Sometimes you want a good dinner without all the carbs that leave you feeling like you need a nap afterward. If you’re tired of meals that revolve around bread, pasta, or rice, these low-carb dinners are exactly what you need. They’re flavor-packed, easy-to-make dishes that won’t leave you crying for a loaf of bread on the side. From quick air fryer meals to skillet favorites, these recipes prove that low-carb doesn’t mean low on taste.

A plate of blackened cod with rice and lime wedges.
Blackened Cod. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.
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Marinated Chicken Wings

Chicken wings on a white plate with a napkin.
Marinated Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These wings are salty, sticky, sweet, and savory all at once. Forget the breading and buffalo sauce; this recipe gives you all the flavor without the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Chicken Wings

Gochujang Chicken

Chinese chicken in a skillet on a table.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A 30-minute dinner with spicy, sweet, and sticky gochujang sauce that pairs perfectly with rice. You get a takeout-inspired meal without feeling weighed down by carbs.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Cheddar cheese stuffed turkey meatballs on a plate with zoodles.
Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Turkey meatballs stuffed with cheddar and Italian seasoning, cooked in marinara sauce. Perfect for a low-carb dinner that still feels hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Burger Bowls

Two burger bowls of salad with lettuce, tomatoes and avocados.
Burger Bowl. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

All the flavor of your favorite burger, but in a bowl. With a special homemade sauce, this burger bowl is a healthier option that lets you skip the bun without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls

Air Fryer Ribeye

Steak and potatoes on a plate.
Air Fryer Ribeye. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ribeye steak cooked in the air fryer comes out tender and juicy with simple seasonings in just minutes. A classic dinner that skips the bread but still hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye

Baked Sablefish

A plate of cooked sablefish topped with corn and sliced jalapeños, accompanied by spinach, with a fork resting on the side.
Sablefish recipe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sablefish with a honey lime glaze, topped with jalapeno corn salsa. It’s an easy, flavorful dinner that skips the carbs but still brings bold flavors to the table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sablefish

Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

A plate with salmon and broccoli on it.
Maple Mustard Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

No need to defrost the salmon—just cook it straight from the freezer in the air fryer with a maple mustard sauce. A great, quick dinner that’s easy to make when you’re short on time and carbs.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Blackened Mahi Mahi

A piece of blackened mahi mahi on a plate with rice and lime wedges.
Blackened Mahi Mahi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mahi mahi comes together quickly with homemade seasoning and a few minutes under the broiler. This low-maintenance dinner is perfect when you want something quick that won’t leave you reaching for a dinner roll.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Mahi Mahi

Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Salmon in a skillet with sauce and vegetables on a wooden table.
Bacon Wrapped Salmon. Photo Credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Bacon-wrapped salmon gives you the richness of both ingredients in one easy meal. A decadent dinner that keeps things low-carb but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Beef Kafta

Beef kafta kabobs on a plate with rice and salad.
Beef Kafta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This simple Middle Eastern dish is packed with flavor and pairs well with rice, salad, or hummus. It’s a hearty and satisfying dinner that won’t leave you longing for bread.
Get the Recipe: Beef Kafta

Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Red cabbage and pork chops with potatoes in a baking pan.
Sheet Pan Pork Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pork chops, red cabbage, potatoes, and apples all on one pan. It’s a no-fuss, one-pan meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight, and you won’t miss the bread.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Three grilled chicken breasts on a plate stuffed with cheese, ham and pineapple.
Stuffed Hawaiian Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled chicken stuffed with ham, pineapple, and melted smoked cheese, glazed with teriyaki. You’ll love this sweet and savory combo that doesn’t need any extra bread.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Air Fryer Scallops

A plate with scallops, green beans and rice on a wooden table.
Air Fryer Scallops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These scallops cook up fast in the air fryer, with a perfectly seared exterior and tender inside. Topped with a quick chive, garlic, and lemon butter sauce, this is a great low-carb dinner that feels fancy without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Scallops

Blackened Cod

A plate of blackened cod with rice and lime wedges.
Blackened Cod. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Just a few pantry seasonings and a quick sear give this blackened cod its bold flavor. A great choice when you’re looking for a simple, no-bread-required dinner.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod

Air Fryer Skirt Steak

Air fryer skirt steak sliced on a cutting board.
Air Fryer Skirt Steak. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

When grilling isn’t an option, the air fryer makes cooking skirt steak quick and easy. You’ll have a juicy steak on the table in no time, without missing the bread at all.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Skirt Steak

Coconut Lime Baked Chicken

A white bowl with chicken and rice on it.
Coconut Lime Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A tropical spin on baked chicken, served with coconut mango sticky rice. The crispy, tender chicken makes for a satisfying dinner without loading up on carbs.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Lime Baked Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Roasted chicken leg quarters and broccoli on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These chicken leg quarters roast up perfectly in under 25 minutes with crispy skin and juicy meat. It’s a low-effort dinner that doesn’t need any bread on the side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Grilled Stuffed Avocados

Three stuffed avocados with meat and vegetables on a plate.
Grilled Stuffed Avocados. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These grilled avocados are filled with marinated steak, red peppers, corn, and scallions. A great, lighter dinner that doesn’t rely on carbs to be filling.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Stuffed Avocados

Reuben Strip Steak

Two reuben steaks on a cutting board.
Reuben Strip Steak. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

All the classic elements of a reuben sandwich—Swiss, Russian dressing, and sauerkraut—piled onto a strip steak. A filling, no-bread-needed dinner when you want something indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Strip Steak

Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

A skillet filled with chicken and cashews.
Cashew Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-pan chicken skillet has fresh basil and a savory sweet sauce. Perfect for a quick, low-carb dinner that feels satisfying without the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Cream Cheese Chicken

Chicken thighs in a cream cheese sauce with potatoes and parsley on a wooden table.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, this chicken recipe is anything but boring. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re skipping the bread but still want something satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Founder and Writer at  | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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