Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying methods. When it comes to feeding kids, finding nutritious and delicious meals can sometimes be a challenge. That’s where air fryer recipes come in! In this article, we will explore 10 healthy air fryer recipes that are perfect for kids.
**Benefits of Air Fryer Recipes for Kids:**
1. **Healthier Option:** Air fryer recipes require little to no oil, making them a healthier choice for kids.
2. **Quick and Easy:** Air fryer recipes often cook faster than traditional methods, perfect for busy parents.
3. **Crispy Texture:** The air fryer produces a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil, appealing to picky eaters.
4. **Versatile:** From chicken tenders to veggies, the air fryer can handle a variety of kid-friendly foods.
**Main Ingredients in 10 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes for Kids:**
1. Chicken breast
2. Sweet potatoes
3. Broccoli
4. Fish sticks
5. Homemade chicken nuggets
6. Zucchini fries
7. Mozzarella sticks
8. French toast sticks
9. Apple chips
10. Banana chips
Give these recipes a try to provide your kids with tasty and nutritious meals they’ll love!
2. Air Fryer Mini Turkey Meatballs with Hidden Vegetables
These mini turkey meatballs are packed with hidden vegetables, making them a nutritious and fun meal for kids. The air fryer cooks them to perfection, ensuring a crispy outside and juicy inside.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- 1/2 cup (60 g) finely grated zucchini
- 1/2 cup (60 g) finely grated carrot
- 1/4 cup (25 g) breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Form small meatballs, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
- Place meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Ensure meatballs are cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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1. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Cinnamon
Transform sweet potatoes into a kid-friendly snack that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside. This simple recipe adds a touch of cinnamon for extra flavor, making it a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2.5 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 g)
Cooking Method
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss sweet potato fries with olive oil, cinnamon, and salt until evenly coated.
- Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
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1. Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
A healthier twist on the classic chicken nuggets. These air-fried nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
Cooking Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Dip chicken pieces in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
2. Sweet Potato Fries
Delicious and nutritious, these sweet potato fries are a hit with kids. They are crispy yet soft and make a great side dish or snack.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cooking Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- In a bowl, toss sweet potato fries with olive oil and spices.
- Place fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy.
3. Air Fryer Veggie Tots
Ditch the frozen tots with these homemade veggie tots. They are packed with vegetables and are a great way to sneak some greens into your kids’ meals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (150g) grated zucchini, squeezed dry
- 1 cup (150g) grated carrots, squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (60g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Cooking Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Shape mixture into small tots or balls.
- Place tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Crispy Air Fryer Apple Chips
These apple chips are a delicious and healthy snack option for kids. They are naturally sweet and satisfy crunchy cravings without added sugars.
Ingredients
- 2 large apples, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Cooking Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
- Sprinkle apple slices with cinnamon, ensuring even coverage.
- Arrange slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp.
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