Snacking is where lower-carb plans often slip, because the convenient options are usually crisps and biscuits. The air fryer fixes that — crunchy, savoury snacks with the carbs kept low. Each one below lists carbs per portion.
Key takeaways
Q: What are good low-carb snacks to make in an air fryer?
A: Halloumi fries, courgette crisps, spiced nuts, cheese crisps and chicken bites are all crunchy and low in carbohydrate.
Q: Can snacks fit a diabetes-friendly day?
A: Yes — choosing lower-carb, higher-protein or higher-fibre snacks and counting the carbs is what keeps them on plan.
Seven low-carb air fryer snacks
| Snack | Carbs | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Halloumi fries | 3g | 248 |
| Courgette crisps | 4g | 70 |
| Spiced almonds | 4g | 180 |
| Cheese crisps | 1g | 120 |
| Chicken bites | 2g | 160 |
| Roasted chickpeas* | 22g | 164 |
| Pepperoni crisps | 1g | 140 |
*Chickpeas are higher in carbs but also high in fibre — a good occasional swap.
1. Halloumi fries (3g carbs)
Salty, crisp and very low in carbs — here's the air fryer halloumi method.
2. Courgette crisps (4g carbs)
Thin courgette rounds air fried until crisp — a proper crisp swap.
3. Spiced almonds (4g carbs)
Warm, spiced nuts in 6–8 minutes, full of healthy fats.
4. Cheese crisps (1g carbs)
Little piles of grated cheese crisped into wafers.
5. Chicken bites (2g carbs)
Seasoned chicken pieces air fried for a high-protein nibble.
6. Roasted chickpeas (22g carbs, high fibre)
Higher in carbs but fibre-rich — see the crispy chickpeas recipe.
7. Pepperoni crisps (1g carbs)
Pepperoni slices crisped into savoury chips.
Smart snack tips
- Pair protein with fibre to stay fuller for longer.
- Portion before you snack rather than eating from the basket.
- Count the carbs as part of your daily total — see our low-carb recipes and diabetic dinners.
Frequently asked questions
What is the lowest-carb air fryer snack?
Cheese crisps and pepperoni crisps come in around 1g of carbohydrate per portion, making them among the lowest-carb options.
Are nuts a good low-carb snack?
In sensible portions, yes — they're low in carbs and high in healthy fats. Air frying for a few minutes warms and spices them nicely.
Is this suitable for diabetes?
These are general lower-carb snack ideas, not medical advice. Carbohydrate needs are individual, so follow your GP or dietitian and guidance from the NHS and Diabetes UK.