10 Delicious and Healthy Ninja Air Fryer Recipes for Weight Loss

Why Choose Air Frying for Weight Loss?

Air frying has revolutionised the way we approach healthy cooking. The Ninja Air Fryer, in particular, offers a fantastic way to create delicious, low-calorie meals that support your weight loss goals. Here's why air frying is an excellent choice for those watching their waistline:

  • Uses significantly less oil compared to traditional frying methods
  • Retains more nutrients in food due to shorter cooking times
  • Provides a crispy texture without the excess calories from deep-frying
  • Offers versatility in cooking various foods, from proteins to vegetables

    • Now, let's dive into some mouthwatering Ninja Air Fryer recipes that will keep you on track with your weight loss journey!

    1. Crispy Air Fryer Courgette Chips

    Air fried courgette chips in a bowl
    Crispy, low-calorie courgette chips make for a perfect healthy snack

    These crispy courgette chips are a guilt-free alternative to potato crisps. They're low in calories and high in nutrients, making them an ideal snack for weight loss.

    Ingredients:

  • 1 medium courgette
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp paprika

    • Instructions:

    1. Slice courgette into thin rounds (about 3mm thick).
    2. In a bowl, toss courgette slices with olive oil and seasonings.
    3. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
    4. Cook at 190°C for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy.

    2. Lean Turkey Meatballs

    These protein-packed meatballs are a great option for a satisfying, low-calorie meal. They're versatile and can be paired with courgette noodles or a side salad for a complete dinner.

    Ingredients:

  • 450g lean minced turkey
  • 25g ground almonds
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

    • Instructions:

    1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
    2. Form into 12 meatballs.
    3. Place meatballs in the air fryer basket.
    4. Cook at 190°C for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

    3. Spicy Cajun Prawns

    Spicy Cajun prawns on a plate
    Spicy Cajun prawns are a protein-rich, low-calorie option for weight loss

    This spicy prawn recipe is packed with flavour but low in calories, making it perfect for those looking to shed pounds without sacrificing taste.

    Ingredients:

  • 450g large prawns, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Lemon wedges for serving

    • Instructions:

    1. In a bowl, toss prawns with olive oil and seasonings.
    2. Arrange prawns in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
    3. Cook at 200°C for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through.
    4. Serve with lemon wedges.

    4. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

    This flavourful broccoli dish is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. It's low in calories but high in fibre, helping you feel full and satisfied.

    Ingredients:

  • 400g broccoli florets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 25g grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

    • Instructions:

    1. Toss broccoli with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
    2. Place in the air fryer basket.
    3. Cook at 190°C for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
    4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

    5. Sweet Potato Fries

    Air fried sweet potato fries
    Crispy sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular chips

    These sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular chips, offering more nutrients and fibre. They're perfect for satisfying your craving for something crispy and salty.

    Ingredients:

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt to taste

    • Instructions:

    1. Cut sweet potatoes into thin fries.
    2. Toss with olive oil and seasonings.
    3. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
    4. Cook at 190°C for 15-20 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes.

    6. Lemon Herb Chicken Breast

    This juicy chicken breast is packed with protein and flavour, making it an excellent choice for a weight loss-friendly meal.

    Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

    • Instructions:

    1. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and seasonings.
    2. Place in the air fryer basket.
    3. Cook at 190°C for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

    7. Crispy Tofu Cubes

    These crispy tofu cubes are a great plant-based protein option for those looking to lose weight. They're low in calories but high in protein and can be added to salads or stir-fries.

    Ingredients:

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornflour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder

    • Instructions:

    1. Toss tofu cubes with soy sauce and seasonings, then coat with cornflour.
    2. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
    3. Cook at 200°C for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

    8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

    Air fried Brussels sprouts
    Roasted Brussels sprouts are a nutrient-dense, low-calorie side dish

    These crispy Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients and fibre, making them an excellent addition to any weight loss meal plan.

    Ingredients:

  • 450g Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

    • Instructions:

    1. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
    2. Place in the air fryer basket.
    3. Cook at 190°C for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

    9. Banana Oat Muffins

    These healthy muffins are a great option for a low-calorie breakfast or snack. They're naturally sweetened with bananas and contain fibre-rich oats to keep you feeling full.

    Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 100g rolled oats
  • 2 eggs
  • 60ml Greek yoghurt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon

    • Instructions:

    1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
    2. Divide batter into silicone muffin cups.
    3. Place cups in the air fryer basket.
    4. Cook at 150°C for 12-15 minutes.

    10. Spiced Chickpeas

    These crunchy chickpeas make for a perfect high-fibre, low-calorie snack that can help curb cravings and support weight loss.

    Ingredients:

  • 1 tin chickpeas, drained and dried
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt to taste

    • Instructions:

    1. Toss chickpeas with olive oil and seasonings.
    2. Place in the air fryer basket.
    3. Cook at 200°C for 12-15 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes.

    By incorporating these delicious and healthy Ninja Air Fryer recipes into your meal plan, you can enjoy flavourful foods while still working towards your weight loss goals. Remember, combining a balanced diet with regular exercise is key to sustainable weight loss. Happy air frying!