5 Quick-and-Easy Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes Worth Waking Up For

If you're tired of the same mundane morning meal, an air fryer can breathe new life into your banal breakfasts.

This magical kitchen tool not only recreates your favorite fried foods with up to 80 percent less oil, but many [air fryers also] come with multiple functions capable of roasting, baking and grilling, Mary Stewart, RD, LD, founder of Cultivate Nutrition, tells LIVESTRONG.com.

This versatility gives you the freedom to explore different foods and busts boredom in the process.

Air fryer recipes also require less cooking time compared to conventional cooking methods like the oven, and clean-up is a cinch.

"This kitchen tool will help you save time, calories and restore your excitement for breakfast," Stewart says.

With cook times under 25 minutes, these five appetizing air fryer breakfast recipes will make busy mornings a breeze.

These easy, egg-cellent, low-carb egg cups are a wonderful way to kickstart your day.

Rich in protein and all the essential amino acids your body needs, "eggs are also a good source of nutrients like choline, which is important for brain health, and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which help support healthy eyes," Stewart says. She suggests purchasing pasture-raised or organic eggs as they are the highest quality and most nutrient-dense.

These perfectly portioned egg bites also boast a pretty pop of color from bell peppers and spinach, which amplify the flavor, add fiber and supply a vital dose of vitamin C for a strong immune system, Stewart says.

If you're aiming for weight loss, consider reducing the fat content by replacing regular bacon with the turkey variety or banish bacon entirely by adding more veggies, Stewart says.

Have a dairy allergy or sensitivity? Stewart suggests substituting heavy whipping cream with coconut cream and using nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

French toast sticks in the air fryer? That's what we call a sweet breakfast. With the right balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates, these tasty toast bites will surely satiate and fuel your body.

"Cinnamon is a powerful spice with anti-inflammatory properties that can also improve blood sugar levels," Stewart says. That's especially important since steady, balanced blood sugar levels are critical for managing weight.

To make these scrumptious sticks a touch healthier, Stewart suggests swapping out the white Texas bread for a 100-percent whole-grain kind that has at least 3 grams of fiber per serving. "Eating adequate fiber will keep you feeling fuller longer and support weight-loss goals," she says.

And if you're sensitive to sugar substitutes, nix the monk fruit and erythritol for maple syrup or honey.

This fluffy air fryer frittata is so yummy, you'll want to whip it up for breakfast, brunch and brinner (that's breakfast-for-dinner).

Jampacked with protein from eggs, each succulent slice dishes up 9 grams of the muscle-building macro to help you feel fuller longer. What's more, "protein has the greatest thermic effect of any macronutrient, meaning our metabolism is boosted just by eating it," Stewart says.

Not to mention, this flavorful frittata is overflowing with veggies like mushrooms, a super source of vitamin D (one cup offers over 30 percent of your recommended daily intake), which is linked to improvements in bone health and immunity while spinach and tomatoes tout vitamin C to support your skin and immune defenses, Stewart says.

These good-for-you veggies also contain dietary fiber, which promotes weight loss and helps you stick to a healthy diet, she adds.

For even more veggie power, Stewart suggests folding leeks into your frittata. Not only will leeks enhance the frittata's flavor, they'll strengthen your microbiome. That's because these awesome alliums possess prebiotics, which serve as healthy food for your gut microbes.

The ultimate comfort food, this cheesy breakfast recipe offers a nutritious twist on traditional potato skins.

"Swapping white potatoes for sweet potatoes will nourish your body with more vitamin A, which supports your skin, vision, immune system and bone health," Stewart says.

Not only do these savory skins pack a flavorful punch, they also provide a beautifully balanced breakfast with high-fiber carbohydrates from the sweet potatoes, high-quality protein from the eggs and healthy fats from the olive oil, Stewart says.

These tasty taters also present the perfect vehicle for loading up on veggies. Stewart suggests tossing broccoli, cauliflower, kale or arugula into the egg scramble.

Veggies from the cruciferous clan can "help your body process and eliminate toxins by supporting the production of glutathione, which acts as a powerful antioxidant," she says.

Mouthwatering and moist, these air fryer muffins may be nutritious enough for a balanced breakfast with fiber-rich foods like oats and blueberries, but they could surely serve as a decadent dessert, too.

"Oats contain resistant starch, which serves as a prebiotic food that feeds the good bacteria to help optimize your gut flora and contribute to a healthy microbiome," Stewart says.

Meanwhile, fresh blueberries bring on the natural sweetness. Known as one of the most powerful antioxidant-packed fruits, these tiny but might berries contribute to a healthy heart and reduce inflammation, Stewart says.

While this recipe calls for all-purpose flour, using 100-percent whole-wheat flour would add a font of filling, gut-friendly fiber. And if you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity, Stewart recommends going for gluten-free oats or Cup4Cup Wholesome Flour.