25 Air Fryer Snacks That Are Actually Healthy
Crispy, satisfying, and way better than anything out of a chip bag. Your air fryer is about to become your best friend.
Let’s be real for a second. You bought an air fryer with the absolute best intentions, and then somehow ended up using it exclusively for frozen tater tots and the occasional mozzarella stick. No judgment here. That’s basically the universal air fryer experience, and it’s a comfortable trap to fall into. But here’s the thing: that machine sitting on your counter is genuinely one of the best tools you own for making snacks that won’t leave you feeling like you owe your body an apology.
These 25 snacks are the ones I actually reach for. Not the sad rice cake variety of “healthy eating,” but real, crunchy, flavor-forward food that happens to land under 200 calories and require almost zero effort. The air fryer makes this possible by circulating hot air at high speed to crisp up food with a tablespoon of oil or less — sometimes with no oil at all. According to Healthline’s breakdown of air fryer nutrition science, this cooking method can cut fat content by up to 75% compared to traditional deep frying. That is genuinely not nothing.
So whether you’re working on weight loss goals, trying to eat cleaner between meals, or just tired of flavored cardboard passing itself off as a snack, this list is for you. Let’s get into it.
Overhead flat lay of an assortment of colorful healthy air fryer snacks arranged on a light cream linen surface: golden crispy chickpeas in a small ceramic bowl, vibrant purple and orange beet chips scattered artfully, bright green kale chips, sweet potato fries in a kraft paper cone, and a small dish of creamy hummus as a dip. Natural morning window light casting soft shadows. Rustic wooden cutting board as a prop in the background. Sprig of fresh rosemary and a few whole garlic cloves tucked in corners. Warm, inviting food blog aesthetic optimized for Pinterest. High-resolution overhead shot with a slight warm filter.
Why Your Air Fryer Is the Snack Hero You’ve Been Ignoring
Before we get to the recipes, let’s talk about why the air fryer is genuinely different from just shoving something in your oven. The key is the circulating hot air — it creates a Maillard reaction (that’s the fancy science term for browning) that you’d normally only get from deep frying or a very hot pan. The result is a real, satisfying crunch without drowning anything in oil.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that air frying essentially eliminates added oils while still delivering that crispy texture we’re all after. That means the snacks in this list aren’t just lower in fat — they actually taste like food worth eating, not a compromise. When you pair that cooking method with whole-food ingredients like chickpeas, sweet potatoes, zucchini, and lean proteins, you end up with snacks that work with your body instead of against it.
One thing worth mentioning: the air fryer won’t magically make junk food healthy. An air-fried Oreo is still an Oreo. The magic happens when you start with genuinely nutritious ingredients and let the heat do its thing. That’s exactly what every recipe on this list is built around.
Preheat your air fryer for 3 minutes before adding food. This one small step is the difference between “kind of crispy” and “actually crunchy” — especially for thin foods like kale chips and veggie rounds.
The Crunchy Snacks That Feel Like Cheating (But Aren’t)
These are the ones that hit that salty, crunchy craving so well that you’ll forget you’re eating something with actual nutritional value. Perfect for 3pm, game days, or whenever your willpower is feeling a little wobbly.
Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
Chickpeas are basically a miracle snack. High in fiber, decent protein, and they get genuinely crispy in the air fryer — we’re talking chip-level crunch. Toss a can of drained, dried chickpeas with a teaspoon of olive oil and your seasoning of choice (smoked paprika is my personal go-to), and air fry at 390°F for 15 minutes, shaking halfway. They come out golden and satisfying every single time.
The fiber and protein combination means chickpeas have a low glycemic index score, so they won’t spike your blood sugar and leave you reaching for more snacks an hour later. Season them differently every batch — garlic parmesan, chili lime, or za’atar all work beautifully. If you want more ways to use chickpeas, the crispy air fryer chickpeas with 3 ingredients guide covers every variation worth knowing.
Get Full RecipeKale Chips with Sea Salt and Lemon
If you’ve been burned by sad, soggy kale chips in the past, the air fryer is here to redeem the entire concept. The trick is to get the kale completely dry before you add any oil. A light spray of avocado oil, a pinch of salt, and maybe a squeeze of lemon zest — air fry at 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes and you’ll have chips that shatter properly. At roughly 50 calories a serving, you can eat a generously sized bowl without any math anxiety.
Kale brings vitamin K, vitamin C, and a solid dose of antioxidants to the table, which puts it miles ahead of a standard chip nutritionally. The lemon brightens it up and cuts any bitterness from the kale. Worth trying with nutritional yeast too if you want a cheesy, savory vibe without any actual cheese.
Get Full RecipeSweet Potato Fries with Smoked Paprika
Sweet potato fries have earned their reputation as the thinking person’s fry. They’re genuinely more nutrient-dense than white potatoes — more beta-carotene, more fiber, a better glycemic profile. Cut them thin and even (a good mandoline slicer like this one makes quick work of it and keeps your fingers intact), toss with a little avocado oil and smoked paprika, and air fry at 400°F for about 12 minutes, flipping once.
The result is crispy on the outside, tender inside, and genuinely satisfying in a way that a baked sweet potato fry just isn’t. These work great alongside protein-forward snacks or as a solo bowl situation. Check out the full list of air fryer snacks under 200 calories for more ideas to build out a snack spread.
Get Full RecipeBeet Chips
Beets make excellent chips and most people have never tried this because, fair point, beets have a reputation. But thin-sliced, air-fried beet chips come out beautifully — earthy, slightly sweet, and genuinely crispy. Slice them paper thin (this is where that mandoline earns its place), toss with olive oil and a pinch of salt, and air fry at 360°F for around 18 minutes, checking at 12.
Beets are packed with folate, potassium, and vitamin C, and they’re one of the better natural sources of nitrates, which some research links to improved cardiovascular efficiency. Serve alongside hummus for dipping and you’ve got a snack that looks impressive enough to put in front of company.
Get Full RecipeZucchini Parmesan Crisps
Zucchini rounds coated in a little parmesan and breadcrumb situation, air-fried until golden — these are the snack that converted my partner from air fryer skeptic to full believer. Slice zucchini into rounds, dip in egg white, press into a parmesan and panko mixture, and air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes. They come out with a genuinely satisfying crunch and a savory, cheesy exterior that makes you forget you’re eating a vegetable.
Zucchini is low-calorie and mild enough to let the parmesan do its thing. This snack lands around 130 calories for a good-sized serving. If you enjoy zucchini in other forms, the air fryer veggies that actually taste good list has a lot of ideas worth bookmarking.
Get Full RecipeEdamame with Chili Flakes and Lime
You can absolutely air fry edamame and the result is leagues better than just steaming it. Start with frozen edamame in the shell, toss with a tiny amount of sesame oil, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt, and air fry at 390°F for about 10 minutes. The shells get lightly blistered and charred, which adds a smoky depth to each pod.
Edamame is one of the better plant-based protein snacks around — roughly 17 grams of protein per cup. Squeeze lime over the top right before eating and you’ve got a snack that’s genuinely exciting. IMO this one gets overlooked way too often in favor of fancier preparations.
Get Full RecipeCrispy Tofu Bites
Tofu is a complete protein, and when you air fry it properly, it gets a genuinely crispy exterior that’s nothing like the soft, watery tofu you might be picturing. Press your tofu well (a tofu press like this one makes it painless — no stacking heavy pans and waiting), cube it, toss with tamari, garlic powder, and a touch of cornstarch, then air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, shaking once.
The result is golden, chewy, and satisfying on its own or dipped into a little chili garlic sauce. Plant-based eaters especially will appreciate having a high-protein snack that’s ready in under 20 minutes. Pair with the high-protein air fryer bowls for a full meal that works just as well.
Get Full RecipeApple Chips with Cinnamon
Apple chips are one of those snacks that sounds vaguely sad on paper but is actually really good in practice. Slice apples very thin with a mandoline (or a very steady knife and your best patience), sprinkle with cinnamon, and air fry at 300°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. They need a lower temperature to dry out rather than burn. The result is a light, crispy chip that’s naturally sweet with no added sugar.
One whole apple runs you under 100 calories, which means this is one of the lowest-calorie snacks on this entire list. It also scratches the sweet snack itch without any of the ingredient drama. A little almond butter on the side takes it from snack to small moment of joy.
Get Full Recipe“I started making the chickpeas and kale chips every Sunday as part of my meal prep, and after three months I stopped buying any processed snacks entirely. Down 18 pounds and I genuinely don’t feel deprived.”
— Maria T., from the Simply Tasty communityProtein-Packed Snacks for When You Actually Need to Fuel Up
Look, chips and veggie rounds are great, but sometimes you need something that’s going to hold you until your next real meal without the blood sugar crash halfway through. These are the protein-forward options that do exactly that.
Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs
This might be the most underrated air fryer trick on the internet. You can make perfect hard-boiled eggs in the air fryer, no water, no pot, no timing drama. Put eggs directly in the basket at 270°F for 15 minutes, then into an ice bath immediately. They peel like a dream and the yolks come out consistently firm without that gray ring of sadness.
Each egg runs about 70 calories and delivers 6 grams of protein. Season with smoked salt and everything bagel seasoning if you want to make it feel like you put effort in. Batch cook six at once and refrigerate for the week.
Get Full RecipeTurkey and Cheese Roll-Ups (Air Fried)
Roll sliced turkey breast around a thin slice of cheese, secure with a toothpick, and air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes. The cheese melts inside, the turkey edges get slightly crispy, and you end up with something that feels like a proper snack rather than a sad desk lunch. Use part-skim mozzarella or a sharp cheddar depending on your preference.
Each roll-up clocks in around 60 calories, which means you can have three without any nutritional math anxiety. High protein, low carb, and genuinely satisfying. For more low-carb ideas, the low-carb air fryer meals for beginners has options that extend well beyond snack territory.
Get Full RecipeSalmon Bites with Lemon Dill
Cut salmon into bite-sized cubes, season with lemon zest, dill, garlic, and a tiny bit of olive oil, and air fry at 400°F for 7 to 8 minutes. The outsides caramelize beautifully while the centers stay just barely cooked through — it’s the kind of texture you’d expect from something considerably more effort-intensive. Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids you can snack on, which puts it in a completely different category than most things you’d grab from a shelf.
These work well at any temperature, which makes them good for meal prep too. Make a batch, refrigerate, and eat cold with a squeeze of lemon throughout the day. The quick and healthy air fryer salmon bites full recipe walks through every seasoning variation worth trying.
Get Full RecipeChicken Bites with Buffalo Seasoning
Bite-sized pieces of chicken breast, tossed in a dry buffalo seasoning rub (cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika), and air fried at 400°F for 10 minutes. No sauce, just the dry rub — which means no sticky mess and all the flavor. These come out with a slightly charred, spicy exterior and juicy centers.
Chicken breast is one of the leanest proteins you can eat, with a 3-ounce portion delivering around 25 grams of protein for roughly 140 calories. Serve alongside celery sticks and a small dish of Greek yogurt ranch for dipping. If you’re after more chicken snack ideas, the 3-ingredient air fryer chicken bites is exactly as straightforward as it sounds.
Get Full RecipeMini Air Fryer Egg Bites
Think of these as the air fryer answer to the coffee shop egg bites that cost approximately one mortgage payment per serving. Use a silicone egg bite mold that fits your air fryer basket — it’s a small investment that pays off immediately. Beat 4 eggs with a splash of milk, a handful of spinach, some diced red pepper, and a sprinkle of feta. Pour into the molds and air fry at 300°F for 12 minutes.
Each bite runs about 60 calories with solid protein content. Make a batch of six on Sunday and you’ve got snacks lined up for three days. These also reheat beautifully if you need them warm.
Get Full RecipeAir Fryer Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp in the air fryer cooks in under 8 minutes and comes out with a perfectly snappy texture that’s genuinely hard to achieve on a regular pan without babysitting. Season with garlic, smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne, air fry at 400°F for 6 to 7 minutes, and serve cold with a homemade cocktail sauce (ketchup, horseradish, lemon — done). Around 120 calories for 15 shrimp is the kind of nutritional math that genuinely works in your favor.
Shrimp are very high protein for their calorie count and low in fat, which makes them one of the most efficient snack proteins available. The air fryer also gets them ready without the boiling water situation, which is always a win in my kitchen.
Get Full RecipeCauliflower Tots
Cauliflower tots are one of those things that sounds like it’s trying too hard but actually delivers. Blitz cauliflower until fine, mix with parmesan, egg, garlic powder, and a handful of breadcrumbs, shape into small tots, and air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes. They come out golden, structurally sound (important for tot integrity), and genuinely satisfying.
Cauliflower is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and fiber. The parmesan adds calcium and depth of flavor. These work great on their own or with a side of hot sauce. If you want a full meal built around this energy, the simple and clean air fryer veggie bowls are a natural next step.
Get Full RecipeAir Fryer String Cheese Bites
These are almost unfairly good for how simple they are. Cut mozzarella string cheese into thirds, roll in seasoned panko breadcrumbs (Italian herbs, garlic powder), and air fry at 390°F for 5 minutes. They come out with a golden, slightly crispy exterior and a melty, stretchy center. Each three-piece serving runs under 100 calories.
Mozzarella delivers calcium and protein in a format that actually tastes like a treat rather than a nutritional compromise. FYI, freezing them for 30 minutes before air frying helps them hold their shape and get crispier — a small step with a big payoff.
Get Full RecipeFreeze battered or breaded snacks (cheese bites, tots, roll-ups) for 20 to 30 minutes before air frying. This keeps the coating from falling off and helps the exterior get crispier before the inside has time to melt through the breading. Game changer for anything with cheese.
The Lighter Bites: Under 100 Calories and Still Worth Eating
Sometimes you just want something small that won’t derail anything. These are the genuine under-100-calorie options — and before you write them off as sad diet food, just trust the process for a moment.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
If you’re tossing pumpkin seeds after carving, you’re leaving one of the best snacks on the table. Rinse and dry them thoroughly, toss with a tiny bit of olive oil and salt (or cinnamon sugar for a sweet version), and air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes, shaking once. They come out crunchy, nutty, and addictively good at about 90 calories per quarter cup.
Pumpkin seeds are a solid source of zinc, magnesium, and plant-based omega-3s. A handful covers a meaningful percentage of your daily magnesium needs, which most people don’t get enough of. This is one of those snacks where the nutrition genuinely backs up the eating experience.
Get Full RecipeAsparagus Spears with Lemon
Asparagus in the air fryer takes 8 minutes and comes out with tips that are slightly charred and tender stalks — better texture than roasting, frankly. A light spray of olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon zest is all it needs. At around 35 calories for a generous serving of spears, this is the lowest-calorie snack on this list and somehow one of the most satisfying to eat.
Asparagus is one of the better dietary sources of folate and vitamin K, and it contains prebiotic fiber that supports gut health. Dip in a little tahini or a simple lemon aioli if you want to make it more of a moment.
Get Full RecipeBanana Chips (No Added Sugar)
Slice bananas about a quarter inch thick, place them in a single layer (absolutely no overlapping, this is not negotiable), and air fry at 300°F for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway. They need low, slow heat to dehydrate properly rather than burn. The result is a genuinely crispy banana chip with no oil and no added sugar — just the natural sweetness of the fruit concentrated by heat.
Bananas bring potassium, vitamin B6, and a natural energy boost that makes this one genuinely useful as a pre-workout snack. These store well in an airtight container for up to three days, though in my experience they don’t typically last that long.
Get Full RecipeCaprese Skewers (Air Fryer Warmed)
Thread fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil onto small skewers, and warm them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. The mozzarella just starts to soften and the tomatoes blister slightly without fully breaking down. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a flake of sea salt.
This one feels considerably fancier than the effort involved. Each skewer runs around 60 calories and gives you the fat and protein from mozzarella balanced with the vitamin C and lycopene from tomatoes. It’s the kind of snack you make when you want to feel like you’re being nice to yourself.
Get Full RecipeSpiced Almonds
Air fryer spiced almonds are the elevated answer to plain trail mix. Toss a cup of raw almonds with a teaspoon of olive oil, cayenne, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt, and air fry at 320°F for 8 minutes, shaking halfway. They come out warm, aromatic, fragrant, and properly toasted in a way that a regular oven doesn’t quite replicate at that speed.
Almonds contain monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and magnesium — the kind of fats that support rather than undermine cardiovascular health. A one-ounce serving (about 23 almonds) runs around 165 calories and keeps you genuinely full. For a whole snack board experience, the easy air fryer sides pairs well with this kind of snack board approach.
Get Full RecipeCucumber Rounds with Everything Bagel Seasoning
This one is almost too simple to list, but the air fryer genuinely transforms cucumber slices into something worth talking about. Arrange slices in the basket with a tiny amount of olive oil spray and a generous coat of everything bagel seasoning, air fry at 380°F for 8 minutes. They come out with warm, slightly tender edges and a deeply savory coating. Under 40 calories per serving.
Cucumbers are mostly water, which makes them low-calorie and hydrating, but the seasoning and the light heat transform them from raw vegetable into actual snack. This is the one I make when I want something crunchy but genuinely light.
Get Full RecipeBroccoli and Parmesan Bites
Roughly chop broccoli into florets, toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and a good handful of grated parmesan, air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes until the edges are charred and the parmesan is crispy. This is the broccoli recipe that converts broccoli skeptics, full stop. The char and the cheese do something transformative to what is otherwise a fairly humble vegetable.
Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and sulforaphane — a compound that a growing body of research links to anti-inflammatory effects. About 130 calories for a solid serving, and it’s the kind of snack that actually fills you up rather than leaving you reaching for something else 20 minutes later.
Get Full RecipeMini Rice Paper Rolls (Air Fryer Crisped)
Fill rice paper sheets with thin cucumber strips, shredded carrot, avocado, and a little cooked shrimp or tofu, fold them up tightly, and air fry at 390°F for 8 minutes. They come out with a crispy, slightly blistered exterior and a cool, fresh filling inside — a genuinely interesting textural contrast that makes this one of the more sophisticated snacks on the list.
Rice paper is naturally gluten-free and low calorie. The vegetables inside bring fiber and vitamins, the protein adds satiety, and the avocado delivers healthy monounsaturated fats. Around 160 calories per two rolls, and they feel like a complete experience rather than a snack.
Get Full RecipeDark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries (Air Fryer Warmed)
Ending on a sweet note because healthy eating doesn’t have to mean never having anything that feels like a treat. Dip strawberries in melted dark chocolate (70% or higher), place on a parchment-lined air fryer tray, and air fry at 300°F for just 3 minutes. The chocolate sets into a slightly glossy shell and the strawberry warms through. Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Dark chocolate at 70% or above brings antioxidants, particularly flavonoids linked to cardiovascular health. Strawberries add vitamin C and a naturally sweet brightness. Around 90 calories for three strawberries — genuinely one of the most satisfying ways to end a snack session. If you want more ideas in this direction, surprisingly healthy air fryer desserts is the full list worth bookmarking.
Get Full Recipe“The salmon bites and egg bites have become my entire afternoon snack rotation. I meal prep both on Sundays and I genuinely look forward to them throughout the week. That’s something I never thought I’d say about healthy food.”
— Jake R., Simply Tasty community memberDon’t crowd the basket. This is the single most common mistake people make with an air fryer. Everything needs space for the hot air to circulate. Work in batches if you need to — a slightly longer total cook time beats a basket full of steamed, soggy snacks every single time.
Kitchen Tools That Actually Make This Easier
A few things I genuinely use and would recommend to anyone building out their healthy air fryer snack habit. Not a hard sell — just the stuff that actually earns its counter space.
Consistently even cooking, a wide basket that fits a real batch of snacks, and a preheating function that actually works. This is the one I use, and at this size you can do a full sheet of egg bites or a good batch of chickpeas without having to cook in three rounds.
For beet chips, apple chips, zucchini rounds — anything that needs to be thin and even. The hand guard is not optional. This one has adjustable thickness settings and is actually easy to clean, which is half the battle with mandolines.
Egg bites, mini frittatas, cauliflower tot cups — this set covers it. Silicone releases cleanly and goes in the dishwasher. The egg bite mold specifically is one of those purchases that pays off immediately the first time you make a batch.
A full week of prep ideas designed around the air fryer. Great for mapping out which snacks and meals to batch cook so you’re not starting from zero every day.
A well-organized digital cookbook that covers everything from basic snacks to full dinners. Useful when you want to branch out beyond your current rotation without doing a full Google spiral at 5pm.
For anyone tracking nutrition seriously, this app is more detailed than most. Useful for logging the calorie counts on homemade snacks like these without having to do all the math manually every time you season a batch of chickpeas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are air fryer snacks actually healthier than oven-baked snacks?
Generally, yes — but for a specific reason. The air fryer circulates heat more efficiently than a standard oven, which means food crisps up at lower oil quantities and shorter times. This reduces both total fat content and the risk of burning or drying out. For snacks that need a proper crunch (chips, chickpeas, veggie rounds), the air fryer consistently outperforms the oven on texture without requiring additional oil to compensate.
Can I meal prep air fryer snacks for the whole week?
Absolutely. Chickpeas, spiced nuts, egg bites, salmon bites, and apple chips all store well and reheat in the air fryer in 3 to 4 minutes at 350°F. The one category that doesn’t hold up as well is anything very thin and crispy (kale chips, beet chips) — those are best made fresh or at most the day before, as they tend to go soft in the fridge overnight.
What is the best air fryer temperature for healthy snacks?
It depends on the snack. Dense vegetables and proteins do well at 390 to 400°F for shorter times. Thin items like chips and fruit rounds need lower temperatures (300 to 320°F) for longer periods to dehydrate rather than burn. Egg and cheese-based items land in the 300 to 375°F range depending on how set you want the center. The key is matching temperature to the ingredient’s moisture content.
Do I need to use oil in the air fryer for healthy snacks?
Not always, but usually a small amount helps significantly with texture. A light spray of avocado or olive oil helps coatings adhere, promotes browning, and prevents the food from drying out rather than crisping. For naturally oily items like nuts or salmon, you can often skip additional oil entirely. The amounts involved are genuinely small — typically a teaspoon or less — which is part of what makes air fryer snacks lower in fat than pan-fried alternatives.
Can I make vegan and plant-based snacks in the air fryer?
Most of the snacks on this list are already vegan or easily made so. Chickpeas, kale chips, sweet potato fries, beet chips, edamame, tofu bites, apple chips, banana chips, pumpkin seeds, spiced almonds, broccoli florets, and asparagus are all completely plant-based. For the egg and cheese-based recipes, swapping in a flax egg or plant-based cheese works reasonably well, though the texture will differ slightly from the original.
The Bottom Line
Healthy snacking doesn’t have to mean suffering through things you don’t actually enjoy. The air fryer makes it genuinely possible to eat crunchy, flavorful, satisfying food between meals without accumulating the kind of calorie debt that makes the whole day feel like a wash. Every snack on this list uses real ingredients, takes under 20 minutes, and lands at a calorie count that gives you room to actually live your life.
Start with the chickpeas if you haven’t tried them yet — they’re the gateway snack that tends to make people realize what the air fryer is actually capable of. From there, the protein bites and egg bites are the ones worth building a prep routine around. And for those days when you genuinely just want something that feels like a treat, the dark chocolate strawberries and apple chips are the answer.
Your air fryer has been waiting for this moment. It’s time to let it do more than just reheat pizza.
