The air fryer has revolutionized home cooking, making it easier than ever to prepare crispy, delicious dishes with minimal oil. If you’re following a vegan lifestyle, you’ll be happy to know that this versatile appliance can whip up everything from crunchy appetizers to hearty main courses and decadent desserts—all without animal products.
In this article, we’ll explore over 20 mouthwatering vegan air fryer recipes that are simple, healthy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these recipes will inspire you to make the most of your air fryer.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Vegan Cooking?
Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food, creating a crispy texture similar to deep-frying but using much less oil. Here’s why they’re perfect for vegan cooking:
- Healthier Alternative – Uses significantly less oil than traditional frying, reducing fat and calorie intake.
- Faster Cooking Time – Cuts down on cooking time compared to baking or stovetop methods.
- Versatile – Great for roasting vegetables, crisping tofu, baking, and even making vegan desserts.
- Easy Cleanup – No greasy mess compared to deep-frying.
Now, let’s dive into some delicious plant-based air fryer recipes!
Vegan Air Fryer Appetizers & Snacks
These quick and easy plant-based bites are perfect for a snack or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
1. Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets
Ingredients:
- 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Toss tofu with soy sauce, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder.
- Coat in a mixture of breadcrumbs and cornstarch.
- Arrange in the air fryer basket and spray lightly with oil.
- Cook at 375°F for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
2. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup plant-based milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
Instructions:
- Mix flour, milk, garlic powder, and paprika into a batter.
- Dip cauliflower into the batter, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until crispy.
- Toss with buffalo sauce and serve with vegan ranch.
3. Chickpea Fries
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
Instructions:
- Heat water and salt in a pot, then whisk in chickpea flour.
- Cook until thick, then spread in a greased pan and chill until firm.
- Slice into fries, air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, and serve with dipping sauce.
Vegan Air Fryer Main Dishes
Hearty plant-based meals that will leave you satisfied.
4. Crispy Air Fryer Tempeh
Ingredients:
- 1 block tempeh, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Marinate tempeh in soy sauce, maple syrup, and garlic powder for 15 minutes.
- Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
- 2 bell peppers, halved
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- ½ cup black beans
- ½ cup corn
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
Instructions:
- Mix quinoa, beans, corn, and spices.
- Stuff the peppers and air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
6. Vegan Burger Patties
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans, mashed
- ½ cup oats
- ½ cup cooked quinoa
- 1 tbsp flaxseed meal
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients, form into patties, and chill.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes per side.
7. BBQ Jackfruit Sliders
Ingredients:
- 1 can jackfruit, drained and shredded
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- Slider buns
Instructions:
- Toss jackfruit with BBQ sauce and air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Serve on buns with coleslaw.
Vegan Air Fryer Side Dishes
Perfect accompaniments to any meal.
8. Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Toss ingredients together.
- Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
9. Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients:
- 2 sweet potatoes, cut into fries
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika
Instructions:
- Toss fries with oil and paprika.
- Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes.
10. Crispy Chickpeas
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp chili powder
Instructions:
- Toss chickpeas with oil and spices.
- Air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes.
Vegan Air Fryer Desserts
Yes, you can even make delicious sweets in your air fryer!
11. Air Fryer Apple Chips
Ingredients:
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Toss apples with cinnamon.
- Air fry at 300°F for 15-20 minutes.
12. Banana Spring Rolls
Ingredients:
- 2 bananas, halved
- 4 spring roll wrappers
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions:
- Wrap bananas in spring roll wrappers.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
13. Chocolate Avocado Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 cup almond flour
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients into a batter.
- Pour into a pan and air fry at 320°F for 20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
The air fryer is a game-changer for vegan cooking, allowing you to create crispy, flavorful dishes with minimal effort. From crunchy snacks to hearty meals and even indulgent desserts, these recipes will help you get the most out of your air fryer while keeping your meals 100% plant-based.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a quick bite, these vegan air fryer recipes prove that healthy, delicious, and convenient eating is possible—without any animal products!
So grab your air fryer, pick a recipe, and start cooking up some plant-based magic!
More Vegan Air Fryer Recipes to Try
If you’re loving these recipes, don’t stop now! Here are more creative ways to use your air fryer for delicious plant-based meals.
14. Air Fryer Falafel
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—falafel is the perfect protein-packed dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 3 tbsp flour (or chickpea flour)
Instructions:
- Blend chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, and coriander in a food processor.
- Stir in flour to form a dough.
- Shape into small patties and air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serve with tahini sauce and pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
15. Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
A plant-based twist on the classic Italian dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant, sliced into rounds
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- Vegan mozzarella (optional)
Instructions:
- Coat eggplant slices with breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Top with marinara sauce and vegan cheese, then air fry for 2 more minutes.
Serve over pasta or with a side salad.
16. Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
A healthier alternative to potato chips.
Ingredients:
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Toss zucchini slices with oil, salt, and paprika.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway.
These make a perfect crunchy snack!
17. Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
A delicious and easy appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 8 large mushrooms, stems removed
- ½ cup vegan cream cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped spinach
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Mix cream cheese, spinach, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder.
- Stuff each mushroom cap and air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes.
Perfect for parties or as a side dish.
18. Air Fryer Crispy Artichokes
Crunchy and delicious with a hint of lemon.
Ingredients:
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and halved
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ lemon, juiced
Instructions:
- Toss artichokes with breadcrumbs, oil, and garlic powder.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
Great with vegan aioli!
19. Air Fryer Vegan “Chicken” Tenders
Made with seitan or tofu, these are crispy and protein-packed.
Ingredients:
- 1 block firm tofu (or 1 cup seitan), sliced into strips
- ½ cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Dip tofu/seitan strips in plant milk, then coat with breadcrumbs, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serve with vegan ranch or barbecue sauce.
20. Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
A spicy, cheesy treat with a vegan twist.
Ingredients:
- 6 jalapeños, halved and seeded
- ½ cup vegan cream cheese
- ¼ cup shredded vegan cheddar
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Mix cream cheese, cheddar, and nutritional yeast.
- Stuff jalapeño halves, then coat with panko.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
The perfect party snack!
21. Air Fryer Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Yes, you can even bake cookies in your air fryer!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients into a dough.
- Form small cookie dough balls and place in the air fryer.
- Air fry at 320°F for 8 minutes.
Soft, chewy, and irresistible!
22. Air Fryer Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
A quick and easy way to make this classic treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet vegan puff pastry
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp melted coconut oil
Instructions:
- Roll out the puff pastry, brush with coconut oil, and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll up, slice into pieces, and air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Drizzle with vegan icing for an extra treat!
Tips for Perfect Vegan Air Fryer Cooking
To get the best results from your air fryer, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Leave space between food items to allow proper air circulation.
- Shake the Basket Halfway Through – This ensures even cooking.
- Use a Light Coating of Oil – Too much oil can make food soggy.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer – Some recipes benefit from a preheated air fryer for more even crisping.
- Experiment with Different Coatings – Try using panko breadcrumbs, almond flour, or crushed nuts for different textures.
- Use Parchment Paper for Sticky Foods – This makes cleanup easier.
Final Thoughts: Make Vegan Cooking Fun and Easy with Your Air Fryer
With these 20+ recipes, your air fryer can become your best kitchen companion for quick, delicious, and healthy plant-based meals. Whether you’re craving crispy tofu, crunchy chickpeas, or even a batch of fresh cookies, your air fryer can handle it all.
Cooking vegan doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming—just grab your favorite ingredients, turn on your air fryer, and enjoy a meal that’s both nourishing and full of flavor.
Which recipe are you most excited to try? Let us know and happy cooking! 🍽️🌱
