17 Diabetic-Friendly Air-Fryer Recipes

Updated: Feb. 18, 2024

Dig in to these light and crispy air-fryer recipes for people with diabetes. Everyone will enjoy these healthy mains, sides and more.

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Air-Fryer Garlic-Rosemary Brussels Sprouts

This air-fryer Brussels sprouts recipe is my go-to side dish. It’s healthy and easy, and it doesn’t take very much time or effort to make. I usually use rosemary for my turkey, so this lets me use up some of the leftover herbs! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

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What is an air fryer? Find out exactly what this appliance does to your food.

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Air-Fryer Coconut-Crusted Turkey Fingers

My granddaughter shared this diabetic-friendly recipe for turkey fingers with me. With a plum dipping sauce, they’re just the thing for a light supper. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
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Air-Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs

This is a wonderful alternative to boiling eggs on the stovetop. These air-fryer hard-boiled eggs are just as easy and super quick—a perfect way to put your air fryer to use! —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Air-Fryer Steak Fajitas

Zesty salsa and tender strips of meat make these air-fryer steak fajitas extra special. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah

In the market for an air fryer? Check out our Test Kitchen-approved air fryer buying guide.

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Air-Fryer Red Potatoes

Roasting is one of my favorite ways to prepare veggies. Some fragrant rosemary, fresh or dried, gives these air-fryer red potatoes a distinctive but subtle taste. The dish is simple to prepare yet elegant in color and flavor. It's a wonderful addition to any menu. —Margie Wampler, Butler, Pennsylvania
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Air-Fryer Pork Chops

These air-fryer pork chops get their rich flavor from Creole seasoning and Parmesan cheese. —Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia

Have an Instant Pot? Try these diabetic-friendly pressure-cooker recipes, too.

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Air-Fried Radishes

Radishes aren't just for salads anymore. These fried radishes make a colorful side for any meal. Plus, they're quick to make in your air fryer. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Air-Fryer Turkey Croquettes

I grew up with a family that looked forward to Thanksgiving leftovers. But we didn't just reheat turkey and spuds in the microwave—we took our culinary creativity to a new level with recipes like these air-fryer turkey croquettes. Serve them with a crisp green salad for an unforgettable meal. —Meredith Coe, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Air-Fryer Tofu Steaks

This Asian-inspired air-fryer tofu recipe was the first meatless meal my fiance made for me. It's a wonderful light protein and is so easy to pair with broiled or grilled veggies such as eggplant, asparagus or even tomatoes. —Emily Steers, Los Angeles, California
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Breaded Air-Fryer Summer Squash

Air-fryer summer squash is beautifully crisp. You don't have to turn the fried pieces, but do keep an eye on them. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
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Air-Fryer Okra with Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika gives this air-fryer okra even more roasty oomph. When you want to cook okra without frying it, roast it with lemon juice for a lighter version. —Lee Evans, Queen Creek, Arizona
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Air-Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

My son loves chicken cordon bleu, but I'm not a fan of store-bought versions. This air-fryer chicken cordon bleu recipe has all the yummy flavors in a 30-minute meal. Best of all, any leftovers freeze well. —Ronda Eagle, Goose Creek, South Carolina
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Air-Fryer Herb and Lemon Cauliflower

A standout cauliflower side is easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. Crushed red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
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Air-Fryer Asparagus

This air-fryer asparagus recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to the lemon-garlic dressing that the spears are tossed in before roasting. It's a simple, quick side that goes with almost anything. —Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
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Air-Fryer Roasted Green Beans

Our family loves roasted green beans, but they can take a long time in the oven. I tried these air-fryer green beans and we loved them! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
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Air-Fryer Potato Chips

For Christmas one year, I received an air fryer. Potato chips are simple to make in it and are an essential, crispy side for lunch. —Melissa Obernesser, Oriskany, New York