Oil-Free Summer Bites: Healthy Summer Dishes Recipes for Your Air Fryer

An air fryer is easy to use and is perfect for drying summers when you want to eat food that’s oil-free or uses very little oil. You can start with these easy recipes and gradually become a pro.

An air fryer is a modern-day appliance proving itself useful in several ways, especially in the summer when eating a little healthier seems to be the best option. It’s good for people who are always worried about their health and trying to cut down on oil. It efficiently cooks snacks and baked goods without requiring greasing. Whether it is tea time or breakfast, you can use the appliance to cook a variety of summer dishes and delicacies to satisfy your hunger. It is easy to operate an air fryer, but getting comfortable with it can take some time for a beginner. Instead of making complex dishes in it, you can start slowly with easy recipes. These are quick, healthy summer bites you can serve to guests as the first course. 

Stuffed Cheese Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are wholesome and have a crunch that’s very satisfying to the ears. This recipe is interesting as it minimises the waste production in the kitchen. In a bowl, mix cooked rice, chopped vegetables, Italian seasoning, and cheese. Cover with the cut-off heads and slide into an air fryer for 10-12 minutes at 180°C. When the cheese starts bubbling, turn off the appliance, and serve the peppers with wine and bread on the side.

Eggplant Chips

Even if you like chips in general and love the idea of vegetables that can be turned into chips, many people don’t like the taste of eggplant, but serve them as brinjal chips as one of the summer dishes and appetisers with your summer drinks, and they won’t know what hit their taste buds. Prepared like banana chips, aubergine chips are also crunchy and filled with the goodness of the vegetable. Grease both sides of the slices with a blend of salt, paprika, and olive oil. Bake for 10 minutes at 180°C in the air fryer to achieve the smoky flavour and enjoy it with yoghurt dip.

Fish Fry

Fish fry is a protein-rich snack that will be even healthier if prepared in an air fryer. For making a serving of fish fry, you can start by chopping the fish and marinating it in a batter made with besan, ginger and garlic paste, and spices like salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, etc. After letting the fish absorb the spices, air fry, and then relish your snack with lemon wedges and chilli sauce. Filled with protein and prepared with the minimal amount of oil, you can enjoy fish fry as a snack or even pair it with your meal for a crispy side.

Masala Corn Cob

In the summer season, biting into a corn cob gives joy as childhood nostalgia takes over. With an air fryer, you can replicate the street food at home and give it a makeover, making it a delicious starter to serve at a gathering. Cut the cob lengthwise into four parts. Brush each of them with butter, chaat masala, lemon juice, and red chilli powder. At 200°C, cook the parts for 8-10 minutes, or until kernels are roasted and charred. Brush it again with lemon juice or butter before serving.

Sabudana Vada

For those who prefer vegetarian gluten-free air fryer snacks, these crispy vadas made out of sabudana or sago can be an interesting option for summer dishes. Prepare a mixture of soaked sabudana and crushed peanuts that is seasoned with red chilli powder, cumin and coriander powders, salt and some fresh, chopped coriander. Make round vadas or flat tikkis depending upon your preferences. Coat them in a thin layer of oil and arrange them in the air fryer. Serve this version of an air fryer tikki warm with a side of cold curd and chopped cucumbers. 

Sweet Potato Fries

Another vegetarian option which can be included in the roster of air fryer recipes for summer is fries made using sweet potatoes. Low on calories and on oil too, when prepared in the air fryer, sweet potato fries can be go-to appetisers which add a crunchy textural flourish to your meal. Once the warm fries are brought out of the air fryer, sprinkle some salt and smoked paprika or peri peri over them for that spicy touch. The gluten-free snack will bring an unexpectedly mouthwatering note to your evening snack meal. Serve them warm with mint chutney and a side of garlic dip made with curd, for a flavour lift. 

Tandoori Malai Broccoli

Tandoori broccoli adds a refined touch to any thali and pairs well with both puris and rice dishes. Broccoli florets are marinated in a mixture of hung curd, ginger paste, cashew powder, and crushed pepper. A hint of cardamom softens the spice, giving it a mellow aroma once air-fried. This air fryer summer dish creates a delicate char and a smoked aroma on the florets while keeping their bite intact. When served warm with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of pink salt, these bites bring freshness to a table often filled with heavier foods. 

Mushroom Bites

Mushroom bites are not only delicious but also a nutritious snack that is perfect for both kids and adults. And the best part is, mushroom bites can be whipped up in less than thirty minutes, so you can prep the snack in case of any unannounced guests or a house party. So, just take some mushrooms, brush them with a little oil and fill their caps with a cheese mixture. Air fry till the mushrooms are crispy and the cheese melts. Finally, the bite-sized snack with a chilli sauce and dig in, guilt-free.

Chicken Wings

If your favourite snack to binge while watching a movie is chicken wings, why don’t you make them at home? Since you can’t always order chicken wings, just start by getting good quality chicken and marinating them in your favourite sauce, just how you like it. After waiting for about half an hour, toss them into the air fryer and let them cook till the colour turns golden brown. Just like that, your crispy chicken wings will be ready in a few minutes, and you can eat them with a hot chilli sauce to give them the best flavour.