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By Lisa Esile, MS Apr 9, 2021
Last Updated:
A relative newcomer to the world of kitchen appliances, the air fryer is a godsend in a whole-food, plant-based kitchen. With the ability to force hot air more quickly and intensely than a convection oven, cooking times are reduced and you get crispy, crunchy textures—no oil required! To show you what’s possible, we’ve put together a collection of our favorite vegan air-fryer recipes—from veggie chips to pizza, flaky pastries, wraps, patties, and more. Your friends and family will be truly amazed. And a bonus: All these vegan air-fryer recipes are completely free of animal products and oil.
Learn more about air-frying with our guide: Air Fryer 101.
Chickpeas coated in a scrumptious homemade BBQ spice turn crispy and delicious in the air-fryer and make this quinoa salad extra special. Fresh veggies lend juiciness and crunch while an avocado dressing brings all the flavors together.
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Air-fried beet chips are a yummy snack in themselves, and when added to salads, like this spinach, farro, and pear combo, they give a tantalizing burst of color and flavor. Pro tip: For extra vibrance use both yellow and purple beets.
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In this plant-based take on an Italian favorite, air-fried eggplant slices sit atop linguine in marinara sauce with fresh basil. Coated with a seasoned blend of crispbread crackers and nutritional yeast, the eggplant rounds are deliciously crunchy with cheesy flavor.
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Crunchy air-fried plantain chips offer a sweet and spicy pop to this three-grain salad bowl, while coconut flakes and pineapple add divine tropical flavor.
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For a crowd-pleasing family meal, try these oil-free, air-fried falafel in a mouthwatering Greek salad and cashew-based dressing or Tahini Dipping Sauce. The falafel also work well in Falafel Tacos.
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In this succulent oil-free stir-fry, sesame-crusted, air-fried tofu sit atop fork tender veggies in an orange-infused, Chinese-style brown sauce. Serve over brown rice or another hot cooked whole grain.
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Transport yourself to the busy streets of Naples with these vegan calzones. With a flaky pastry pouch stuffed with tender veggies coated in a cheesy sauce, it really is hard to believe they’re oil- and dairy-free.
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Even your hard-core carnivore friends will love these crispy breaded portobello mushroom burgers. Serve with cashew-based Thousand Island Aïoli.
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Healthy and delicious, these crunchy taquitos are made with corn tortillas and a melt-in-your-mouth black bean and riced cauliflower filling—one of our favorite vegan air-fryer recipes!
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Did you know it takes half as long to cook a mini pizza in an air-fryer as it does in a conventional oven? Top with a tasty cannellini bean sauce, fresh herbs, and veggies for a scrumptious snack or meal.
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Lisa Esile is an author, illustrator, blogger, vegetable gardener, and whole-food enthusiast with a special fondness for potatoes. She has a master’s degree in human nutrition and is passionate about showing people how to live happier, healthier lives. She is the author of Reach Your Big Calm and the co-author of Whose Mind Is It Anyway? Find her on Facebook.
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Comments (4)
Okay, I’m finally convinced to get an air-fryer. Looking forward to trying all these recipes. Especially want to try the crispy tofu.
Excelent proposal ! I did yesterday and the taste is really awsome!
Looking forward to trying
these recipes, looks great.
this is a killer list or should I say a life-saving list – bravo