Looking for some easy air fryer meals that your kids will absolutely love? Look no further! We’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly air fryer recipes that are sure to become family favorites. From crispy chicken tenders to deliciously cheesy mozzarella sticks, these recipes are quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty.
Easy Air Fryer Meals for Kids
- Crispy Chicken Tenders:
Get ready to impress your little ones with these crispy and flavorful chicken tenders. They are perfectly seasoned and coated in a crunchy breadcrumb mixture before being air fried to perfection. Serve them alongside some homemade honey mustard sauce for dipping.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Cheesy Mozzarella Sticks:
Who can resist gooey, cheesy mozzarella sticks? These air fryer mozzarella sticks are a healthier alternative to the deep-fried version. They are crispy on the outside and ooey-gooey on the inside, making them the perfect snack or appetizer for kids.
Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella sticks
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In one bowl, place the flour. In another bowl, place the beaten eggs. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Take each mozzarella stick and dip it into the flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the mozzarella sticks to ensure they stick well.
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Homemade French Fries:
No air fryer recipe list for kids would be complete without the classic homemade French fries. These crispy fries are healthier than traditional deep-fried ones and can be customized with various seasonings to suit your child’s taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, washed and cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the potato fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
- Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fries from the air fryer and season with additional salt, if desired.
- Serve hot with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Pizza Rolls:
Bring the joy of pizza to your air fryer with these deliciously cheesy and crispy pizza rolls. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner option for those busy days.
Ingredients:
- 1 package pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle shape and cut it into smaller squares.
- Spread a little bit of pizza sauce onto each square of dough.
- Add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese and a few slices of pepperoni on top of the sauce.
- Sprinkle dried oregano and garlic powder on each pizza roll.
- Fold the squares of dough in half, sealing the edges together.
- Place the pizza rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.
These kid-friendly air fryer recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. They are not only delicious but also healthier alternatives to traditional deep-fried dishes. With the air fryer, you can enjoy all your favorite crispy treats without the guilt.
So, why not give these recipes a try? Your kids will love the crispy coating, cheesy centers, and amazing flavors that these air fryer meals offer. Whether you’re hosting a playdate, packing school lunches, or looking for quick and easy dinner options, these recipes are sure to be a hit.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese for the mozzarella sticks?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack.
Q: Can I make these recipes in a traditional oven?
A: Although these recipes are specifically designed for the air fryer, you can adapt them for a traditional oven. Just adjust the cooking times and temperatures accordingly.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers and reheat them in the air fryer for a quick and easy snack or meal.
Q: Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
A: It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for the best cooking results, but it is not always necessary.
So, there you have it! These kid-friendly air fryer recipes are perfect for busy parents looking for quick, easy, and delicious meals. Give them a try and watch your kids devour these tasty treats!