3 Quick and Healthy Air Fryer Snacks That Will Curb Any Craving

Store-bought snacks will be a thing of the past when you discover everything the air fryer can do! This nifty device rapidly circulates heat, which helps to cook your food quickly and evenly. It also gives your snacks a wonderfully crisp exterior without the extra fat from oil. And if your recipe does call for oil, it’s usually just a light spritz to ensure the food doesn’t stick to the cooking basket.

Don’t have an air fryer just yet? Check out our top picks of 2022, which feature long-lasting products with a wide range of cooking styles. Once you’ve found the best one for you, try these tips for making healthy, homemade air fryer snacks in a flash.

How To Make Kale Chips in the Air Fryer

Rich in vitamin K, these crisps are a tasty, good-for-you substitute for potato or tortilla chips.

Directions (serves 4):

1. Remove stems from two bunches of kale and tear the leaves into bite-size pieces. Then rinse and dry. (Make sure your leaves are completely dry after rinsing! Otherwise, they could become soggy in the air fryer.)
2. Mix and massage the leaves with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon of garlic salt.
3. In batches, lay kale in a single layer in the basket.
4. Air-fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, five minutes per batch, shaking halfway through.

How To Make Air-Fried Crispy Chickpeas

Add this simple snack to a salad for a crunchy “crouton” upgrade.

Directions (serves 4):

1. In a bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of paprika, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Set the bowl aside.
2. Drain one (15 ounce) can chickpeas and add them to the basket.
3. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for nine minutes.
4. Pause the air fryer, coat the chickpeas with with cooking spray and your spice mix. Shake.
5. Fry until crisp, about nine minutes. Transfer to baking sheet and let cool.

How To Make Zucchini Sticks

These breaded treats are kissed with Parmesan!

Directions (serves 4):

1. Cut two zucchini into sticks.
2. In a shallow dish, mix one cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and 2 teaspoons of garlic salt.
3. Toss zucchini in one beaten egg, and then in the crumb mixture.
4. Add the zucchini to the basket and air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping once, for about 20 minutes.

A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, First for Women.