25 Air Fryer Snacks Under 200 Calories
Look, I get it. You bought an air fryer because everyone said it was going to change your life, and now it’s sitting on your counter collecting dust while you scroll through delivery apps at 3 PM wondering why you’re always hungry. Been there.
Here’s the thing about snacking—it’s not the enemy. Actually, nutrition experts recommend keeping snacks under 200 calories to help maintain energy levels throughout the day without derailing your goals. The real problem? Most of us reach for whatever’s easiest, which usually means chips, cookies, or that questionable leftover pizza that’s been staring at you from the fridge.
Your air fryer can actually fix this. I’m talking crispy, crunchy, satisfying snacks that don’t leave you feeling guilty or hungry an hour later. And before you roll your eyes thinking this is another one of those “just eat celery” articles, trust me—we’re going way beyond boring.
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Why Your Air Fryer Is Actually Perfect for Snacking
Real talk: I was skeptical too. But then I learned that air frying can cut calories by up to 80% compared to traditional deep frying while still giving you that crispy texture we all crave. The science is pretty straightforward—hot air circulation instead of oil submersion means way less fat absorption.
What makes air fryers brilliant for snacks specifically? Speed. Most of these take under 15 minutes, which is less time than it takes to order and pick up food. Plus, you can prep ingredients on Sunday and have grab-and-go options all week.
Research has also shown that air frying reduces the formation of certain harmful compounds. Studies indicate air frying can lower acrylamide in fried potatoes by 90%, which is significant if you’re someone who loves their crispy carbs.
The Protein-Packed Winners
1. Crispy Chickpea Snack (140 calories)
Drain a can of chickpeas, pat them dry (this matters), toss with a teaspoon of olive oil and whatever spices you’re feeling. I go heavy on smoked paprika and garlic powder. Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through. They come out like crunchy little flavor bombs.
The protein and fiber combo here is clutch—about 6g protein and 5g fiber per serving keeps you satisfied way longer than chips ever could. Plus, chickpeas are ridiculously cheap.
2. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (110 calories)
Cut a head of cauliflower into florets, toss with 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot is my go-to), and air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes. The cauliflower gets this insane char on the outside while staying tender inside.
If you’re into meal prep, these work great alongside some of our high-protein air fryer bowl ideas—the buffalo flavor pairs perfectly with ranch or blue cheese.
3. Parmesan Zucchini Chips (95 calories)
Slice zucchini into thin rounds using this mandoline slicer I’m obsessed with. Spray with cooking spray, dust with parmesan and Italian seasoning, then air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Watch them closely—they go from perfect to burnt in about 30 seconds.
Evo Oil Sprayer Bottle – Stop Wasting Money on Spray Cans
This is hands-down the best $15 I’ve spent on kitchen gear. Instead of buying those expensive aerosol cooking sprays that run out in three uses, you fill this with whatever oil you want. Olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil—your choice. One pump gives you a fine mist that coats everything evenly without drowning your food in oil.
- Save ridiculous amounts of money – One bottle of olive oil lasts months instead of buying spray cans weekly
- Control your ingredients – No propellants, no mystery additives, just pure oil
- Even coverage – The fan spray pattern coats vegetables perfectly without puddles
- Works with any oil – Switch between olive, avocado, sesame oil depending on what you’re cooking
- Easy to clean – Dishwasher safe, doesn’t get gunky like other sprayers
I’ve been using mine daily for over a year. Makes portion control so much easier—you can see exactly how much oil you’re using. Perfect for keeping these snacks actually low-calorie instead of accidentally soaking them in fat.
Get Yours Now – Worth Every Penny4. Spiced Edamame (120 calories)
Toss a cup of shelled edamame with a bit of sesame oil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Air fry at 390°F for 8 minutes. They get slightly crispy on the outside but stay creamy inside. About 11g of protein per serving.
5. Loaded Mini Bell Peppers (155 calories)
Halve mini sweet peppers, stuff with a mixture of light cream cheese and everything bagel seasoning. Air fry at 370°F for 6 minutes. These taste way fancier than they actually are—like something you’d pay $12 for at a trendy restaurant.
Speaking of vegetables, if you’re looking for more inspiration beyond snacks, check out these air fryer vegetable recipes that actually taste good. Sometimes dinner prep and snack prep can overlap in the best way.
The Carb Cravings Section
6. Sweet Potato Fries (145 calories)
Cut one medium sweet potato into thin fries, toss with 1 teaspoon oil and cinnamon or salt (your choice—I alternate). Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping once. The natural sugars caramelize and you get these crispy edges that are borderline addictive.
FYI, sweet potatoes have more fiber and vitamins A and C compared to regular potatoes. Not that you asked, but it’s nice when the tasty option is also the nutritious one.
7. Everything Bagel Pita Chips (165 calories)
Cut a whole wheat pita into triangles, spray lightly with oil, sprinkle everything bagel seasoning. Air fry at 350°F for 5-6 minutes. Perfect with hummus or eaten alone while standing in your kitchen pretending you’re not stress-eating.
8. Crispy Potato Skins (180 calories)
Scoop out most of a baked potato (save the insides for mashed potatoes later), brush the skin with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes. Top with a tablespoon of Greek yogurt and chives. Feels indulgent but stays under 200 calories.
For more potato inspiration, we’ve got an entire guide to crispy air fryer potatoes with no oil needed. Yeah, you read that right—no oil. Game changer for calorie counting.
9. Apple Chips with Cinnamon (75 calories)
Slice an apple super thin (that mandoline slicer comes in clutch again), dust with cinnamon, air fry at 300°F for 15 minutes. They shrivel up into these sweet, crispy discs. My kids steal these constantly.
10. Tortilla Strips (135 calories)
Cut two corn tortillas into strips, spray with lime juice and oil, sprinkle with salt and chili powder. Air fry at 375°F for 6 minutes. Basically homemade Fritos without all the nonsense.
The Protein-Veggie Hybrids
11. Parmesan Broccoli Bites (85 calories)
Toss broccoli florets in this olive oil sprayer that changed my life, dust with parmesan, air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes. The cheese gets crispy and slightly burnt in the best way possible. Each serving packs about 4g of protein plus all the vitamin C you need.
12. Green Bean Fries (70 calories)
Trim fresh green beans, coat in a tiny bit of oil and garlic powder, air fry at 375°F for 6-8 minutes. They get this char that’s weirdly satisfying. Dip in marinara sauce for an extra 20 calories that’s totally worth it.
13. Brussels Sprouts Chips (95 calories)
Quarter brussels sprouts, separate the leaves (yes, individually—it’s annoying but worth it), toss with balsamic vinegar and air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. They turn into these crispy, almost nutty chips. People who claim they hate brussels sprouts change their minds real quick.
14. Asparagus Spears (55 calories)
Snap off the woody ends of asparagus, drizzle with lemon juice and a pinch of salt, air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes. Sometimes simple is best. The tips get crispy while the stalks stay tender.
15. Cauliflower Popcorn (105 calories)
Cut cauliflower into tiny florets (popcorn-sized, hence the name), toss with nutritional yeast and air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes. Nutritional yeast gives it this cheesy flavor without actual cheese. Sounds weird, tastes amazing.
If you’re vibing with all these vegetable ideas, you’ll probably love our collection of 5-ingredient air fryer breakfast recipes too—many use similar techniques but for morning fuel.
The Surprisingly Satisfying Options
16. Crispy Tofu Cubes (120 calories)
Press extra-firm tofu to remove moisture (use this tofu press that actually works or just put books on it for 20 minutes), cut into cubes, toss with soy sauce and sesame oil. Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes. The outside gets crazy crispy while the inside stays silky.
I know tofu gets a bad rap, but this method converts skeptics. It’s all about texture, and the air fryer absolutely nails it.
17. Kale Chips (50 calories)
Tear kale into chip-sized pieces (remove the stems—they’re too chewy), massage with a tiny bit of oil and sea salt. Air fry at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Watch them like a hawk because they burn fast. When done right, they’re paper-thin and shatter in your mouth.
18. Radish Chips (35 calories)
Slice radishes thin, toss with everything bagel seasoning, air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes. They lose that sharp radish bite and become almost sweet and nutty. Nobody ever believes these are radishes.
19. Eggplant Rounds (80 calories)
Slice eggplant into thick rounds, brush with garlic-infused olive oil, top with Italian seasoning. Air fry at 380°F for 8 minutes per side. They get this almost meaty texture that’s super filling.
20. Mushroom Chips (65 calories)
Slice baby bella mushrooms, toss with truffle salt if you’re feeling fancy, air fry at 350°F for 12 minutes. They shrink down and get concentrated in flavor. Kind of like mushroom jerky but way less weird than that sounds.
For those nights when snacking turns into “I need actual dinner,” these techniques translate perfectly to our simple air fryer lunch ideas for busy days. It’s basically the same concept but more substantial portions.
The Sweet Treats (Yes, Really)
21. Cinnamon Banana Slices (90 calories)
Slice a banana into rounds, dust with cinnamon, air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes. They caramelize and taste like candy but are literally just fruit and spice.
22. Pear Chips (85 calories)
Slice pears thin, sprinkle with nutmeg, air fry at 300°F for 12-15 minutes. The natural sugars intensify and you get these delicate, crispy chips that feel way more special than they actually are.
23. Coconut Zucchini Rounds (115 calories)
Cut zucchini into thick rounds, brush with coconut oil, dust with coconut flakes. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes. This one sounds random but the coconut flavor with the mild zucchini is surprisingly good. Almost dessert-like.
24. Spiced Peach Slices (70 calories)
Quarter a peach, remove the pit, dust with cardamom or cinnamon. Air fry at 360°F for 6 minutes. The fruit gets jammy and concentrated. Feels indulgent.
25. Air-Fried Cookie Dough Bites (195 calories)
Mix 2 tablespoons almond flour, 1 tablespoon chocolate chips, a tiny bit of maple syrup and vanilla. Form into small balls, air fry at 320°F for 5 minutes. This is technically still under 200 calories and satisfies that cookie craving without eating half a batch of dough straight from the bowl. Not that I’ve ever done that.
Making These Actually Work in Real Life
Here’s what nobody tells you about air fryer snacks: timing matters. These aren’t microwave-level instant, but they’re way faster than oven cooking. Most take 5-15 minutes, which means you need to plan about 10 minutes ahead instead of just grabbing whatever’s in the pantry.
I keep a running list on my fridge of what I’ve prepped. Sounds neurotic, but it prevents me from buying lunch because I forgot I had perfectly good snacks at home. Also, research shows that air frying significantly reduces fat content compared to traditional frying, which means you can enjoy the texture you crave without derailing your goals.
Instant-Read Digital Meat Thermometer – Because Guessing Sucks
Okay, hear me out. This isn’t just for meat. When you’re air frying snacks, especially anything with protein like those loaded bell peppers or tofu cubes, knowing the exact internal temperature prevents overcooking. Nothing worse than crispy outside, raw middle disasters. This thing gives you a reading in 2 seconds flat.
- 2-second response time – Don’t stand there watching numbers climb for 30 seconds
- Ultra-accurate readings – Within 0.9°F accuracy, so no more guesswork
- Waterproof design – Drop it in the sink, no big deal (I’ve done this multiple times)
- Backlit display – Check temps even when your kitchen lighting is terrible
- Auto shut-off – Saves battery when you forget to turn it off (which I always do)
I started using this for chicken but quickly realized it’s clutch for air fryer cooking in general. Air fryers can have hot spots, and this helps you know if something needs another minute or is already perfect. Takes the anxiety out of cooking.
Grab It Before It Sells OutWant to make air fryer cooking even easier? Check out our guide to 15 air fryer meals anyone can make—the techniques are similar but scaled up for full meals. Once you master these snacks, transitioning to complete dinners is basically the same skill set.
The Practical Stuff Nobody Mentions
Temperature matters more than you think. Most veggies do best at 375-400°F, while delicate stuff like fruit chips need lower heat around 300-350°F. Too hot and everything burns; too low and nothing crisps up.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. I know you want to make a huge batch, but air circulation is what makes this work. Leave space between pieces or you’ll end up with soggy snacks and wonder why everyone raves about air fryers.
COSORI Pro II Air Fryer – The One That Changed Everything
Look, I’ve tried a bunch of air fryers and this one is the sweet spot between price and performance. The basket is actually big enough to feed a family (or make a week’s worth of snacks in one go), and it heats evenly—no more burnt tops with raw middles.
- 5.8-quart capacity – Fits a whole bag of brussels sprouts or 2 pounds of chicken wings
- One-touch presets – Takes the guesswork out if you’re new to this
- Dishwasher-safe basket – Because nobody wants to scrub burnt-on cheese at 10 PM
- Stays cool on the outside – Safe to touch even when cranked to 400°F
I’ve had mine for 2 years and use it almost daily. The non-stick coating actually stays non-stick, which is rare. Perfect for all 25 snacks in this guide.
Check Current PriceThe shake is crucial. Set a timer to shake or flip items halfway through. I use this kitchen timer that clips to my apron so I don’t forget and then wonder why half my food is charcoal.
Clean it regularly. The basket gets grimy fast and old oil residue affects flavor. I run mine through the dishwasher once a week. Takes two seconds to pull out the drawer and scrub with this brush designed for air fryer baskets.
When Things Go Wrong (And How to Fix It)
Everything’s burning: Your air fryer runs hot. Drop the temperature by 25 degrees and try again. Also, check if you’re overcrowding—too much food blocks airflow and causes hot spots.
Nothing’s getting crispy: You probably need to pat things drier before cooking. Moisture is the enemy of crispy. Also, make sure you’re using at least a tiny bit of oil—completely oil-free rarely works well.
Stuff’s flying around: Lightweight things like herbs or thin apple slices can get caught in the fan. Use toothpicks to anchor them down or get these metal skewers specifically for air fryers.
It smells weird: Clean your air fryer. Seriously. Old food particles get stuck in there and smell terrible when reheated. Takes five minutes to fix.
OXO Good Grips Adjustable Mandoline Slicer
I mentioned this a few times in the recipes and for good reason—it’s the difference between perfectly crispy chips and thick, soggy disappointments. Consistent thickness = consistent cooking. Revolutionary concept, I know.
- 21 thickness settings – From paper-thin apple chips to thicker zucchini rounds
- Hand guard included – Keep your fingers attached (important feature, IMO)
- Non-slip base – Stays put even when you’re speed-slicing a whole bag of potatoes
- Folds flat for storage – Doesn’t eat up half your drawer space
I use this thing multiple times a week. Makes meal prep so much faster, and everything cooks more evenly when it’s all the same thickness. Works for vegetables, fruits, even cheese if you’re feeling fancy.
See It On AmazonComparing Ingredients: What Works Best
Not all vegetables air fry equally. Starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes and regular potatoes turn out amazing—crispy outside, fluffy inside. Watery vegetables like tomatoes or cucumbers? Not so much. They just get sad and mushy.
Frozen vs. fresh: Both work, but you need different approaches. Frozen vegetables have extra moisture, so add 2-3 minutes to your cook time and don’t thaw them first. Fresh vegetables need that light oil coating to crisp up properly.
Silicone Air Fryer Liners (100-Pack) – The Cleanup Hack Nobody Talks About
Real talk: I almost didn’t include this because it seems so basic, but these liners changed my relationship with my air fryer. Before, I’d avoid making sticky things because cleanup was a nightmare. Now? I make whatever I want and just toss the liner when done. They’re perforated so air still circulates perfectly.
- 100 liners for under $10 – Works out to like 10 cents per use, absurdly cheap
- Perfect perforations – Doesn’t block airflow like solid parchment paper
- Non-stick coating – Cheese slides right off, no scrubbing required
- Pre-cut to size – Fits most standard air fryer baskets (check your size before ordering)
- Prevents cross-contamination – Make sweet potato fries without yesterday’s buffalo sauce flavor haunting them
The biggest benefit? I actually use my air fryer now instead of avoiding it because I don’t want to clean it. These make cooking small batches totally worth it. Pro tip: Don’t preheat with the liner in—add it after preheating so it doesn’t fly around.
Stock Up Your KitchenWhen it comes to seasonings, dry spices work better than wet marinades. Save the sauces for after cooking or they’ll just burn. The exception is a tiny bit of oil mixed with your spices—that helps everything stick.
Never Run Out of Recipe Ideas
Join our WhatsApp community for daily air fryer inspiration, troubleshooting help from real home cooks, and first access to new recipes before anyone else.
Join the Community NowIf you’re curious about expanding beyond snacks, our collection of easiest air fryer dinners ready in 10 minutes uses many of these same ingredients but in meal-sized portions. It’s basically snack techniques scaled up.
Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Set (14-Piece)
Here’s the unsexy truth about air fryer snacks—they’re only convenient if you actually prep them. These containers changed my entire approach to meal prep because they’re actually airtight (shocking, I know) and you can see what’s inside without playing the “sniff test” game.
- 100% leak-proof lids – Toss prepped veggies with oil and seasonings, shake it up, no mess
- Crystal clear plastic – See exactly what you prepped on Sunday when Wednesday hunger hits
- Microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe – Versatile for everything
- Stackable design – Doesn’t turn your fridge into Tupperware Tetris
I prep all my vegetables for the week in these on Sunday. Cut everything, toss with a tiny bit of oil and seasonings, stack them in the fridge. When snack time hits, I just dump a container in the air fryer. Five minutes to crispy snacks without any decision fatigue.
Grab the Set HereQuestions People Actually Ask About Air Fryer Snacks
Can I really make healthy snacks in an air fryer without any oil?
Technically yes, but practically no. You need at least a light spray of oil for most things to crisp up properly. We’re talking maybe half a teaspoon total—way less than traditional frying but not zero. That said, some vegetables like brussels sprouts can work with just their natural moisture plus seasonings. Experiment and see what you can get away with.
How long do these snacks stay crispy?
Most stay crispy for 2-3 days in an airtight container at room temperature. The exception is anything with moisture like tomatoes or fresh fruit—those are best eaten immediately. Stuff like chickpeas and kale chips actually get crispier after sitting for a few hours. If things get soft, you can pop them back in the air fryer for 2 minutes to refresh.
Why are my snacks burning on one side?
You’re not shaking or flipping halfway through. The heating element is at the top of most air fryers, so the top gets more direct heat. Set a timer and flip or shake everything at the halfway point. Also check if you’re overcrowding the basket—too much food blocks airflow and creates hot spots.
Are air-fried snacks actually healthier than baked?
They’re pretty similar nutritionally—both are way better than deep frying. The advantage of air frying is speed and texture. According to the British Heart Foundation, both methods are healthy options when you’re using minimal oil. Air fryers just do it faster and get crispier results, which makes you more likely to actually eat vegetables.
Can I use the same temperature and time for all vegetables?
Not really. Dense vegetables like potatoes need higher heat (400°F) and longer time (12-15 minutes). Tender vegetables like asparagus need less time (6-8 minutes) at similar heat. Leafy greens need lower heat (300-350°F) to prevent burning. Start with the recipes here and then adjust based on what you’re using. You’ll figure out your air fryer’s quirks pretty quickly.
Final Thoughts (That Actually Matter)
Look, I’m not going to tell you that air fryer snacks are going to transform your entire life or solve all your problems. They won’t. But they will give you actually good options when you’re hungry at 3 PM and about to make questionable decisions.
The best snack is the one you’ll actually eat. If you hate chickpeas, don’t force yourself to make chickpea snacks because some article said they’re healthy. Find what works for you from this list and master those few things. I probably make the same five snacks on repeat because they’re easy and I like them.
Start with one or two recipes this week. Get comfortable with your air fryer’s temperature and timing. Once you nail a couple of these, you can start experimenting and making up your own combinations. The point is having options that keep you under 200 calories without feeling deprived or bored.
Your air fryer doesn’t need to be your entire identity. It’s just a tool that makes certain things easier. Use it when it makes sense, and don’t stress about it the rest of the time. Now go make something crispy.
