The air fryer has revolutionized the way many home cooks approach healthy eating. For vegans, it offers a quick and easy way to recreate traditionally deep-fried foods using far less oil—without sacrificing crunch or flavor. Whether you're a seasoned plant-based pro or just experimenting with more vegan meals, these vegan air fryer recipes deliver satisfying results from appetizers to mains.
Let’s explore 12 must-try vegan air fryer recipes that are perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or quick bites on the go.
1. Crispy Air-Fried Chickpeas
These roasted chickpeas are a protein-packed snack with a satisfying crunch. Seasoned any way you like—smoky, spicy, or savory—they’re easy to make and hard to stop eating.
Ingredients:
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1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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Salt to taste
Instructions:
Pat chickpeas dry. Toss with oil and seasoning. Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
2. Vegan Air Fryer French Fries
Classic comfort food goes plant-based and guilt-free. These fries are golden, crispy, and made with only a touch of oil.
Ingredients:
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2 russet potatoes, sliced into fries
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Soak fries in water for 30 minutes, then pat dry. Toss with oil and season. Air fry at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes.
3. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
These spicy bites are perfect for parties or satisfying your wing cravings the vegan way.
Ingredients:
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1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
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1/2 cup flour + 1/2 cup water (batter)
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1/2 cup buffalo sauce
Instructions:
Dip cauliflower in batter. Air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes. Toss with buffalo sauce and return to the air fryer for 5 more minutes.
4. Air-Fried Tofu Cubes
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these tofu cubes are perfect for topping salads, stir-fries, or grain bowls.
Ingredients:
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1 block firm tofu (pressed and cubed)
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tsp sesame oil
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1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions:
Toss tofu in sauce and cornstarch. Air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful, nutrient-packed, and customizable, these peppers are filled with a flavorful mix of quinoa and beans.
Ingredients:
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2 bell peppers, halved
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1 cup cooked quinoa
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1/2 cup black beans
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1/2 cup corn
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1/4 cup salsa
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Spices to taste
Instructions:
Mix filling. Stuff into peppers and air fry at 360°F for 10–12 minutes.
6. Zucchini Fries
These low-carb fries are crispy, flavorful, and make a great side dish or snack.
Ingredients:
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2 zucchinis, sliced into sticks
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup plant milk
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Garlic powder, paprika, salt
Instructions:
Dip zucchini in plant milk, then breadcrumbs. Air fry at 390°F for 10 minutes.
7. Crispy Vegan Taquitos
Filled with beans, veggies, or vegan cheese, these taquitos are crunchy, satisfying, and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients:
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Small tortillas
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Refried beans or mashed black beans
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Vegan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Fill and roll tortillas. Lightly spray with oil. Air fry at 375°F for 7–10 minutes, seam side down.
8. Falafel Balls
Skip the deep fryer—air fryer falafel turns out crispy and golden with much less oil.
Ingredients:
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1 can chickpeas
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Garlic, onion, parsley, cumin
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2 tbsp flour
Instructions:
Blend ingredients and form into balls. Air fry at 370°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping once.
9. Sweet Potato Wedges
Naturally sweet and satisfying, these wedges are great with tahini or vegan ranch.
Ingredients:
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2 sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Cinnamon, paprika, salt
Instructions:
Toss wedges in oil and spices. Air fry at 380°F for 15–20 minutes.
10. Vegan Air Fryer Burgers
Make your own patties or air fry your favorite store-bought brand for a quick weeknight dinner.
For Homemade Patties:
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1 can black beans
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1/4 cup oats
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1/4 cup chopped onion
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Spices (smoked paprika, cumin)
Instructions:
Mash and mix ingredients. Form patties and air fry at 370°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
11. Vegan Mozzarella Sticks
Comfort food heaven—crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and 100% plant-based.
Ingredients:
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Vegan mozzarella sticks or slices
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Flour, plant milk, breadcrumbs
Instructions:
Dip into flour, milk, and breadcrumbs. Freeze for 1 hour. Air fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes.
12. Apple Cinnamon Chips
A healthy, naturally sweet snack with the perfect crunch—great for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
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2 apples, thinly sliced
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Cinnamon
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Lemon juice
Instructions:
Toss apple slices with lemon juice and cinnamon. Air fry at 300°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Bonus Tips for Using Your Air Fryer for Vegan Meals
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Avoid Overcrowding: For even crispiness, make sure to spread out your ingredients.
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Preheat When Needed: Some recipes benefit from a few minutes of preheating.
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Shake or Flip: Especially for foods like fries or tofu, shaking halfway through ensures even browning.
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Minimal Oil, Maximum Flavor: A light spray is all you need for that golden texture.
The Vegan Air Fryer Lifestyle
The air fryer opens up a world of possibility for anyone looking to create healthier, cruelty-free meals without sacrificing convenience or taste. Whether you’re short on time or looking to lighten up your go-to comfort food recipes, vegan air fryer meals offer a perfect blend of health and flavor.
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