If you didn’t know your air fryer could bake, your mind is about to be blown. From crispy sweet potato fries to fried chicken, the air fryer can do it all. Including sweets! That’s right. You don’t need an oven to whip up crispy, crunchy air-fryer desserts. And, the best part about making desserts in your air fryer is that you can make individual servings for weight loss so that you can prevent overeating.
To learn more about the best, weight-loss-friendly desserts you can make in your air fryer, we spoke with Mary-Ellen Sabat, a nutritionist and personal trainer. She recommends 4 healthy air fryer desserts you can eat every day and still lose weight: cinnamon apple chips, chocolate banana bites, berry crumble, and baked cinnamon sugar donut holes. Read on to learn these easy air fryer recipes and why they’re so healthy!
1. Cinnamon Apple Chips
Cinnamon apple chips are a great alternative to regular potato chips or fried snacks. "They are low in calories and provide fiber from the apple's skin. Cinnamon adds flavor without adding any calories or sugar. The absence of added sugar keeps the calorie count low, making them suitable for weight loss," Sabat, who founded BodyDesigns by Mary, says.
Ingredients:
1. 2 apples
2. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
3. Cooking spray (preferably olive oil-based)
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash and core the apples, then slice them thinly using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
- Place the apple slices in a bowl and sprinkle them with cinnamon. Toss gently to ensure even coating.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the apple chips are crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer and let them cool completely before serving.
2. Chocolate Banana Bites
The bananas and dark chocolate combination provide antioxidant and natural sweetness. "Dark chocolate contains less sugar than milk chocolate, making it a healthier choice," Sabat notes. "The portion control provided by the bite-sized pieces helps manage calorie intake. By using dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, you benefit from its antioxidants and lower sugar content compared to milk chocolate."
Ingredients:
1. 2 ripe bananas
2. 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
3. 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel the bananas and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Dip each banana piece into the melted chocolate, coating it evenly. Place the coated banana bites on a parchment-lined tray.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the banana bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chocolate is firm and slightly crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and let them cool before serving.
3. Berry Crumble
Unlike traditional crumble recipes, Sabat's berry crumble is lower in added sugar and higher in fiber so it's ideal for weight loss. "This dessert incorporates nutrient-rich mixed berries and uses whole-grain oats and almond flour for the crumble topping. It contains less added sugar compared to traditional crumbles while providing fiber and antioxidants from the berries," she explains.
Ingredients:
1. 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
2. 1/4 cup rolled oats
3. 2 tablespoons almond flour
4. 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
5. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
6. 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mixed berries, rolled oats, almond flour, honey (or maple syrup), cinnamon, and melted coconut oil. Stir until well combined.
- Lightly grease an oven-safe dish or ramekin that fits inside the air fryer.
- Transfer the berry mixture into the greased dish, spreading it evenly.
- Place the dish in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for about 15-20 minutes until the berry crumble is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving.
4. Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
Who doesn't love donut holes? But unfortunately, donuts and donut holes are processed foods that can lead to weight gain and can increase the likelihood of age-related diseases. However, Sabat's baked cinnamon sugar donut holes are a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions. "They use whole wheat flour, are lower in added sugar, and contain no added fats from frying. The use of applesauce helps to reduce the amount of oil or butter required in traditional recipes," she says.
Ingredients:
1. 1 cup almond flour
2. 1/4 cup granulated sweetener (e.g., stevia, erythritol)
3. 1 teaspoon baking powder
4. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
5. 1/4 teaspoon salt
6. 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
7. 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
8. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
9. Cooking spray (preferably olive oil-based)
10. 2 tablespoons granulated sweetener (for coating)
11. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, granulated sweetener, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the almond milk, applesauce, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of the dough onto the greased basket, forming small donut holes.
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the donut holes are lightly golden and cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sweetener and cinnamon for the coating.
- While the donut holes are still warm, roll them gently in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated evenly.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
The Bottom Line
Overall, desserts can be healthy for weight loss if they're low in added sugars, made with nutritious ingredients, and are consumed in moderation. Plus, making your desserts in the air fryer is healthier than frying in oil. Sabat says, "Opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation instead of refined sugars or use stevia when possible for less sugar. Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to enhance flavor without adding calories. Use cooking spray to prevent sticking and reduce the need for excess oil." She also wants you to remember to keep portion sizes in mind to avoid overeating.
