When my partner surprised me with an air fryer a couple of years ago, I had no idea how much it would change our kitchen game. I’ll admit, at first, it sat on the counter collecting dust because I wasn’t quite sure how to make the best use of it, especially with our plant-based lifestyle. But one weekend, in the middle of a lazy afternoon, I decided to experiment—starting with some leftover sweet potatoes. What came out was a batch of the crispiest fries I had ever made, and from that moment on, our air fryer became a beloved kitchen staple. It’s now the hero of quick snacks, hearty meals, and everything in between.
If you’re looking for easy, delicious, and guilt-free vegan recipes, the air fryer might just become your new best friend too. Let me walk you through some of our absolute favorite recipes that we’ve tried (and devoured) time and time again.
Why Choose Vegan Air Fryer Recipes?
Beyond the convenience and speed, the air fryer offers a healthier way to enjoy the crispy, crunchy textures we often crave. Traditional frying methods require large amounts of oil, but the air fryer uses hot air circulation to create the same result with just a fraction of the oil. For vegan cooking, it’s a game-changer: veggies retain their nutrients, tofu gets perfectly crisp, and snacks come together in minutes.
Plus, cleanup is a breeze—always a win in my book! Whether you’re cooking for one, a family, or entertaining guests, these recipes make life simpler and tastier.
Crispy Air-Fried Chickpeas
Crispy chickpeas were one of my first experiments with the air fryer, and they’ve since become a pantry staple for snacks, salads, or even a protein-packed topping for soups. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—you can switch up the spices to match your cravings.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or spray)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Preheating ensures that your chickpeas get evenly crispy.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that crunch.
- Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt until well coated. Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick or some dried rosemary for a herby flavor.
- Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer—don’t overcrowd them! Use parchment paper if you want easier cleanup.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Watch closely toward the end to avoid burning.
- Let them cool slightly before serving. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days—though they rarely last that long in our house! For a fun twist, sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Vegan Air-Fried Buffalo Cauliflower
When we’re in the mood for something spicy, buffalo cauliflower is always the answer. This recipe has been a hit at every gathering we’ve hosted—even among the non-vegans! The air fryer ensures each piece is perfectly crispy while the buffalo sauce brings the heat.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup plant-based milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup vegan buffalo sauce
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, and black pepper to create a smooth batter. For an extra tang, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the mix.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, then roll in breadcrumbs to coat. You can use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the florets in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch.
- Air fry for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden and crispy when done. If you like them extra crispy, add an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Toss the cooked cauliflower in buffalo sauce until evenly coated. For a smoky flavor, mix in a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the sauce.
- Serve immediately with vegan ranch dressing and celery sticks for a classic pairing. Add a side of carrot sticks for more color and crunch.
Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a weeknight go-to in our home. They’re easy to make, naturally sweet, and perfect for dipping. The air fryer brings out their best with minimal oil.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. High heat helps achieve that crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
- In a bowl, toss sweet potato strips with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt until evenly coated. Add a pinch of cinnamon for a subtle sweetness or chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Arrange the strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will result in soggy fries, so you may need to cook them in batches.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of your fries.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. For a fun twist, sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar for a dessert-style fry. You can also drizzle with tahini or serve with a side of vegan chipotle mayo.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
Air-Fried Tofu Nuggets
Tofu nuggets are a game-changer for quick meals or snacks. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and incredibly versatile. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for an instant hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 block of extra-firm tofu, pressed and diced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into bite-sized cubes. For added flavor, marinate the tofu in soy sauce for 30 minutes if you have the time.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, nutritional yeast, and smoked paprika. Toss the tofu cubes in the marinade and let sit for 15 minutes. For a garlic flavor, add ½ tsp garlic powder to the marinade.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Coat each tofu cube in breadcrumbs. You can mix in some sesame seeds with the breadcrumbs for a nutty texture.
- Arrange the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with oil for an extra golden finish.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If you like extra crispiness, cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve with barbecue sauce, vegan ranch, or sweet chili sauce. These nuggets also make a great salad topper! For a full meal, pair them with rice and stir-fried veggies.
Air-Fried Vegetable Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are always a crowd-pleaser, and the air fryer makes them even better. These are lighter than the deep-fried version but just as crispy and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 6 rice paper wrappers
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions:
- Mix cabbage, carrots, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl. Add a handful of bean sprouts or finely sliced mushrooms for extra texture.
- Soften rice paper wrappers in warm water, then fill with the vegetable mixture and roll tightly. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make rolling difficult.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly brush the spring rolls with oil. For an extra crispy finish, sprinkle the rolls lightly with sesame seeds before cooking.
- Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through. If you prefer a darker golden crust, cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve with soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or peanut dipping sauce. For a spicier kick, add sriracha to your dipping sauce.
- These spring rolls can also be made ahead of time and reheated in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness.
Wrapping It Up
The air fryer has completely revolutionized the way we approach vegan cooking. From crispy chickpeas to hearty tofu nuggets, it’s a versatile tool that makes plant-based meals quicker, healthier, and more fun. These recipes are just the beginning—once you start experimenting, the possibilities are endless.
So, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, grab your air fryer and give these recipes a try. Trust me, you won’t look back!
