The Best Vegan Air Fryer Recipes for healthy, oil-free cooking! Try easy recipes for crispy tofu, sweet potatoes, and plant-based main dishes. And, no deep frying!
These are some of my favorite recipes to make in the air fryer: Shredded Tofu Tacos and Crispy Hasselback Potatoes. Soy curls are also a good option for the air fryer as well.
When I first got an air fryer, I honestly thought it was just another kitchen gadget. I thought I'd get really excited about it for two weeks. Then it would join the graveyard of appliances next to the waffle maker and that juicer I swore I'd use daily.
But then, my friends, I started putting things in it. Potatoes. Tofu. Even Brussels sprouts. And that's when I realized this little contraption was the best thing since sliced (air-fried) bread.
If you're new to this world of air-frying or you've had one sitting in your cabinet still wearing the sticker, I'm here to help. Whether you're cooking for one, feeding the fam, or just trying to make healthy vegan food that doesn't taste like sadness, this roundup has your back.
I think these are the best easy vegan air fryer recipes. They’re all oil-free or super-low-oil, ridiculously simple, and guaranteed to give you that crispy texture you thought only came from deep frying.
So, without further ado (and before I talk myself into making another batch of fries), let's jump into it.
Why I'm obsessed with air frying (and you should be too)
The air fryer uses hot air, not a gallon of olive oil, to crisp your food. That means you can have fries, nuggets, and even onion rings without feeling like you need to repent afterward.
If you've ever thought, "Healthy vegan food just doesn't hit the same,” friend, you've clearly never had crispy air-fried tofu. Or sweet potato fries that come out golden, fluffy, and perfect without a drop of oil.
The best part? It takes less time. I'm talking "dinner in 15 minutes" kind of time. You don't have to babysit the pan, and your kitchen doesn't smell like you've been working at the state fair, frying funnel cakes all day.
So yeah, this might just be my favorite kitchen gadget of all time (sorry, blender).
30 Vegan Air Fryer Recipes You Need to Try
Here are 30 of my favorite vegan air fryer recipes. They’ll make you wonder why you ever turned on your oven. Some are from my own kitchen, some from friends who also live the plant-based life, but all are downright delicious.
Oil-Free Air Fryer French Fries
Perfectly baked French fries that are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and oil-free. Simple, delicious, and healthy! NOTE: Air Fryer Instructions are down towards the bottom of the post.
The Best Bang Bang Cauliflower
Bang Bang Cauliflower is a delicious and healthy twist on the classic bang bang shrimp. Crispy cauliflower baked in the oven, then tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy vegan mayo sauce. You can bake it in the oven or cook it in an air fryer!
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges – Easy Recipe
A little thicker, a little heartier, and perfect for dipping in ketchup or my oil-free ranch. These easy crispy air fryer sweet potato wedges are the best healthy way to enjoy sweet potatoes.
Vegan Dumplings (Vegetable Gyoza / Potstickers)
Loaded with fresh veggies like shredded cabbage, mushrooms, and onions, these Vegan Dumplings (also known as vegetable gyoza or potstickers) can be steamed, baked, or made in your air fryer. This recipe is very simple and includes a delicious sauce that can be used for dipping.
Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets
These nuggets are so good, even your chicken-loving uncle will ask for seconds. Air Fryer Tofu is an easy way to make oil-free, crispy vegan nuggets in half the time of traditional oven baking.
Easy Crispy Air-Fryer Tofu
Great for meal prep, bowls, or "I don't know what's for dinner but I have tofu" nights. NOTE: Air fryer instructions are at the bottom of the post in the “NOTES” section of the recipe card.
Air Fryer Kale Chips
Crunchy, salty, and surprisingly addictive. Yes, even kale deserves a glow-up. Learn how to make some delicious, super cheesy, crispy kale chips in your air fryer. They are incredibly healthy, very easy to make, lightly seasoned, nut-free, and oil-free.
Vegan Air Fryer Falafel
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and no deep-fryer guilt. Authentic air fryer falafel recipe -gluten-free, easy, vegan, healthy, and great for meal prep! Perfect for a pita falafel sandwich.
Air Fryer Green Bean Fries (no oil with additional baking directions)
The crispy coating on these Air Fryer Green Bean Fries makes them perfect snack! With no oil and only a handful of ingredients, it’s easy and guilt-free.
Air Fryer Garlic Bread (Vegan)
Garlic, carbs, and crunch. Do I need to say more? This 20-minute air fryer vegan garlic bread is easy to make and packed with fantastic flavor. NOTE: This recipe uses vegan butter, but it can be easily omitted.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tacos
Tacos meet crispy sweet potatoes and live happily ever after.
Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
Learn how to make baked sweet potatoes in your air fryer in no time! They’re perfectly soft and tender on the inside, with a crispy, delicious skin. Plus, so much quicker than the oven method! Make it a loaded potato or enjoy it plain! Fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside, like me after leg day.
Air Fryer Roasted Chickpeas
Protein-packed, snack-worthy, and so satisfying you'll forget chips exist.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings
Seasoned just right, these crispy BBQ Buffalo Cauliflower wings are made in the air fryer. They are oil-free and make perfect party food. Spicy, saucy, and perfect for game day… or a random Tuesday.
Crispy Vegan Zucchini Fries (Oil-Free)
Healthy vegan zucchini fries, made crispy in the air fryer with no added oil. Served with a garlic yogurt dip, they’re tasty and nourishing. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and a great way to use up garden zucchini.
Vegan Crab Cakes
No crab, no problem. These are flaky, savory, and full of plant-based goodness. These Vegan Crab Cakes are delicate, flaky, and full of the flavors of the sea. Jackfruit creates the perfect texture. Serve with a vegan remoulade.
Air Fryer Broccoli
There are so many ways to make crispy and delicious broccoli in the air fryer. Season with garlic powder and nutritional yeast for that cheesy vibe.
Vegan Empanadas | With Air Fryer Option (Gluten-Free) – Elavegan
These air fryer vegan empanadas are crispy and have a healthy filling made with gluten-free corn flour. Because handheld food hits different.
Air Fryer Veggie Burger (Homemade, SO Easy) – My Quiet Kitchen
These homemade air fryer veggie burgers are probably the easiest vegan burger recipe you’ll ever make! No chopping and ready in 25 minutes! Crisp edges, soft middle, and no grill required.
Air-fryer root veg | Jamie Oliver air-fryer recipes
Potatoes, carrots, and parsnips team up for the ultimate comfort side. This recipe calls for one tablespoon of oil, but it can be easily omitted. Toss them in some low-sodium veggie broth before frying.
Crispiest Apple Chips (Oven or Air Fryer)
This simple one-ingredient recipe turns your apples into crispy, delicious oven-baked apple chips with no oil. Sweet, crunchy, and delicious!
Air Fryer Potato Wedges | Oil-Free
If fries and baked potatoes had a baby, it'd be this. These air-fried potato wedges make a perfect side dish because they are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. They are vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and deliciously healthy!
Air Fryer Vegan Holiday Roast
Perfect for Christmas morning or when you want to feel fancy on a Wednesday.
Air Fryer Black Bean Taquitos – Delish Knowledge
Crispy black bean taquitos made in the air fryer! With just a handful of ingredients, you can make these easy vegan taquitos in just minutes.
Air Fryer Tempeh
Air Fryer Tempeh is a quick and delicious way to prepare tempeh! Marinated in a smoky maple glaze, it’s high in protein and great anytime.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes [Two Ways]
Crisp on the outside and soft and tender in the middle. Make this air fryer sweet potato dish in TWO delicious flavours! Spicy OR sweet!
Maple Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts (oil-free, vegan)
A delicious addition to any autumn or winter meal, these oil-free roasted brussels sprouts have notes of balsamic, maple, and pecan.
Vegan Cheese Samboosa – One Arab Vegan
Crispy triangles filled with creamy, spiced vegan cheese. Oh yeah.
Oil-Free Seasoned Waffle Fries in the Air Fryer
These Seasoned Waffle Fries are such a fun side for your sandwiches or burgers, or just for a snack. They’re oil-free and so easy to make!
The Best Vegan Air-Fried Onion Rings
These vegan onion rings may not be deep-friend, but OH do they satiate an onion ring craving! Perfect for eating straight out of the air fryer or on top of a BBQ burger. I mention
A few air fryer tips (from a guy who's burned his fair share of fries)
Follow these simple, but essential tips, to get the most out of your air fryer!
- Don't overcrowd the basket. You want a single layer, not a potato pileup.
- Shake it, baby. Halfway through cooking, give the basket a good shake for even crisping.
- Keep it simple. Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika go with basically everything.
- Skip the olive oil. You don't need it.
- Press your tofu. No one likes soggy tofu.
- Clean the basket. Don't be nasty. That leftover crumb from last week's fries? Yeah, it'll burn.
- Preheat if your model says to. It makes a difference.
- Mix it up! The air fryer isn't just for fries. Use it for veggies, mains, and even dessert.
- Have fun with it. The air fryer doesn't judge, it just crisps.
Why I'm sold on the air fryer life
The air fryer completely changed how I cook. It's faster than the oven, cleaner than the stove, and makes everything taste like you secretly fried it in butter, without the butter.
I used to think "healthy" vegan food meant bland or boring. Now I'm over here eating crispy tofu nuggets with barbecue sauce, living my best life, and wondering why I ever put oil in anything.
It's the great equalizer in my kitchen, no perfection required. Just good food, simple ingredients, and that magical whoosh of hot air turning plants into crispy gold.
Final Thoughts
If your air fryer's been sitting in the corner, this is your sign. Dust it off, plug it in, and start cooking. These vegan air fryer recipes are easy, fast, and full of the kind of flavor that'll make you forget you're eating healthy.
Whether you're whipping up fries for the kids, tofu for dinner, or kale chips for a midnight snack while contemplating life choices, this little gadget has your back.
At the end of the day, good food doesn't have to be complicated. It just has to be simple, satisfying, and made with a little love… and maybe a few sweet potatoes.
So grab your air fryer basket and let's make something crispy, because you deserve food that's good for your body and your taste buds.
Happy air-frying,
Shane
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