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Healthy and Quick Air Fryer Meals for Busy Families

Busy weeknights, fussy eaters and a never-ending to-do list, sound familiar? If you’re looking for quick air fryer meals that tick the boxes for health, taste and ease, you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re trying to sneak more veggies into the family diet or want dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, these healthy air fryer recipes are made for busy households.

From one-pot air fryer ideas to easy veggie crisps for snack time, we’ve rounded up our favourite simple air fryer recipes using fresh, wholesome ingredients, many of which you can have delivered straight to your doorstep!

Why Air Fryer Meals Are Ideal

Air fryers are a game-changer. They cut cooking times, reduce oil, and create that satisfying crispiness kids love, without the faff of the oven or hob.

Plus, they’re brilliant for batch cooking, reducing food waste, and using up leftover veg. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd, the air fryer makes life just a little bit easier. So, take a look at our favourite recipes to try when you’re in a rush and looking for something quick and healthy to put on the table.

 

Veggie-Packed One Pot Pasta Bake


Serves: 4

This easy one-pot air fryer pasta bake is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. In a heat-safe dish that fits your air fryer, combine 300g of fresh or pre-cooked pasta with one chopped courgette, one diced red pepper, a handful of halved cherry tomatoes, and 300ml of passata or tomato-based pasta sauce.

Sprinkle in a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs (or a few torn basil leaves if you have them), mix everything together, then top with 100g of grated cheddar or mozzarella. Cook at 180°C for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling, and the vegetables are just tender.


air fryer potato rosti

Crispy Air Fryer Potato Rosti


Serves: 2-3 (6 small rostis)

These golden rostis are quick to make and ideal as a light meal or side dish.

Start by grating two large potatoes (and optionally a small courgette or carrot), then squeeze out the moisture using a clean tea towel. Combine the grated veg with one tablespoon of plain flour and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Form into small patties and place them in your air fryer basket. Cook at 200°C for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and browned on both sides.


Homemade Vegetable Crisps


Serves: 2

Perfect for a healthier snack or lunchbox addition, these crisp veggie chips take just 10 minutes.

Thinly slice one beetroot, one carrot, and one parsnip (a mandolin slicer helps for uniform crispness). Lightly spray with olive oil and sprinkle with a little sea salt, then air fry at 180°C for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Keep a close eye on them near the end, air fryers vary and things can burn quickly! Cook in batches if needed, then cool and enjoy with your favourite dipping sauce.

 

air fyer crisps

 

Simple Air Fryer Veg Stir-Fry


Serves: 3-4

This colourful stir-fry is full of crunch and takes just 20 minutes from prep to plate.

Chop one head of broccoli, one red pepper, and toss them with 100g of mangetout (or sugar snap peas), 1 tablespoon of oil, a teaspoon each of grated garlic and ginger, and a splash of soy sauce.

If you’d like to add protein, mix in some tofu chunks or cooked chicken. Add everything to the air fryer basket and cook at 190°C for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking once or twice. Serve it up with noodles or rice for a wholesome meal your kids will love.


Stuffed Peppers


Serves: 2-4

These stuffed peppers are a hearty meat-free main that’s easy to customise.

Halve and deseed two large bell peppers, then fill them with a mixture of 150g of cooked rice or couscous, 100g of chopped tomatoes (tinned or fresh), 50g of sweetcorn, and a finely chopped small onion. Stir in about 30g of grated cheese, spoon the mix into each pepper half, and top with another 30g of cheese.

Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer and cook at 180°C for 20 to 25 minutes until the tops are golden and the peppers are tender. Once cooked, dig in!


The Final Verdict


If you’re juggling school runs, work emails, and endless laundry piles, air fryers can help take the pressure off mealtimes. With these healthy air fryer recipes approved, you’ll have a stash of quick, wholesome ideas that make the most of what’s in your fridge and your air fryer.

Ready to give it a go? Explore our fruit and veg boxes for local and seasonal produce easily delivered right to your doorstep.

Still looking for inspiration? Explore our blog for recipe ideas the whole family can enjoy!