10 easy vegan air fryer recipes (2024)

Features

by Rachel Deeley

published on 20 December 2023

10 easy vegan air fryer recipes (1)

Whether you’re the proud owner of a brand-new air fryer or waiting for the next chance to plug yours back in, it’s no secret that these beloved kitchen appliances are a brilliant way to make your favourite meals, snacks, and baked goods whilst saving you time, energy, and even cooking oil.

Air fryers can also make it easier to follow a vegan diet, offering a failsafe way to cook staples like tofu, cauliflower, and potatoes to perfection. Below, we’ve rounded up 10 mouth-watering recipes that prove plant-based cooking needn’t be complicated or boring.

Air Fryer Sticky Sesame Tofu Tacos and Slaw

by Niki Webster

from The Vegan Air Fryer

Sticky, sweet, umami, and fresh – this easy midweek meal comes together in just 30 minutes and is perfect for feeding a crowd.

From the book

The Vegan Air Fryer

Niki Webster

Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks with Romesco Sauce and Chickpeas

by Niki Webster

This flavour-packed take on the humble cauliflower steak includes a versatile romesco sauce that easily doubles as a tomato-based substitute for pesto in pasta dishes.

From the book

The Vegan Air Fryer

Air Fryer Jacket Potato Boats with Harissa Beans

by Niki Webster

from The Vegan Air Fryer

Who says jacket potatoes have to be boring? These crispy baked potatoes are loaded with flavour and protein thanks to the smoky harissa bean topping.

From the book

The Vegan Air Fryer

Air Fryer Spicy Tofu Noodles

by Niki Webster

from The Vegan Air Fryer

Get ready to ditch the takeaway apps with this comforting noodle recipe, complete with perfectly crispy marinated tofu pieces and a punchy gochujang sauce.

From the book

The Vegan Air Fryer

Air Fryer Choc Chip and Pistachio Cookies

by Niki Webster

from The Vegan Air Fryer

These super-simple cookies come together with just a handful of ingredients. A few minutes in the air fryer will turn them perfectly crunchy on the outside yet soft and gooey on the inside.

Air Fryer Chimichurri-Loaded Sweet Potato Fries

by Niki Webster

from The Vegan Air Fryer

As well as being a great healthy snack or side dish, this recipe includes a fresh and flavour-packed chimichurri sauce that pairs beautifully with roasted veg.

From the book

The Vegan Air Fryer

Air Fryer Courgette and Sweetcorn Fritters with Sesame Sauce

by Niki Webster

from The Vegan Air Fryer

Looking to step up your brunch game? These light yet crispy fritters are easy to make in batches and come with a simple – yet deliciously savoury – dipping sauce.

From the book

The Vegan Air Fryer

Air Fryer Cauliflower, Potato and Pea Curry

by Niki Webster

from The Vegan Air Fryer

By quickly air-frying the veg before adding it to the curry base, this recipe helps you save time while maximising flavour – making it the ideal go-to for an easy midweek dinner.

From the book

The Vegan Air Fryer

Air Fryer Tofu and Chips

by Niki Webster

from The Vegan Air Fryer

Perfect for when you’re craving fish and chips (or a fish finger sandwich), these breaded tofu pieces make the perfect plant-based “fakeaway”.

From the book

The Vegan Air Fryer

Bored of Lunch’s Air-fried ‘Roast’ Potatoes with Fresh Rosemary

by Nathan Anthony

from Bored of Lunch: The Healthy Air Fryer Book

Crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, these roasties require just a couple of ingredients and are entirely plant-based.

From the book

Bored of Lunch: The Healthy Air Fryer Book

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10 easy vegan air fryer recipes (25)

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10 easy vegan air fryer recipes (2024)

FAQs

What vegan things can you cook in an air fryer? ›

10 Vegan Air-Fryer Recipes You Need to Try
  • Chopped Salad with Air-Fried BBQ Chickpeas. ...
  • Farro and Spinach Salad with Air-Fried Beets. ...
  • Air-Fryer Eggplant Parmezzan with Pasta. ...
  • Jerk Grain Bowls with Air-Fried Plantain Chips. ...
  • Greek Salad with Air-Fryer Falafel. ...
  • Crispy Tofu and Veggie Stir-Fry.
Oct 10, 2022

What is the easiest thing to cook in an air fryer? ›

Sausages can be cooked quickly and easily thanks to the air-fryer (and without the need for additional oil). Arrange the sausages in a single layer in the basket, set the air-fryer to 180C and cook for 10-15 mins, turning every 5 mins, until the sausages are cooked through.

What are the top 10 foods to cook in an air fryer? ›

Start air frying these 13 foods and watch your cooking time drop and your satisfaction in healthy meals skyrocket!
  • Chicken Breasts. ...
  • Tofu. ...
  • Zoodles. ...
  • Cauliflower Gnocchi. ...
  • Salmon (chopped) ...
  • Chickpeas. ...
  • Personal Pizzas. ...
  • Frozen Cauliflower.
Feb 18, 2020

Are air fryers useful for vegans? ›

Air fryers give you the ability to prep a larger volume of food at once, and use minimal pieces of equipment while doing so. Alongside that, they're a dream for prepping vegan protein sources like tofu, tempeh, or your favourite plant-based meat alternative.

What is not safe to put in an air fryer? ›

While it is true that there are plenty of things to cook in an air fryer, this list covers everything you shouldn't put in yours.
  • Water. ...
  • Cheese. ...
  • Roast chicken. ...
  • Wet batter. ...
  • Popcorn. ...
  • Vegetables with low water content such as broccoli and fresh greens. ...
  • Loose seasoning and breadcrumbs. ...
  • Red meat.
Jan 7, 2023

Does air fryer fry eggs? ›

Place it in the fryer basket and preheat it for 5 minutes at 400°F (204 °C). Crack an egg to a small cup and slide the egg to the hot pan. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 3 minutes for a sunny side over easy fried egg. If you prefer a fried egg with medium egg yolk, add 1 more minute to the cooking time.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers? ›

Air fryers, once hailed as a kitchen revolution, are now being sidelined by some users. But why are people getting rid of air fryers? This concise exploration uncovers the primary concerns: they're bulky, they have limited cooking uses, and they often don't deliver on the promise of crispy, tasty food.

What is the most popular thing to make in an air fryer? ›

French fries are arguably the most popular thing to cook in an air fryer. Air fryers use a fraction of the oil as deep-frying, and making French fries in one results in an appreciably crisp exterior and fluffy inside without the greasiness.

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer? ›

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

Can you put raw meat in Airfryer? ›

It is safe to cook raw meat in the air fryer if it is fully defrosted, seasoned, and monitored. Some fully cooked foods, including chicken tenders or fries, can be placed frozen in the air fryer. However, with raw meat, it's recommended to thoroughly defrost to allow more even cooking and a tasty final product.

What I wish I knew before I get an air fryer? ›

6 things I wish I'd known before I bought an air fryer
  • Air fryers do not fry. Deep fried foods: not like air fried ones. ...
  • The air fryer parts you use most are easy to clean but the outer parts… not so much. ...
  • There's a war going on in the air fryer community! ...
  • Air fryers can be quite large.

What foods taste good in the air fryer? ›

From a crispy cob loaf, to fluffy lemonade scones – there's really nothing the air fryer can't do!
  • 1Air fryer cob loaf dip. ...
  • 2Air fryer chicken rissoles. ...
  • 3Air fryer chicken breast with prosciutto. ...
  • 4Air fryer quiche Lorraine. ...
  • 5Air fryer Japanese chicken tenders. ...
  • 6Crispy air fryer chow mein with Mongolian chicken.

Is it true air fryer is not healthy? ›

Air fryers may be better for you than deep fryers, but they're only as healthy as the food you put inside. They won't magically remove the saturated fat from bacon or the trans fats from a bag of processed chicken wings. To reap the benefits, reach for better-for-you options like vegetables and lean proteins.

What are the health cons of air fryers? ›

One example of a negative effect air-frying may have on food, and on your health was illustrated by a study that showed cooking fatty varieties of fish such as sardines in an air-fryer decreased the healthy fat content (poly-unsaturated fats) and slightly increased the cholesterol oxidation products, which may ...

What is the best air fryer for vegans? ›

These are the best air fryers for vegans & vegetarians:
  • A Fan-Favorite Air Fryer That's A Breeze To Use: Ninja AF101 Air Fryer.
  • An Air Fryer That Doubles As A Grill Or Convection Oven: Cuisinart Convection Air Fryer Toaster Oven.
  • A Compact Air Fryer That's Simple & Budget-Friendly: DASH Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer.
May 6, 2023

Are air fryers healthy? ›

Air frying uses less oil

This means that your food has fewer calories. Still, food isn't necessarily healthier just because it contains less oil. Extra virgin olive oil, for example, is rich in polyphenols and has known heart health benefits. Overall, air frying is healthier than deep-frying.

Can you cook vegan sausages in an air fryer? ›

Air-frying is a great way to cook all your favourite Quorn products quickly and evenly, and with a lot less added fat!

What can you cook in an air fryer and how does it work? ›

Air fryers are fast, and once you understand how they work, they can be used to heat frozen foods or cook all sorts of fresh food like chicken, steak, pork chops, salmon and veggies. Most meats require no added oil because they're already so juicy: just season them with salt and your favorite herbs and spices.

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