I'm a dietitian who loves my air fryer. These are 8 of my favorite things to make in it on a weekly basis.

• As a dietitian with a small kitchen, I use my air fryer to prepare balanced dishes and light snacks.

• I can quickly cook salmon, eggs, tofu, and other proteins in my air fryer.

• I love making fries in my air fryer or using it to prepare batches of homemade granola.

I'm a dietitian based in New York City, so I turn to my small air fryer when I'm looking to prepare snacks, meals, and breakfasts in my compact kitchen.

Air fryers are versatile, mighty appliances that help me cook food quickly and get it crispy without introducing additional oil.

Even the smallest air fryers can be used to whip up complete and well-balanced meals with ease.

Here are some of my favorite things to make in an air fryer each week.

Homemade fries can easily rival my favorite fast-food options.

I love that air-frying helps fries achieve a crunchy texture without the amount of oil you'd need in a deep-fryer.

To prepare, slice potatoes (or sweet potatoes) as thin or thick as you like or cut them into cubes for a home-fry style.

Toss them with a bit of oil and your seasonings of choice, then air-fry until crispy. Enjoy them as a delicious, fiber-filled snack or side dish.

To keep them flavorful without being overloaded with sodium, I try to use small amounts of seasonings like garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, or even cinnamon for a sweet twist.

Granola is an easy, fiber-filled snack to prep in an air fryer.

Granola can be a fantastic and fairly healthy air-fryer recipe because it's quick, customizable, and packed with soluble fiber and antioxidants.

To make, mix together oats, nuts, seeds, and a touch of honey or maple syrup and air-fry (shaking your basket periodically) until golden to create a crunchy, fiber-rich snack in minutes.

By controlling the ingredients, you can also avoid the excess sugars often found in store-bought granola mixes. Enjoy it over yogurt, with milk, or as a grab-and-go snack.

I've learned how to perfectly cook eggs in a few ways in my air fryer.

I love making eggs in my air fryer. Eggs are a powerhouse of healthy fats and protein — plus, they're one of the few natural food sources of vitamin D.

By using my air fryer, I don't have to wait for water to boil. Plus, I have full control over my cook time and temperature to achieve hard-boiled, jammy, or runny eggs.

I prepare a lot of hard-boiled eggs because they're an easy grab-and-go snack, a protein-packed breakfast, or the perfect base for egg-salad sandwiches.

Hard-boiled eggs can take about 12 to 15 minutes at 250 to 270 degrees Fahrenheit, but you may use a bit of trial and error while figuring out how to prepare them in your specific air fryer.

I like using my air fryer to prep a veggie mix I can use throughout the week.

Air-frying is an amazing way to give new life to produce that ripened a little sooner than expected.

At the start of the week, I try to air-fry a bunch of different vegetables (and fruits) at once, like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Having prepped veggies on hand makes healthier eating feel effortless, whether you're pairing them with a home-cooked meal or adding extra nutrients to takeout.

Tofu can crisp up nicely in an air fryer.

Although it's not for everyone, tofu can be prepared in so many different ways. It's also a great vegetarian protein option that's low in fat and high in calcium, which can be beneficial to bone and heart health.

Air-frying helps transform the mushy tofu texture many dislike into a firmer product with a crispy exterior — just make sure to press out excess moisture water before cooking to achieve that crunch.

As for taste, tofu absorbs whatever flavors you season it with, so get creative. I love using a mix of low-sodium soy sauce and honey for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

You can cut it into cubes, slices, or even crumble it — whatever works best for your dish.

I make flavorful salmon in an air fryer.

Salmon is a great source of healthy fats, like omega-3 fatty acids, and requires minimal effort to cook.

Although cook time varies by size and air-fryer model, my air-fryer salmon is usually done in under 10 minutes.

Depending on your air fryer's size, you can prepare an entire fuss-free, balanced meal in one go by throwing in salmon for protein, potatoes for carbs, and a vegetable of your choice for added nutrients.

Crunchy, protein-packed chickpeas are one of my favorite air-fryer snacks.

Crispy chickpeas are one of the easiest air-fryer snacks to make.

I prepare them straight from the can — just drain, rinse, and toss with olive oil and seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and cumin. Then, air-fry them until crispy.

For the best crunch, be sure to pat the chickpeas dry before seasoning.

These are a great protein-packed snack but can also be used as a flavorful side dish or salad topping.

I use my air fryer to prep warm and toasty spiced nuts.

Nuts are a solid source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

I've found that roasting nuts in my air fryer enhances their natural flavor and makes them especially delicious during the colder months.

Plus, they're versatile — toss your nuts of choice, such as almonds or cashews, in a bit of oil and your favorite spices. For a simple and satisfying snack on busy workdays, I mix roasted nuts with popcorn or dark chocolate.

Nuts are naturally calorie-dense due to their healthy fats, making them easy to overeat. To keep my portions in check, I typically aim to give myself about a quarter cup per serving.

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