from white vinegar and kosher salt, these guilt-free chips can be enjoyed for under 100 calories.
Calories per serving: 120
On Nutrisystem, counts as: 1 SmartCarb and 1 Extra
Greasy BBQ chips are a classic guilty pleasure, but their high-calorie content and easy-to-easy nature make this snack a diet no-no. That’s why we created this BBQ Sweet Potato Chips recipe that are cooked to golden perfection thanks to an air fryer. For a fraction of the calories and healthier ingredients, these BBQ Sweet Potato Chips are a dieter’s dream.
Calories per serving: 125
On Nutrisystem, counts as: 1 SmartCarb
Loads of cheesy flavor covers these homemade Crispy Nacho Cheese Chips for a loaded tortilla chip that won’t derail your healthy diet. Cooked to crunchy perfection, these pop-able chips are a must-try for snackers. And just a helpful hint—you made want to double the recipe because chances are, the whole family will love these!
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