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Forget everything you thought you knew about air fryers – they’re not just for veggies anymore! Get ready to revolutionize your carnivore diet with these 20 mouthwatering, crispy meat creations that’ll have you wondering how you ever lived without an air fryer.
Note: Everybody’s approach to the carnivore diet is different. While some of these recipes are pure meat and salt, many contain optional seasonings for those looking to spice things up a little. Adjust to what works best for you and your dietary goals.
1. Beef Jerky: Perfectly Crunchy and Flavorful
Who says you need a dehydrator for perfect jerky? Your air fryer is about to become your new best friend. Start with thin slices of lean beef, marinated in a mix of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and your favorite spices, or opt for pure meat. Lay them out in a single layer in your air fryer basket, and get ready for magic to happen.
Set your air fryer to 160°F (71°C) and let it work its magic for about 2-3 hours, checking occasionally.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Eggs: A Morning Delight
Breakfast just got a whole lot more exciting! These bacon-wrapped eggs are about to become your new morning obsession. Start by lining small ramekins with bacon slices, creating a nest. Crack an egg into each bacon nest, season with salt and pepper, and pop them in your air fryer. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes.
3. Chicken Wings: Crispy Skin, Juicy Inside
Get ready for game day perfection with these air fryer chicken wings. They’re so crispy, you’ll swear they came straight from a deep fryer – but without all the added oil!
Toss your wings with a bit of baking powder (the secret to extra crispiness) and your favorite seasonings. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Crispy Beef Heart Bites
Think organ meats are bland? These crispy beef heart bites will change your mind! Begin with fresh beef heart, trimmed and cut into bite-sized cubes. Pat them dry and season generously with sea salt—simplicity is the secret to flavor for us carnivores!
Toss the heart pieces into your air fryer basket and let the magic happen. Cook at 400°F (204°C) for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The outside gets delightfully crispy while the inside stays tender and juicy.
5. Air-Fried Pork Chops: Tender and Crispy
Say goodbye to dry, tough pork chops forever! These air-fried beauties are about to change your life. Start with bone-in pork chops for maximum flavor. Season them generously with your favorite spice blend – we love a mix of garlic powder, paprika, and herbs but you can stick to straight sea salt if you prefer. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Spicy Meatballs: Crunchy and Flavor-Packed
These aren’t your nonna’s meatballs – they’re spicy, crispy, and utterly addictive. Mix ground beef with your favorite hot sauce, minced garlic, and a beaten egg. Roll into small balls and air fry at 380°F (193°C) for about 10-12 minutes.
The outside gets delightfully crispy while the inside stays juicy and flavorful. Serve them as is, or dip them in some sugar-free marinara for an extra flavor kick.
7. Mini Beef Patties: Fun and Crispy Bites
Who needs buns when you’ve got these crispy mini beef patties? They’re like sliders but without the carbs. Season ground beef with salt, pepper, and seasonings of your choice. Form into small patties and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes.
8. Lamb Chops with Herb Crust
Get ready for a fancy steakhouse experience right in your own kitchen. These herb-crusted lamb chops are about to blow your mind. Coat your lamb chops in a mixture of crushed herbs (rosemary, thyme, and mint work great), garlic, and a touch of olive oil. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness.
9. Ground Beef Patties: Budget-Friendly and Delicious
Who says you need expensive cuts for a great meal? These ground beef patties are proof that delicious doesn’t have to mean pricey. Season your ground beef with salt, pepper, and a touch of onion powder. Form into patties and air fry at 370°F (188°C) for about 12 minutes.
10. Air-Fried Beef Ribs: Reheat to Crispy Perfection
Got leftover ribs? Don’t you dare microwave them! Your air fryer is about to become your leftovers’ best friend. Place your cold ribs in the air fryer basket and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
11. Crispy Beef Tenders: Quick and Easy
Move over, chicken tenders – beef is taking center stage! But this one is only for the keto-carnivores. Cut lean beef into strips, dip in beaten egg, and coat in a mixture of almond flour and your favorite seasonings. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for about 8-10 minutes.
12. Cheddar-Stuffed Meatballs: Gooey and Crunchy
Get ready for a flavor explosion! These cheddar-stuffed meatballs are about to become your new obsession. Mix ground beef with your favorite seasonings, then wrap the mixture around cubes of cheddar cheese. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 12 minutes.
13. Air-Fried Chicken Thighs: Flavorful and Crisp
Forget dry, boring chicken – these air-fried thighs are juicy, crispy, and packed with flavor. Season bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, and herbs. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
14. Pork Belly Bites: Crispy on the Outside, Tender Inside
Get ready for the ultimate indulgence – crispy, succulent pork belly bites. Cut pork belly into cubes and season with salt, pepper, and optionally a touch of five-spice powder. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
15. Beef and Bacon Skewers: Perfectly Grilled and Crispy
Who says you need a grill for perfect skewers? These beef and bacon combos are about to prove otherwise. Thread cubes of beef and chunks of bacon onto skewers, seasoning with your favorite steak rub. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes.
16. Air-Fried Sausage Links: Quick and Delicious
Breakfast sausages just got an upgrade! Place your favorite sausage links in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (204°C) for about 8-10 minutes. The casing crisps up perfectly while the inside stays juicy and flavorful. Just make sure your sausage links are carnivore diet friendly.
17. Crispy Lamb Kebabs: Juicy and Full of Flavor
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with these crispy lamb kebabs. Marinate cubes of lamb in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Thread onto skewers and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes.
18. Chicken Liver Nuggets: Savory and Crunchy
Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it! These chicken liver nuggets are about to change your mind about organ meats. Coat cleaned chicken livers in a mixture of crushed pork rinds and your favorite seasonings. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for about 8-10 minutes.
19. Air-Fried Ribeye Steak Bites: Tender and Crispy
Who says you can’t cook a steak in an air fryer? These ribeye bites are about to prove the skeptics wrong. Cut a ribeye steak into bite-sized cubes and season generously with salt and pepper. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for about 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
20. Crispy Meat-Stuffed Bell Peppers: Flavorful and Crunchy
This is not strictly carnivore but if you are craving some veg, this is a sneaky cheat meal for you. End your air fryer adventure on a high note with these stuffed peppers. Cut bell peppers in half and fill with a mixture of ground beef, spices, and a sprinkle of cheese. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes.
Crispy Carnivore Paradise: Your New Air Fryer Obsession
From juicy steaks to crispy chicken wings, your air fryer is about to become your carnivore diet’s best friend. These 20 recipes prove that eating meat-only can be crispy, delicious, and endlessly varied. Happy air frying, fellow carnivores!
