12.9 million Americans are on the keto diet every year. But what do they eat?
When you start eating keto, it can seem like you have no options. However, there are many delicious keto-friendly foods to make! They can also be air-fried.
Air-fried keto foods are crispy without requiring as much oil as something deep-fried would. Luckily, you can also do many keto air fryer recipes at home.
Keep reading to learn more. Below, we'll cover what's excellent about air fryers and detail ten delicious keto air fryer recipes.
In this post:
- What Is an Air Fryer?
- Does Air Fried Food Taste Better?
- Is Air Fried Food Keto-Friendly?
- Ten Delicious Keto Air Fryer Recipes
- Keto-Friendly Foods Made Even Better!
What Is an Air Fryer?
The term air fryer might seem a little misleading, and that's because it doesn't actually "fry." Instead, a small countertop convection oven simulates the deep-frying process. The device circulates hot air, creating browning processes that produce crisp coatings.
Does Air Fried Food Taste Better?
Air frying isn't necessarily supposed to make food taste decadent and rich. Instead, it's often described as resembling oven-roasted extra-crispy food.
Oil is very palatable but also calorically dense. Many deep-frying oils also aren't great for you and can trigger inflammation. However, air fryers at least replicate or outdo their ability to offer a crispy coating.
Some people also don't like eating greasy food all the time, even if they enjoy the flavor of their deep-fried foods. But they might also miss the crunch they'd lack if they oven-baked all their food. If any of the concerns mentioned apply to you, strike a happy medium and shop around for an air fryer.
Is Air Fried Food Keto-Friendly?
The one consensus about the ketogenic diet is that it should be very low-carb. With air fryers, the only ingredient whose quantity is affected is oil, and most oils have virtually zero carbs and are mainly composed of fat.
You're successfully eating keto as long as you don't surpass your daily, keto-calculated carb limit. Whether or not you eat more or less oil is irrelevant. However, remember that people on keto typically eat more fat and consume enough calories.
Air-fried keto recipes are practical for your diet, especially if you are trying to lose fat. Keto food that's air-fried has the double advantage of being both low-carb and low-calorie.
Ten Delicious Keto Air Fryer Recipes
Many foods can be converted to an air fryer recipe, keto or not. But sometimes, it helps to look at a dedicated air fryer recipe to get the cooking time and temperatures right. There can also be a slightly different technique to
1. Turkey Links
This keto air fryer recipe is excellent for any occasion, especially breakfast. Instead of the traditional sausage link, these turkey links swap out the pork for turkey, a calorically economical choice. When cooked, these links are crispy and brown on the outside while remaining juicy and flavorful on the inside.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Serves: 6
- Cooking time: 10 min
- Prep time: 5 min
2. Garlic Cheese "Bread"
Air-fried garlic cheese bread — is it true? Yes, even with keto, you can enjoy comforting, delicious garlic bread! The main difference is swapping wheat bread for bread made out of cheese, which is even better than "real" bread.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Serves: 2
- Cooking time: 10 min
- Prep time: 5 min
3. Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño poppers are popular hors d'oeuvres at most parties, but they can be a tasty lunch too. This recipe instructs you to make smoky air-fried peppers with a creamy, cheddary mixture. Delicious when served with sour cream!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Serves: 10
- Cooking time: 15 min
- Prep time: 15 min
4. Shrimp
You can cook anything in an air fryer, and this air-fried shrimp is proof of that. After being cooked, your shrimp will maintain a snappy exterior while remaining juicy. Perfect for an outdoor barbecue.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Serves: 4
- Cooking time: 10 min
- Prep time: 5 min
5. Souffle Egg Cups
Love eggs or need a breakfast idea? Then these fluffy, soft, and well-seasoned souffle egg cups are perfect for you.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Serves: 4
- Cooking time: 5 min
- Prep time: 5 min
6. Ranch Pork Chops
Ranch is a classic keto indulgence. So it makes sense to make ranch pork chops using simple cooking methods and ingredients to deliver excellent, unique flavor!
- Difficulty: Medium
- Serves: 4
- Cooking time: 10 min
- Prep time: 5 min
7. Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs with lemon and garlic — it's a classic! And when air-fried, it even tastes better than the conventional, typically oven-baked variety. Enjoy crispier skin with a classic chicken flavor combo with this perfect midweek meal.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Serves: 4
- Cooking time: 25 min
- Prep time: 10 min
8. Crab Rangoon
Craving crab rangoon from your local Chinese place? Luckily, it's not impossible to make yourself, and there's also a mouthwatering dipping sauce recipe for those that want to amp up their meal.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Serves: 4
- Cooking time: 10 min
- Prep time: 5 min
9. Fried Chicken
Fried chicken doesn't have to be inaccessible to people on keto. All it takes is different breading, delivered through a thick layer of seasoning. The result is crispy, juicy fried chicken that punches you with flavor.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Serves: 2
- Cooking time: 40 min
- Prep time: 10 min
10. Thumbprint Cookies
Didn't you think you'd see dessert on here? These thumbprint cookies will take you back to childhood while nourishing your adult appetite. These delicious cookies are also pretty easy to make!
- Difficulty: Medium
- Serves: 10
- Cooking time: 10 min
- Prep time: 15 min
Keto-Friendly Foods Made Even Better!
Feeding yourself on a keto diet can seem accessible, especially if you're a beginner. But there are many great keto-friendly foods and many ways to cook them! If you don't have an air fryer, keep an eye out for an air fryer sale.
At Ketocipes, we understand the importance of excellent keto food. That's why we offer an avast database of keto-friendly recipes! Check out our keto air fryer cooking guide to learn more.
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