When I first started searching for vegan air fryer recipes, I honestly expected to find the same old veggies and tofu cubes. But after experimenting (and slightly burning more batches than I’d like to admit), I realized the air fryer is an absolute game-changer for plant-based cooking. From crispy tofu to decadent desserts, my air fryer has become the one appliance I use almost every single day.
Below are some of my go-to vegan air fryer dishes — a mix of full, detailed recipes and quick mini versions you can whip up anytime.
What Are the Best Vegan Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners?
If you’re just getting started with the air fryer, focus on simple, forgiving recipes that let you learn timing and temperatures. Veggies, tofu, potatoes, and chickpeas are great starters because they crisp easily without much effort.
Once you get comfortable with the basics, you’ll be amazed at how much you can do: bowls, wraps, snacks, mains, and even desserts. The best part? Everything cooks faster than the oven and tastes crispier than a skillet.
Full Vegan Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Use Again and Again
Below are fuller recipes with ingredients + step-by-step instructions.
1. Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Ingredients:
- 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Cut the tofu into cubes after pressing out excess water.
- Toss with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper.
- Add cornstarch last to help it crisp.
- Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.
Best served with: rice, bowls, stir-fries, or inside wraps.
2. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 small head cauliflower, in florets
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup water or plant milk
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
Instructions:
- Whisk flour, water/milk, and spices into a batter.
- Dip cauliflower florets to coat lightly.
- Air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes.
- Toss in buffalo sauce.
- Return to the air fryer for 5 more minutes for extra crispiness.
Perfect for game nights or when you want something spicy and crunchy.
3. Air Fryer Veggie Spring Rolls
Ingredients:
- Spring roll wrappers
- Shredded cabbage
- Carrots, julienned
- Green onions
- Soy sauce
- A touch of oil spray (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté vegetables lightly with soy sauce until just softened.
- Roll into spring roll wrappers.
- Place in the air fryer and spray lightly with oil.
- Air fry at 390°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
They taste like the deep-fried versions without the grease.
Quick Vegan Air Fryer Recipes for Fast Meals
Here are shorter, rapid-fire recipes that still work beautifully.
4. Air Fryer Chickpea “Croutons”
- Toss 1 can of drained chickpeas with garlic powder, paprika, and 1 tsp oil (optional).
- Air fry at 400°F for 12–14 minutes, shaking often.
Great over salads and soups.
5. Garlic Broccoli Bites
- Mix broccoli florets with 1 tsp olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Air fry at 380°F for 8–10 minutes.
Adds crunch to any meal.
6. Crispy Potato Wedges
- Toss potato wedges with salt, pepper, paprika, and a little oil.
- Air fry at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
Serve with vegan mayo or ketchup.
7. Teriyaki Tempeh Cubes
- Mix cubed tempeh with teriyaki sauce + ½ tsp cornstarch.
- Air fry at 390°F for 10–12 minutes.
Perfect for bowls and wraps.
8. Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Slices
- Coat apple wedges in cinnamon + a little sugar.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes.
A sweet snack without baking.
9. Vegan Taquitos
- Fill tortillas with mashed beans + spices.
- Roll tightly and air fry at 390°F for 8–10 minutes.
Crispy, warm, and comforting.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to use oil for vegan air fryer recipes?
Not at all. Many plant-based foods crisp naturally. If you prefer extra crunch, a tiny spray of oil goes a long way, but it’s optional for most recipes.
2. Can I reheat vegan meals in the air fryer?
Yes! This is one of the air fryer’s biggest advantages. Tofu, fries, spring rolls, veggies, and burritos reheat perfectly at 350°F–370°F for just a few minutes.
3. What vegan protein works best in the air fryer?
Tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, and seitan all become crispy and flavorful with minimal effort. Pre-marinated store-bought vegan chicken strips also crisp beautifully.
4. Can desserts be made vegan in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Apples, donut holes, hand pies, pastries, and banana fritters all come out warm, golden, and delicious without needing an oven.
Crunch Time: Why I Swear by These Vegan Air Fryer Recipes
Whether you’re craving something quick, crispy, healthy, or indulgent, these vegan air fryer recipes make plant-based cooking unbelievably easy. The air fryer has simplified my weeknights, saved me from takeout, and helped me bring more veggies and protein into my meals without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Try a few of these recipes this week — you’ll quickly see why the air fryer has become a staple for so many plant-based cooks.
