Four healthy air fryer recipes for winter

Any kitchen gadget that can save you time and money is an easy win, and that's where healthy air fryer recipes could be a lifesaver this winter. From crispy veg to Ranch chicken, we've found four delicious options to keep you warm and satisfied this winter.  

It's worth investing in one of the best healthy air fryers, as they are energy efficient and could help you slash your bills compared with using the oven, all while providing nutrient-rich meals and snacks for the family.

Plus, they deliver the same crispy and mouth-watering results as deep frying but with substantially less oil and calories, says registered dietitian Dr. Wesley McWhorter, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

"The air fryer can get you really close to the texture and mouth-feel without all the added fat of deep frying," he says. "Similar to a convection oven, it's a dry heat cooking method that includes hot air and a fan to forcefully circulate air to help crisp the texture without the oil.

"So you can get your 'fried food' fix while enjoying vegetables like Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes - and for parents out there - your kids will actually enjoy dinner."

Read on to check out Dr. Wesley's four healthy air fryer recipes for winter, and don't miss our guide to how to eat healthily on a budget. 

Dr. Wesley McWhorter

Dr. Wesley McWhorter, DrPH, MS, RD, LD, CSCS, is the director of lifestyle medicine for Suvida Healthcare and is an advisory council member for the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative, a nonprofit global network. In addition, Wesley is also a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A professional chef, McWhorter is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist, cookbook author, and behavioral scientist.

1. Perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts

2. Crispy rainbow root vegetable chips

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp canola oil
• 1 golden beet, washed and dried
• 1 purple beet, washed and dried
• 1 sweet potato, washed and dried
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt

Method (serves 4)

1. Using a mandolin or sharp knife, carefully thinly slice beets and sweet potatoes 1/8 inches thick.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
3. In a large bowl, toss beets and sweet potatoes with oil, paprika, pepper, and garlic pepper.
4. Transfer vegetables to the air fryer and cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Every 4-5 minutes, shake the basket or stir the vegetables to ensure even cooking.
6. Before serving, season with salt.

3. Ranch chicken and vegetables

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp canola oil
• 12 oz chicken breast, cut into equal size six-inch pieces
• 2 cups broccoli, cut into equal-sized florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 3 tbsp ranch seasoning
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese

Method (serves 4)

1. Preheat the air fryer to 425°F.
2. In a large bowl, toss chicken, broccoli, bell pepper, and onion with canola oil.
3. Season with ranch seasoning, black pepper, and salt.
4. Transfer mixture to the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes; stir and return to cook for an additional 6-8 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F and the broccoli is golden brown.
5. Before serving, garnish with parmesan cheese.

4. Sweet chilli beef and cauliflower

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp canola oil
• 12 oz flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1lb cauliflower head, cut into equal-sized florets
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce, low sodium
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp sriracha
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Red chilli flakes (to taste)

Method (serves 4)

1. Preheat the air fryer to 425°F.
2. In a large bowl, toss beef with 1 tablespoon of canola oil and transfer beef to the air fryer and cook for five minutes.
3. While the beef is cooking, add the cauliflower to the large bowl and mix with 1 tablespoon of canola oil.
4. Transfer the cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for 6-8 minutes or until the cauliflower is crisp and golden brown.
5. While cauliflower is cooking, mix sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, and garlic cloves in a small bowl. Set aside.
6. Before serving, pour sauce over the beef and cauliflower.
7. Serve with brown rice and garnish with sesame seeds and red chili flakes if you like it spicy.