The air fryer is one of the latest devices on the market. According to one study, eating fried food can raise the risk for heart disease, over-intake of sodium, and more. The air fryer is a cleaner solution and provides yummy meals without all the grease. Thanks to its ease of use, seniors should have little trouble cooking with it.
There are ample recipes for senior citizens to try in the air fryer, many healthy and designed to assist with longevity and a positive lifestyle. Keep reading to grasp eleven excellent air fryer recipes for older adults.
Don’t have an air fryer yet? Here is one of our favorites on Amazon.
1. Salmon Filets
According to one study, eating salmon can reduce the chance of dying from heart disease. Thus, a good salmon filet is one of the selections among the best air fryer for seniors. This meal is done in minutes and pairs well with almost any grain or veggie.
The recipe is as simple as seasoning the meat and air frying it. You can eat it immediately or save the fish for later. Since it doesn’t take long, it’s an excellent last-minute dinner or lunch option with ideal health benefits.
Ideal for These Senior Diets: Pescetarian, protein-packed, Mediterranean
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Recipe Link: Air Fryer Salmon Filets
2. Zucchini Chips
If you want something crunchy and salty but don’t want the unhealthy touch of a potato chip, cook up some zucchini chips in the air fryer. These are coated in a wonderful layer of cheese and come out crisp every time.
The best part about these chips is they are excellent with a wide range of sauces. From horseradish to ranch, the dipping choice is yours.
Ideal for These Senior Diets: Vegetarian, veggie-based
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Recipe Link: Zucchini Chips
3. Turkey Meatloaf
When looking at cooking for the elderly recipes, you can’t go wrong with a solid meatloaf. Turkey offers a lighter alternative to traditional beef, and the air fryer cooking situation makes creating the protein dish a breeze.
The yummy part about this turkey meatloaf is that it’s excellent for meal prep. It’s simple to freeze and reheat like a dream, ready for any busy night of the week for a typical senior.
Ideal for These Senior Diets: Non-red meat, protein-packed
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Recipe Link: Turkey Meatloaf
4. Orange Chicken
Orange chicken is a takeout staple and a breeze to pull together in an air fryer. Seniors can enjoy this meal as a slight splurge or prepare it with friends and family for an instant hit. It pairs well with any veggie and a small pile of rice.
With air fryer orange chicken, you don’t have to worry about any artificial colors and flavors found in chain versions of the product. Plus, it’s air-fried instead of traditionally fried for a healthier twist.
Ideal for These Senior Diets: Protein-packed, spice-infused
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Recipe Link: Orange Chicken
5. Butternut Squash
Whether you want a tasty side dish or veggies for dinner, this recipe is as simple as chopping up a classic and tossing it into the air fryer for a healthy cook. The result is tender, savory butternut squash.
Not only is this dish healthy, but it tastes incredible and will pair well with any protein. It’s high in fiber, low in calories, and can be sweetened with a dash of brown sugar if desired.
Ideal for These Senior Diets: Vegetarian, vegan, veggie-based, gluten-free, dairy-free
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Recipe Link: Butternut Squash
6. Egg Rolls
Nothing is better, or easier than a good crispy egg roll. The air fryer makes it possible to add that desirable crisp and excellent side dish or even a main course.
The best part about these egg rolls is that they are customizable. You can add in ground chicken or leave it out for a meat-free meal, remove or add spices, and pull in more veggies if desired.
Ideal for These Senior Diets: Vegetarian option, meat-based option, veggie-filled
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Recipe Link: Egg Rolls
7. Turkey Stuffed Peppers
There is nothing better than a good turkey stuffed pepper, and this recipe is here to prove that. The meal is fun to eat, offers all the major food groups in your meal, and the air fryer will ensure they turn out crispy and perfect instead of soggy and falling apart.
It only takes a few ingredients to create this meal, and you can make substitutes where necessary. Pick a different type of meat, don’t use certain spices, and even take out the suggested rice and sub in a grain you prefer, such as quinoa. This dish is versatile, healthy, and simple to create with the air fryer on hand.
Ideal for These Senior Diets: High-protein, veggie-packed
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Recipe Link: Turkey Stuffed Peppers
8. Brussels Sprouts
According to one study, veggies like broccoli and brussels sprouts might produce heart health. Plus, brussels sprouts are an excellent snack or side dish to enjoy without ruining your appetite.
These sprouts are highly customizable, so you can add items like garlic powder or cheese to your heart’s desire. They’re healthy for your body and an excellent pair to any protein.
Ideal for These Senior Diets: Vegetarian, vegan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Recipe Link: Brussels Sprouts
9. Chicken Thighs
One of the simplest meats to add to any dish is chicken, and you can always have it on hand with this simple chicken thigh recipe in the air fryer. Eat it solo out of the machine or cut it off the bone to enjoy a healthy chicken wrap. Either way, it will taste incredible.
Cooking the chicken thighs in an air fryer means a golden, crispy skin and a tender interior without fail. It’s excellent for seniors who are nervous about cooking their chicken thoroughly.
Ideal for These Senior Diets: Protein-based, keto
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 24 minutes
Recipe Link: Chicken Thighs
10. Healthy Chicken Wraps
This recipe, which requires you to air fry a chicken nugget or three, is the perfect lunch–whether you are serving just yourself or also the grandkids. It can be made in just a few minutes, and the large lettuce leaves are added to keep it reasonably healthy.
Ideal for These Senior Diets: vegetarian (with vegetarian nuggets), low-fat
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Recipe Link: Healthy Chicken Wraps
Also, check out some of our other healthy recipes for seniors, like vegetable stir-fry and couscous salad!
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