Air Fryer Dinner Recipes Vegetarian Lovers Will Enjoy

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Air Fryer Dinner Recipes Vegetarian

Looking for a quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious way to prepare vegetarian dinners? Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by providing a fast and easy method to make meals that are crispy and flavorful without using excessive oil.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine, air fryer dinners make weeknight cooking a breeze. From roasted vegetables to crispy tofu and stuffed peppers, these recipes are packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients that will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.

Plus, cleanup is a snap!

In this post, we’ll explore several mouthwatering vegetarian dinner recipes made entirely in the air fryer. Each recipe is designed to be straightforward and customizable, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.

Get ready to enjoy healthy, crispy, and colorful dinners that come together in less than 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air fryer vegetarian dinners are a fantastic way to enjoy nutritious meals without sacrificing flavor or texture. The air fryer uses hot circulating air to create a crispy exterior on vegetables, tofu, and more, mimicking the results of deep frying but with far less oil.

These recipes are:

  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Lower in fat and calories compared to traditional frying
  • Perfectly portioned for busy lifestyles
  • Highly versatile and easy to customize to your taste
  • Great for meal prepping or spontaneous dinners

Plus, the air fryer retains the nutrients in your ingredients better than many other cooking methods, making your vegetarian meals not only tasty but also nourishing.

Ingredients

Recipe Key Ingredients
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
  • 400g firm tofu
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
Stuffed Bell Peppers
  • 4 large bell peppers
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, sliced
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Air fryer (5-6 quart capacity recommended)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Tongs or spatula for flipping
  • Optional: Silicone baking mat or parchment paper for air fryer basket

Instructions

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

  1. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for 15 minutes.
  2. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and place in a mixing bowl.
  3. Marinate the tofu with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
  4. Sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu cubes and toss gently to coat. This helps achieve crispiness.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
  6. Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  7. Once golden and crispy, remove and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or over rice.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

  1. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
  2. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Stuff each pepper generously with the quinoa mixture.
  4. Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3 minutes.
  6. Place stuffed peppers upright in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
  7. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables

  1. In a large bowl, toss zucchini, carrots, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Preheat air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
  3. Arrange vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  4. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even roasting.
  5. Check tenderness with a fork; cook a few minutes longer if needed.
  6. Serve warm as a side or mix into grains or salads for a hearty dinner.

Tips & Variations

“To get the crispiest tofu, make sure it’s well pressed and coated lightly with cornstarch before air frying.”

  • Try marinating the tofu in different sauces like teriyaki or buffalo for a flavor twist.
  • For stuffed peppers, swap quinoa for couscous, rice, or bulgur wheat depending on your preference.
  • Add chopped nuts or seeds to the quinoa stuffing for extra crunch and nutrition.
  • Experiment with different vegetables like eggplant, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes in your roasted vegetable mix.
  • If you prefer vegan options, omit cheese or use plant-based cheese alternatives.
  • Use parchment paper with holes to prevent sticking in the air fryer basket when cooking sticky or marinated items.

Nutrition Facts

Recipe Calories (per serving) Protein Fat Carbohydrates Fiber
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu 220 18g 12g 8g 2g
Stuffed Bell Peppers 280 10g 6g 42g 8g
Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables 100 3g 7g 10g 4g

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer vegetarian dishes pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Serve crispy tofu over steamed jasmine rice or alongside a fresh cucumber salad for a light, refreshing meal.

Stuffed bell peppers are delicious on their own or complemented by a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for extra creaminess.

Roasted vegetables make a fantastic side to any grain bowl or can be tossed with pasta and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a quick dinner. For more creative vegetable dishes, check out our Zucchini Peppers Onions Tomatoes Recipe and Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes.

Conclusion

Air fryer vegetarian dinners offer a quick, easy, and healthy solution for busy home cooks who want to enjoy delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. These recipes highlight the versatility of the air fryer—from crispy tofu to hearty stuffed peppers and perfectly roasted vegetables.

Not only do these dishes come together in under 30 minutes, but they also pack a punch of flavor and nutrients that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.

Whether you’re a full-time vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals into your week, these air fryer recipes are sure to become staples in your cooking repertoire. Don’t forget to explore other recipes like our Breakfast Wellington Recipe for a perfect start to your day or the Bread And Gravy Recipe for comforting sides.

Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Air Fryer Vegetarian Dinner

Description: A quick and healthy vegetarian dinner made in the air fryer with fresh vegetables and chickpeas. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 small red onion, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss chickpeas, zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place the vegetable mixture in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  4. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  5. Remove from air fryer and sprinkle with feta cheese if using.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 25 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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