19 Low-Carb Meals That Actually Fill You Up
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I put this collection together for those days when I want meals that hold me over and don’t leave me hunting for snacks an hour later. These are the kinds of dishes I lean on when I need steady energy, real portions, and food that feels like a proper meal, not a compromise. If you’re busy, cooking for others, or just tired of plates that feel unfinished, this list is meant to make planning easier and more reliable.
Creamy Chicken Thighs Skillet
This skillet meal comes together quickly and works well for a hearty dinner after a long day. The chicken thighs and rich sauce provide enough protein and fat to help keep you full for hours. It’s made in one pan, which keeps prep and cleanup simple. This is a strong option when you want a filling meal without relying on heavy sides.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs Skillet
Keto Air Fryer Spicy Sauced Tenders
These chicken tenders cook fast in the air fryer and are easy to portion for lunch or dinner. The protein-forward base helps curb hunger and keeps energy steady. Cleanup is minimal, making this practical for busy weeknights. The bold sauce adds variety without needing extra starches.
Get the Recipe: Keto Air Fryer Spicy Sauced Tenders
Fried Cauliflower Rice with Shrimp
This dish works well as a quick skillet meal that feels substantial without using traditional rice. Shrimp adds protein while the vegetables add volume, helping you feel full longer. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and fits well as a lunch or light dinner. Everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cauliflower Rice with Shrimp
Greek Chicken Gyros
These gyros are built around seasoned chicken and fresh toppings, making them a solid dinner choice. The protein-heavy filling helps prevent early hunger between meals. Prep is straightforward, and components can be made ahead. This works well for family meals or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chicken Gyros
Tomato Egg Drop Soup
This soup comes together quickly and works well as a light lunch or starter. Eggs provide protein that helps keep the meal from feeling skimpy. It’s simple to reheat and easy to portion. The warm broth makes it comforting without feeling heavy.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Egg Drop Soup
Low Carb Pizza Soup
This soup delivers familiar pizza flavors in a spoonable dinner format. The meat and cheese help keep you full without relying on bread. It’s easy to prepare in one pot and reheats well for leftovers. This is a practical option for cold nights or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Pizza Soup
Keto Air Fryer Mini Pizzas
These mini pizzas are quick to cook and easy to customize for individual servings. The protein and cheese base helps hold off hunger longer than typical snack foods. They work well for lunch, dinner, or casual entertaining. Using the air fryer keeps prep fast and cleanup simple.
Get the Recipe: Keto Air Fryer Mini Pizzas
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
This chicken cooks evenly in the air fryer and is ready in a short amount of time. The protein-forward portion makes it a dependable main dish that keeps you full. It pairs easily with simple sides for a balanced plate. Cleanup stays minimal with this method.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts
These chicken breasts are easy to prepare and cook quickly in the air fryer. Lean protein helps maintain fullness without weighing the meal down. This recipe works well for dinner or weekly meal prep. It’s a reliable option when time is limited.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts
Smoked Salmon Frittata
This frittata works well for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. Eggs and salmon provide protein and fat that help carry you through the day. It can be made ahead and reheated without losing texture. One pan handles everything, which keeps cleanup easy.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Frittata
Eggplant Lasagna
This baked dish offers layered comfort without relying on pasta. The combination of vegetables, cheese, and protein helps make it filling enough for dinner. It’s great for make-ahead meals and reheats well. This works nicely for family-style serving.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Lasagna
Chicken Roll Ups
These roll-ups are simple to portion and work well for lunch or dinner. The protein-rich filling helps keep hunger in check between meals. Prep is straightforward and doesn’t require special equipment. They also store well for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Roll Ups
Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce
This dish comes together quickly and feels appropriate for both weeknights and guests. Salmon provides protein and healthy fats that help maintain fullness. The sauce adds richness without needing starchy sides. Cleanup stays minimal with a simple cooking setup.
Get the Recipe: Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce
Air Fryer Steak Tips
Steak tips cook fast in the air fryer and require very little prep. The protein content makes this a strong choice for a filling dinner. Portions are easy to control, which helps with meal planning. Cleanup is quick with this method.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Tips
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
This chicken cooks evenly and quickly in the air fryer. Protein-heavy portions help keep the meal filling without extra sides. It works well for casual dinners or meal prep. The air fryer keeps cleanup manageable.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Keto Collard Green Salad with Chicken
This salad is built around hearty greens and chicken, making it more substantial than typical salads. The protein helps keep hunger away longer after eating. Prep is simple and components can be made ahead. It works well for lunch or a lighter dinner.
Get the Recipe: Keto Collard Green Salad with Chicken
Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Wings
These wings cook up quickly and are easy to batch for meals or gatherings. The protein and fat content helps make them more filling than snack-style foods. Using the air fryer cuts down on mess. They work well for dinner or game-day spreads.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Wings
Keto Creamy Tuscan Salmon Skillet
This skillet meal is ready in under 30 minutes and uses one pan. Salmon and sauce provide enough richness to keep you full after eating. It works well for a weeknight dinner without extra prep. Cleanup stays simple with this approach.
Get the Recipe: Keto Creamy Tuscan Salmon Skillet
Keto Swedish Meatballs
These meatballs are hearty enough to stand alone as a main dish. The protein-forward base helps maintain fullness without relying on noodles. They reheat well and are good for meal prep. This recipe fits well into busy weeknight planning.
Get the Recipe: Keto Swedish Meatballs