Healthy Air Fryer Alternatives to Your Favorite Recipes

43. Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks Cauliflower steaks are becoming incredibly popular among vegetarians, vegans, and plant-based foodies. They’re made by cutting a cauliflower floret into… Trista - May 15, 2022

43. Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower steaks are becoming incredibly popular among vegetarians, vegans, and plant-based foodies. They’re made by cutting a cauliflower floret into thick slabs instead of cutting the florets away from the core, so you use more of the cauliflower. This recipe uses Indian-based seasoning for its florets, but you can use any flavors you like. Pair with the recipe’s green chutney for a tasty appetizer, or add a side salad or other veggies for a meatless meal.

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42. Cilantro Lime Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts can be rather boring and hard to get perfect; a few extra minutes of cooking can make them dry and bland. However, with these cilantro lime chicken breasts in the air fryer, you’ll get flavorful, moist chicken breasts every time. You marinate the chicken for at least an hour (you can even marinate overnight) and then cook for just 5 minutes on each side. Each chicken breast only has about 200 calories and nearly 40 grams of protein. These are also great to prep ahead and use for meals throughout the week.

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41. Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

Tofu is one of the staples of vegan and vegetarian diets, and the ways to prep it is almost limitless. This salt and pepper air fryer tofu comes together in just minutes and requires basically no cleanup. With just six ingredients, you can have a tasty snack – or pair it with salad greens or rice for a healthy, filling meal. Don’t be afraid to add your favorite sauces into the mix. We recommend a sweet chili sauce for dipping or some soy sauce or Sriracha if you’re making a bowl.

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40. Air Fryer Black Bean Veggie Burgers

This Mexican-inspired black bean burger will have you begging for seconds. Moreover, that’s okay because each burger has only 323 calories and 8 grams of fat. Plus, the recipe is super-easy; simply blend the beans, then add all the other ingredients and combine. In 10 minutes, you can have a delicious, filling meal on the table. Consider pairing the burger with one of our side dishes, like zucchini fries or Mexican street corn, to create a full meal that goes from fridge to table in under an hour. Continue reading to learn more healthy air fryer recipes you can make at home.

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39. Antipasto Egg Rolls

Consider this: your favorite Chinese side dish, but Italian-style. That’s what you’ll get with this delicious antipasto egg roll recipe. While the traditional version of this recipe calls for pan- or deep-frying, you can make this in the air fryer without any oil at all. If you give them a little spritz of oil, they’ll be crispier, but it’s not necessary. Just keep in mind that your total cook time may be longer because the air fryer usually fits fewer rolls than a standard pan. You can have these alone as a snack or light lunch, or serve them with a salad or roasted Brussels sprouts to make them a meal.

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38. Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Skins

Are you craving loaded potato skins but are trying to get more veggies in your life? Try these buffalo chicken zucchini skins for a nice change of pace. Each skin only has 80 calories and almost 10 grams of protein, making them an energy-packed, delicious snack or light meal option. While you may have to make several batches, each batch only takes 10 minutes, and you can make the buffalo chicken up to 4 days ahead of time. If you don’t like buffalo chicken, feel free to sub in your own chicken recipe; try the marinara sauce and mozzarella for an Italian take, or mix with salsa and cotija cheese to go Mexican.

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37. Air Fryer Chili-Lime Cod

This flavorful, easy-to-make chili-lime cod is a great weeknight dinner option, whether you eat it alone or use it as the main ingredient in some delicious fish tacos. Using just 1 tbsp of oil, you coat your cod fillets in a spice mix and cook for between 8-13 minutes. Making this recipe in the air fryer is simple and takes very little time, so it’s great to have in your normal meal rotation. You can even have the fish on a salad with a Mexican-inspired dressing for lunch.

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36. Air Fryer Falafel

If you haven’t experienced falafel, this is a great way to introduce the vegan powerhouse to your diet. The falafel blend comes together easily; just combine all the ingredients in your food processor and pulse until the mixture sticks together when pinched. By eliminating the oil from the traditional deep-frying method and using just a bit of spray on the falafel, you can get the same delicious, crispy outside with a lot less fat. Serve them on a salad, in a pita, or with some tasty roasted veggies for a quick and healthy meal.

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35. Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Do you love asparagus? Do you love bacon? Then this bacon-wrapped asparagus is the perfect recipe for you. You save on calories by cutting each bacon strip in half when wrapping individual spears, and you don’t have to use any additional olive oil. Cook the spears for 10-15 minutes and add them to any meal that needs some green. The best thing about these? You can make them ahead of time and snack on them all week long. You could also pair these with one of our lighter main dishes to make a great healthy meal.

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34. Air Fryer Asparagus

If you’re someone who loves the pure flavor of asparagus, you won’t regret cooking it in the air fryer. Air fryer asparagus takes just a few minutes to prep and cook, and the recipe can be easily modified to include your favorite spices. Just snap the woody ends off your asparagus, season as you like, and pop in the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes for perfectly crispy, delicious asparagus. Eat them plain, or drizzle with some lemon juice for a citrus-y bite that pairs well with things like fish and lean protein. Keep reading for more tasty air fryer recipes that are also healthy for you.

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33. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

It’s a fact of life that bacon and Brussels sprouts are a match made in heaven. This air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe take advantage of the deliciousness of that flavor combination and takes it up a notch with a balsamic vinegar sauce and fresh avocado. Plus, it only takes about 20 minutes to cook. You can use this as a side dish or even enjoy it on its own as a light lunch or dinner. Even people who say they don’t like Brussels sprouts will change their minds when you serve them this side dish.

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32. Roasted Broccoli with Cheese Sauce

There’s something special about roasted veggies, isn’t there? Roasted broccoli, in particular, has a great depth of flavor that pairs well with just about anything. Furthermore, when you pair the broccoli with cheese sauce, you’ve got a classic side that goes with just about anything. You can get that delicious flavor with much less fat when you use your air fryer. In under 20 minutes, you can whip up this side dish of broccoli and cheese sauce. Each serving only has 108 calories and 2 grams of fat.

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31. Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn

Just 15 minutes gets you delicious Mexican street corn when you use your air fryer. Mexican street corn is a staple of summer; the smell of fresh-grilled corn covered in cheese and chili powder instantly transports you to street fairs and cookouts. When you make it in the air fryer, you don’t have to worry about the heat of the grill or constantly watching the corn. Just cook for 10 minutes, cover it in cheese, cook for another five minutes, and season. This recipe doesn’t include the mayo that’s used in classic street corn, but if you want to use it, just add it when you’re adding the cheese.

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30. Vegan Air Fryer Tacos

Vegan tacos in an air fryer? Yep! These vegan potato tacos are the perfect game-day food, bite-sized and ready for dipping. You simply make the mashed potato filling, seal the tacos with a toothpick, and pop them into the air fryer for about 15 minutes. While they’re cooking, you can make a variety of dipping options. Alternatively, amp up the tacos with some vegan cheese. Four tacos have just 220 calories and only 6 grams of fat, so don’t be afraid to chow down during the game.

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29. Air Fryer Whitefish with Garlic and Lemon Pepper

If you’re trying to eat healthy, a good rule of thumb is to add more fish to your diet. This quick and easy whitefish recipe with garlic and lemon pepper comes together in less than 15 minutes and is endlessly adaptable. If you want something different, consider using cayenne and paprika, or even Chinese five-spice. With just 170 calories and a whopping 34 grams of protein, this fish dish is a great complement to any healthy meal plan. Consider pairing it with a simple side of asparagus or roasted broccoli.

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28. Air Fryer Enchilada Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Is there anything more comforting than a freshly baked potato hot from the oven? Not much tops digging in while it’s still steaming. However, baking potatoes can take an hour (or longer) depending on how big the potato is. With air fryer baked potatoes, however, you can have stuffed potatoes on the table in as little as 40 minutes This recipe calls for enchilada-style fillings, but the sky’s the limit when you make the potatoes.

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27. Air Fryer Crab Cakes

If you love crab cakes but haven’t considered making them before, you should try this air fryer crab cake recipe. By making the crab cakes yourself, you can control exactly what goes into them, and using the parchment liner makes cleanup a breeze. The patties take only 10 minutes to cook, so you can have delicious crab cakes on the table in less time than it takes to defrost them from frozen. Serve with lemon and a remoulade sauce for the ultimate flavor combo. Make it a meal by pairing the crab cakes with baby hasselback potatoes – we’ve got that recipe for you further down the list.

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26. Air Fryer Cod

If you don’t like fish, you should give this air fryer cod a try. A simple but tasty marinade gives a burst of flavor with only 15 minutes of soaking, and the fish itself only takes about 10 minutes to cook. Since cod is a mild fish, it soaks up any seasoning well. Pair this fish with one of our suggested veggie sides for a healthy, delicious meal that pulls together quickly. Each filet only has 170 calories and packs 27 grams of protein.

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25. Air Fryer Carrots

Carrots are delicious no matter how you make them, but there’s something special about the sweetness that comes out when you roast them. Making carrots in the air fryer takes the complication out of roasting veggies. Using baby carrots saves even more time, but you can also use regular carrots if you’d like. However, they may take more than 20 minutes depending on their thickness, so make sure to do a poke test. Keep reading for more yummy air fryer recipes that won’t make you feel guilty.

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24. Crispy Kale Chips

Craving a healthy crunch? Kale chips have been steadily growing in popularity recently, but they can be expensive to purchase. With this crispy kale chips recipe, however, you can make your own delicious, crispy chips in just a few minutes. This recipe calls for a cashew cheese, which is easy to make but requires you to soak the cashews for several hours. However, once you’re comfortable with the recipe, you can make a ton of different variations.

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23. Air Fryer Steak Bites

Imagine this: you’ve got a craving for a delicious steak dinner, but you don’t have a lot of time. You’re in luck! This steak bites recipe takes just a few minutes to throw together and less than 15 minutes to cook. It works with basically any cut of steak, and if you don’t like mushrooms, you can always sub in peppers and onions. Serve on its own or with a tasty veggie side dish for a meal that feels decadent but takes just minutes to prepare.

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22. Baked Chicken Nuggets

If you’re looking for a dish that’s sure to please everyone (including a picky kid), you can’t go wrong with chicken nuggets. Furthermore, these baked nuggets are low-carb, keto-friendly, and come together in less than half an hour. Pair these with air-fried french fries and ketchup for a classic take, or up the ante with the creamy almond dipping sauce suggested in the recipe. You could also make chicken strips – just be sure to cook a few minutes longer and check that your chicken is completely done before serving.

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21. Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon

Salmon is one of the best types of fish you can eat. Packed with omega-3s and essential nutrients, it’s great to get it into your weekly meal rotation. This honey garlic salmon is an easy way to do that. There are only four ingredients and the whole meal, including marination time, is ready in under an hour. Pair with some rice and veggies for a full dinner, or add to a salad for a fresh, delicious lunch option. Continue reading for the top 20 healthy air fryer recipes.

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20. Avocado Fries

Ah, the avocado. This creamy green fruit has exploded in popularity, garnishing toast and tortilla chips around the world. But the way we like avocado? Turned into avocado fries, of course. Pairing the creamy freshness of the avocado with the crispy, delicious panko creates a flavor bomb that can’t be beaten. They only take about 8 minutes in the air fryer and are a great way to introduce someone to avocado if they haven’t tried it before. Though they have a bit more fat than some of our other recipes, it’s a healthy fat, so don’t be afraid to give these avocado fries a try.

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19. Air Fryer Veggie Calzones

Did you know a calzone can be both healthy and delicious? It can, thanks to the air fryer. Calzones are a delicious treat but can be hard to get right. This veggie calzone recipe uses store-bought pizza dough and an air fryer to get the perfect crispy dough texture on the outside while keeping the inside fluffy and delicious. This recipe uses a vegetarian filling, but don’t be afraid to switch it up; add your favorite pizza toppings and enjoy.

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18. Lemon-Blueberry Yogurt Toast

If you love sweets but are trying to cut back on your sugar intake, you need to try this lemon-blueberry yogurt toast. Combining the egg and yogurt gives the topping an almost custard-like flavor, and the natural sweetness of the blueberries perfectly complements the richness. It uses only one tbsp of maple syrup and comes together in less than 15 minutes, so it’s a great breakfast option if you’re always on the go in the mornings.

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17. Crispy Pickle Chips

Are you a pickle lover? For some people, the perfect pickle chip is like a religious experience. This air fryer pickle chip recipe makes perfectly crispy pickle chips and pairs them with a spicy, flavorful sauce that’s sure to perk up any party. The best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes and makes enough pickle chips for six people to have a healthy serving. Continue reading for more healthier versions of your favorite meals.

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16. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

You can turn just about anything into a “fry”, and almost anyone will eat it. Case in point: these low-carb, keto-friendly zucchini fries. Zucchini is a great squash option and is highly versatile, pairing well with a ton of different flavors. While the base recipe just calls for Italian seasoning and garlic powder, feel free to flavor your zucchini fries with whatever you want. Eat them on their own for a quick snack, or pair them with the black bean burger from our first recipe for a healthy and delicious meal.

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15. Spicy Sriracha Tofu Rice Bowls

Would you have ever thought of this healthy air fryer recipe? Meatless Mondays are in style, and these spicy tofu rice bowls are an inexpensive, tasty way to incorporate a meatless meal into your diet. Using the air fryer to cook the tofu gets it extra crispy and gives the spicy sauce something to cling to. You can serve it as the recipe, with brown rice and edamame, or pair it with cauliflower rice or your favorite veggie.

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14. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Buffalo cauliflower is an excellent option for when you’re craving the spicy crunch of buffalo wings but need to get some veggies in your diet. Simply mix up a batch of your favorite buffalo sauce, toss the cauliflower to coat, and fry at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. You’ll want to throw the cauliflower once or twice just to be sure it’s getting evenly crispy, and you might have to make it in batches depending on how big your air fryer is, but with just a little effort, you can have all the spicy flavor you crave in a much healthier option.

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13. Air Fryer Doughnuts

Guilt-free donuts? We didn’t think it was possible. However, these air fryer donuts have just 4 grams of fat, thanks to the lack of deep frying necessary. They take a little while to prep because you have to let them rise, but they only take 5 minutes to cook in the air fryer. You can eat them plain or add the glaze recommended in the recipe. And don’t be afraid to get creative. Once you’ve mastered the basic donut, try chocolate or flavored donut options. You’ll never go back to store-bought donuts after this.

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12. Air Fryer Scallops

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably heard that scallops are tough to cook correctly. After all, they’re one of the dishes Gordon Ramsay uses to test potential new chefs. But when you make these air fryer scallops, you’re going to get perfect scallops every time. We recommend defrosting the scallops if you buy them frozen; you’ll get a better crisp and have more control over the cooking time. Depending on the size of your scallops, they take as little as six minutes.

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11. Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage

If you love sausage but don’t love the high cost or the preservatives store-bought sausage often contains, then this breakfast sausage recipe is for you. These easy-to-make sausage patties come together in just 20 minutes, and you can customize the seasonings to your liking. They’re great for meal prep, as they freeze well and can be warmed up in the microwave in one minute. The recipe makes eight servings of sausage, but it’s easy to double the amount and freeze for later use. Keep reading for the top ten air fryer recipes that create both healthy and delicious results.

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10. Air Fryer Chicken Broccoli

A good stir-fry is hard to resist but can use a fair amount of oil to get the tender-crisp veggies and moist chicken that are a hallmark of the dish. This air fryer chicken and broccoli recipe give you the same great flavor as a stir-fry but with far less oil. You can customize your broccoli cooking time, so you get the perfect texture for your preference, and you can make extra if you want to have an easy and delicious lunch the next day.

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9. Air Fryer Baby Hasselback Potato Bites

If you’ve never tried a hasselback-style potato before, you’re missing out. These potatoes are cut thin but not all the way through, giving you a potato with plenty of nooks and crannies for seasonings and sauces to hide. When you use baby gold potatoes, you have the perfect bite-sized hasselback for snacking or appetizers, and the sky’s the limit with flavor options. The potatoes only take about 20 minutes to make and can be served with the recipe’s recommended homemade aioli or your favorite dipping sauce. Don’t be afraid to try different flavors; pair the potatoes with cheese, onion, or mushrooms to create a new experience every time you make the recipe.

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8. Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin

Have you ever been in charge of a holiday dinner? If so, you might know that turkey can go from tender and juicy to dry and overcooked in a matter of minutes. However, this air fryer turkey tenderloin comes out perfectly every time, taking the guesswork out of a turkey dinner and letting you add this great lean protein to your meal rotation. This recipe is simple, just using Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, but you can use whatever herbs you prefer to create your perfect tenderloin. Just remember – a turkey tenderloin is boneless and skinless and not the same as a turkey breast. Breasts include the bone and won’t cook the same way, so grab the right cut of meat if you want the recipe to work flawlessly.

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7. Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops

Pork chops are another comfort food that can be easy to mess up. Overcooking your pork chop results in gray, tough, dry meat and robs you of the enjoyment of a juicy, flavorful chop. However, these breaded pork chops, made in the air fryer, keep the recipe simple and use far less oil than a standard pork chop recipe calls for. Just make a simple breading with panko and bread crumbs, season to your liking, and cook the chops in the fryer for 12 minutes, flipping halfway. You can pair it with a simple salad or pick any of the incredible side dishes we’ve listed in this article.

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6. Air Fryer Chicken and Veggies

One-pan meals are incredibly popular for busy adults, whether you’re just trying to feed yourself or you’re trying to provide for an entire household. And guess what? You can do a “one-pan” meal in the air fryer too. This recipe for chicken and veggies is packed with healthy vegetables and comes together in less than half an hour. Suppose you don’t like the veggies the recipe calls for; then, you can always sub out your own favorites. You’ll feel good about serving this flavorful, health-conscious meal to anyone.

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5. Air Fryer Chicken Wings

If you love chicken wings but hate the expense of ordering them or the hassle of deep-frying, then this recipe is for you. These air fryer chicken wings come together reasonably quickly and are full of great flavor. Combine all your seasoning in a bowl and toss the wings to coat, then fry in batches following the instructions for perfectly done wings every time. Serve these at your next party or game night, or even keep them for yourself for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. If you want to really up the authenticity, serve them with some carrots and celery and your favorite dipping sauce.

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4. Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

There’s something so luxurious about eggplant parmesan. The perfectly breaded eggplant rounds, topped with marinara and mozzarella cheese, served on their own or with pasta; it’s a delicious dish and also easy to mess up. Sometimes eggplant parmesan is oily or soft and doesn’t crisp quite right. However, this air fryer eggplant parmesan avoids a lot of the common complications with the dish by omitting the oil and cooking the rounds by themselves first, giving them a chance to get crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. You’ll love how easy this dish is to pull together.

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3. Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs

Did someone say chicken thighs? We love chicken thighs for their flavorful, juicy nature and relative ease of cooking, and these Asian-glazed chicken thighs are no exception. This recipe takes advantage of bold Asian flavors to really highlight the chicken. The marination process takes two hours, but cooking the chicken only takes about 30 minutes. These chicken thighs go great with brown rice and your favorite steamed vegetable or can be paired with cauliflower rice if you’re trying to reduce your carbs. Moreover, if you’re not big on meat, try pairing this marinade with tofu.

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2. Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s chicken is a staple at westernized Chinese restaurants, but it often packs a hefty punch of fat due to being deep-fried. When you make General Tso’s chicken in the air fryer, however, you can cut nearly half the saturated fat while still keeping all the classic flavors you love. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to make the chicken in batches; however, since it only takes about 15 minutes to cook, even making the chicken in batches will take less than an hour. Pair with rice for a classic meal, or mix it up with some steamed veggies.

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1. Air Fryer Tofu

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly crispy bite of tofu, but getting to that bite can be a hassle. Ovens often don’t crisp up quite the way you want, and if you fry the tofu on the stove, you’re dealing with splattering oil and the potential to burn the tofu. Making crispy tofu in the air fryer, though, couldn’t be easier. The best thing about tofu is that it’s a blank canvas for any flavor you can imagine; this recipe uses a soy-based marinade and a spicy sauce, but you can use any flavors you like. It only takes 15 minutes to cook, tossing halfway through, and you can serve it with rice for a quick and easy meal that’s both healthy and delicious.

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