20+ Best Easy Air Fryer Recipes for Kids – Healthy Air-Fryer Foods

If you're a busy parent looking for quick, nutritious meals that your kids will actually eat, an air fryer is your new best friend. These easy air fryer recipes for kids turn everyday ingredients into crispy, flavorful dishes with way less oil than traditional frying. From crunchy chicken nuggets to veggie-packed snacks, we've rounded up over 20 healthy air-fryer foods that are simple to make and kid-approved.

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, creating that satisfying crunch without deep frying. This means healthier versions of favorites like french fries and chicken tenders. Plus, most recipes cook in under 20 minutes – perfect for weeknight dinners or after-school snacks.

Why Choose Air Fryer Recipes for Kids?

Kids love crispy textures, but traditional fried foods can be greasy and unhealthy. Air fryer meals offer the best of both worlds: that golden crunch with minimal oil. These healthy air-fryer foods are packed with nutrients, easy to customize, and fun to eat.

Many of these easy air fryer recipes for kids use simple ingredients you already have on hand. They're great for involving little ones in the kitchen too – measuring, seasoning, and watching the magic happen in the air fryer.

1. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Homemade chicken nuggets are a classic kid favorite, and the air fryer makes them perfectly crispy outside while keeping the chicken juicy inside.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Cut chicken into nuggets. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Dip in beaten egg, then coat in panko mixed with Parmesan.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Spray basket and nuggets with oil.
4. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and 165°F internal temp.

Serve with ketchup or honey mustard – these healthy air-fryer chicken nuggets disappear fast!

2. Healthy Air Fryer French Fries

Skip the drive-thru and make these healthier french fries at home. Cut potatoes into sticks, toss with a little olive oil and salt, and air fry until golden.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 2 large russet potatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• Optional: garlic powder, paprika

Instructions:

1. Wash and cut potatoes into fries. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove starch.
2. Pat dry thoroughly, toss with oil and seasonings.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
4. Air fry in batches for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy.

Kids love these easy air fryer french fries alongside burgers or nuggets.

3. Cheesy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

These homemade pizza rolls are stuffed with cheese and pepperoni, then air fried for a bubbly, crispy exterior. Much better than frozen versions!

Ingredients (makes 16 rolls):

• 1 package refrigerated pizza dough or biscuit dough
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 24 pepperoni slices
• Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Roll out dough into rectangles. Spread sauce, add cheese and pepperoni.
2. Roll up tightly and slice into 1-inch pieces.
3. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
4. Air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden.

Let kids help fill the wrappers – it's a fun activity that makes them more likely to eat veggies if you sneak some in.

4. Gooey Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Stringy cheese in a crunchy coating – what's not to love? Freeze the cheese sticks briefly before breading for best results.

Ingredients (makes 12):

• 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Freeze cheese sticks for 30 minutes.
2. Set up breading stations: flour, egg, panko mixed with seasoning.
3. Dip each stick in flour, egg, then panko. Freeze again 15 minutes.
4. Air fry at 390°F for 6-8 minutes until golden.

These healthy air-fryer mozzarella sticks are perfect dipped in marinara sauce.

5. Veggie Fries (Carrot and Zucchini)

Get kids eating veggies with these fun fries. Slice carrots and zucchini into sticks, coat lightly, and air fry.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 2 carrots
• 2 zucchini
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup panko
• 1/4 cup Parmesan
• Salt and garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Cut veggies into fry shapes.
2. Toss with oil, then coat in panko-Parmesan mix.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.

Season with garlic powder or parmesan for irresistible flavor. Kids think they're regular fries!

6. Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Introduce fish with these bite-sized salmon pieces. They're mild, flaky, and full of omega-3s.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 1 lb salmon, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper.
2. Toss salmon cubes in marinade.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking once.

Kids often prefer them over whole fillets – easy to eat and delicious.

7. Fun Air Fryer Mini Corn Dogs

Mini corn dogs get super crispy in the air fryer. Use turkey dogs for a healthier twist.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 1 package mini hot dogs or turkey dogs
• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough or cornbread mix for homemade batter
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. If homemade: Wrap dogs in dough strips.
2. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
3. Spray and air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

They're a hit at parties or as an after-school treat.

8. Cinnamon Air Fryer Apple Chips

A sweet, crunchy snack that's naturally healthy. Thinly slice apples and dust with cinnamon.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 4 apples
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Optional: pinch of sugar

Instructions:

1. Core and thinly slice apples (use mandoline for even slices).
2. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
3. Air fry at 300°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp.

No added sugar needed – perfect for lunchboxes.

9. Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Tenders are easier for small hands. Marinate in buttermilk for extra tenderness.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup panko
• Seasonings: paprika, garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Marinate tenders in buttermilk 30 minutes.
2. Coat in seasoned panko.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping once.

These are a staple in our easy air fryer recipes for kids rotation.

10. Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potatoes add vitamins and natural sweetness kids crave.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cinnamon or paprika
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Cut into fries, soak 30 minutes.
2. Dry, toss with oil and seasonings.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, shaking often.

Toss with a bit of oil and seasonings for perfection.

11. Cheesy Air Fryer Broccoli Bites

Hide broccoli in cheesy bites – kids won't even notice the veggies!

Ingredients (makes 20 bites):

• 2 cups chopped broccoli
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• Seasonings

Instructions:

1. Steam broccoli, mix with cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs.
2. Form into balls.
3. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

Mix with cheese and breadcrumbs for tasty morsels.

12. Quick Air Fryer Quesadillas

Fill tortillas with cheese and beans or chicken for a melty treat.

Ingredients (serves 2):

• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Optional: chicken, beans, veggies

Instructions:

1. Fill half tortilla with cheese and add-ins, fold.
2. Air fry at 370°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping once.

Cut into triangles for little fingers.

13. Crunchy Air Fryer Banana Chips

Another fruit chip option – bananas turn caramelized and crisp.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 4 firm bananas
• Optional: cinnamon or lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Slice bananas thinly.
2. Lightly brush with lemon if desired.
3. Air fry at 300°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping.

Great for on-the-go snacking.

14. Classic Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Golden, buttery grilled cheese in minutes – no flipping needed.

Ingredients (serves 1):

• 2 slices bread
• 2 slices cheese
• Butter

Instructions:

1. Butter outside of bread, fill with cheese.
2. Air fry at 370°F for 8 minutes, flip halfway.

Add tomato soup for dipping – ultimate comfort food.

15. Air Fryer Tater Tots

Crispy tots with less guilt. Homemade or frozen both work great.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 1 bag frozen tater tots or homemade grated potato balls
• Cooking spray
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat to 400°F.
2. Spread tots in basket, spray lightly.
3. Air fry 15-18 minutes, shaking twice.

Try sweet potato versions too for a healthy twist.

16. Parmesan Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Zucchini turns into addictive fries with parmesan coating.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 3 zucchini
• 1/2 cup panko
• 1/2 cup Parmesan
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Cut zucchini into fries.
2. Dip in egg, coat in panko-Parmesan.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes.

Dip in ranch or marinara – veggie win!

17. Tender Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Lean turkey meatballs flavored with herbs – great in subs or pasta.

Ingredients (makes 20):

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• Herbs, garlic, onion

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients, form balls.
2. Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.

Freeze extras for quick meals later.

18. Seasoned Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Thicker than fries, these wedges are hearty and flavorful.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 4 russet potatoes
• 2 tbsp oil
• Seasonings: paprika, garlic, salt

Instructions:

1. Cut into wedges, toss with oil and spices.
2. Air fry at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping.

Perfect alongside any protein.

19. Spicy (or Mild) Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce – a veggie win!

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 1 head cauliflower
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• Butter or oil

Instructions:

1. Cut into florets, toss in light batter if desired.
2. Air fry at 400°F 15 minutes, then toss in sauce.

Make mild for sensitive palates – still delicious!

20. Sweet Air Fryer Mini Donuts

Use biscuit dough for quick donuts coated in cinnamon sugar.

Ingredients (makes 16):

• 1 can biscuit dough
• Cinnamon sugar mix
• Butter for brushing

Instructions:

1. Cut holes in biscuits.
2. Air fry at 350°F for 5-6 minutes.
3. Brush with butter, toss in cinnamon sugar.

A fun occasional treat the kids will love helping make.

21. Homemade Air Fryer Fish Sticks

Cod or tilapia coated in panko for crispy fish sticks.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 1 lb white fish
• 1 cup panko
• 1 egg
• Flour, seasonings

Instructions:

1. Cut fish into sticks.
2. Dredge in flour, egg, panko.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.

Serve with tartar sauce – healthier than store-bought!

Conclusion: Make Mealtime Fun with These Air Fryer Recipes for Kids

These 20+ easy air fryer recipes for kids prove that healthy air-fryer foods can be delicious and exciting. From savory mains to sweet snacks, your air fryer will help you whip up meals that nourish growing bodies without the fuss.

Start with a few favorites, experiment with seasonings, and watch your kids ask for seconds. The air fryer makes cooking healthier easier than ever – happy frying!