Published: by Laura Arteaga
In recent years, the air fryer has emerged as a kitchen superhero, revolutionizing how we cook. While it's commonly associated with crispy fries, you can make unlimited plant-based recipes using your air fryer. We listed our favorite 23 Vegan Air Fryer Recipes, so if you haven't yet, you can start using this magical kitchen gadget!
Why should you use your Air Fryer daily?
- Healthier cooking method: Air fryers use hot air to cook food, eliminating the need for excessive oil or deep frying. This results in lighter and healthier meals, as air-fried food contains significantly less fat and calories compared to traditional frying methods.
- Crispy texture: Despite using little to no oil, air fryers can still produce crispy and crunchy results.
- Multiple functions: Air fryers offer a wide range of cooking options. They can be used for frying, baking, roasting, grilling, and even dehydrating. Depending on your air fryer, you'll be able to use it for many different things.
- Cheaper cooking. Cooking oil is getting more expensive every year, especially, if you use olive oil. To cook with your air fryer you'll need way less oil, making the cooking process cheaper. Also, you won't need to turn on your oven that often, as most air fryers provide a baking option. According to Metro.co.uk, This will help you reduce your electricity bill!
- Quick cooking time: Air fryers generally cook food faster than conventional ovens, thanks to their small size and rapid air circulation. This means that you can prepare meals in less time, making it a convenient option for busy individuals or those short on time.
- Easy cleanup: Cleaning up after using an air fryer is typically a breeze. Most air fryers have non-stick surfaces and removable parts that are dishwasher-safe, making the cleaning process quick and hassle-free.
- Substitute your microwave. Air fryers are not only great for cooking but also for reheating leftovers. Instead of using a microwave, reheat your vegan pizza, fries, or other dishes in the air fryer for a few minutes. This way, you'll retain the crispiness and texture of the original meal.
Tips and Tricks to Make Delicious Vegan Meals using an Air Fryer
- Don't be afraid to experiment: Air fryers can cook a wide variety of food, from fries and onion rings to tofu and veggie burgers. Try experimenting with different types of vegetables, fruits, and grains to find your favorite air fryer meals.
- Use minimal oil: One of the benefits of air frying is that it requires far less oil than traditional frying. When cooking with an air fryer, aim to use as little oil as possible to achieve a crispy exterior on your food.
- Invest in a baking mat or basket: Using a baking mat or basket in your air fryer will help prevent any smaller items from falling through the grate, making it easier to cook small pieces of food like tofu cubes or roasted chickpeas. Also, this is a great way to make the cleaning process much easier.
- Preheat your air fryer: Just like a regular oven, preheating your air fryer will help ensure an even and consistent cooking of your food. Most air fryers have a preheat function that will do the work for you, but if not, simply turn your air fryer on for a few minutes before adding in your food.
- Season well: While air frying is a more healthful cooking method, it doesn't mean the taste has to suffer. Be sure to season your food with spices, herbs, and sauces to add flavor to your meals.
Which Air-fryer do we recommend to get?
Selecting the right air fryer involves various considerations. Factors such as size, power, and functions are just some of these. At home, we have a Ninja Air Fryer and we love it. It has multiple functions such as air-frying, baking, reheating, or roasting. As well, is compact, easy to clean, and simple to use. We like the Ninja brand, and most of our kitchen gadgets are from this brand. They serve high-quality appliances at a reasonable price.
If you are looking into buying a new air fryer, we recommend reading this recent article from Homes & Gardens, where you will get valuable information to help you decide.
Vegan Recipes you can make using your Air Fryer
There are so many different recipes you can make using your air fryer, but for this post, we wanted to provide you with some easy recipes that you can always come back to for inspiration and quick ideas. These are the best Vegan Air Fryer recipes to get you started!
Air Fryer Plant-based proteins
Air fryers can be a great tool for preparing plant-based proteins such as tofu, edamame, tempeh, pulses, and more, in a healthier and convenient way. They allow you to achieve a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil or frying for your main course.
1. Air Fryer Edamame
Air Fryer Edamame is a healthy option that is high in protein, gluten-free, oil-free, low in calories, and simply delicious. All you need is an air fryer, some frozen or fresh edamame, and 10 minutes!
Get the recipe by Six Hungry Feet
2. Air Fryer Crispy Tofu Nuggets
These crispy air fryer tofu nuggets are the ultimate plant-based response to the familiar chicken nugget.With their crispy coating, meaty texture, and savory flavor, these nuggets are a favorite amongst tofu fans and skeptics alike.
3. Air Fryer Tempeh
This Air Fryer Tempeh recipe is fast, easy, and yields perfectly crisp tempeh every time. Ready in just 10 minutes, you'll have countless ways to use this delicious plant-based protein.
Get the recipe by Six Hungry Feet
4. Air Fryer Falafel
With some simple ingredients and a few straightforward steps, you can enjoy crunchy, golden air fryer falafel right from your own kitchen! So good, you may never order take-out again.
5. Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
When you want a crispy and satisfying healthy snack, try theseAir Fryer Chickpeas. This ranch-flavored tasty treat is gluten-free and can be made in less than 30 minutes.
6. Bang Bang Cauliflower
This simple vegan dish is somehow addictive and my favorite game day snack. The combination of air-fried crispy cauliflower florets and a sweet and spicy sauce is simply too good to not enjoy every single piece of cauliflower!
Get the recipe by Six Hungry Feet
7. Air Fryer Oyster Mushrooms
These Air Fryer Mushrooms are so addictive, easy to make, and pretty healthy too! With their crunchy seasoned panko crust, they're somewhere between vegan fried chicken or vegan calamari.
8. Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu
ThisAir Fryer Teriyaki Tofuhas a quick homemade sauce and comes together in about 20 minutes! Serve it with rice and steamed broccoli for a healthy and delicious vegan meal the whole family will love.
Air Fryer Sides
As you concentrate on your main dish, let your air fryer prepare the perfect side for you! These kitchen appliances prove incredibly handy for achieving a crunchy and delightful side dish, whether it's air-fried veggies, fritters, or chips.
9. Air Fryer Cauliflower
This simple Air-fryer Crispy Cauliflower served with your favorite dipping sauce should be a staple at home. Crispy, easy to prepare, and absolutely delicious, you will be making this more than once!
Get the recipe by Six Hungry Feet
10. Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Similar to air fryer French fries, This Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Fries recipeuses just a splash of oil, it's perfectly seasoned, and they come out so crispy. You'll want to make them again and again! Serve with vegan mayo and ketchup for a classic side or appetizer.
11. Air Fryer Broccoli
ThisAir Fryer Broccoli recipecooks in just6 minutes.Tender with roasted edges, it tastes just like oven-roasted broccoli in a fraction of the time.
12. Air Fryer Beets
Sweet and tender-crispAir fryer Roasted Beetsare a delicious side dish that gets ready in a few minutes. Perfectly roasted, these beets can be added to any salad or enjoyed as is.
13. Air Fryer Parsnips
These Easy Air fryer Parsnips are a delicious and hearty side dish. You can make this recipe using just 4 ingredients: Parsnips, olive oil, maple syrup, and salt.
Get the recipe by Six Hungry Feet
14. Air Fryer Carrots
Making air fryer carrots is really easy and they are done in less time than the oven. Simple seasonings are perfect for this side dish!
Get the recipe by Six Hungry Feet
15. Air Fryer Kale Crisps
Kale chips are a tasty, crispy snack that can be eaten on its own or dipped in various sauces.These air fryer veggie chips are quick and easy to make with minimal cleanup! This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to eat healthy or just wants an easy snack.
16. Zucchini Fritters
Making vegan zucchini fritters with an air fryer is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy a healthy snack with minimal effort.
17. Air Fryer Corn Tortilla Chips
These homemade restaurant-quality corn tortillas use a fraction of the oil by crisping them up in the air fryer. Keep it classic using just oil and salt or add some maple sugar for an addictive sweet and salty crunch!
18. Air Fryer Asparagus
If you are an Asparagus lover, it's so easy to cook asparagus in the air fryer. Ready in just 10 minutes or less!
19. Air Fryer Onion Bhaji
TheseAir Fryer Onion Bhajitaste just as good as the original deep-fried version! With this easy recipe, you can makeperfect onion bhajis in the air fryer– healthier and less messy! Thisdelicious Indian appetizeris also gluten-free.
Vegan Air Fryer Desserts
If you want to finish your meal with a sweet treat, we've got you covered.
20. Vegan Air Fryer Donuts with Jam
These vegan air fryer donuts are like your classic jam donuts but easier! There's no need for a scary deep fryer with splashing hot oil.
21. Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
With crispy edges and soft and gooey insides, this small-batch recipe is perfectfor when you're craving cookies but don't want to make a full batch.
22. Air Fryer Bananas
A simple recipe yet delicious. Air fryer bananasare a healthy sweet treat that’s incredibly easy to make! All you need are four easy ingredients and about 15 minutes to make them!
23. Air Fryer Pears
Theseair fryer pearsare deliciously sweet, lightly spiced, and such a moreish sweet treat or perfect snack! Quick and easy to make, these vegan air-fried pears come together in about 20 minutes with just a few ingredients.
We hope you like all these delicious Vegan Air Fryer recipes!
About Laura Arteaga
I'm Laura, originally from Mallorca, Spain. My culinary journey began at 21, and despite my background in Economics, cooking stole my heart. I am now a full time writer and food blogger. My food philosophy is simple: "Eat more real food." Through my writing and recipes, I want to inspire people to transition to a plant-based life style, to eat more vegetarian food, or simply to try new recipes in the comfort of their homes.
