Make cooking simple. Whether it’s breakfast, dinner, lunch or even snacks, simply prep your ingredients and pop them in the airfryer.
Cooking really never has been easier. However, cooking when you or a loved one is a diabetic can be a bit of a minefield.
You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your favorite foods or flavor just because of your dietary requirements.
Below are 10 delicious recipes for the air fryer that are perfect for those following a diabetic diet.
With complex carbs, low in saturated fats and sodium, these recipes are perfect for everyone at the table. Check them out now!
1. Air Fryer Carrots
This easy side dish, that pairs with just about anything, is rich in flavor and simple to make.
Peel and cut your carrots in half lengthwise. Coat in olive oil, sprinkle salt, tarragon, brown sugar, parmesan, and paprika, and place in the air fryer.
Once your carrots are cooked, toss in extra parmesan for some delicious cheesy goodness.
Another option is to drizzle with honey a few minutes before your carrots are cooked through.
This makes them sweet and crispy on the outside whilst being tender on the inside.
This simple side dish is a great source of fiber and healthy sugars. Pair with hummus or a fragrant dip for a delightful, light snack.
A top tip is to quickly boil your carrots before air frying to soften all the way through.
This allows the carrots to crisp up without being hard and crunchy in the middle.
2. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
When serving fussy little ones, sometimes the best thing you can do is give them what they want.
Chicken tenders.
This recipe makes them slightly healthier, and more suited to diabetics’ dietary requirements.
Swap the flour for oat or chickpea flour to make an even more diabetes-friendly recipe.
Season your breadcrumbs with some Italian seasonings, coat your air fryer basket with some light cooking spray, and your chicken tenders will come out crispy and juicy.
You may just ditch store bought ones altogether. Though, if you want to go that route, you can cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer just as easily.
Serve with ketchup or a tangy honey mustard dipping sauce for the perfect weeknight dinner.
To really impress your little ones, serve with air fryer fries, and you may never need to purchase fast food alternatives again!
Although, sometimes it may be easier and faster.
3. Air Fryer Fish Tacos
Who said Taco Tuesday had to be boring? The crunchy, chili-infused breadcrumb coating gives these air-fried fish tacos their kick.
Shredded cabbage slaw provides crunch, while avocado crema balances the tastes.
Make it exciting by allowing the kids to assemble their own tacos with their favorite toppings. Don’t forget the cheese!
To really get the most out of your tacos, you can warm your tortillas in your air fryer and give them a nice, soft crunch.
Serve with rice or even fries for a simple, fun, filling dinner. Save any leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
Just remember to pack your sauces separate or you’ll be faced with a soggy taco.
You can also swap the fish for chicken, steak or pork to create a range of taco dishes each Taco Tuesday!
4. Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Hosting a gathering and need an appetizer that is tasty, easy to make and impressive for guests?
These bacon-wrapped scallops are just the thing!
Wrap your scallops in bacon, secure on a skewer, drizzle with oil and place in the air fryers for 10-12 minutes.
You really will be amazed at how quick this recipe comes together.
Pair with a chilled Chardonnay and you have a sophisticated, tasty appetizer to serve your guests.
These bacon wrapped scallops are excellent for events such as engagement parties, wedding rehearsal dinners, or even a romantic date night.
To save some calories, use turkey bacon cooked in the microwave to wrap your scallops as opposed to regular bacon.
5. Air Fryer Green Bean Fries
If you’re in need of a fun, delicious way to get more veggies into your family’s diet then these air fryer green bean fries might just do the trick.
Green beans are a great source of iron, fiber and other beneficial vitamins. However, on their own they can be rather boring to eat.
Coated in seasoned panko-breadcrumbs and fried in the air fryer is a healthy way to make them more exciting.
Serve alongside your favorite proteins such as a chicken, pork, or even steak for a balanced meal.
Or, serve as a snack with a delicious harissa paste and roasted red pepper dipping sauce.
6. Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
Hard boiled eggs are a great ingredient to have on hand if you prefer to prepare meals in advance or just need a quick, easy breakfast in the busy mornings.
Although, cooking them in the pot can be time consuming.
Cooking them in the air fryer decreases the time you spend in the kitchen and the amount of clean up required afterwards.
In fact, we love cooking them in an air fryer so much, hard cooked eggs also made our list of the 5 best Cuisinart air fryer recipes to try!
Just have your bowl of iced water prepared for your eggs to be placed into once they are finished cooking.
You now have a delicious, nutritious source of protein that you can have for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a snack.
Just add some salt and pepper for some flavor.
Hard-boiled eggs can even be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making them perfect for batch cooking.
7. Air Fryer Potato Chips
Ever wondered how your favorite potato chips are made? Well this recipe tells you how, but with a few healthier substitutes.
Slice your washed and peeled potatoes into thin slices. Coat in olive oil and your favorite spices and herbs.
Place a thin layer of your potato slices in the air fryer and cook for 15-17 minutes.
Flip every 5-7 minutes to ensure they don’t stick to the bottom of the basket.
The lack of deep frying makes these potato chips healthier and the blend of spices you create will make them all the more tastier.
Don’t forget to serve with your favorite dips for a finger-licking snack while watching your latest binge worthy TV show.
You could even serve these at the kids’ sleepover parties or at your own parties to show your friends what you can create in your air fryer.
So, next time you go to buy a bag of chips at the store, opt for a bag of potatoes and make your own instead! We promise it’s worth it.
8. Air Fryer Gingered Honey Salmon
Looking to make your favorite salmon dish on the grill but the weather isn’t on your side? This gingered honey salmon is the perfect substitute.
Cover your salmon with the delicious, aromatic marinade for 30 minutes before cooking to really let the fish soak in all those flavors.
Cook in your air fryer for 15 to 18 minutes, basting with the leftover marinade in the last 5 minutes.
Your salmon will come out nice and flaky with a stunning crispy outer layer.
Serve with the air fryer green beans fries mentioned above or the air fryer carrots.
Don’t forget the potatoes! Boiled, mashed or roasted, you can’t have salmon without potatoes.
If you have any leftovers, learn how to reheat salmon in the air fryer and enjoy it the next day for lunch!
9. Air Fryer Tofu
Prefer to have a vegetarian or vegan diet? This air fryer tofu recipe is vegan-friendly and great for diabetics.
With an asian inspired marinade of reduced sodium soy sauce, garlic, olive oil and some spices, this tofu recipe is utterly delicious.
There are a range of dishes you can make with this asian inspired recipe from ramen to katsu curry.
The opportunities to make a delicious, nutritious dish are really limitless.
Just make sure your tofu is crispy on the outside for that delectable crunch with every bite.
The flavors of this dish pair well with greens, in the form of brussel sprouts cooked in the microwave. They’ll be ready in no time for a well-rounded vegetarian meal!
10. Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast
Everyone needs a delicious, comforting chicken dish to make in their air fryer, and this stuffed chicken breast is definitely a winner.
Stuff your chicken breast with the creamy mixture of cheese, mayonnaise, spinach, roasted red peppers, and garlic, then cook in the air fryer until your chicken is golden, crispy and tender.
Think a chicken dish has to take hours of work in the kitchen?
This dish can be ready in half an hour! Just make sure your chicken is cooked all the way through before serving.
To get things moving even quicker, learn how to thaw chicken breast in the microwave to cut your prep time down.
Top with a light, creamy sauce and pair with potatoes and veggies for a filling weekend meal.
You can make the potato in the air fryer too! Check out how to make a baked potato in the air fryer with foil for the perfect, fluffy side!
Whether you are serving your family or just want something to warm you from the inside this winter, this dish is perfect.
You can even cook this chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
It’s perfect for those who meal prep or want a quick, yummy dinner throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Creating delicious, filling meals in the air fryer doesn’t have to be difficult, or cause your insulin to spike.
These are 10 recipes that you can make quickly and easily that are perfect for a diabetic diet.
Low in sodium, complex carbs, and saturated fats yet you are never sacrificing flavor.
Whether you are cooking for yourself, your family, or a full party, there are recipes you can try.
Start making healthier alternatives to your favorite dishes tonight with these 10 best diabetic air fryer recipes!
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
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