Tag Archives: air fryer

Cheesy Margherita Tomato Slices (Air Fryer or Oven)

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When summer tomatoes are at their peak, it only takes a few ingredients to turn them into something spectacular. These Cheesy Margherita Tomato Slices are bursting with flavor and couldn’t be easier to make. If you love the flavors of a classic Margherita pizza—juicy tomatoes, gooey mozzarella, fragrant Italian herbs—you’ll swoon for this lighter, crust-free version. They’re low-carb, gluten-free, and totally crave-worthy (112 calories per slice, with 8g fat, 2.8g carb and 7.1g protein).  

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You’ll only need a handful of staples to bring this dish together:

That’s it! No fancy prep, no dough to roll out—just slice, layer, and air fry or bake. In about 10 minutes, you’ll have bubbly, golden, cheesy tomato slices that work as a side dish, appetizer, or even a fun party snack for summer entertaining.

No Beefsteak? No Problem.

While thick-sliced beefsteak tomatoes are ideal for holding that gooey mozzarella topping, smaller tomatoes like Romas or large slicing tomatoes also work beautifully. Just adjust the size of your cheese slices to match.

Turn juicy summer tomatoes into cheesy, low-carb perfection with these Margherita Baked Tomato Slices. An easy air fryer or oven recipe using just a few ingredients—great as a side dish, appetizer, or party snack!

How to Cook these Cheesy Tomato Slices

This recipe is super versatile—you can use your air fryer for faster cooking (and less heat in the kitchen!) or pop them in the oven. I LOVE my air fryer (this one) and use it multiple times per day for quick, easy meals and healthy recipes like this!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission on purchased made through link Proceeds help offset operating expenses for The Fit Fork. Thank you.

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Margherita Baked Tomato Slices
Prep Time
4 mins
Cook Time
8 mins
Total Time
12 mins
 
Turn juicy summer tomatoes into cheesy, low-carb perfection with these Margherita Baked Tomato Slices. An easy air fryer or oven recipe using just a few ingredients—great as a side dish, appetizer, or party snack! 1 large Beefsteak tomato (or other large slicer style tomato)
Course: appetizers, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: keto, low carb, mozzarella, pizza, tomato
Calories: 119 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 large Beefsteak tomato or other large slicer style tomato
  • ¼ tsp each salt and pepper
  • 4 oz fresh mozzarella cut into 6 slices
  • 2 oz shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1-2 tsp Italian herb blend seasoning
  • 2 tsp olive oil
Instructions
  1. Preheat air fryer (or oven) to 400F degrees.
  2. Cut tomato crosswise into 6 hearty slices, each at least ¼” thick. If needed, cut out core on end pieces.
  3. Place tomato slices on rimmed baking pan (don’t crowd) and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Add mozzarella slices to top of tomatoes. If needed, break up are redistribute cheese if slices is hanging off edge of tomato.
  5. Next, add Parm cheese and sprinkle with herbs.
  6. Drizzle with olive oil, this helps the cheese bubble and brown.
  7. Cook for 6-8 minutes in air fryer or 10-12 minutes in oven. Tomatoes will be ready with cheese is bubbling, lightly browning and gooey. Overcooking will result in mushy tomatoes.
  8. Remove and serve while still warm. Store leftovers covered in fridge, reheating in microwave.

Air Fryer Parmesan Mushrooms: Crave-worthy and Quick

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Looking for an easy, delicious way to enjoy mushrooms? These Air Fryer Parmesan Mushrooms are packed with earthy, umami-rich flavor and take just 10 minutes start to finish. All you need to do is slice up white mushrooms, toss them with olive oil, seasonings, and a touch of freshly grated Parmesan cheese—then let the air fryer do its magic.

This simple method creates perfectly tender, golden mushrooms that are savory and satisfying. Each serving (the recipe makes two) clocks in at just 100 calories, with 3.5g net carbs, 6.8g fat, and 6.1g protein—making this a low-carb, high-flavor option you’ll want to put on repeat.

Not only do these mushrooms make a fantastic side dish or snack, but they’re also perfect for topping burgers, pizzas, salads, or tossing into pasta for a flavor boost without the fuss.

Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Mushrooms:

These easy Air Fryer Parmesan Mushrooms are ready in 10 minutes or less! A healthy, low-carb snack or side dish with bold umami flavor—perfect on their own or added to burgers, pizza, or pasta.
  1. Mushroom Variety – White mushrooms (aka button mushrooms) are easy to find and affordable, but you can also use baby bella (cremini) mushrooms for a deeper flavor.
  2. Oil Options – Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for richness, or swap in coconut or avocado oil. For a more indulgent twist, melted butter works too.
  3. Cheese Matters – Freshly grated Parmesan delivers the most flavor (I love my micro planer / grater tool for this), but if you’re in a pinch, the classic green bottle of grated parm will do.
  4. Seasoning Ideas – Keep it simple with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a splash of soy sauce—or get creative with truffle salt, chili flakes, Italian herbs, or a dash of red wine for added depth.

Once you try these air fryer mushrooms, you’ll want to keep a batch on hand all week long. Batch serves two, making it perfectly sized for a smaller “drawer style” air fryer – but I often use my oven-style air fyer and make a double batch. Quick, crave-worthy, and incredibly versatile!

Note: This post contains affiliate links, I may earn a small commission based on purchases. Proceeds help offset operating expenses for The Fit Fork – thanks!

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Air Fryer Parmesan Mushrooms
Prep Time
3 mins
Cook Time
7 mins
Total Time
10 mins
 

These easy Air Fryer Parmesan Mushrooms are ready in 10minutes or less! A healthy, low-carb snack or side dish with bold umami flavor—perfect on their own or added to burgers, pizza, or pasta.

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Keyword: air fryer, mushrooms, quick
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 100 kcal
Ingredients
  • 8 ox white button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced can sub Baby Bella
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp soy sauce
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 Tbsp fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions

  1. Pre heat air fryer to 380

  2. Add sliced mushrooms to medium bowl and drizzle with oil and soy sauce; toss to combine.

  3. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder and cheese; toss to coat.

  4. Arrange in single layer in basket or tray of air fyer. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until mushrooms are soft and tender.

Recipe Notes

Hickory Maple Salmon Bites on Pomegranate Apple Quinoa Salad

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There’s nothing like a dish that combines simplicity, flavor, and nutrition all in one beautiful presentation. That’s exactly what you get with this Hickory Maple Salmon Bites on Pomegranate Apple Quinoa Salad. Featuring pre-seasoned, ready-to-grill salmon from Cedar Bay Grilling, this recipe makes for an effortlessly impressive meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

A colorful plate featuring Hickory Maple Salmon Bites atop a vibrant Pomegranate Apple Quinoa Salad. The dish is garnished with fresh spinach, jewel-like pomegranate arils, golden quinoa, crisp apple slices, and toasted pecans, all lightly drizzled with a creamy maple-lemon vinaigrette. The salmon bites are caramelized and crispy on the outside, perfectly complementing the fresh and hearty salad ingredients.

Effortless Salmon Preparation

Cedar Bay Grilling takes the guesswork out of cooking salmon. Their planked and pre-seasoned salmon filets are ready to cook straight from the packaging. For this dish, I used their 5-ounce Hickory Maple Salmon filets and transformed them into bite-sized pieces. By cutting each filet into eight segments, not only do you get the ideal size for layering over the quinoa salad, but you also expose more surface area for a crispy, caramelized crust while keeping the interior tender, succulent and flaky. Whether you grill, bake, or air fry, these bites are ready in under 15 minutes, making them as convenient as they are delicious.

A Salad That’s as Vibrant as It Is Nutritious

While the salmon cooks, you can quickly assemble the pomegranate apple quinoa salad (have pre-cooked quinoa on hand, even the pre-cooked kind in a pouch works). It’s a vibrant, nutrient-packed base that’s both hearty and refreshing. Here’s what makes it shine:

  • Quinoa: This protein-rich grain adds substance and texture, providing a neutral canvas to highlight the other ingredients.
  • Pomegranate Arils: Jewel-like bursts of tangy sweetness complement the savory salmon and nutty quinoa.
  • Apple: I chose Opal apples for their crispness and natural resistance to browning, ensuring the salad stays fresh and visually appealing.
  • Toasted Pecans: For a buttery crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Red Onion: A subtle sharpness that cuts through the sweetness of the fruit.
  • Spinach: A nutrient-dense leafy green that ties everything together.

Maple-Lemon Vinaigrette

To dress this salmon bowl, I created a creamy maple-lemon vinaigrette that adds a tangy sweetness and a touch of indulgence without overloading on calories. Greek yogurt serves as the base, making the dressing creamy and protein-rich, while fresh lemon juice and maple syrup balance the flavors beautifully.

Plating and Serving

To assemble layer the pomegranate quinoa salad in a shallow serving bowl and top with the crispy salmon bites. The contrast of colors—golden salmon, ruby pomegranate arils, emerald spinach, and snowy quinoa—makes for a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Quick and Easy: Pre-seasoned salmon and minimal prep make this dish perfect for busy schedules.
  • Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with lean protein, whole grains, healthy fats, and fresh produce.
  • Beautiful and Versatile: A show-stopping presentation that works as a main dish or a nourishing lunch.

With its blend of seasonal flavors, easy-for-anyone preparation, and nourishing ingredients, Hickory Maple Salmon Bites on Pomegranate Apple Quinoa Salad is a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try and experience how effortless gourmet cooking can be with Cedar Bay Grilling.

You can find Cedar Bay Grilling salmon at:  Kroger, Publix, Hannaford, Safeway, Albertsons, Fred Meyer, Ralph’s, Giant, Giant eagle, Stop n Shop and Roche Bros.

Also, follow for Cedar Bay Grilling recipes and news – Facebook and Instagram.

A colorful plate featuring Hickory Maple Salmon Bites atop a vibrant Pomegranate Apple Quinoa Salad. The dish is garnished with fresh spinach, jewel-like pomegranate arils, golden quinoa, crisp apple slices, and toasted pecans, all lightly drizzled with a creamy maple-lemon vinaigrette. The salmon bites are caramelized and crispy on the outside, perfectly complementing the fresh and hearty salad ingredients.
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Hickory Maple Salmon Bites on Pomegranate Apple Quinoa Salad
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 
Course: dinner, dinner, entree
Keyword: fish, pomegranate, quinoa, salmon, seafood
Calories: 593 kcal
Ingredients
  • 2 5- oz Hickory Maple Salmon Filets from Cedar Bay Grilling
  • ½ medium chopped golden opal apple or another variety
  • 4- ounce pomegranate arils
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/3 cup toasted chopped pecans
  • 3/4 cup cooked plain quinoa home cooked or plain from a pouch
  • 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
Dressing:
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp real maple syrup
  • 1.5 Tbsp zero-fat Greek yogurt
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat air-fryer or oven to 380F. Unwrap salmon and cut each filet into eight pieces, spreading out just a bit on the provided cedar plank.
  2. Cook for 8-12 minutes until salmon is flakey and slight still pink and tender in center. If using a thermometer, the internal temperature in thickest part should reach 145F.
  3. While salmon is cooking, prepare quinoa salad. Toss together chopped apple, pomegranate arils, red onion, pecans, cooked quinoa and spinach.
  4. Add all dressing ingredients to a small mason jar and shake until thoroughly combined. Pour over salad and stir to distribute evenly.
  5. Distribute salad among two bowls. Place salmon pieces evenly atop salads (removing bottom skin) and enjoy!
  6. Serves 2.
Recipe Notes

Best Low Carb Side Dishes in Air Fryer

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Although I prioritize fitness and healthy eating, I still find myself susceptible to cravings for delicious, crispy “fried” treats. Thankfully, my air-fryer has emerged as my guilt-free solution, transforming indulgent side dishes into wholesome alternatives – these are some of the best vegetables in the air fryer! Explore these low carb air fryer side dish recipes to elevate tonight’s dinner to a new level of satisfaction – even when time is tight!

A low-carb, gluten-free and keto-friendly way to snack and get more vegetables in your day! These easy air fryer zucchini chips use just a few simple ingredients and are done in minutes – perfect for game day entertaining or a delicious side dish and alternative to fries.

Cheddar Zucchini Chips in the Air Fryer stay low carb, thanks to a coating made from crushed cheddar crisps and almond meal, instead of breadcrumbs and flour. Dunk in your favorite dipping sauce, so addictive!

 Honey Ginger Broccoli for Two in Air Fryer is my delicious spin on “crack” broccoli – my kids beg for it and will eat up the whole batch!

Crispy, crunchy and quick, these baked onion rings are lower in carbs thanks to a coating that includes keto-friendly ingredients like crushed pork rinds, Parmesan cheese and coconut flour. A delicious appetizer, game day snack or side dish for steak, burgers and more!

Crispy Low Carb Onion Rings in Air Fryer are a clever way to avoid eating carbs or staying gluten-free. The onions are coated in topping made with crushed pork rinds – a smart and flavorful way to use this old-school snack!

Hatch green chile fries are a quick and easy air fryer recipe suitable for paleo, whole30, gluten free and low carb diets.

Hatch Green Chili Fried in Air Fryer make mage with this popular, milder New Mexico pepper. Of course, you can use any type pepper (even hot ones, if you dare) and even bell pepper strips!

Let cool a couple minutes. Sprinkle with salt and drizzle with honey, toss gently. Sprinkle with granola!

Granola Honey Sweet Potato Fries hit the spot – crunch on the outside, soft on the interior and drizzled with honey, sprinkled with sea salt and upgraded with a lightly spicy granola. Upgraded comfort food to pair up with almost any main dish protein.

TIPS FOR CRISPY AIR FRYER SIDE DISHES

Type of Air Fryer: You can use whatever air fryer you prefer – a smaller “drawer” style one may require you to make some of these recipes in two batches. I prefer a larger oven-style air fryer with a door that pulls downward. That makes it easy for me to check on food, flip it, see what’s going on through the door winder, and also typically cook up the whole batch at once to serve my hungry family.

Can I Use an Oven? Yes, but it will take a little longer. Preheat the oven temperature to the same temperature and increase cooking time by about 33% longer, flipping halfway through. So if an air-fryer recipe says 10 minutes, bake in oven for 15 minutes. Also, it is preferable to use a mesh rack or over the baking sheet or a crisping tray sheet to help promote crispiness.

How do I Reheat Leftovers? It’s best to reheat leftovers in a pre-heated air-fryer (375F) for just a few minutes until crisped up and warmed. Reheating in a microwave is not recommended, as it will made the food soggy.

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Heavenly Cinnamon Honey Roasted Peanuts for One

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Nuts, nuts, get your hot peanuts here! Heavenly Cinnamon Honey Roasted Peanuts is a quick and easy snack recipe from my Cooking for One for Dummies cookbook that will satiate and satisfy those salty-sweet cravings.

This honey-roasted peanut recipe is so much better than store-bought varieties, so fresh and warm and addictive – nothing like the smell of hot nuts in the air-fryer or oven. plus ready in under 10 minutes to snack on whenever the craving hits!  I like the fact that the recipe is a single serve portion, so I don’t mindless snack on more than I intended.

Cinnamon Honey-Roasted Peanuts for One are a quick and easy snack, so much better than store-bought.

Just a few simple ingredients, like melted butter and honey, are mixed up with raw Spanish peanuts. (Note: use raw peanuts for the best result). Spanish peanuts (aka: redskin peanuts) are a great source of protein and fiber, plus they also have resveratrol, a plant compound shown to regulate blood sugar.

After coating the peanuts in the honey butter mixture, just roast ‘em up in an oven or air fryer (I really love my oven-style air fryer) Then, while still warm, they are tossed with a mixture of sugar, cinnamon and salt. My original recipe calls for sugar, today I made them with a granulated sugar substitute (in a 1:1 measure equivalency) and they turned out great. The purpose of the sugar-cinnamon-salt coating is to add a bit more flavor, add texture and keep them from being too sticky.

The portion size is pretty generous on this honey-roasted peanuts for one (1/2 cup), so if you have leftovers, they will stay fresh for a few days in an air-tight container or baggie. On the flip side, if you want a bigger batch, this is an easy, no-fail recipe to multiply up – no need to change any cooking time, just make sure peanuts are spread out in a single layer.

5 from 5 votes
Treat yourself to a single-serve batch of honey-roasted peanuts dusted in cinnamon -- all for you, you don't have to share (although, it's a generous portion, if you'd like too). This all-American snack satisfies those salty-sweet cravings, offers protein and fiber and tastes so much better than store-bought -- made in only 10 minutes!
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Heavenly Cinnamon Honey Roasted Peanuts
Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
8 mins
Total Time
10 mins
 

Treat yourself to a single-serve batch of honey-roasted peanuts dusted in cinnamon — all for you, you don't have to share (although, it's a generous portion, if you'd like too). This all-American snack satisfies those salty-sweet cravings, offers protein and fiber and tastes so much better than store-bought — made in only 10 minutes!

Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer, honey, peanuts, walnuts
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 395 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 tsp butter melted
  • 1 tsp honey
  • ½ cup raw Spanish peanuts also called redskin
  • 2 tsp sugar or granulated sugar substitute 1:1 measure equivalency
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
  1. Preheat air-fryer or oven to 325F.
  2. Stir honey into melted butter. Pour peanuts; stir until evenly coated and then spread out on small rimmed baking sheet lined with foil, parchment or a silicone baking sheet (to make clean up easier).
  3. Air fry for 5-6 minutes or bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring up halfway through. Watch closely near the end, as sugared nuts will start burning fast once they reach the “tipping point.”
  4. Remove from heat. In small bowl, stir together sugar (or sugar substitute, cinnamon and salt); sprinkle over peanuts while still warm; toss to coat. Let cool a couple minutes before eating.
Recipe Notes