Everyone has a different idea of what “junk food” means, but generally, it’s food high in fat, sodium, or sugar that we can’t resist because it’s just so darn delicious! Or, it might be food that simply does not provide us with any nutritional value. Whichever the case, these types of foods are definitely tempting. But fear not, because we’ve got you covered with amazing WW-friendly recipes that will hit the spot and make you feel good about eating.
These lightened-up recipes are perfect for snacking, serving on game day, or enjoying as a side dish to a meal. You can even indulge in air fryer desserts that are both tasty and healthy. From crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Bites to decadent Air-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Bites, these foods will give you such a blissful experience that you might forget they’re low in points. Check out this list to see which recipe can become your next quick and satisfying midnight snack.
1. Air Fryer Parmesan-Coated Zucchini Fries
These flavorful zucchini fries have hints of cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese. They are perfect for dipping in marinara sauce! When you want something crunchy and fried, these fries satisfy your craving without containing tons of oil. The best part is that it is only two points per serving! Try serving it with a delicious Turkey burger.
2. Air Fried Potato Chips
Homemade potato chips are not only delicious, but they can also save you money. Buying a single potato is much cheaper than a bag of potato chips. This recipe from WW shows you how to make simple potato chips with just salt and pepper. However, you can switch it up by including whichever seasonings you want! Whether you want to make onion and chive chips or spicy cajun chips, you can customize it to your liking.
3. Air-Fried Churros with Chocolate Sauce
Who doesn’t love a decadent churro every now and then? Weight Watchers shows how you can make homemade churros that also pack some protein because they’re made with plain, fat-free Greek yogurt! The recipe also explains how to make a homemade chocolate sauce for dipping. These churros are only four points per serving, and you can air fry them for six minutes, which is unbeatable.
4. Air Fryer Mozzarella Bites
Indulge in these mini mozzarella sticks that are only three points! With this recipe, you can enjoy a crispy yet gooey appetizer without visiting your favorite restaurant. The recipe calls for light mozzarella string cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, egg whites, and marinara sauce for dipping. These mozzarella sticks would be perfect to serve as a starter at a party!
5. Crunchy Air Fryer Pickle Chips
Breaded pickle chips are not necessarily unhealthy, but frying them in oil can quickly turn them into junk food. No worries, though; you can recreate them with this recipe from Weight Watchers! The air fryer makes them as crispy and light as traditional frying. You’ll need canned Chipotle pepper, plain fat-free Greek yogurt, breadcrumbs, seasonings, and unsweetened dill pickles for this recipe.
6. Air Fryer Wonton Pizza Rolls
Adults and kids alike will be raving over these homemade pizza rolls! They turn out perfectly light and crisp on the outside. On the inside, you’ll find mozzarella cheese, Turkey pepperoni, and marinara sauce. You can even use store-bought marinara sauce, which saves tons of time from making homemade pizza sauce. Each serving is only one point, so dig in!
7. Air Fryer Blooming Onion
You don’t need to deep fry a blooming onion to make it the perfect texture. With the help of your air fryer, you can make one that is equally delicious. This is an easy recipe that even beginner cooks can make, requiring simple ingredients. You’ll need some flour, seasonings, onion, and cornmeal. The recipe also explains how to make a homemade sauce with plain, fat-free Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, horseradish, and ketchup.
8. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
This plant-based version of Buffalo wings is only three points per serving. You can enjoy it as a side dish or make it a meal by pairing it with other veggies. These Buffalo cauliflower bites have hints of hot sauce, butter, honey, black pepper, and various seasonings. They have the perfect balance of spiciness, making them finger-licking good.
9. Air Fryer Cherry Pie Egg Rolls
Fried hand pies are one of the most delicious things around. You can make your own by using roll wrappers and making them in the air fryer! This recipe only requires five ingredients: frozen sour red cherries, sugar, cornstarch, egg roll wrappers, and powdered sugar. You can enjoy these while they’re still warm or wait for them to become room temperature. Nevertheless, they’ll surely satisfy your cravings for a yummy sweet.
10. Easy and Delicious Baked Pizza Burrito
If frozen burritos are one of your favorite comfort foods, you’ll love this recipe. You can make an upgraded version in no time. This isn’t just any burrito, but an air-fried burrito that tastes like pizza! It’s low in carbs and can be made in less than 20 minutes. Some of the primary components are the low-carb tortillas, pepperoni, low-fat cheese, and pizza sauce. You can also include some veggies, such as bell peppers!
11. Coconut Shrimp with Mango Dipping Sauce
Did you know that you can enjoy coconut shrimp at home without going to a restaurant? Simply use your air fryer to prepare the crispiest shrimp that you can pair with a delicious dipping sauce! The sauce features a blend of mango, lime juice, ginger, mint, and peppers to add a zesty and refreshing flavor to your dish. And the best part? Each piece of coconut shrimp is only one point.
12. Crispy Buttermilk Onion Rings
We can’t get enough of these incredible onion rings. Making your onion rings can save you tons of money since the options in the frozen aisle are much more expensive than purchasing the ingredients for this recipe. To make it, you’ll need an onion, seasonings, breadcrumbs, and 1% low-fat buttermilk. Also, a splash of hot pepper sauce does wonders for the flavor!
13. Southern-Style Fried Chicken
Skip the drive-thru and make the ridiculously satisfying fried chicken recipe with your air fryer. WW posted this recipe, and it is only five points per serving. You’ll need boneless skinless chicken breasts, cornflake crumbs, 1% low-fat buttermilk, seasonings, and flour. Enjoy this chicken with french fries, potato salad, coleslaw, or whatever you wish. You can even make a lightened-up version of chicken and waffles!
14. Air-Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
Cheesecake filling inside of a crispy wonton wrapper? Count us in! This strawberry cheesecake bites contain reduced-fat cream cheese, plain fat-free Greek yogurt, vanilla, and fresh strawberries. You can top them with powdered sugar to give them a gorgeous presentation. Each serving is only two points. These are perfect for serving at brunch or another type of gathering.
