Air fryers have taken modern kitchens by storm—and for good reason. These compact appliances deliver crispy, golden textures without deep frying, using just a fraction of the oil. For those embracing a plant-based lifestyle, air fryers offer a new world of convenience, health, and flavor. From crunchy tofu bites to perfectly roasted vegetables, vegan air fryer recipes make it easy to whip up satisfying meals and snacks in minutes.
Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro looking for vegan inspiration, this guide explores the best ways to use your air fryer to create quick, delicious, and nutrient-packed meals without the mess. Plus, all recipes featured here are beginner-friendly and use easy-to-find ingredients.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Vegan Cooking?
Before diving into the recipes, let’s break down why air fryers work so well for vegan food prep:
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Crisp without deep frying: Get that golden-brown crunch with little to no oil.
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Quick cooking: Air fryers reduce cook time dramatically compared to ovens.
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Preserve nutrients: Shorter cook times and less heat exposure help retain more vitamins and minerals.
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Perfect for small meals or batches: Ideal for 1–4 servings without turning on the stove.
1. Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets
Why you’ll love it: Crunchy outside, tender inside, perfect as a protein-packed snack or main dish.
Ingredients:
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Extra-firm tofu
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Soy sauce or tamari
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Cornstarch
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Garlic powder, smoked paprika
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Olive oil spray (optional)
Instructions:
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Press tofu for 15–20 minutes to remove excess water.
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Cut into cubes or nuggets.
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Toss in seasoning and cornstarch until coated.
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Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Pro tip: Serve with dipping sauces like vegan ranch, sriracha mayo, or barbecue.
2. Vegan Air Fryer French Fries
Why you’ll love it: Crispy and satisfying with less oil than traditional fries.
Ingredients:
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Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
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Olive oil (just 1–2 tsp)
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Sea salt, garlic powder, black pepper
Instructions:
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Cut potatoes into thin, even strips.
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Soak in cold water for 20 minutes (optional, for extra crispiness).
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Pat dry, then toss in oil and seasonings.
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Air fry at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Flavor upgrade: Toss with rosemary, smoked paprika, or nutritional yeast for added depth.
3. Cauliflower Buffalo Bites
Why you’ll love it: Spicy, tender, and perfect for game day or party snacks.
Ingredients:
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Cauliflower florets
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Flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder
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Hot sauce and vegan butter for glaze
Instructions:
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Create a batter with flour, milk, and spices.
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Dip cauliflower pieces in the batter.
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Air fry at 380°F for 12–15 minutes.
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Toss in buffalo glaze and return to air fryer for 5 more minutes.
Serve with: Celery sticks and vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing.
4. Air Fryer Falafel
Why you’ll love it: Classic Middle Eastern street food, now oil-free and crunchy.
Ingredients:
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Dried chickpeas (soaked, not canned)
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Fresh parsley, cilantro
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Onion, garlic, cumin, coriander
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Baking powder
Instructions:
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Blend ingredients in a food processor until crumbly but sticky.
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Form into small balls or patties.
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Air fry at 370°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.
Serving suggestion: Stuff into pita with cucumber, tomato, lettuce, and tahini sauce.
5. Air Fryer Veggie Spring Rolls
Why you’ll love it: No deep fryer needed—these rolls are crunchy, fresh, and light.
Ingredients:
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Rice paper or spring roll wrappers
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Shredded cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, tofu
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Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic
Instructions:
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Stir-fry filling ingredients and let cool.
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Wrap in spring roll wrappers.
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Lightly brush with oil and air fry at 390°F for 10 minutes.
Dip with: Peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce.
6. Sweet Potato Wedges
Why you’ll love it: A nutrient-rich alternative to standard fries with bold flavor.
Ingredients:
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Sweet potatoes
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Olive oil, paprika, cinnamon, sea salt
Instructions:
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Cut into wedges.
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Toss in oil and spices.
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Air fry at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until crisp outside and soft inside.
Optional: Serve with avocado-lime dip or chipotle mayo.
7. Air Fried Chickpeas
Why you’ll love it: Crunchy, salty snack loaded with protein and fiber.
Ingredients:
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Cooked or canned chickpeas (drained and dried)
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Olive oil, salt, cumin, chili powder
Instructions:
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Pat chickpeas completely dry.
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Toss with oil and spices.
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Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking occasionally.
Tip: Store in an airtight container once cooled for up to a week.
8. Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Why you’ll love it: A complete meal in one—full of flavor, fiber, and plant protein.
Ingredients:
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Bell peppers (halved and deseeded)
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Cooked quinoa or rice
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Black beans, corn, salsa, spices
Instructions:
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Mix filling and stuff into pepper halves.
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Air fry at 375°F for 10–15 minutes.
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Optional: Top with vegan cheese before final 5 minutes.
Serve with: Guacamole and tortilla chips for a Mexican-style plate.
9. Breaded Zucchini Fries
Why you’ll love it: A low-carb side with satisfying crunch.
Ingredients:
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Zucchini, cut into sticks
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Flour, plant-based milk, bread crumbs (or panko)
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Garlic powder, salt, Italian herbs
Instructions:
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Dredge zucchini in flour, dip in milk, and coat with seasoned breadcrumbs.
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Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
Best with: Marinara or vegan aioli.
10. Vegan Air Fryer Apple Chips
Why you’ll love it: Naturally sweet, crisp, and perfect for snacking or dessert.
Ingredients:
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Thinly sliced apples
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Cinnamon, optional coconut sugar
Instructions:
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Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
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Air fry at 300°F for 15–20 minutes, checking and flipping halfway.
Bonus: Add to granola, oatmeal, or eat as is for a sweet crunch.
Helpful Tips for Cooking Vegan in the Air Fryer
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Avoid soggy veggies: Don’t overcrowd the basket—air circulation is key.
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Use parchment liners (with holes): Helps prevent sticking, especially with battered items.
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Shake it up: Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
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Minimal oil, max flavor: A light spritz of oil helps browning, but seasoning does the real work.
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Reheat leftovers: Air fryers are great for reheating vegan pizza, baked goods, or tofu without losing texture.
Why Vegan Air Frying Supports a Plant-Based Lifestyle
Beyond just convenience, air frying supports a healthier and more sustainable plant-based diet. With less oil and faster cook times, it:
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Reduces added fats and calories
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Retains flavor and nutrients in whole foods
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Encourages meal prep with less mess
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Helps create satisfying, crunchy textures without animal products
If you're ready to take your kitchen and values to the next level, consider dressing the part. The Dharma Store offers a wide selection of vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton—perfect for representing your plant-based lifestyle with pride while you cook up your next air-fried masterpiece.
Final Thoughts
Vegan air fryer recipes are a game-changer for plant-based kitchens. They combine the indulgent textures people love with the wholesomeness of real ingredients—no deep frying required. From crispy tofu to savory stuffed peppers and even sweet apple chips, there’s no shortage of ways to put your air fryer to work for delicious, satisfying vegan meals.
So whether you’re cooking for one or prepping a spread for friends, these recipes prove that healthy, easy, and flavorful go hand in hand. Fire up your air fryer and let your vegan creativity take flight.