19 scrumptious vegan air fryer recipes you can make with ease

I was on a quest to find a fast-cooking kitchen helper a few years back when I found out this pretty slick gadget— air fryer!

If it’s your first time hearing this, an air fryer is a countertop convection oven that copies the results of deep-frying with the help of hot air (sometimes a tiny amount of oil.)

They basically plug and play so making a meal is easier! Just place the food into the basket, set the clock and temp and you’re good to go!

I was on a quest to find a fast-cooking kitchen helper a few years back when I found out this pretty slick gadget— air After learning the tweaks of air fryers, I was able to make various delectable recipes. Who would expect that you can use an air fryer for vegan food? If you own an air fryer and live a vegan lifestyle, hop on! Today, we are happy to share these delectable and best vegan air fryer recipes that taste like it’s straight from the deep fryer and give your oven a break. Have fun!

1. Roasted Garlic

Let’s start with air fry veggies, shall we? 

This roasted garlic smells and tastes beautiful.  And preparing this at home? Its aroma will make you hungry for sure!

This recipe only has 4 ingredients to bring its rich and buttery taste. That’s garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’s easy peasy to prep too!

And ohh..add some toasted french bread on its side to make your roasted garlic into a crowd-pleasing appetizer!

You can find this amazing recipe here. 

2. Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks

Packed with olive butter, seasoning, onion powder, and garlic salt, this air fryer cabbage recipe has a rich aroma that will make you ferociously hungry big time.

If you love cabbage and you haven’t tried this recipe, you’re missing out my friend. 

If you want more flavor on your green veggie, add more seasonings on it to your liking. 

Here’s the recipe. 

3. Crispy Carrot Fries

If you’re fed up with potatoes, these crispy carrot fries are a fantastic alternative!

Seasoned with paprika, minced garlic, rosemary, and pepper, these fries are sweet, yummy, and crunchy–you can’t get enough!

For additional flavor, sprinkle the cooked carrot fries with sea salt. 

Check out the recipe here. 

4. Baked Apples

Save yourself from the oven heat and make this delicious air fryer recipe, CookingChew.com’s very own baked apples!

It mixes oats, sugar, walnuts, Vegan butter, cinnamon, and honey. The result? A sweet treat and a wholesome bite! 

And thanks to the magic of air fryers, you won’t need to add any oil. Enjoy!

Check out the recipe here. 

5. Sweet Potatoes

By using an air fryer, you’re going to enjoy these sweet potatoes with ease. It is a great appetizer, side, and hearty dish perfect for those who follow a Vegan diet plan or want to cut down fat and carbs. 

You can add tweaks by topping simple sugar or Vegan butter. Yum!

Here’s the recipe. 

6. Apple Chips

These chips will become your go-to snack choice, especially if you’re looking for an air fryer vegan dish  that requires minimal effort to prep but offers a decadent flavor at the same time. 

Plus, the recipe just requires few ingredients. All you need is apples, olive oil, salt, air fryer’s magic, and you’re good!

Here’s the recipe. 

7. Sweet Potato Fries

These air fry Vegan sweet potato fries are a perfect delicious side dish or snack you can have all year long. Also, what I like about using an air fryer is that potato fries turn out even crispier than when you bake them in the oven. 

If you want to bring your fries to the next level, create a delicious sauce. You can try our garlic aioli sauce, cilantro lime sauce, or this homemade ranch sauce.

Read more about the recipe here.

8. Crispy Fried Tofu

Crispy tofu without cornstarch? Never estimate the magic of an air fryer! 

You heard it right. This Vegan air fryer tofu recipe mainly requires soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, tofu, olive oil, and garlic to create a decadent finger food.

If you haven’t tried one, you can’t just say no to its crunchiness and deliciousness. 

Check out the recipe here. 

9. Air Fryer Pickles

You just need pickle slices, eggs, and panko bread crumbs to experience the juiciness and crispiness of this delectable appetizer. It’s SO fast and easy. 

Looking for a perfect dipping sauce to serve along with it? You’re going to love this ranch seasoning, BBQ sauce, and sour cream. 

Check out the recipe here. 

10. Vegan Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls

Is there anything more crave-worthy than hot and delicious mashed potato balls? 

It mixes vegan bread crumbs, vegan parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, aquafaba, and mashed potatoes. So every bite is crispy on the outside but so darn soft on the inside. The best part is you can use those leftover mashed potatoes in your fridge for this recipe. 

Get this recipe here. 

11. Air Fryer Broccoli

Craving for tender roasted broccoli but don’t feel like taking the oven heat? Air fryer to the rescue!

Cook and enjoy your favorite roasted broccoli in no time with this Vegan air fryer recipe. Now I’m hungry! 

We recommend pouring a little garlic butter or parmesan on top so you can bring the rich flavor of the broccoli. Enjoy!

Here’s the recipe. 

12. Roasted Almonds

To be honest, I can’t resist that satisfying crunchiness of roasted almonds. It’s just so darn GOOD!

If you’re fond of almonds like me, then consider adding this air fryer recipe to your arsenal! Expect to bring the maximum flavor of the nuts as they are coated with soy sauce, garlic powder paprika, and white pepper. 

Sprinkle them over a creamy broccoli salad or chopped up to add some crunch to your sandwich. 

Find the recipe here. 

13. Vegan Taquitos with Jackfruit

These Vegan-inspired taquitos are stuffed with jackfruit carnitas and non-dairy cheese. They are insanely satisfying and crunchy!

If you’re new to taquitos, they are rolled-up corn tortillas that contain a filling. 

This Vegan taquito dish is best served with hot BBQ sauce, salsa, or sour cream for dipping.

Check out this taquito recipe here. 

14. Popcorn Tofu

It’s hard to believe that this decadent and crispy popcorn snack is vegan. The key is to press your tofu first to remove the excess liquid, which results in a firmer texture of the nuggets. 

The aromatic flavor of Dijon mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder is noticeably appetizing. At the same time, the use of panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs gives these little finger foods a crispy bite. 

Serve these tofu bites with your favorite dipping sauces such as BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, simple ketchup, or vegan blue cheese dressing. 

Here’s the recipe.

15. Fried Artichoke Hearts with Vegan Aioli

Tell all your vegetarian and vegan friends: This recipe’s going to be their new all-time favorite dish! 

It’s also easy to whip up, and you’ll find artichoke hearts, panko breadcrumbs, herbs, spices, vegan mayo, and lemon juice all on the ingredient list for this hearty vegan dish. 

And the best part? It’s cooked in an air fryer so expect a crispy and scrumptious treat coming your way! This recipe also includes reheating instructions to make use of the food if you have leftovers.  

Get the recipe here.

16. Avocado Egg Rolls

Whoever says vegan doesn’t come with comfort foods?

These avocado egg rolls are palatable enough to make everyone at the party go crazy once they’re served at the table. The recipe makes four servings, so double or triple it to make sure you have enough to serve for everyone. Then serve them alongside avocado dipping sauce to complete the delicious appetizer or snack.  

Get the recipe here.

17. Onion Rings

Quick and easy, this vegan take on onion rings is guaranteed to please the crowd. The secret is the batter is filled with flour, plant milk, paprika, turmeric, and salt. Dipping the raw onion rings into the wet mix and coating them with a perfectly spiced and vegan-based panko bread crumb mixture gives these rings an advantage when it comes to crispiness and flavor. 

Pro tip: Try to keep your left hand dedicated to dipping the onion rings in the wet mix, while the other one for the dry mix for a less messy preparation.

Here’s the recipe.

18. Vegan Fried Ravioli

It should take you only less than 25 minutes from start to finish to bring this ravioli recipe to the table. Plus, the vegan dish freezes well, so it’s best to keep it on hand for a marvelous lunch or dinner on even the busiest days. 

The aromatics like dried oregano and basil give these bite-sized appetizers some bold flavors, while marinara dipping takes the recipe to new heights. 

Read more about this recipe here.

19. Vegan Cheese Samboosa

Don’t let this recipe’s long preparation and list discourage you as most of the condiments and ingredients you’ll need for this vegan recipe are probably already on hand in your kitchen. Meanwhile,  the process behind is SUPER straightforward. 

Start by blending all the cheese ingredients until smooth, then pour the mixture in a small pan to cook, making sure that everything is firmed up. Store the final product in the fridge before you assemble the samboosa pasty and the cheese mixture. Once you’re done with the assembly, brush each with olive oil, then cook them for up to 10 minutes in the air fryer. Remove them until browned and crispy. 

Get the recipe here.

The bottom line 

For me, an air fryer is one of those countertop appliances that should be in your kitchen, especially if you’re one of those who avoid the oven heat. 

Besides, they are easy to use and can make a wide range of delicious dishes such as air fryer veggies, delectable vegan appetizers, and sides…just name it all!