Give your air fryer a workout with these vegan air fryer recipes. Recipes include fried pickles, fried ravioli, vegan lasagna for one, and several kinds of sandwiches.
With over 40 recipes, this round-up will keep you busy!
No doubt about it, I am obsessed with my air fryer. I got it for Christmas in 2016, and it hasn’t left my counter yet.
It is a piece of kitchen equipment that gets used daily… If not multiple times a day.
So if you think it is just for french fries, I have some great news for you, that’s just the start! (Although, it does make some magical french fries.)
Here are over thirty vegan air fryer recipes for everything from appetizers and breakfast through dinner!
Appetizer recipes
Keep these appetizers in mind for your next games night or party. Everyone loves finger foods. Or make a meal of appetizers!
Crispy fried pickles
There’s a reason these crispy fried pickles are one of the most popular recipes on my blog.
With a coating of beer batter and panko breadcrumbs, they have a delightful mix of briny & crisp. And bonus, they’re ready in less than 30 minutes!
Don’t have an air fryer yet? No worries. They can be made in a skillet too!
Fried artichoke hearts with vegan aioli
Fried artichoke hearts just read fancy. These breaded hearts make a wonderful dinner party starter.
I also include a recipe for garlic and lemon aioli for dunking!
Vegan fried ravioli
Vegan fried ravioli used to be something I’d only get at restaurants.
But not anymore!
It’s easy to make fried ravioli at home using fresh or frozen ravioli.
Don’t forget the marinara for dipping!
Onion rings
Vegan onion rings are a rare find in restaurants. But they’re easy to make at home!
They are battered & coated in panko. Then air fry until crispy.
I give directions for pan frying too.
Baba ganoush
Think of smoky vegan baba ganoush as hummus’ eggplant-y cousin.
Baba ganoush usually requires a lengthy cooking time in the oven or grill. Not anymore thanks to the air fryer!
Don’t have an air fryer? I give oven directions too.
Tofu satay
Any appetizer is more exciting with peanut sauce! With this tofu satay, you’ll want to keep on dipping.
Plus, since it’s served on a stick, you can have one hand free for a cocktail.
(I also give directions for grilling or baking.)
Loaded sliced potatoes
Loaded sliced potatoes in the air fryer are an elegant twist on potato skins.
They are topped with cashew cream, crispy seitan bacon, and a smattering of green onions.
Roasted garlic
Smearing roasted garlic onto hot bread is one of life’s best simple pleasures. Using this air fryer recipe cuts the time way down from standard oven roasting.
Artichoke crostini with hummus & marinated cashews
The next time you need crostini for your dinner party, use the air fryer instead of the oven!
This crostini recipe is made with hummus, marinated cashews, and grilled artichoke hearts. Great as an appetizer or light meal with a salad.
Tomato bruschetta
Continuing on the crostini train, this bruschetta appetizer is topped with tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, oil, and vinegar. Perfect for when summer tomatoes are at their best!
By the way, I also give directions for toasting the crostini on the grill & in the oven!
Chili cheese tater tots
And of course, one of the easiest joys of having an air fryer is using it to heat frozen items like tater tots. It really gets those outer edges delightfully crispy.
Turn your next batch into vegan chili cheese tater tots.
Vegan jalapeño poppers
If you are a fan of spicy food, you’ve got to make these vegan jalapeño poppers!
They’re stuffed with non-dairy cream cheese, coated in panko breadcrumbs, and cooked until crisp.
Serve with vegan ranch dressing for dipping!
Fried olives
Fried olives are hand-stuffed with vegan feta cheese. Then they’re breaded and ready to fry in the air fryer or skillet.
The brininess of the olives accentuates the cheesiness of the filling.
Polenta fries
Air fryer polenta fries are so easy to make, thanks to tubed polenta. Just cut into fry shapes, season, and pop in the air fryer.
Enjoy the dunkable deliciousness of fries with the cozy flavor of cornmeal.
Kale chips
Air fryer kale chips get so beautifully crispy. They’re delightful as a snack or appetizer.
Think of them as nature’s potato chips!
Breakfast recipes
Here are a few vegan air fryer recipes for the first meal of the day.
Crustless mini quiche
These are so good, you may want to “quiche” whoever made the recipe! 😉
The base of the vegan quiche is made with tofu & cashews. And they are filled out with red bell peppers, onions, kale, and seitan bacon.
They can be eaten hot or cold. They also work well for brunches, picnics, packed lunches, and make-ahead breakfasts.
By the way, I include oven directions as well.
Breakfast sandwich with eggy tofu & sausage
Why wait for fast food breakfasts to go mainstream? You can easily make a vegan breakfast sandwich at home that is perfect for on-the-go, or for eating in bed in your jammies.
It’s filled with thinly sliced eggy tofu, non-dairy cheese, and veggie sausage that’s been cooked in the air fryer.
Breakfast-style potatoes
These breakfast-style air fryer potatoes are filled with onions and bell peppers.
They go beautifully with seitan bacon & a vegan tofu scramble. Add them to your Austin breakfast platter with refried beans, or as the base of a jackfruit reuben nourish bowl.
Lunch & dinner recipes
It’s time for the main course! Lunch or dinner is served with these vegan air fryer recipes.
Lasagna for one
Vegan lasagna just got a whole lot more weeknight-friendly. This mini lasagna is layered with pasta sauce, tofu ricotta, zucchini, fresh basil, and spinach.
Ready in only 30 minutes!
This lasagna also freezes & reheats well. So make a few for no fuss dinners! (Freezer directions are given in the post.)
Arancini (Italian rice balls)
Vegan arancini (Italian rice balls) are made by forming cold risotto into balls, and rolling them in breadcrumbs. Then they are cooked in the oven or air fryer.
The crisp exterior gives way to a warm, melty interior. Serve the arancini as an appetizer or entrée.
Eggplant parmesan
A fancy Italian restaurant dinner can be yours at home in about a half an hour. Vegan eggplant parmesan is coated with panko breadcrumbs & spices. Then it’s topped with your favorite marinara and vegan mozzarella.
Serve it with a pile of pasta or use it in a sandwich.
Stuffed peppers with veggie sausage & rice
Air fryer stuffed peppers are filled with rice, veggie sausage, onions, garlic, marinara, and Italian spices.
A beautiful dinner entrée that’s cozy, comforting, and great with a green vegetable or side salad.
Vegan taquitos with jackfruit carnitas
These crisp, crackling vegan taquitos are filled with savory jackfruit carnitas. Great for dipping into guacamole, salsa, or cashew queso.
By the way, I give oven directions too!
Baked taquitos with sweet potatoes & black beans
Continuing on the taquito thread… These smoky baked taquitos are stuffed with sweet potatoes and black beans. And I offer oven directions as well!
Vegan pulled pork
Need an entrée you can really sink your teeth into? Vegan pulled pork is wonderfully crispy around the edges.
Great with vegan potato salad and easy collard greens. I give skillet directions as well!
BBQ sandwich with Soy Curls
Barbecued Soy Curls also make a terrific filling for a vegan BBQ sandwich with a mound of cool & crunchy coleslaw.
Eggplant parmesan sandwich
Vegan eggplant parmesan sandwich is saucy, cheesy comfort food at its best.
This hearty sandwich is loaded with basil, onions, and breaded eggplant.
Vegan crab cakes
Vegan crab cakes are made with a mixture of artichoke hearts and chickpeas. They’re light, flaky, and sure to impress!
They can be made in the air fryer, baked, or pan fried.
Finish with a dollop of lemon dill aioli for an elegant starter or main course.
Buffalo Soy Curls sandwich
While we’re talking sandwiches, if you love spicy food, you’ll love buffalo Soy Curls sandwiches with a drizzle of vegan blue cheese on top.
Bagel pizza
Remember those English muffin pizzas you used to make as a kid? Re-imagine them as air fryer bagel pizzas instead!
Add your favorite pizza toppings. Lunch is ready in 10 minutes.
Sweet potato tacos with black beans
Cook the sweet potatoes separately in the air fryer to speed up the cooking time on these black bean & sweet potato tacos.
With chipotles in adobo in the mix, these tacos have a delicious mix of smoky, spicy, and sweet.
Easy roasted cauliflower brown rice bowl
Easy roasted cauliflower makes a tasty side dish on its own. Or add it to a brown rice bowl with hummus & a drizzling of tahini dressing.
It’s a hearty meal with a mixture of tastes & textures in every bite.
Baby potatoes
When you need potatoes ASAP, air fryer baby potatoes are the answer. They cook in just 15 minutes.
They’re a terrific side dish for almost any entrée.
Fried green tomatoes
I give two options for breading on these vegan fried green tomatoes – panko or potato chip crusted. I also give instructions on how to make them in a skillet.
Or use it as a filling in a vegan fried green tomato BLT with seitan bacon!
Baked potato
The air fryer baked potato is one of my most popular recipes.
It’s simple, sure. But it also delivers a truly excellent baked potato experience with a crisp peel and pillowy interior.
Air fryer asparagus
Why wait for the oven to preheat when you could have air fryer asparagus in just 10 minutes? The stalks get beautifully toasty brown with lightly crisp tips.
Fried zucchini
Zucchini doesn’t get more delicious than breaded & air fried until crispy. Fried zucchini is a delicious side dish with vegan ranch dressing for dipping.
Veggie wraps
To make veggie wraps, cook your favorite vegan chick’n strips in the air fryer. Then throw them into a tortilla with romaine, bell pepper slices, non-dairy feta, and a drizzle of lemon tahini sauce.
So good & easy!
Salad topper recipes
I find I eat a lot more salad if there’s something hot & crunchy on top. If you’re the same way, you need to check out these salad toppers made in the air fryer.
Croutons
Bread gets a new lease on life with these vegan croutons. They’re flavored with fresh squeezes of lemon & spices.
They can be made in the air fryer or oven.
Tortilla strips
Crunchy air fryer tortilla strips are a tasty addition to a southwest salad. Or eat them on their own as a snack!
Ready in less than 10 minutes.
Homemade pita chips
Homemade pita chips are so easy to make in the air fryer or oven. In just minutes, you can have crispy chips – perfect for dunking into my easy hummus recipe.
They also go well in a Fattoush-style salad.
Fried chickpeas
Crisp on the outside & creamy on the inside air fryer chickpeas are seasoned with a sprinkling of nutritional yeast flakes, granulated onion, and salt.
They are great on their own right out of the air fryer, on top of salads, or as a topping to artichoke pesto pasta.
Content and photos updated January 4, 2022. Originally posted February 8, 2017.
Shell
Cad, this is very helpful! I will be referencing this post many times. I don’t have anything that allows me to “spritz” something with oil. Would you mind putting a link to what you use for oil?
I would put in a vote for an air fryer demonstration video. 🙂
Cadry
Oh, great! I’m glad to hear that this post is helpful. I use store-bought cooking spray. (This is the exact one; although, obviously you won’t need to buy a pack! They’re on the grocery store shelf next to the other oils.) You could also get a refillable oil sprayer, if you’d prefer. Personally, I haven’t tried them, and so I can’t vouch for it.
I’ll get on the video demonstration! That’s a great idea.
Barbara murphey
I have been looking at air fryers for about a month now. I have almost decided on the Power Air Fryer on the informercials. Do you know anything about this brand? You’ve been a great help.
Cadry
Hi, Barbara! There’s a vegan air frying group on Facebook, and I just searched through the comments to see if anyone has that machine. A few people mentioned that they had it, and they were happy with it. Best of luck!
Catherine Farrington
Hi, just looked at some reviews about Air Fryers, and the GoWise brand earned the “Best Bang for your Buck” award; the reviewers said for the price it had many similar qualities as the Phillips (more $$) brand. I stumbled across your post, and I think this is the brand I will go with!
Cadry
That’s great, Catherine! I think you’ll be very happy with it. I’m still loving mine, and that’s the kind I bought my mom too for her birthday. People seem equally happy with Phillips as with GoWise, and so why pay more?
Kimberly
Thank you so much for sharing all your information. I too bought one right after Christmas and having fun experimenting. Your guidelines are very helpful. Would like to see more recipes with Air Fryer. I did the fried pickles and they turned out perfect…..my husband was in heaven!!!
Cadry
I’m so happy to hear that you and your husband enjoyed the pickles! There will absolutely be more recipes on the horizon. I have loads of ideas! That’s great that you’re enjoying your air fryer too. 🙂
Shannon
This is incredibly helpful! Thank you!! I’ve been really tempted by all of the hype, but thanks to your review I’m actually now leaning away from one due to counter space concerns and the fact that some of our favorite fried recipes have fairly drippy batters. But I am simultaneously totally convinced that this is a great product that a lot of people will find valuable.
Cadry
I’m glad to hear that my breakdown was helpful, Shannon! As much fun as I am having with it, I can see how it wouldn’t be a necessity for everyone. There’s no reason to get another gadget if it wouldn’t suit your needs.
Jenn
Love this! I’m on the fence about an air fryer. I LOVE what it can do (and, OMG, your amazing fried pickles!!), but I don’t have a ton of counter space left and I’m not willing to let go of anything I already have. I think the solution here is to knock down some walls and make a bigger and better kitchen for myself. Yes, yes, that’s the answer!!! My hubby will love me! LOL! Seriously though, I think I do need to find a way to fit one into my kitchen because I WANT one!
Cadry
Haha! It will be the most expensive kitchen gadget EVER!
“How much was your air fryer?”
“$10,099. Ten thousand for the kitchen renovation. $99 for the air fryer.”
Pamm Mosey
You/ve gotten my interest with you air fryer posts. But with this post, I am now going to buy two of them and give one to my vegan gourmet cook son for his birthday!! Yummy!!!!
Cadry
Oh, that’s such a sweet idea, Pamm! Your son is going to love it!
Janis
This is a great post, Cadry! Thanks! I am really enjoying my air fryer, and I LOVE how easy the cleanup is! I so appreciate your guidance. I have mostly done whatever you have shared 🙂 but then did some frozen onion rings the other night. Yummy! I am considering trying the shredded hash browns. Have you tried those yet? I am also wanting to try the Gardein BBQ wings…
Thank you!
Cadry
Thanks, Janis! I always love seeing what you’re cooking. It’s funny you should mention shredded hash browns. I usually just grate my own for the stovetop, but I thought frozen might work better in the air fryer without falling through the holes. So I just bought a bag a couple of days ago. I haven’t tried them yet. However, I read from someone in a group on Facebook that it turned her frozen hash browns into those crunchy shoestring potatoes! That doesn’t sound altogether bad… 😉 I might give it a shot anyway!
Dianne's Vegan Kitchen
I haven’t used mine nearly enough, but I’m starting to play with it more. I’m glad you have some recipes I can start with!
Cadry
I’m glad you’re starting to play with yours more. Maybe you’ll catch the obsession that seems to be going around. 😉
Beth Ann
This is so informative, thank you so much! Please do continue with the sir fried recipes for inspiration. I will be getting one with my tax refund.
Cadry
I’m glad it was informative, Beth Ann! There will definitely be more recipes on the horizon. I have lots of ideas. And I hope Uncle Sam turns your refund around quickly! 😀
Tracy
Great post! I’ve been wondering what all the hype was about these since I’ve seen vegan bloggers using them lately.
Do you air fry tofu in it at all? Just wondering if it comes out as crispy as if you pan-fried or put in the oven? I seem to do that most and it might cut down on time for me, plus oil usage.
Cadry
Tofu is terrific in it! The texture is very much like the deep-fried tofu you’d get in a restaurant stir-fry. Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside.
You can marinate it first to add some flavor, and/or you can spritz on oil and some kind of seasoning. For David’s lunch, I often sprinkle the tofu with Slap Ya Mama seasoning salt, curry powder, Paul Prudhomme seasoning salt, or a Creole spice mix. I cube it and air fry for about 10 minutes at 400 degrees. It’s a handy way to multi-task too since I can get the rest of the lunch ready in that time.
Bianca Phillips
YES! You know, I just got mine a couple weeks ago, and I’m having such fun playing with it. I may actually try those air-fried chickpeas tonight! I love making homemade tortilla chips using corn tortillas. And I can’t wait to try Gardein products in it.
Cadry
I haven’t tried making my own tortilla chips in it yet, but I’ve been tempted since I saw your post about it. They’re on the to-do list for sure!
S
Great blog! I love sharing it with people who think vegans only eat carrots and kale. Very informative article. I have been watching this for a few months. I would love to make my own veggie chips (esp kale). Do you think this patty could be made in it, or would the batter be too “drippy”?
http://www.peta.org/living/food/vegan-chick-fil-chicken-sandwich-recipe/
Cadry
I’m so glad to hear that, S! Thanks for sharing my blog. 🙂 I’m not really sure on the vegan chicken sandwich recipe you posted. It doesn’t sound super wet, and so it might be fine. I’d probably spritz the outside with oil to help it brown. Let me know if you try it!
S
Will try it! Thanks! Looking forward to some great air-fryer recipes! Yes. Erin also has some great-looking recipes.
annie
woah. I’ve never heard of an air fryer. I don’t have the counter space, but I want one anyways. Someday.
Cadry
Yes, you can put it on the list for someday! I have a few gadgets on my list too. 🙂
Susan
Thanks for this! I know I was one of the ones with the questions, and this makes everything really clear.
Cadry
Oh, great! I’m glad to hear that, Susan. 😀
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
This is such a fantastic article, Cadry! The next time someone asks me about my air fryer, I’m sending them here. I got the Phillips for my birthday and love it. I need to try more of your recipes!
Cadry
Oh, what a wonderful birthday present, Amy! I’m glad you’re loving yours too. 🙂
Sarah
Goodness, you are tempting me! I love all of these crispy treats you’ve made—thanks for such a detailed post!
Cadry
You’re welcome, Sarah! <3
Patience
What a helpful and informative post about air fryers! I’ve been mulling over them myself now for awhile — but I just haven’t quite bitten the air fryer bullet yet , reluctant as I’ve been to add yet another appliance to my kitchen, not to mention the expense. This sure does make it appealing though! Lol, perhaps if I hold out long enough (years?) they will start showing up in second hand thrift stores…. 😉
Cadry
I know the feeling! I held off for a long while too, because I already have a number of kitchen gadgets. I didn’t want to simply contribute to the ones in the basement or closet! Luckily, this one has proven itself to be very useful for me. I’m glad I bit the bullet on it. You never know, maybe you’ll find one at a thrift store someday! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. 🙂
Mandy
What a helpful post, Cadry!!! Thank you! And I’m officially drooling over all of these photos and dreaming of one day owning an air fryer! We have such a small kitchen and very little counter space, so it will remain on the wish list for a while 😉 Also wanted to say, great idea to turn pizza dough into smaller dippable bites. Sounds like the possibilities are pretty endless with an air fryer!
Cadry
Thanks, Mandy! I have a variety of kitchen gadgets on my “someday list” too, and so I know the feeling. There’s only so much room in a house! Although, for the right person I could see an air fryer being perfect for a really small space, since it could take the place of an oven, microwave, or even stove top. In a dorm or camper, it could be kind of great!
Vicky
Tripped across your website from a link via MSN on an article of Wacky World Pizza Toppings. Still need to go back and look at your Black Bean Taco Pizza Recipe. I recently purchased the Phillips brand airfryer. I have been eyeballing it for awhile on a couple sites and lucked out with BB&B having it on sale and then using a 20% coupon on top. Free shipping and saved a little on tax since it was shipped to me and I live outside city limits. I purchased a fry/griddle pan that can be switched out with the basket. It looked like it would be easier to cook some items easier.
My first (and only item so far) airfryer cooking was fried olives. I was happy with how they turned out.
While I am not a vegan, I will be referring to your page for recipes especially using the airfryer. I’m glad I discovered your website. Now back to finding your Black Bean Taco Pizza recipe. 🙂
Cadry
Thanks for stopping by, Vicky! I’m glad you found your way to me through the MSN article. That black bean taco pizza is one of my all-time favorites. I’m intrigued by the idea of air fried olives! That sounds right up my alley.
Cee
What do you think of the Breville air fryer? It’s very expensive I know. Do you think it’s worth it? Trying to decide which one to get.
Cadry
Unfortunately, I’m not super familiar with that one, Cee. I did a search of the Vegan Air Frying Enthusiasts group on Facebook to see if anyone has that model. One person wrote about it, and she’s been very happy with it. Good luck!
Tracey
Just love this post! Two questions. I’ve usually defrosted things overnight in the fridge to help them cook more evenly. Does this apply to the air-fryer? Question 2, if something doesn’t have oven directions (only microwave) can it be air-fried? How would you know time & temp? Thanks!
Cadry
You don’t have to worry about defrosting with the air fryer! It really doesn’t make a difference. What are you microwaving that you’d prefer to air fry?
Valerie Craven
This is a very accurate review. One thing I’ve never gotten to work well is the Gardein 7-grain chicken sticks, they always have gone out mushy. Maybe I’m cooking them too high and should keep them in longer? Anyway.
Have you cooked anything where you have put a bowl in it, like for wetter items? Just curious, as I haven’t yet (mostly due to not thinking ahead).
Cadry
Here’s what works for me on the Gardein chick’n tenders – don’t flip them too early. Instead of flipping them half way through cooking time, cook them until they are mostly done and don’t jostle them. Then when they are pretty brown and crisp, flip them. If you move them too early, the breading comes off, and that’s disappointing. I cook them at 400 degrees for around 15 minutes.
I’ve only cooked one thing in a bowl – bagged frozen hashbrowns. I’ve been trying to work out a way to cook those loose, bagged hashbrowns in the air fryer. My method so far has been to spritz a Pyrex bowl with oil, spritz the potatoes, and press them down. I still don’t really have it perfected. Air frying makes them like shoestring potato chips, which isn’t bad, but not quite the desired effect in this case.
Amey Mathews
Cadry, this post is so awesome and super helpful. I actually have an air fryer but I don’t use it often because I’m not really sure how to use it. I read this post when you first posted it. Then tonight, I am roasted veggies in the oven at one temp, and wanted to make some gardein to go with it – and thought of the air fryer. Lugged it out of the garage. Looked up your helpful post!! You are awesome!
Cadry
Oh, I’m so happy to hear that, Amy! Thanks for letting me know. I can’t believe you have your air fryer in the garage! Mine has never left the counter since I got it, but I understand feeling unsure about a new kitchen gadget. I got an Instant Pot for my birthday, and I used it once before putting it in the hall closet. It wasn’t at all intuitive to me. I need to try again! I hope you’re able to find harmony with your air fryer. 😀
Sandra
Just got a air fryer, would like more recipes, thanks
Cadry
That’s great, Sandra! I have loads of recipes under “air fryer” on my recipes page, or you can click here. They should keep you busy for a while!
Lisa
I received my Big Boss Air Fryer in February. I have had no luck with frying chicken, pork chops or fish.
I am using olive oil spray and coating with very little flour. I cannot get any of my meat to brown correctly.
I cook it halfway through the time set, turn it and spray again with the olive oil. I have found that I am overcooking trying to get it brown. What am I doing wrong? I’m getting really frustrated because I know what an Air fryer can do, it’s just not doing it for me. Help!!
Cadry
It’s a sign! You should try vegetables, tofu, or seitan instead. That always works like a charm for me. 🙂
Carol Macvey
Thanks for this overview about air fryers! i’m tempted but must confess it’s mostly to cook french fries! Which I don’t cook now because of frying messiness and all that fat. . I read about using parchment and may try that first.
p.s. your phots are great and that hand model- woo hoo!
Carol
Cadry
Do you mean you want to make hand-cut french fries? If so, I agree that you might as well try parchment first! Fries are great on parchment in the oven, and the results are basically the same as in the air fryer. But if you want to buy pre-cut frozen fries, they’re better in the air fryer. They already have been cooked in oil. So they get extra crispy. (Tater tots are so good in the air fryer too!) My original air fryer from GoWise is now around $50. So if you decide to give it a shot, there’s very little financial risk involved. Even after having it for almost 2 years, we still use it multiple times a day. And I’ll pass on your compliments to my hand model! Haha!
Lea
I’m still learning to use my air fryer so this list will be so helpful to me!
Cadry Nelson
I’m glad to hear it, Lea! Enjoy your new air fryer!
Pamm
Cadry, Have been loving your posts for a long time now. I think you should do a cookbook as well as videos. I’d be the first in line to purchase it!!!
Cadry Nelson
That is so sweet of you to say, Pamm! I really hope a cookbook will come to fruition someday. I’ve had a few offers from publishers, but nothing that made sense financially or time-wise. I’ve done videos in the past, but it’s been a while now. What kind of videos do you prefer – with people or without (i.e. just the food)? I have a combination of both on my YouTube page, but more recently it was just hands-in-pans style. Thank you again for your kind words, and I’ll let you know when that cookbook happens! 😀