In recent years, the ketogenic diet has gained immense popularity due to its potential health benefits and its effectiveness in aiding weight loss. The keto diet involves consuming low-carb, high-fat foods to induce a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. If you’re following the keto diet, you might think that your options are limited when it comes to enjoying delicious, crispy dishes. But fret not! The air fryer is here to revolutionize your keto culinary journey. In this article, we’ll explore 36 mouthwatering keto-approved air fryer recipes that will delight your taste buds and keep you on track with your keto goals.
Table of Contents:
- Why Choose the Air Fryer for Keto Cooking?
- Appetizers
- Main Courses
- Vegetarian Delights
- Side Dishes
- Keto-Friendly Seafood Delicacies
- Drool-Worthy Desserts
- Overview
Why Choose the Air Fryer for Keto Cooking?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a moment to understand why the air fryer is a fantastic kitchen tool for those on the keto diet.
Low Oil Usage
Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, eliminating the need for excessive amounts of cooking oil. This makes it easier to control your fat intake, a key component of the keto diet.
Crispy Results
The air fryer’s ability to crisp up food without submerging it in oil is perfect for creating keto-friendly versions of your favorite fried dishes.
Speed and Convenience
Air fryers are incredibly efficient and reduce cooking times significantly. You can whip up keto meals in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods.
Versatility
Air fryers are versatile appliances, capable of cooking a wide range of dishes from appetizers to main courses and even desserts. This makes it easy to maintain a diverse keto diet.
Now, let’s embark on a keto culinary adventure with these 36 delectable air fryer recipes.
Appetizers
Crispy Keto Zucchini Fries
These zucchini fries are coated in almond flour and seasoned with keto-friendly spices for a crunchy snack. Dip them in a creamy garlic aioli for extra flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 large zucchinis, cut into fries
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat zucchini fries in the almond flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the fries.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the coated zucchini fries in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fries are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauce.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Spicy jalapeño peppers are stuffed with cream cheese, wrapped in bacon, and air-fried to perfection.
![](https://colosseumstrength.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/jack-harner-FSZDUR4OZ-g-unsplash.jpg)
Ingredients:
- 12 fresh jalapeño peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 12 slices bacon
- Toothpicks
Instructions:
- Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes.
- Fill each jalapeño half with cream cheese.
- Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a bacon slice and secure with a toothpick.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Crispy Keto Chicken Wings
These chicken wings are seasoned to perfection and air-fried until they reach that coveted crispy texture.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Keto-friendly hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken wings with the seasoning mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy and cooked through.
- If you like them spicy, toss the wings in keto-friendly hot sauce before serving.
![](https://colosseumstrength.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/top-view-fried-chicken-wings-cutting-board-with-green-onions-fork_freepik.jpg)
Crispy Keto Mozzarella Sticks
Enjoy the cheesy goodness of mozzarella sticks without the carbs. These are perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.
Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Cut the mozzarella sticks in half.
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each mozzarella stick half into beaten eggs, then coat with the almond flour mixture. Repeat for a double coating.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with marinara sauce.
Main Courses
Keto-Friendly Fried Chicken
Indulge in the classic taste of fried chicken without the guilt. This keto version is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken thighs with the almond flour mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the chicken thighs inside, skin-side down.
- Cook for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
- Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Keto Parmesan-Crusted Salmon
Salmon fillets are coated in a savory parmesan crust and air-fried to perfection.
![](https://colosseumstrength.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/wesual-click-DhLl68_M5k4-unsplash.jpg)
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix grated parmesan cheese, almond flour, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each salmon fillet with the parmesan mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the salmon fillets inside.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Crispy Keto Shrimp Scampi
Enjoy succulent shrimp with a crispy coating, all while staying keto-friendly.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
- Lemon wedges for serving
![](https://colosseumstrength.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ahmed-nadar-BXT-puFdfo-unsplash.jpg)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the shrimp with the almond flour mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and the coating is crispy.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Keto-Friendly Pork Chops
These air-fried pork chops are tender and juicy on the inside with a crispy outer layer.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the pork chops with the almond flour mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the pork chops inside.
- Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pork chops are cooked through and the coating is crispy.
- Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Vegetarian Delights
Keto-Friendly Eggplant Parmesan
A low-carb twist on a classic Italian dish, this keto eggplant Parmesan is cheesy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
- 2 cups sugar-free marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, grated parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the eggplant slices with the almond flour mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the coated eggplant slices in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and the coating is golden brown.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked eggplant slices, followed by half of the marinara sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat for a second layer.
- Place the dish in the air fryer and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Crispy Keto Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are transformed into a crispy and flavorful side dish in the air fryer.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are crispy and tender.
- Serve immediately.
Keto-Friendly Stuffed Mushrooms
These stuffed mushrooms are filled with a creamy mixture of cheese and spinach and air-fried to perfection.
Ingredients:
- 12 large mushrooms, stems removed
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped spinach
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
![](https://colosseumstrength.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/wooden-tablet-with-stuffed-mushrooms-vegetables-table-closeup_pixel-shotcom.jpg)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, grated parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each mushroom cap with the cream cheese mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the stuffed mushrooms in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
- Serve as a delightful appetizer.
Side Dishes
Crispy Keto Asparagus Fries
Asparagus spears are coated with a cheesy almond flour mixture and air-fried until they are crispy and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch asparagus spears, trimmed
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the asparagus spears with the almond flour mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the coated asparagus spears in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the coating is crispy.
- Serve as a side dish.
Keto-Friendly Cauliflower Tots
These tots are a low-carb alternative to traditional potato tots, and they are equally delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Steam the cauliflower florets until they are tender, then let them cool and pat them dry.
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse the cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice.
- Combine the cauliflower “rice” with the almond flour mixture and mix well.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Form the mixture into tot shapes and place them in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauce.
Keto-Friendly Garlic Butter Mushrooms
These savory garlic butter mushrooms are a delightful side dish that pairs well with any keto meal.
![Keto-Approved Air Fryer Recipes](https://colosseumstrength.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/pexels-katerina-holmes-5908036.jpg)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb button mushrooms, cleaned and halved
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the mushrooms and sauté until they are tender and browned.
- Season with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve as a flavorful side dish.
Crispy Keto Avocado Fries
Indulge in the creaminess of avocado with a crispy coating in this unique side dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados, sliced into wedges
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the avocado wedges with the almond flour mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the coated avocado wedges in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the avocado fries are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with a keto-friendly dipping sauce.
Keto-Friendly Seafood Delicacies
Crispy Keto Shrimp
These air-fried shrimp are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a perfect keto-friendly seafood option.
![Keto-Approved Air Fryer Recipes](https://colosseumstrength.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/top-view-grilled-shrimp-stick-with-salad-leaves_stockking.jpg)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, grated parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the shrimp with the almond flour mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and the coating is crispy.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Keto Coconut Shrimp
Enjoy a taste of the tropics with these crispy coconut shrimp, keto-style.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray
- Sugar-free sweet chili sauce for dipping
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix unsweetened shredded coconut, almond flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each shrimp in beaten eggs, then coat with the coconut mixture. Repeat for a double coating.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and the coating is crispy.
- Serve with sugar-free sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Keto-Friendly Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops
These succulent scallops are infused with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce and cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large scallops
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the scallops in the lemon garlic butter mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the scallops in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Drool-Worthy Desserts
Keto-Friendly Chocolate Avocado Brownies
These fudgy brownies are made with creamy avocado and sweetened with keto-friendly sweeteners.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol or stevia
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Sugar-free chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- In a food processor, blend the ripe avocados until smooth.
- Add cocoa powder, almond flour, powdered erythritol or stevia, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the avocado mixture. Blend until well combined.
- Grease a baking dish that fits inside your air fryer.
- Pour the brownie batter into the baking dish and spread it evenly.
- If desired, sprinkle sugar-free chocolate chips on top.
- Place the baking dish in the air fryer and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Let the brownies cool before cutting into squares.
Keto-Friendly Cinnamon Donuts
Satisfy your sweet cravings with these delightful cinnamon donuts that are low in carbs and high in flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol or stevia
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Keto-friendly powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, powdered erythritol or stevia, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
- Grease a donut pan that fits inside your air fryer.
- Fill the donut molds with the batter.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
- Place the donut pan in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean.
- Allow the donuts to cool before dusting with keto-friendly powdered sugar if desired.
Keto-Friendly Berry Crisp
This keto berry crisp is loaded with juicy berries and a crunchy topping.
![](https://colosseumstrength.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/joanna-kosinska-eVQBXxeCre4-unsplash.jpg)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp powdered erythritol or stevia
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine mixed berries, powdered erythritol or stevia, and a pinch of salt.
- In another bowl, mix almond flour, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a crumbly topping.
- Grease a baking dish that fits inside your air fryer.
- Pour the berry mixture into the baking dish and sprinkle the crumbly topping over it.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
- Place the baking dish in the air fryer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the berries are bubbly.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Overview
The air fryer is a game-changer for those following the ketogenic diet. These 36 mouthwatering keto-approved air fryer recipes offer a diverse range of appetizers, main courses, side dishes, and desserts that will keep your taste buds excited while helping you stay on track with your keto goals. From crispy keto zucchini fries to decadent keto-friendly chocolate avocado brownies, these recipes prove that you can enjoy delicious food while maintaining a low-carb, high-fat diet. So, fire up your air fryer and embark on a keto culinary adventure that’s as satisfying as it is scrumptious. Your taste buds and your health will thank you.
References:
- Vogel, L. (2017). *The Keto Diet: The Complete Guide to a High-Fat Diet*. Victory Belt Publishing.
- Emmerich, M. (2017). *Keto Comfort Foods: Family Favorite Recipes Made Low-Carb and Healthy*. Victory Belt Publishing.
- Westman, E. C., Phinney, S. D., & Volek, J. S. (2010). *The New Atkins for a New You: The Ultimate Diet for Shedding Weight and Feeling Great*. Touchstone.
- [Diet Doctor](https://www.dietdoctor.com/): Diet Doctor is a popular website offering comprehensive information on the ketogenic diet, including recipes, meal plans, and expert advice.
- Ruled.Me](https://www.ruled.me/): Ruled.Me is known for its extensive collection of keto recipes, meal plans, and guides.
- Paoli, A., Rubini, A., Volek, J. S., & Grimaldi, K. A. (2013). Beyond weight loss: a review of the therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diets. *European Journal of Clinical Nutrition*, 67(8), 789-796.
- Westman, E. C., & Volek, J. S. (2010). Low carbohydrate nutrition and metabolism. *The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition*, 91(3), 535-546.
- [Reddit r/keto](https://www.reddit.com/r/keto/): The r/keto subreddit is a community of individuals sharing their experiences, success stories, and recipes related to the ketogenic diet.
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