By Lisa Esile, MS,
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.
Chopped Salad with Air-Fried BBQ Chickpeas
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.
Farro and Spinach Salad with Air-Fried Beets
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.
Air-Fryer Eggplant Parmezzan with Pasta
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.
Jerk Grain Bowls with Air-Fried Plantain Chips
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.
Greek Salad with Air-Fryer Falafel
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.
Crispy Tofu and Veggie Stir-Fry
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.
Air-Fryer Sweet Potato and Kale Calzones
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.
Air-Fryer Portobello Burgers with Thousand Island Aïoli
Even your hard-core carnivore friends will love these crispy breaded portobello mushroom burgers. Serve with cashew-based Thousand Island Aïoli.
Air-Fryer Taquitos with Cauliflower and Black Beans
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!
Air-Fryer Mini Pizzas with Alfredo Sauce
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.
About the Author
About the Author
Lisa Esile, MS
As an author, Do Nothing meditation instructor, and wellness coach, Lisa Esile combines her love for food and nutrition with her mental health background and delights in helping people find a stress-free way to make lasting lifestyle changes. Esile has a master’s degree in human nutrition and is the co-author/illustrator of Whose Mind Is It Anyway? Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life. Learn more at lisaesile.com.
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