21 High Protein Air Fryer Recipes

It’s obvious that many people choose frozen foods and snacks as their go-to for the air fryer. Even so, those are not the only things you should put in this amazing device. You can actually make a lot more with it, including a wide range of protein-packed recipes.

Yes, air fryers work really great with proteins. They not only eliminate the harmful effects of frying, but they also let you work with certain meats directly from the freezer. This means you should not blame anyone for forgetting to thaw those chicken thighs the night before.

In brief, an air fryer will give you the same crispiness and goodness as deep-frying your foods but without the extra oil and fat. And, if you want to know how to use it properly, the recipes below will show you how!

Contents

Air Fryer Egg Bites

These egg bites include all the things you need for a quality breakfast: protein, carbs, and veggies. Also, they only take less than 20 minutes to make!

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Looking for a recipe that does not include any dairy, gluten, or refined sugar? This one does just that, and it's also loaded with fresh lemon flavors.

Air Fryer Steak Bites

If you only have half an hour to make something for your guests, then this is the recipe to make. It does not involve marination time and should be ready in under 20 minutes.

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

This healthier version of chicken nuggets is flavorful and great for meal prep. You can also dip it in any kind of sauce you like.

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp

Whenever you have fresh garlic and high-quality butter in your kitchen, you should make this flavorful and satisfyingly delicious recipe!

Low-Carb Egg Bites

Carefully follow the instructions in this recipe, and you will get soft and spongy high-protein snacks similar to what you find in overpriced coffee shops.

Blackened Chicken

Are you looking for something with bold spices to make in your fryer? This chicken recipe can be a great option, and you can serve it with your favorite salad, carb, and side dish.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

This one is seriously easy to make, and you can have this carb-free recipe ready on your table in less than half an hour.

Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Brussels sprouts may not be anyone's favorite. But this vegan air fryer recipe will give them the much-needed flavor and crispiness and make them more exciting to eat.

Frozen Falafel Bowl

Loaded with peppers, chickpeas, and Greek yogurt sauce, this recipe brings life to an otherwise boring frozen falafel, making it perfect for a light dinner.

BBQ Lentil Meatballs

Looking for a more creative way to include lentils in your diet? This meatball recipe will provide you with the flavors and textures you never knew you needed.

Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp

The breading on this one may make a little of a mess in your kitchen, but once dipped in a spicy sauce, you'll crave it again and again.

Salmon with Horseradish Rub

When you are looking for a simple yet impressive air-fryer salmon recipe, this one is your best bet! Just make sure to drain and squeeze as best as you can if you use processed horseradish.

Air-Fryer Tuna Patties

With a tender texture in the middle and a crunchy outer layer, it is hard for one to be disappointed by these air-fryer tuna patties.

Air-Fryer Fish Sticks

This dairy-free and low-calorie recipe takes about 20 minutes to make, and you can easily make it in a larger batch if you have a big air fryer.

Keto Chicken Parmesan

It has become a hit in many homes, and it is for a good reason! It substitutes the bread crumbs with ground pork rinds and grated cheese to make it keto-friendly.

Keto Zucchini Boats

When you have medium-sized zucchini lying around your fridge, take them out and make this healthy air-fryer recipe. You can fill it with any meat and cheese of your liking.

Keto Chicken Leg Quarters

This quick and easy recipe makes a great high-protein entrée for a family dinner. You can also use chicken thighs and chicken wings for it.

Sweet Chili Chicken

Don't be fooled by its captivating look just yet. This one is actually a super simple recipe that even the most beginner cook can make.

High-Protein Pizza Crust

Gluten-free pizza crust has been on the rise for the past several years. This recipe will show you exactly how to make one to satisfy your pizza craving.

📋 Recipe

Air Fryer Falafel

Make restaurant-quality falafel at home with the help of your air fryer! Enjoy a guilt-free and tasty meal with this easy recipe.

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Prep Time 2

Cook Time 14

Total Time 2 14

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings people

Calories 606 kcal

Ingredients

2.2 lbs St. Louis Spare Ribs cut into bite-sized pieces

For the Seasoning:

Salt
Soy Sauce
Sugar
Oyster Sauce
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Pepper
Five-Spice Powder
Honey

For the Char Siu Sauce (Asian-style BBQ Sauce):

2 tablespoon Dark Soy Sauce
4 tablespoon Light Soy Sauce
½ teaspoon Salt
1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce
½ cup Brown Sugar
2 tablespoon Garlic Powder
2 tablespoon Onion Powder
1 tablespoon Five-spice Powder
1 teaspoon Pepper
2 tablespoon Honey
2 tablespoon Cooking Wine
1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
4 tablespoon Homemade BBQ sauce
3 tablespoon Shallot oil
1 tablespoon Sriracha optional
Chopped green onions optional, for garnish
Sesame seeds optional, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Spare Ribs:

Start by blanching the St. Louis Spare Ribs to remove impurities. Rinse them well under cold water and strain.
2.2 lbs St. Louis Spare Ribs

Season the Ribs:

In a large pot, add salt, soy sauce, sugar, oyster sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, five-spice powder, and honey. Mix well. Add the blanched spare ribs to the seasoning mixture.
Salt, Soy Sauce, Sugar, Oyster Sauce, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Pepper, Five-Spice Powder, Honey

Simmer:

Place the pot over low heat and simmer for approximately 1 hour or until the ribs become tender. Stir occasionally to ensure the ribs are evenly coated with the seasoning.

Make the Char Siu Sauce:

In a separate saucepan, combine dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, salt, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, five-spice powder, pepper, honey, cooking wine, and sesame oil.
2 tablespoon Dark Soy Sauce, 4 tablespoon Light Soy Sauce, ½ teaspoon Salt, 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce, ½ cup Brown Sugar, 2 tablespoon Garlic Powder, 2 tablespoon Onion Powder, 1 tablespoon Five-spice Powder, 1 teaspoon Pepper, 2 tablespoon Honey, 2 tablespoon Cooking Wine, 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
Mix well and cook over medium heat until it boils.

Thicken the Sauce:

Once the sauce boils, add a cornstarch mixture to thicken it.
Allow it to cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for later use. This sauce is perfect for many pork and chicken recipes.

Marinate the Ribs:

Marinate the cooked spare ribs with 4 tablespoons of homemade BBQ sauce, 3 tablespoons of shallot oil, and 1 tablespoon of Sriracha (optional).
4 tablespoon Homemade BBQ sauce, 3 tablespoon Shallot oil, 1 tablespoon Sriracha
Mix well and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F (170-180°C) for about 5 minutes.

Arrange and Air Fry:

Arrange the marinated ribs into the air fryer basket. Brush any leftover sauce evenly on the ribs.
Air fry for 5-6 minutes, making sure to flip them over halfway through. Be cautious not to overcook since the ribs are already cooked.

Garnish and Serve:

Optional: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a flavorful garnish.
Chopped green onions, Sesame seeds
Serve your delectable Air Fryer Asian-Style BBQ Pork Ribs as a delightful appetizer or main dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 606kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 47gFat: 75gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gMonounsaturated Fat: 30gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 3889mgPotassium: 1154mgFiber: 5gSugar: 47gVitamin A: 778IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 189mgIron: 7mg

Keyword airfryer, falafel

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions

What proteins can be cooked in an air fryer?

Every kind of protein can be basically cooked in an air fryer. However, you should keep it in mind not to put in anything breaded, battered, or saucy.

What is the best meat to cook in the air fryer?

Chicken breasts are the champion when it comes to cooking with an air fryer. The result will be much juicier than when you cook them using an oven or a stovetop.