Are you looking for a way to enjoy delicious, healthy meals without having to spend hours cooking away in the kitchen? Preparing meals in an air fryer is the perfect option! Not only does it save time, but it also produces delicious and healthier meals than traditional deep-frying.
Here are five delicious, meat-based recipes you can make in an air fryer. Not only are they healthy, but they are also easy to make.
These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have the time or energy to cook a complex meal. Plus, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment when you can whip up a delicious and healthy meal in a fraction of the time it would take you to make it in the oven.
Recipe 1 – Herb-Crusted Pork Chops
This delicious Herb-Crusted Pork Chops recipe is a great way to whip up a healthy meal in an air fryer. With just a few ingredients and easy instructions, you can have a satisfying dinner ready in no time.
All you need are pork chops, butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and salt and pepper. And you’re ready to go!
Ingredients
A few simple, delicious ingredients are all you need to whip up a tasty treat in your air fryer. For this recipe, you’ll need lean cuts of pork chops, trimmed of fat, and cut into individual portion sizes. When selecting the pork chops, try to find cuts with little to no fat, as air frying can cause fat to splatter and smoke.
To add flavor, you’ll also need your favorite marinades and spices. Once you have the chops trimmed and cut to size, marinate them in your favorite marinade, and sprinkle with spices. This will give your chops a flavor that is sure to please!
Instructions
To bring out the flavorful marinade and spices, carefully place the pork chops in the air fryer and cook to your desired doneness.
An important part of air fryer cooking is that you should always check the cooking temperature to ensure that the food is cooked properly and safely. Depending on the type of meat you’re cooking, the appropriate cooking temperature can vary. As a general rule, the cooking temperature should be between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additionally, it’s important to pay attention to portion size when using the air fryer. This is especially true for health benefits, as over-consumption of certain foods can lead to unhealthy weight gain.
Recipe 2 – Turkey Burgers
Try making these delicious turkey burgers. They’re packed with flavor and a great source of lean protein.
All you need is some lean ground turkey, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, and some herbs and spices. Simply mix all the ingredients, form into patties, and place them in the air fryer.
In just a few minutes, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious meal!
Ingredients
Using an air fryer to whip up tasty dishes without all the fat and fuss is a breeze! For the turkey burger recipe, start by selecting a lean cut of ground turkey. This will ensure your burgers are flavorful and not dry.
To add flavor, mix in a variety of seasonings, marinades, and spices. Experiment with different combinations and find the one that best suits your taste. Once seasoned, shape your burgers into patties and place them in the air fryer.
The correct grilling method will help ensure that your burgers are juicy and not overcooked. With an air fryer, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy treat without all the fat and mess associated with traditional frying!
Instructions
To start, it’s important to make sure that your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature. This will help the turkey burgers cook more evenly and quickly.
When portioning out the ingredients, it’s important to be mindful of the amount of meat you’re using. Healthy portion size should be around 4 ounces per person. Once the ingredients are prepared, place the turkey burgers into the air fryer basket and make sure they’re not overcrowded. This will help them cook evenly and prevent sticking.
It’s also important to keep an eye on the time. Some air fryers have pre-programmed settings that make it easier to set the time and temperature for your recipe. When the turkey burgers are finished cooking, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help them retain their moisture and flavor.
Recipe 3 – Bacon Wrapped Chicken
If you love the flavor of bacon and chicken, this recipe is for you! Cook bacon-wrapped chicken in an air fryer with just a few ingredients: chicken breasts, bacon, and your favorite seasonings.
To make it, simply wrap each piece of chicken in bacon, season with your favorite herbs and spices, and cook in the air fryer until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is cooked through.
This is an easy and delicious way to make a meal that your whole family will love.
Ingredients
Get the most out of your air fryer with these delicious recipes! For the bacon-wrapped chicken recipe, you’ll need chicken breasts, bacon, olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
Start by marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for about 30 minutes. For an added layer of flavor, opt for organic, free-range, or pasture-raised chicken. Once marinated, wrap each chicken breast with two slices of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
Place the wrapped chicken in the air fryer basket at 375°F for 15 minutes. Nutrition facts for this recipe include protein, carbohydrates, fat, and sodium.
Cooking methods include marinating and air-frying. With the right flavor pairings, you’ll be sure to make a delicious and healthy air-fried meal!
Instructions
After marinating the chicken in a flavorful blend of olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning, wrap each breast with two slices of bacon and secure it with a toothpick before popping it into the air fryer for a quick and delicious meal. Cooking with an air fryer is an easy and healthy way to prepare tasty meals.
When using this equipment, it’s important to keep in mind the time needed to preheat, the serving sizes, and the cooking tips for the ingredients. Not only does this save time in the kitchen, but you’re also able to make meals that are healthier than deep-fried options.
Once everything is ready to go, it’s time to start cooking. Set the timer and temperature on your air fryer according to the type of food you’re cooking. For meat-based recipes, it’s recommended to set the temperature between 350-400°F. This will ensure that the food is cooked through without burning the exterior.
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the serving sizes. Watch your food closely as air fryers cook quickly, and be sure to check for doneness before serving.
With a few simple instructions, you can make delicious and healthy meals in an air fryer in no time.
Recipe 4 – Beef Steak
For this one, we asked Ron Scott from Carnivorous Life what his simplest air fryer dish is and he said a simple beef steak can go a long way. You’ll need a few simple ingredients: a 1-pound steak, 1 tablespoon of butter, 2 cloves of garlic, a teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of pepper.
To prepare it, rub the butter and garlic into the steak, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the steak into the air fryer and cook for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak.
Ingredients
To ensure food safety, make sure you properly portion out your ingredients before you start. A great marinade option for this recipe is a mix of olive oil, garlic, and your favorite spices. This will help keep the steak nice and juicy while adding flavor.
With the right ingredients and the right meal prep, you’ll be able to make a delicious steak in your air fryer in no time.
Instructions
First, prepare the ingredients by cutting and marinating the steak. Use healthy substitutes, such as olive oil instead of butter, to reduce the fat content of the meal.
Next, preheat the air fryer and set it to the desired temperature. Make sure to select the proper setting for the type of steak you’re cooking. For example, if you’re cooking a ribeye steak, you’ll need to select a higher setting than for a filet mignon.
Once the air fryer is heated up, it’s time to start cooking. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for the suggested time. To get the best results, remember to use proper portion sizes and to check the steak regularly to avoid overcooking.
If the steak needs more cooking time, make sure to use the air fryer’s timer setting, so you can easily adjust the recipe without having to start over from scratch. Also, be sure to keep in mind that different air fryers can require different cooking times. For best results, you may need to make minor modifications to the recipe.
Recipe 5 – Asian-Style Meatballs
This Asian-style meatball recipe is sure to be a hit. You’ll need lean ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, green onion, soy sauce, sesame oil, and an egg.
To make the meatballs, mix the ingredients in a bowl, form them into balls, and then bake them in an air fryer until cooked through.
You can enjoy these delicious Asian-style meatballs as an appetizer or main dish!
Ingredients
For this Asian-style meatballs recipe, you’ll need some lean proteins like ground beef, chicken, or turkey. You’ll also need 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons water.
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix the ground pork or beef, onion, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until the cornstarch is dissolved.
Add the wet ingredients to the meat mixture and mix until all the ingredients are well combined. Use your hands to form the mixture into 1-inch balls.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Place the meatballs in the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. Serve the meatballs with your favorite Asian-style sauce.
In Summary
You now have five delicious and healthy recipes to make in your air fryer.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these recipes will make it a meal that your family and friends will remember. With the air fryer, you can enjoy all the benefits of a healthy meal without sacrificing flavor or texture.