Cooking up energy savings: Six healthy air fryer recipes to save you time and money

Would you like to add more healthy recipes to your weekly menu and lower energy bills too? Say hello to the air fryer – designed to help you save time, eat well and cut down on energy use.

We’ve discovered six delicious, energy-efficient air fryer recipes. From quick and healthy breakfasts and lunches to lighter versions of comforting classics, these ideas will help you add more excitement to mealtimes and save money too.

First things first, what is an air fryer?

There’s been a lot of buzz about air fryers in the last few years but what do they actually do? Well, air fryers are like ovens but use less energy and don’t need as much oil as normal frying. They work by rapidly pumping hot air around your food to give it a crispy texture.

Air fryers are versatile too. In addition to healthier frying, most of them can roast, grill and bake.

Are air fryers energy efficient?

Compared to conventional ovens, air fryers cook food a lot quicker using a lot less power. They typically use around 1,500 watts of electricity while ovens use 2,000-5,000 watts.

Most air fryers heat up instantly, so no pre-heating is needed. And because they cook food faster they don’t need to be on for as long or use as much electricity. They also emit less heat than ovens, so less energy is wasted warming up your kitchen.

And, because they use very little oil to create that fried food finish, you’ll save money on your weekly shop too.

Breakfast: Give yourself the best start

Air-fried nutty granola

This breakfast staple is full of fibre, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats to keep you going throughout the day. Air fryers couldn’t be better suited to making granola. Simply add in all the ingredients and give them a stir every so often.

Honey & Co’s air fryer granola recipe features pecans, pine nuts and sesame seeds. Alternatively, you can use their measurements as a guide and swap in your favourite nuts and seeds instead.

Air-fried classic frittata

If you prefer to start your day with something savoury, this Italian-inspired air-fried frittata recipe from Tesco Real Food is high in protein and low in added fat.

To cook it you only need a few sprays of oil. Plus, finely chopped peppers are full of antioxidants and the spring-onions are rich in vitamins.

The recipe is also a great way to use up any leftover ingredients – you could also add in some spinach to give yourself an iron boost.

Lunch: Refuel the healthy way

Air-fryer salmon served with greens and grains

With just half a tablespoon of olive oil, this classic salmon fillet recipe from BBC Good Food works wonders in the air fryer.

Salmon is a high-quality protein that keeps your muscles healthy. It’s also rich in Omega-3s, which is good for your heart, brain and joints. The prep time is super quick and can be done in five minutes. All it needs is a sprinkling of mixed herbs and eight to ten minutes in the air fryer.

We suggest serving this with steamed Tenderstem broccoli and quinoa or brown rice for a fast, flavour-packed meal.
 
Air-fried tofu with soba noodles and peanut sauce

Packed with plant-based protein, this air-fried tofu recipe from Vegan Food & Living is simply delicious.

It’s filling but light enough to avoid that post-lunch dip in energy. And is infused with classic Asian flavours like garlic and ginger that are both anti-inflammatory and can help lower blood pressure. Plus, the protein-rich peanuts are a great source of healthy fats.

After just 15 minutes in the air fryer, the marinated tofu will come out golden and crispy. Plate it up with the naturally gluten-free soba noodles, baby spinach and a generous helping of the sweet and tangy peanut sauce.

Dinner: Wholesome meals for the whole family

Air-fried cauliflower tacos

This Mexican air-fried cauliflower recipe from Good Housekeeping is ideal for the family or for hosting friends.

It’s colourful, crunchy and has a diverse range of flavours. The cauliflower is marinated in fresh lime, coriander and cayenne pepper and comes out golden brown and tender. It’s high in antioxidants which reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

Pair the cauliflower with a delicious purple cabbage and red pepper slaw. And, swap out flour tortillas for corn ones to make it gluten free.
 
Air-fryer squash soup

If you’re looking for the ultimate healthy comfort food, this warming recipe for air-fried butternut squash soup from Good Housekeeping is sure to hit the spot.

It’s low in calories and packed with vitamin A and C to boost your immune system. Plus, it’s a great meal to batch cook and store in the freezer for later.

Good Housekeeping says you can make this hearty soup in half the time it takes to cook in the oven. The garlic, smoked paprika and pumpkin seed garnish adds a wonderful crunch too. Serve it with crusty brown bread to make it more filling.

With an air fryer, you can enjoy delicious, wholesome meals while keeping your energy use – and your bills – down. For more ways to save energy, check out our tips and advice.

This article features recipes from various different websites. They are provided for inspiration and does not imply their endorsement.