For more than a decade, we’ve been blown away by the magic that is the air fryer. Promising to cook food to a masterful crispy crunch, without the use of a ton of oil, these tabletop machines were revolutionary to healthy cooks everywhere when they debuted. But with every […]
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For more than a decade, we’ve been blown away by the magic that is the air fryer. Promising to cook food to a masterful crispy crunch, without the use of a ton of oil, these tabletop machines were revolutionary to healthy cooks everywhere when they debuted. But with every image of an air fryer cooking golden chicken nuggets, gooey pizza slices, and crispy-skinned salmon, vegans have been left wondering if there are vegan air fryer recipes they can add to their regular rotation.
From vegetables and tofu, to baked goods and crispy chickpeas, an air fryer can make delicious, easy mains, sides, and desserts for any diet, says Sarah Maver, R.D., M.P.H., director of nutrition and wellness for Chartwells K12. Plus, they’re healthier for you than your typical fried food.
Catherine Perez, R.D., the vegan dietitian behind the blog Plant Based RD, shares, “Compared to deep frying food, when you are using an air fryer, you are using significantly less oil,” she says, “Less oil means less calories and, depending on the oil, less saturated fat, which is definitely a lot more heart health friendly.” Though keep in mind that cooking with little or no fat doesn’t necessarily make something “healthy,” Maver notes. The ingredients are what makes the meal–so focus on lean proteins and vegetables, she says.
Deep fried Brussels sprouts are a surprise delight on restaurant menus everywhere. Pop the tiny veg into an air fryer for the crispy crunch you love, and mix in a sticky honey-lemon sauce for the perfect side dish.
There’s no need to put frozen French fries in the oven and pray they come out crisp with this recipe. Each potato gets a perfectly golden hue, and the incredible seasoning blend brings big flavor with very little calories or fat.
These apple chips are essential for a fall salad in place of croutons or straight from a bag for a quick snack. The recipe calls for just a touch of cinnamon and sugar, but a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice and other warm flavors can make this snack pop.
The air fryer can do more than just fries and vegetables. These air fried falafels take the classic vegan dish that’s deep fried, and make a perfect protein-packed ball to add to any sandwich, salad, or bowl.
Though this recipe calls for simply roasting the cauliflower, pop these florets into an air fryer with the sweet and spicy sauce for a crisper tortilla filling. Just be sure to make the spicy taco slaw to complete the meal.
Broccoli is one of the most popular air-fryer recipes: and for good reason. The florets char perfectly on the corners and the flavor gets a major upgrade–even for self-declared broccoli haters.
You won’t need to order those diner sweet potato fries when you get the perfect fry right in your own kitchen. Pair this side dish with a veggie burger (that you can air fry!) for a classic pair.
This usually deep fried side dish gets a healthier twist in this recipe. “One of my favorite things to make are tostones or 'fried' plantains,” Perez says of her recipe. “It helps me keep loving the traditional food I grew up eating, but not have to constantly deal with the mess of actually frying it.”
Who needs takeout when you have a super simple tofu-lover meal ready in just a few minutes? There are a few options for cooking this tofu, but Perez includes directions for air frying to get the essential golden color.
If your favorite chain restaurant’s appetizer brings cravings of deep fried, fatty foods (ahem, we’re looking at you, Cheesecake Factory) then this lighter flip on the classic is a great option. Egg rolls are a great way to showcase the power of how fried-like the air fryer can get dishes–just be sure to pick up a vegan egg roll wrapper.
Crab cakes are a deep-fried (and not vegan) pleasure many people enjoy, but this air fried (and vegan!) version brings all the herby, crispy, soft, and fishy flavors of the classic–without the fryer or the fish.
Both cauliflower and chickpeas take on a whole new level of flavor when put in an air fryer. They create great texture for a taco filling, and bring a ton of fiber and protein to the dinner table.
These are more than just your average mushrooms. The soy and sesame glaze gives them a super umami punch, while the air fryer creates crazy texture with little effort.
Tots are the ultimate breakfast side, burrito stuffer, nacho-base, and so much more. Swap in sweet potato and pop them in an air fryer, and you have yourself a much more nutrient-dense and less fatty alternative to the cafeteria classic.
Eggplant has a reputation for being difficult to cook properly, but the air fryer has a way of getting the center nice and soft, while giving the outside a satisfying crisp you crave.
Whether you make these for snacking or as a salad topper, the crunch of these protein-packed, air fried chickpeas will make these your go-to every single week.
Orange chicken from the fast food joint down the street gets all the attention, but really these sticky, sweet blocks of plant-based goodness deserve all the love. The sauce is citrusy and sweet, while the tofu cubes get a fried-like crisp.
Vegan mozzarella appears to be the secret weapon to make these classic rice balls oh-so good, but the air fryer is really what wins us over in these ooey, gooey appetizer bites.
Jackfruit “carnitas” have a pork-like texture, straight from a plant. Wrap them in corn tortillas with a touch of non-dairy cheese and a spritz of oil, and the air fryer does some magic to make them as good as your local Mexican restaurant.
Whether it’s game night or just a Tuesday, these sticky-sweet tofu wings take on crazy decadent flavor and texture from an air fryer.
Frying is what makes this take-out classic as irresistible as it is, but this air-fried version offers a lighter, and easier-to-clean version you’ll crave all week long.
The Southern favorite feels like the opposite of healthy, but using vegan-friendly ingredients (like coconut milk, plant-based butter, and an egg alternative) and an air fryer, you’ll indulge in this classic dish with a healthier spin.
From a party app to game day, these buffalo wing vegan alternatives are the spicy, crispy, and delicious treat you’ll love to dunk and snack on. Slather on your favorite vegan buffalo sauce (try the Noble Made Buffalo Sauce for a butter-free option), serve alongside your favorite vegan, creamy dip (DAIYA Dairy-Free Blue Cheeze Dressing is a great pick), and add some celery sticks for the ultimate plate.
With all the flavor and crispiness of bacon, but made from slices of eggplant, this is the ultimate addition to breakfast spreads, sandwiches, or crumbled into pastas and salads. Flavor up super thinly sliced eggplant with soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and vegan Worcestershire sauce to crush those meaty cravings.
Deep-fried okra definitely has a time and place for crispy, hearty bites. But a lighter version comes straight out of your air fryer with the same fried texture you crave, but a fraction of the fat and calories.
For a show stopping appetizer or vegan fish taco stuffer that brings crispy, salty, and chewy components to your spread, these air-fried artichoke hearts are your answer. Serve them alongside the vegan garlic aioli for the perfect accompaniment.
Keep this go-to recipe in your back pocket for nights you need a hearty protein on your plate. Marinate tempeh cubes in a simple soy-sesame glaze, then pop in the air fryer until they get golden brown.
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