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.

From the book

The Vegan Air Fryer

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 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

What do vegans use an air fryer for? ›

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.

What 5 foods should you not put in an air fryer? ›

Take a gander of this list of top foods that should never make their way into your air fryer.
  • Wet Batters. ...
  • Cheesy Items. ...
  • Large, Bone-In Meat Cuts. ...
  • Baked Goods. ...
  • Greens. ...
  • Raw Rice and Other Grains. ...
  • Too Much of Anything.
Apr 14, 2023

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

Here are all our favourite easy air fryer recipe ideas, from simple scones to the best crispy homemade potatoes.
  • 10Air fryer Caramello danish. ...
  • 11Crispy air fryer Italian frittole. ...
  • 12Air fryer Crunchy Nut French toast. ...
  • 13Air fryer chicken satay. ...
  • 14Air fryer coccoli. ...
  • 15Air fryer little potato pancakes.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers? ›

Households are shelving their air fryers in favour of another kitchen appliance that is cheaper to run, and just as healthy.

What Cannot be fried in an air fryer? ›

8 Things You Probably Shouldn't Cook in an Air Fryer
  • Battered foods. Avoid placing wet batter in the air fryer. ...
  • Fresh greens. Leafy greens like spinach will cook unevenly because the machine uses high-speed air. ...
  • Whole roasts. ...
  • Cheese. ...
  • Raw grains. ...
  • Hamburgers. ...
  • Toast. ...
  • Popcorn.
Mar 11, 2024

Is an air fryer worth it for vegans? ›

What vegan foods can you cook in an air fryer? As well as convenience foods like French fries, nuggets, and vegan sausages, you can cook plenty of vegetables in the air-fryer. Cauliflower wings are a particularly good example, and air fryers will also help to crisp up ingredients like sweet potatoes, tofu, and falafel.

Is it worth getting an air fryer vegan? ›

Yes, an air fryer can be an excellent tool for vegan cooking. It offers a convenient and efficient way to prepare a wide range of vegan dishes. Air fryers can achieve a crispy texture on plant-based proteins, such as tofu, tempeh, or seitan, without the need for excessive oil.

Is an air fryer good for a plant-based diet? ›

The air fryer can intensify flavors without excessive oil and becomes the perfect companion for crafting delicious plant-based dishes. From crispy snacks to hearty mains and indulgent desserts, this roundup covers a diverse range of recipes designed to showcase the versatility of plant-based ingredients.

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.

Why is air fried food unhealthy? ›

Air fryer health risks

COPs are linked to an increase in heart disease, cancer and other medical conditions. You may have also heard about polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogens that are produced as fumes when foods are cooked at a high temperature.

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 should I try first in my air fryer? ›

You Just Got an Air Fryer—Here Are the Recipes You Should Make...
  • 01 of 28. Air-Fryer Onion Rings. ...
  • 02 of 28. Air-Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs. ...
  • 03 of 28. Air-Fryer Apples. ...
  • 04 of 28. Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp. ...
  • 05 of 28. Air-Fryer Hash Browns. ...
  • 06 of 28. Air-Fryer Meatballs. ...
  • 07 of 28. Air-Fryer Bacon. ...
  • 08 of 28. Air-Fryer Green Bean Fries.
Jun 24, 2022

Can you fry an egg in an air fryer? ›

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.

Can you put frozen food in an air fryer? ›

Can I use my air fryer for frozen food? The answer to this question is, yes – anything is possible with these magical machines. We all know the hassle of waiting for something to defrost before you can cook it, but with an air fryer, you can simply pop the item inside, in its frozen state, and start cooking.

What is the best thing cooked in an air fryer? ›

What to cook in an air fryer? 10 things that are better air-fried
  • Whole roasted garlic. ...
  • Burgers and patties. ...
  • French fries. ...
  • Single-serve desserts. ...
  • Reheated leftovers. ...
  • Frozen chicken goujons. ...
  • Crispy bacon. ...
  • Crispy roast potatoes. Is there anything more palate-pleasing than a crispy roast potato?
Sep 8, 2022

What is the best meat to air fry? ›

As with all dry-heat cooker methods (grilling, broiling, pan frying and oven roasting), tender beef cuts perform best in the air fryer. Those cuts include Top Sirloin, KC Strip, Ribeye, Tenderloin and Tri Tip. Ground beef also can be easily prepared in an air fryer.

What foods should be air fried? ›

Some popular foods that can be cooked in an air fryer include:
  • Vegetables: You can air fry vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. ...
  • Meat: Air fryers are great for cooking meat such as chicken, beef, and pork. ...
  • Seafood: Air fryers can cook seafood like shrimp, salmon, and tilapia.
Mar 23, 2023

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