12 Best Instant Pot Air Fryer Recipes from Our Family’s Travels

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Are you looking for the ultimate crispy, quick, and flavorful keto-friendly recipes? The air fryer has been a total game-changer for our family, especially when we're craving that satisfying crunch without the carbs. These 15 best keto air fryer recipes will make your mealtime effortless and delicious!

Quick Guide to Our Keto Recipes

  • 15 Family-Tested Recipes: Simple, reliable, and delicious low-carb meals and snacks.
  • Why the Air Fryer is Perfect for Keto: Learn how it makes low-carb cooking easier and tastier.
  • Essential Keto Tips: Our best advice for perfect results every time.
  • Honest Tool Reviews: The air fryers and gadgets we actually use and recommend.

Keto cooking has never been easier, thanks to the air fryer. This incredible kitchen tool lets you achieve crispy, golden textures without excess oil or carbs. From spicy chicken wings to cheesy zucchini fries, these dishes are easy, low-carb, and delicious. Let’s explore the 15 best keto air fryer recipes to elevate your meal prep game!

Why This Guide is Different

These aren't just recipes; they're our family's tried-and-true favorites. We've made these dishes in kitchens around the world, adapting them to be quick, easy, and delicious. Every recipe is Victor-approved, making them perfect for even the pickiest eaters!


Why Use an Air Fryer for Keto Cooking?

Air fryers are a game-changer for keto enthusiasts. Here’s why:

  • Crispy Without the Carbs: Achieve the perfect crunch without traditional breading.
  • Quick and Easy: Most recipes cook in under 20 minutes, saving you time.
  • Healthier Cooking: Use little to no oil while still enjoying fried textures.
  • Versatile: Cook everything from appetizers to desserts in this all-in-one tool.
A collage of keto-friendly foods like chicken wings and avocado next to an air fryer.
The air fryer is a perfect tool for quick and crispy keto meals.

The 15 Best Keto Air Fryer Recipes

1. Keto Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Crispy, juicy chicken wings with a flavorful kick. These are a family favorite for a quick dinner or game-day snack.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken wings, patted dry
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss the chicken wings with olive oil and seasonings until evenly coated.
  3. Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  4. Cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Victor's Verdict: "These are better than the restaurant ones! Can we make them extra spicy next time?" For more ideas, check out our other keto chicken breast recipes.

A plate of perfectly crispy, golden-brown keto chicken wings made in an air fryer.

2. Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Fries

A fantastic way to get your veggie fix. These crispy, cheesy zucchini fries are perfect for dipping in a low-carb marinara sauce.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchini, cut into fry-shaped strips
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Set up a breading station: one bowl with the beaten egg, another with the almond flour, Parmesan, and seasonings mixed together.
  3. Dip each zucchini strip into the egg, then press firmly into the Parmesan mixture to coat.
  4. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Our Family's Experience: This is how we get Victor to eat his zucchini without complaining! He loves being in charge of the "breading station." For more ideas, see our guide to the best zucchini and squash recipes.

Golden and crispy parmesan-crusted zucchini fries served with a side of dipping sauce.

3. Keto Air Fryer Crispy Shrimp

Crispy, juicy, flavorful shrimp cooked to perfection in the air fryer in under 10 minutes. A perfect weeknight meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  4. Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

Our Family's Experience: We love making these with a side of cauliflower rice. For more delicious seafood ideas, check out our favorite keto shrimp recipes.

A bowl of crispy keto air fryer shrimp garnished with fresh parsley.

4. Cheesy Cauliflower Tots

Crispy cauliflower tots loaded with cheese and low-carb goodness. A great way to sneak in extra veggies.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups riced cauliflower, excess moisture squeezed out
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the riced cauliflower, cheddar cheese, egg, almond flour, and seasonings.
  3. Form the mixture into small, tot-shaped pieces.
  4. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
A pile of golden-brown cheesy cauliflower tots made in the air fryer.

5. Crispy Keto Onion Rings

A low-carb twist on a classic snack, perfect for dipping in your favorite keto-friendly sauce!

Ingredients

  • 1 large onion, sliced into rings
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup crushed pork rinds
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Dip each onion ring into the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly in a mixture of the almond flour, crushed pork rinds, and seasonings.
  3. Arrange the rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  4. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
A stack of crispy keto onion rings with a crunchy pork rind coating.

6. Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon

Tender, flaky salmon with a rich garlic butter glaze, cooked perfectly in minutes. This is a go-to for a quick and elegant meal.

Ingredients

  • 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings.
  3. Brush the mixture generously over the salmon fillets.
  4. Place the salmon in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked to your liking.
A perfectly cooked salmon fillet with a golden garlic butter glaze, fresh from the air fryer.

7. Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

A simple yet elegant side dish that’s keto-friendly and always a crowd-pleaser. The bacon gets perfectly crispy while the asparagus stays tender.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
  • 8 slices of bacon
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss the asparagus spears with olive oil and seasonings.
  3. Wrap a slice of bacon around a small bundle of 3-4 asparagus spears.
  4. Arrange the bundles in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy.
Bundles of fresh asparagus wrapped in crispy bacon, cooked in the air fryer.

8. Keto Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Gooey mozzarella sticks with a crunchy, keto-friendly coating. The secret is freezing the cheese first to prevent it from melting too quickly.

Ingredients

  • 8 mozzarella cheese sticks
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup crushed pork rinds
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  3. Dip each frozen cheese stick in the beaten egg, then coat in a mixture of the almond flour, pork rinds, and seasoning.
  4. Arrange in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
Golden-brown keto mozzarella sticks with a crispy coating, showing a cheesy pull.

9. Spicy Keto Chicken Tenders

Crispy chicken tenders with a spicy kick, perfect for dipping in a creamy keto ranch. Much healthier and tastier than fast food!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup crushed pork rinds
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Dip each chicken tender in the beaten egg, then coat in the seasoned almond flour and pork rind mixture.
  3. Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and crispy.
Crispy and spicy keto chicken tenders made in the air fryer.

10. Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi

A keto-friendly take on the classic shrimp scampi, made light and crispy in the air fryer. The garlic butter flavor is incredible.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Toss the shrimp with melted butter, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  3. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
A close-up of juicy shrimp scampi cooked in an air fryer, garnished with parsley.

11. Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

Spicy, cheesy, and wrapped in crispy bacon—these keto jalapeno poppers are the perfect snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

  • 8 large jalapenos, halved lengthwise with seeds removed
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 8 slices of bacon
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and garlic powder.
  3. Stuff each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture and wrap tightly with a slice of bacon.
  4. Arrange in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy.
Crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers, fresh out of the air fryer.

12. Keto Air Fryer Meatballs

Juicy, tender meatballs with a perfectly crisp exterior, great for serving with zucchini noodles or as an appetizer.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Gently mix all ingredients in a bowl and form into 1-inch meatballs.
  3. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  4. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until browned and cooked through.
A bowl of keto air fryer meatballs with a crispy exterior.

13. Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts tossed with Parmesan and garlic—perfect as a side or snack.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Arrange in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
  4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Crispy and caramelized Brussels sprouts with parmesan cheese from the air fryer.

14. Keto Air Fryer Pork Chops

Juicy, tender pork chops with a perfectly crispy, seasoned crust made from almond flour and Parmesan.

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in pork chops
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a shallow dish, mix the almond flour, Parmesan, and seasonings.
  3. Press each pork chop firmly into the mixture to create a thick coating.
  4. Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
A golden-brown keto pork chop with a crispy parmesan crust, cooked in an air fryer.

15. Air Fryer Keto Cheesecake Bites

Indulgent, creamy cheesecake bites with a nutty almond crust—perfect for a keto dessert!

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup erythritol (or other keto sweetener)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
  2. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, egg, erythritol, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the almond flour.
  3. Spoon the mixture into silicone muffin cups, filling them about halfway.
  4. Place the cups in the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the center is just set.
  5. Let them cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Small, creamy keto cheesecake bites with a golden almond flour crust.

Our Trusted Tools for Keto Air Frying

For Everyday Family Cooking: COSORI Air Fryer

This has been a workhorse in our kitchen. The 6-quart basket is the perfect size for our family, allowing us to cook a whole batch of chicken wings or zucchini fries at once. It's reliable, easy to clean, and delivers consistently crispy results. We highly recommend the COSORI Air Fryer Pro 6-Qt.

For Smaller Kitchens: Ninja Air Fryer

We are huge fans of the Ninja brand for its durability. This 4-quart model is fantastic for smaller kitchens or for making side dishes. It's compact but powerful and a great budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely! For frozen items like chicken wings or shrimp, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. The key is to ensure they are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.

Our favorites are almond flour, finely crushed pork rinds, and grated Parmesan cheese. They create a fantastic crispy crust without the carbs of traditional breading.

While you don't need much, a light spritz of a high-smoke-point oil like avocado or olive oil helps achieve the best golden-brown, crispy texture, especially on vegetables and coated items.

The best trick we've learned is to clean the basket while it's still warm. A quick soak in warm, soapy water usually lifts any stuck-on cheese or grease right off. Most baskets are also dishwasher-safe.

About the Author

Oliver is a family food storyteller who learned about global cuisine during his family's travels to over 50 countries. With his wife Natalia and son Victor, he adapts authentic recipes for the modern family kitchen. Their journey is about connecting with cultures through food and making international flavors accessible for everyone. Currently calling Thailand home, they continue to explore the rich culinary landscape of Southeast Asia.

Learn more about our culinary journey → | Follow on Instagram →

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