28 Vegan Air Fryer Recipes for Quick Healthy Meals

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we prepare meals, making cooking faster, healthier, and incredibly convenient. For those embracing a plant-based lifestyle, the air fryer is a game-changer, allowing you to whip up crispy, flavorful vegan dishes without the need for excessive oil.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring meatless options, these 28 vegan air fryer recipes offer a delightful variety that will satisfy your cravings while keeping things nutritious and fun in the kitchen.

From crispy tofu bites to roasted veggies and even desserts, this collection covers everything you need to make your vegan meals exciting. Plus, with the ease of air frying, you can enjoy guilt-free indulgence with less mess and less time.

Ready to dive into a world of crispy, golden, and delicious vegan dishes? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These 28 vegan air fryer recipes are perfect for anyone looking to combine convenience with wholesome, plant-based eating. The air fryer locks in flavors and creates a crispy texture that’s hard to resist, all without the heavy use of oil typical in traditional frying methods.

These recipes are designed to be simple, quick, and adaptable, making them ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Whether you’re craving a snack, a main dish, or a dessert, the air fryer can deliver. These recipes also emphasize fresh, whole ingredients and bold spices, resulting in meals that nourish your body and delight your taste buds.

Plus, for those new to air frying or vegan cooking, you’ll find plenty of helpful tips and ingredient swaps to customize your meals.

Ingredients

• Extra firm tofu – 2 blocks (14 oz each)
• Chickpeas – 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
• Sweet potatoes – 3 medium, peeled and cubed
• Brussels sprouts – 1 lb, trimmed and halved
• Zucchini – 2 medium, sliced
• Cauliflower florets – 4 cups
• Avocado oil – 4 tablespoons
• Nutritional yeast – 3 tablespoons
• Garlic powder – 2 teaspoons
• Smoked paprika – 2 teaspoons
• Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste
• Maple syrup – 2 tablespoons
• Flour (chickpea or all-purpose) – 1 cup
• Plant-based milk – 1/2 cup
• Panko breadcrumbs – 1 cup
• Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro) – for garnish
• Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
• Hot sauce – optional, for extra kick

Equipment

• Air fryer – preferably with a 5.8 quart or larger capacity
• Mixing bowls – various sizes for marinating and coating
• Knife and cutting board – for prepping vegetables and tofu
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise seasoning
• Whisk or fork – to mix batters and coatings
• Spatula or tongs – for handling food in the air fryer
• Cooling rack – optional, for crisping after cooking

Instructions

1. Press and prepare tofu: Wrap each tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2. Marinate tofu: Cut pressed tofu into cubes or strips. In a bowl, mix avocado oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss tofu in the marinade and let sit for 10 minutes.
3. Prepare vegetables: Chop sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. Toss with a tablespoon of avocado oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of spices.
4. Make chickpea batter: In a bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, plant-based milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
5. Coat chickpeas: Drain and dry chickpeas. Dip them in the batter, then roll in panko breadcrumbs for a crispy coating.
6. Preheat air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up for 3-5 minutes.
7. Cook tofu: Place marinated tofu pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crisping.
8. Cook vegetables: Add vegetables to the air fryer basket (cook in batches if necessary). Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway.
9. Cook chickpeas: Place coated chickpeas in the air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden and crunchy.
10. Serve: Arrange tofu, veggies, and chickpeas on a plate. Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. Add hot sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

“For extra crispy tofu, freeze the block before pressing and thaw completely. This changes the texture, allowing it to absorb more marinade and crisp up better.”

Feel free to experiment with different spice blends such as curry powder, Cajun seasoning, or Italian herbs. You can also swap out vegetables based on seasonal availability or preference—try air frying asparagus, bell peppers, or eggplant for variety.

If you’re looking for a savory snack, these breaded tomatoes make a perfect companion. For a nourishing breakfast twist, check out our Breakfast Wellington Recipe that pairs wonderfully with these dishes.

And if you want to explore more hearty vegan mains, our Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes are a delicious choice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve these vegan air fryer dishes alongside a fresh green salad or your favorite grain like quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal. They also make excellent fillings for wraps or bowls topped with tahini or vegan ranch dressing.

For social gatherings, arrange the crispy tofu bites and chickpea nuggets on a platter with dipping sauces such as spicy sriracha mayo (vegan), guacamole, or hummus. They’re perfect finger foods that everyone will love.

28 Vegan Air Fryer Recipes List

• Crispy Tofu Bites – Marinated tofu cubes air fried to perfection for a protein-packed snack.
• Spiced Chickpea Nuggets – Coated in chickpea flour batter and panko for a crunchy delight.
• Sweet Potato Fries – Thinly sliced sweet potatoes tossed in smoked paprika and air fried.
• Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze – Halved sprouts tossed in oil and balsamic, air fried to caramelized goodness.
• Zucchini Chips – Lightly breaded zucchini slices that crisp up in minutes.
• Buffalo Cauliflower Wings – Cauliflower florets coated in hot sauce and air fried for a spicy treat.
• Garlic Mushroom Caps – Button mushrooms tossed in garlic and herbs, air fried until juicy.
• Air Fryer Falafel – Chickpea-based falafel balls with crispy exteriors and tender insides.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers – Bell peppers filled with quinoa, black beans, and spices, air fried until tender.
• Air Fryer Eggplant Fries – Seasoned eggplant sticks coated in breadcrumbs and air fried.
• Maple Roasted Carrots – Sweet carrots glazed with maple syrup and air fried to caramelized perfection.
• Vegan Spring Rolls – Spring rolls stuffed with veggies and air fried for a healthy crunch.
• Air Fryer Tofu Satay – Skewered tofu marinated in peanut sauce and air fried.
• Cauliflower Tater Tots – Mini tots made from cauliflower and baked to golden crispness.
• Air Fryer Potato Wedges – Seasoned potato wedges with crispy skins and soft centers.
• BBQ Jackfruit Sliders – Pulled jackfruit cooked in BBQ sauce and air fried for a smoky flavor.
• Sesame Roasted Edamame – Edamame pods tossed with sesame oil and seeds, air fried for a crunchy snack.
• Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms – Mushrooms filled with vegan cheese and herbs, air fried until melty.
• Vegan Mozzarella Sticks – Plant-based cheese sticks breaded and air fried to crispy perfection.
• Crispy Tempeh Bites – Marinated tempeh cubes air fried for a nutty, crunchy snack.
• Air Fryer Roasted Chickpeas – Spiced chickpeas roasted till crunchy and addictive.
• Carrot Fries with Herbed Dip – Carrot sticks seasoned and air fried, served with a vegan herb dip.
• Air Fryer Vegan Donuts – Light and fluffy donuts made from plant-based ingredients, air fried.
• Spicy Cauliflower Bites – Cauliflower tossed in hot spices and air fried.
• Air Fryer Vegetable Spring Rolls – Crispy spring rolls filled with mixed veggies.
• Vegan Potato Croquettes – Creamy potato bites breaded and air fried until golden.
• Air Fryer Vegan Apple Chips – Thinly sliced apples sprinkled with cinnamon and air fried.
• Chili Lime Roasted Corn – Corn on the cob brushed with chili-lime seasoning and air fried.

Conclusion

These 28 vegan air fryer recipes prove that plant-based cooking can be both delicious and incredibly simple. The air fryer’s ability to create crispy textures with minimal oil breathes new life into everyday vegan ingredients, making healthy meals exciting and accessible.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests, prepare quick snacks, or enjoy wholesome dinners, these recipes offer a diverse range of flavors and styles to suit any palate.

By incorporating fresh vegetables, legumes, and creative seasonings, you’ll experience the vibrant tastes and satisfying crunch that air frying delivers. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite spices and dipping sauces to personalize each dish.

With these recipes in your culinary toolkit, vegan cooking has never been easier or more enjoyable!

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