The ketogenic (keto) diet has taken the health and fitness world by storm, offering a low-carb, high-fat approach to eating. If you’re new to keto and looking for delicious, hassle-free meals, an air fryer is your best friend.
It cooks food quickly, with less oil, while maintaining flavor and crispiness. Look no further! In this article, we’ll share 10 mouth-watering keto air fryer recipes perfect for beginners.
What is the Keto Diet?
The keto diet, short for ketogenic diet, is a low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to put your body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.
What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender interior, similar to deep-frying, but with much less oil.
10 Keto Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners
Here are 10 easy and delicious keto air fryer recipes to get you started:
1. Air Fryer Keto Chicken Wings
These crispy chicken wings are a keto favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken wings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss the wings in olive oil and seasonings.
- Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 1g
2. Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries
A crunchy, cheesy, low-carb snack!
Ingredients:
- 1 zucchini, cut into fries
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Dip zucchini sticks in egg, then coat with Parmesan and seasoning.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 3g
3. Keto Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Avocado
A creamy, crispy delight!
Ingredients:
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 6 bacon slices
Instructions:
- Wrap each avocado slice with bacon.
- Place in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C).
- Cook for 10 minutes, turning once.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 4g
4. Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Butter
A simple yet flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Brush salmon with melted butter and season.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 1g
5. Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
A perfect low-carb alternative to fries!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions:
- Toss cauliflower with olive oil and seasoning.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 5g
6. Keto Air Fryer Cheese Crisps
A quick and easy crunchy snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Place small mounds of cheese on parchment paper in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 1g
7. Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
A keto-friendly seafood treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Toss shrimp in butter and seasoning.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 2g
8. Air Fryer Keto Pork Chops
Juicy and delicious!
Ingredients:
- 2 pork chops
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
Instructions:
- Rub pork chops with olive oil and seasoning.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 1g
9. Air Fryer Mushrooms with Parmesan
A great side dish or snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
Instructions:
- Toss mushrooms with olive oil and Parmesan.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 3g
10. Keto Air Fryer Meatballs
A protein-packed meal option.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients and shape into meatballs.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 2g
Tips for Cooking Keto Meals in an Air Fryer
- Avoid Breading – Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
- Use Healthy Fats – Cook with avocado oil, olive oil, or butter for keto-friendly fat intake.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Leave space between food items for even cooking.
- Experiment with Seasonings – Spices like paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning add great flavor without carbs.
- Check the Internal Temperature – Use a meat thermometer to ensure meats are fully cooked.
- Use Parchment Paper for Cheese – Prevent cheese from sticking by using parchment paper.
- Preheat the Air Fryer – This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
Final Thoughts
These keto air fryer recipes are easy, delicious, and perfect for beginners. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a hearty meal, or a crispy treat, the air fryer makes it effortless to stick to your keto diet. Try these recipes today and enjoy guilt-free, low-carb indulgence!