Plant-Powered Goodness: Easy Air Fryer Recipes (Vegan Friendly)

Are you on the hunt for scrumptious recipes that align with a plant-based lifestyle? Look no further! This article is all about vegan air fryer recipes, a collection of delectable dishes that are not only vegan but also quick and easy to prepare using an air fryer. 

Whether you're a seasoned vegan or someone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these recipes offer a delicious and nutritious way to do so. So, let's get started on this culinary journey of plant-powered goodness!

Table of Contents

• The Basics: Ingredients and Steps
• Must-Try Vegan-Friendly Air Fryer Recipes
  • Sweet Potato Fries
  • Falafel Balls
  • Zucchini Chips
  • Apple Cinnamon Rings
  • Stuffed Bell Peppers
  • Crispy Tofu Bites
  • Spicy Cauliflower Wings
• Tips and Tricks
• Foods to Avoid in Your Air Fryer
• Further Reading

The Basics: Ingredients and Steps

Before we get into the recipes, let's cover some basics. Most vegan air fryer recipes require simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The cooking process is also straightforward, usually involving just a few steps. Here's what you'll generally need:

• An air fryer
• Your choice of vegetables, tofu, or other plant-based proteins
• Spices and sauces for flavor
• A little bit of oil or cooking spray (optional)

Must-Try Vegan-Friendly Air Fryer Recipes

Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:

• Sweet Potatoes
• Olive Oil
• Paprika
• Salt

Steps:

1. Cut the sweet potatoes into fry shapes and combine them with olive oil, paprika, and salt.
2. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
3. Air fry the sweet potato fries for 15-20 minutes, giving the basket a shake at the halfway point.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of vegan aioli or ketchup.

Falafel Balls

Ingredients:

• Chickpeas
• Parsley
• Garlic
• Cumin
• Salt

Steps:

1. Process chickpeas, parsley, garlic, cumin, and salt in a food processor until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into small, round balls.
3. Warm the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
4. Air fry the falafel balls for 12-15 minutes, rotating them halfway through.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with tahini sauce and a side of cucumber salad.

Zucchini Chips

Ingredients:

• Zucchini
• Bread Crumbs
• Nutritional Yeast
• Salt

Steps:

1. Cut the zucchini into slim rounds.
2. Coat each round with a blend of bread crumbs, nutritional yeast, and salt.
3. Heat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
4. Air fry the zucchini rounds for 10-12 minutes, turning them over halfway through.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with vegan ranch dressing or hummus.

Apple Cinnamon Rings

Ingredients:

• Apples
• Cinnamon
• Sugar

Steps:

1. Remove the core from the apples and slice them into rings.
2. Dust the apple rings with cinnamon and sugar.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
4. Air fry the apple rings for 8-10 minutes, flipping them at the halfway mark.

Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• Bell Peppers
• Quinoa
• Black Beans
• Corn
• Salsa

Steps:

1. Remove the tops and seeds from the bell peppers.
2. Stuff each pepper with a mix of cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, and salsa.
3. Set the air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
4. Air fry the stuffed peppers for 12-15 minutes.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with a dollop of vegan sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro.

Crispy Tofu Bites

Ingredients:

• Tofu
• Soy Sauce
• Garlic Powder
• Paprika

Steps:

1. Slice the tofu into strips and let them soak in a marinade of soy sauce, garlic powder, and paprika for a minimum of 30 minutes.
2. Heat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
3. Lay the marinated tofu strips in the air fryer basket and air fry for 12-15 minutes, turning them over halfway through the cooking time.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as vegan BBQ sauce or teriyaki sauce.

Spicy Cauliflower Wings

Ingredients:

• Cauliflower florets
• Hot Sauce
• Nutritional Yeast

Steps:

1. Coat the cauliflower florets in hot sauce and nutritional yeast.
2. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
3. Air fry the cauliflower florets for 15-18 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through the cooking process.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with vegan blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.

Tips and Tricks

Preheating is Key

Always preheat your air fryer before cooking. This ensures that your food cooks evenly and achieves the desired crispy texture.

Don't Overcrowd the Basket

Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure there's enough space for hot air to circulate around the food.

Shake or Flip

For recipes like fries or tofu bites, it's a good idea to shake the basket or flip the food halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.

Use a Light Oil Spray

While many recipes don't require oil, a light spray can add an extra layer of crispiness. Opt for olive oil or avocado oil for healthier options.

Mind the Cooking Time

Different foods have different cooking times. Always keep an eye on the clock to avoid overcooking, especially when trying a new recipe.

Experiment with Seasonings

Don't be afraid to get creative with spices and herbs. Whether you like your food spicy, tangy, or sweet, the right seasonings can elevate your dish to the next level.

Batch Cooking

If you're cooking for a crowd or meal prepping, consider cooking in batches. Just make sure to let the air fryer come back to the desired temperature between each batch.

Cleanup is a Breeze

One of the best things about air fryers is how easy they are to clean. Most baskets are dishwasher safe, but even a quick hand wash will usually do the trick.

Foods to Avoid in Your Air Fryer: Know the Why

• Wet Batters: Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food to create a crispy exterior. Wet batters, like those used for deep-frying, don't set well in an air fryer and can create a mess. The batter may drip through the basket, leading to uneven cooking and a difficult cleanup.
• Cheese: While melted cheese is delicious, it can create a gooey, sticky mess in an air fryer if not properly contained. The high heat and air circulation can cause the cheese to melt and drip through the basket, making it challenging to remove once it's cooled and hardened. However, if you're making recipes where the cheese is encased in something, like stuffed peppers or cheese-filled bread, then it's less likely to create a mess.
• Raw Broccoli: Raw broccoli tends to dry out and become bitter when cooked in an air fryer. The hot air can remove the moisture from the vegetable, leaving you with an undesirable texture and flavor.
• Whole Apples: Cooking a whole apple in an air fryer can result in an unevenly cooked fruit. The exterior may become too soft before the interior has had a chance to cook thoroughly. It's better to slice the apple into smaller pieces for more even cooking.
• Overly Seasoned Food: While seasoning is essential for flavor, too much can lead to a burnt or overly dried-out result. Excessive herbs and spices can fall through the air fryer basket, causing smoke and potential fire hazards.

Further Reading