Looking for delicious and healthy recipes that your kids will love? Look no further! In this article, we will be sharing a variety of mouthwatering air fryer recipes that are not only tasty but also kid-friendly. From crispy chicken tenders to crunchy sweet potato fries, these recipes are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. So, grab your air fryer and let’s get cooking!
Snacks
French Fries
When it comes to kid-friendly snacks, French fries are an all-time favorite. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these golden treasures are irresistible to both kids and adults alike. With an air fryer, you can enjoy the same deliciousness without the guilt of deep-frying. Simply season your fries with a sprinkle of salt and a dash of paprika or garlic powder, pop them in the air fryer, and voila! You’ll have perfectly cooked French fries that are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Chicken Nuggets
Another classic snack that’s always a hit with kids is chicken nuggets. But instead of relying on store-bought frozen nuggets, why not make your own healthier version using an air fryer? You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders, cut them into bite-sized pieces, dip them in a beaten egg, coat them with a mixture of breadcrumbs and your favorite seasonings, and then air fry until golden and crispy. These homemade chicken nuggets are not only delicious, but they’re also free from any additives or preservatives, making them a healthier choice for your little ones.
Mozzarella Sticks
Who can resist the ooey-gooey goodness of mozzarella sticks? With an air fryer, you can make these cheesy delights in no time. Simply slice mozzarella cheese into sticks, dip them in beaten eggs, coat them in breadcrumbs, and then air fry until golden and melty. The result? Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside mozzarella sticks that will have both kids and adults begging for more. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce for a truly indulgent snack that everyone will love.
Main Dishes
Crispy Chicken Tenders
When it comes to main dishes, crispy chicken tenders are always a crowd-pleaser. With an air fryer, you can get that satisfying crispy texture without having to deep-fry. Simply coat chicken tenders in a mixture of breadcrumbs and your favorite seasonings, place them in the air fryer, and cook until golden and cooked through. Serve them with a side of dipping sauce or alongside some homemade French fries for a complete and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Vegetable Spring Rolls
If you’re looking to incorporate more vegetables into your kid’s diet, vegetable spring rolls are a fantastic option. With an air fryer, you can make these tasty treats with a fraction of the oil typically used in traditional deep-frying. Fill spring roll wrappers with a colorful mixture of shredded carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, and bean sprouts, roll them up into tight cylinders, and then air fry until golden and crispy. The result is a delicious and wholesome meal that’s packed with nutrition and flavor. Serve them with some sweet chili sauce for an extra burst of tanginess.
Mini Pizza Bites
Pizza is always a hit with kids, so why not make it into bite-sized portions that are perfect for snacking? With an air fryer, you can make mini pizza bites that are crispy on the outside and loaded with cheesy goodness on the inside. Simply top small pizza dough circles with your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings, and then air fry until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted. These mini pizza bites are perfect for parties, after-school snacks, or even as a fun twist on pizza night at home.
Side Dishes
Sweet Potato Fries
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to regular French fries, sweet potato fries are a great option. With an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect crispy texture while still keeping the sweet potato’s natural sweetness intact. Simply cut sweet potatoes into thin strips, toss them with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then air fry until they’re golden and crispy. These sweet potato fries are not only delicious, but they’re also loaded with nutrients like fiber and vitamins A and C, making them a healthier choice for your family.
Cheesy Broccoli Tots
Getting kids to eat their vegetables can sometimes be a challenge, but with these cheesy broccoli tots, they won’t be able to resist. Combine finely chopped broccoli with grated cheese, breadcrumbs, and some seasoning, form the mixture into bite-sized tots, and then air fry until they’re golden and crispy. The result is a delicious and nutritious side dish that’s packed with the goodness of broccoli and the irresistible cheesiness that kids love. Serve them alongside a main dish or as a snack on their own.
Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts may not be a vegetable that kids typically get excited about, but with the help of an air fryer, you can transform them into a crispy and irresistible side dish. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and then air fry until they’re perfectly crispy and caramelized. The air fryer helps to bring out their natural sweetness and gives them a satisfying crunch that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. Serve these crispy Parmesan Brussels sprouts as a side dish for dinner or as a healthy snack option.
Breakfast
Air Fryer Pancakes
Who says you need a stovetop to make fluffy and delicious pancakes? With an air fryer, you can whip up a batch of perfectly cooked pancakes without the need for flipping or messy pans. Simply pour pancake batter into greased ramekins or silicone muffin cups, place them in the air fryer, and cook until golden and fluffy. These individual-sized pancake bites are not only adorable, but they’re also a fun and convenient way to enjoy pancakes for breakfast. Serve them with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of fresh berries for a delightful morning treat.
Banana Bread Muffins
Banana bread is a classic breakfast option that the whole family loves, and with an air fryer, you can make individual-sized banana bread muffins that are moist and flavorful. Mix mashed ripe bananas with flour, sugar, eggs, and a touch of cinnamon, pour the batter into greased muffin cups, and then air fry until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. These banana bread muffins are not only delicious, but they’re also a great way to use up ripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.
Apple Cinnamon Donuts
Donuts for breakfast? Yes, please! With an air fryer, you can make homemade apple cinnamon donuts that are healthier and more wholesome than the traditional fried versions. Combine grated apples, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of oil to form a dough. Roll the dough into donut shapes, place them in the air fryer, and cook until they’re golden and fragrant. These apple cinnamon donuts are moist, flavorful, and the perfect treat to start your day off on a sweet note.
