Who said (air) fried-foods weren’t on the menu?
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For more than a decade, we’ve been blown away by the magic that is the air fryer. Promising to cook food to a masterful crispy crunch, without the use of a ton of oil, these tabletop machines were revolutionary to healthy cooks everywhere when they debuted. But with every image of an air fryer cooking golden chicken nuggets, gooey pizza slices, and crispy-skinned salmon, vegans have been left wondering if there are vegan air fryer recipes they can add to their regular rotation.
From vegetables and tofu, to baked goods and crispy chickpeas, an air fryer can make delicious, easy mains, sides, and desserts for any diet, says Sarah Maver, R.D., M.P.H., director of nutrition and wellness for Chartwells K12. Plus, they’re healthier for you than your typical fried food.
Catherine Perez, R.D., the vegan dietitian behind the blog Plant Based RD, shares, “Compared to deep frying food, when you are using an air fryer, you are using significantly less oil,” she says, “Less oil means less calories and, depending on the oil, less saturated fat, which is definitely a lot more heart health friendly.” Though keep in mind that cooking with little or no fat doesn’t necessarily make something “healthy,” Maver notes. The ingredients are what makes the meal–so focus on lean proteins and vegetables, she says.
1
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Deep fried Brussels sprouts are a surprise delight on restaurant menus everywhere. Pop the tiny veg into an air fryer for the crispy crunch you love, and mix in a sticky honey-lemon sauce for the perfect side dish.
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2
Air Fryer Crispy Potatoes
There’s no need to put frozen French fries in the oven and pray they come out crisp with this recipe. Each potato gets a perfectly golden hue, and the incredible seasoning blend brings big flavor with very little calories or fat.
3
Air Fryer Apple Chips
These apple chips are essential for a fall salad in place of croutons or straight from a bag for a quick snack. The recipe calls for just a touch of cinnamon and sugar, but a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice and other warm flavors can make this snack pop.
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4
Air Fryer Falafel
The air fryer can do more than just fries and vegetables. These air fried falafels take the classic vegan dish that’s deep fried, and make a perfect protein-packed ball to add to any sandwich, salad, or bowl.
5
Roasted Cauliflower Tacos
Though this recipe calls for simply roasting the cauliflower, pop these florets into an air fryer with the sweet and spicy sauce for a crisper tortilla filling. Just be sure to make the spicy taco slaw to complete the meal.
6
Air Fryer Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the most popular air-fryer recipes: and for good reason. The florets char perfectly on the corners and the flavor gets a major upgrade–even for self-declared broccoli haters.
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7
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
You won’t need to order those diner sweet potato fries when you get the perfect fry right in your own kitchen. Pair this side dish with a veggie burger (that you can air fry!) for a classic pair.
8
Healthier Air Fryer Plantains
This usually deep fried side dish gets a healthier twist in this recipe. “One of my favorite things to make are tostones or 'fried' plantains,” Perez says of her recipe. “It helps me keep loving the traditional food I grew up eating, but not have to constantly deal with the mess of actually frying it.”
9
Lemon Basil Tofu
Who needs takeout when you have a super simple tofu-lover meal ready in just a few minutes? There are a few options for cooking this tofu, but Perez includes directions for air frying to get the essential golden color.
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10
Air Fryer Avocado Egg Rolls
If your favorite chain restaurant’s appetizer brings cravings of deep fried, fatty foods (ahem, we’re looking at you, Cheesecake Factory) then this lighter flip on the classic is a great option. Egg rolls are a great way to showcase the power of how fried-like the air fryer can get dishes–just be sure to pick up a vegan egg roll wrapper.
11
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Vegan Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are a deep-fried (and not vegan) pleasure many people enjoy, but this air fried (and vegan!) version brings all the herby, crispy, soft, and fishy flavors of the classic–without the fryer or the fish.
12
Air Fryer Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos
Both cauliflower and chickpeas take on a whole new level of flavor when put in an air fryer. They create great texture for a taco filling, and bring a ton of fiber and protein to the dinner table.
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13
Air Fryer Mushrooms
These are more than just your average mushrooms. The soy and sesame glaze gives them a super umami punch, while the air fryer creates crazy texture with little effort.
14
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots
Tots are the ultimate breakfast side, burrito stuffer, nacho-base, and so much more. Swap in sweet potato and pop them in an air fryer, and you have yourself a much more nutrient-dense and less fatty alternative to the cafeteria classic.
15
Air Fryer Eggplant
Eggplant has a reputation for being difficult to cook properly, but the air fryer has a way of getting the center nice and soft, while giving the outside a satisfying crisp you crave.
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16
Air Fried Tandoori Chickpeas
Whether you make these for snacking or as a salad topper, the crunch of these protein-packed, air fried chickpeas will make these your go-to every single week.
17
Orange Air Fryer Tofu
Orange chicken from the fast food joint down the street gets all the attention, but really these sticky, sweet blocks of plant-based goodness deserve all the love. The sauce is citrusy and sweet, while the tofu cubes get a fried-like crisp.
18
Vegan Arancini Balls
Vegan mozzarella appears to be the secret weapon to make these classic rice balls oh-so good, but the air fryer is really what wins us over in these ooey, gooey appetizer bites.
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19
Vegan Taquitos with Jackfruit
Jackfruit “carnitas” have a pork-like texture, straight from a plant. Wrap them in corn tortillas with a touch of non-dairy cheese and a spritz of oil, and the air fryer does some magic to make them as good as your local Mexican restaurant.
20
Air Fryer BBQ Tofu Wings
Whether it’s game night or just a Tuesday, these sticky-sweet tofu wings take on crazy decadent flavor and texture from an air fryer.
Arielle Weg
Arielle Weg is the associate editor at Prevention and loves to share her favorite wellness and nutrition obsessions. She previously managed content at The Vitamin Shoppe, and her work has also appeared in Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Cooking Light, MyRecipes, and more. You can usually find her taking an online workout class or making a mess in the kitchen, creating something delicious she found in her cookbook collection or saved on Instagram.
