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Before I got an air fryer for Christmas, I had one question – Do air fryers work? Today I’m sharing the ins and outs of the air fryer. And keep scrolling for 20 of my favorite vegan air fryer recipes!
Since I got my air fryer back in December, I have been using it multiple times a day. And many of those meals have made their way here, onto Instagram, or Facebook.
Many times readers have reached out with follow-up questions about air fryers. So I thought I’d put together a round-up of everything you need to know about air fryers.
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a countertop kitchen appliance, roughly the size of a juicer. They have been around for a while, but it seems that recently, they’ve taken the vegan blogosphere by storm.
Do air fryers work?
Absolutely!
When you put food into the air fry basket, it is cooked by blasting hot air around it. The circulation of heat moves at such a high rate of speed that it cooks quickly and provides crispy results, unlike a microwave, which leaves food soft.
Air fryers have a timer and adjustable heat controller.
Very little babying is required when it comes to cooking with an air fryer. Just an occasional shake of the basket to make sure that the food is evenly browning is all that’s needed.
Salad with air-fried chickpeas, air-fried tofu, dolmas, and olives
What is the best air fryer?
There seem to be 2 brands that are the most highly recommended and that people are the happiest with long-term.
The first is GoWise, which is the kind I purchased. Of the two options, it’s the less expensive one. 3.7 works for a family of one or two and 5.8 for families of four or more.
That said, there are times that I wish I had a larger one, especially on evenings when I want to cook multiple courses in the air fryer.
(Update: I now have a 5.8 size GoWise air fryer, and it’s really convenient because there’s plenty of room for everything to spread out. Get all of the details on that one here.)
The more expensive air fryer option is from Philips. Oprah had it on her 2016 favorites list. People seem to love it, but it is quite a bit pricier.
Air-fried vegetable potstickers
Do you have to use oil with an air fryer?
For the most part, no.
Adding a little oil can help with browning or with getting salt & spices to stick to the food in question. However, if you’re anti-oil, a lot can be done in the air fryer without it.
That said, I’m not anti-oil. So I often use a spritz of oil for extra browning and to keep things from sticking.
If I’m making frozen potstickers, for example, I just give a spritz of cooking spray. The potstickers are totally brown and crisp as if I’d drenched them in oil.
I never used to deep fry my potstickers. But now I get that deep fried texture without the added calories.
(To cook Thai vegetable gyoza, one of my favorite vegan Trader Joe’s products, I air fry at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, stopping once or twice to shake.)
If a product was cooked with oil already and frozen like tater tots, spring rolls, or Gardein, I leave the oil off. It’s not needed.
Air-fried chick’n sliders & homemade potato chips
How long and at what temperature do frozen products need to cook in the air fryer?
Generally speaking, it’s the same temperature that’s listed in the directions on the bag and half the time listed.
So if the bag says 400 degrees & 20 minutes, set the air fryer for 400 degrees and 10 minutes.
The time may vary depending on your machine, if it’s already warmed up, how full it is, etcetera. So be sure to check during the cooking process, so that you don’t burn anything.
Also, if the package lists that it needs to be cooked at 425 degrees, but your machine doesn’t go that high, just go as high as it can, and then cook for a while longer.
Marinated lentils, air-fried french fries & sauteed kale
Is air frying better than baking on parchment paper?
Yes and no.
I’d say that things like homemade french fries, for example, are about the same quality as if you’d baked them on parchment.
Things that are already oily, like tater tots, are a little better in the air fryer. They get an extra overall crispiness that they don’t on parchment.
There are some things that I wouldn’t recommend doing either on parchment or an air fryer. For something with really wet and drippy batter, deep fat frying is the only way to go.
What are the perks of air frying?
No warm up time.
With the oven, you have to wait until it gets to the correct heat to start cooking. With the air fryer, it’s ready right away.
Food cooks in roughly half the time in an air fryer versus the oven.
So if you’re cooking Gardein, for example, instead of waiting 20 minutes for something to be done, it’s ready in 10.
I’ve made kale chips in the air fryer, and they come out feather light in a lot less time and more evenly done than the ones cooked in the oven.
(Plus, unlike a dehydrator which many people use for that kind of thing, you’re not waiting around for 12 hours before you can have kale chips.)
Vegan fish tacos with chipotle crema
Food can go into the air fryer straight from frozen.
No thawing required. In the past when I used to cook things like breakfast patties in a skillet, I’d thaw before cooking. You don’t have to worry about that with the air fryer.
No parchment paper needed.
I buy the parchment paper that is unbleached, and that can run about $5. In the air fryer, I don’t have to use it, which is a savings.
It’s easy to do just one or two small items without filling a skillet with oil.
Want just one spring roll with your stir-fry or a couple of potstickers with lunch? No problem.
Easy clean up.
When I am shallow frying things on the stove, food can get kind of stuck on the pan. That doesn’t happen in the air fryer basket. Just a simple wipe and it’s clean.
The double basket can also go into the dishwasher; although, I haven’t done that. It doesn’t take long to wipe it out, and then it’s ready to go.
Energy savings.
You’re saving on energy costs since you don’t have to heat up the oven, which could make your house warmer in the summer. And because it cooks so much faster, it’s also less time that you’re using energy.
Tofu scramble & air fried tater tots
Vegetable rice & an air-fried spring roll
What are the drawbacks to an air fryer?
If you have limited counter space, an air fryer is bulky.
With dimensions of about 9 inches wide and a foot tall, it doesn’t tuck easily away into a closet. Luckily, I have loads of counter space. Mine hasn’t left the kitchen since I got it over a month ago.
If you overfill it, the results are really underwhelming.
I was feeling impatient one evening, and instead of cooking some things in the air fryer and some in the oven, I decided to pile it all in to the air fryer.
What resulted were soggy chips and Gardein chick’n strips that lost all of their coating in the process. So you’ll either want to get a size that’s large enough for your needs, be willing to cook in batches, or remember to allow enough time for other courses to be done on the stove or in the oven.
(A tip on the Gardein or Trader Joe’s chick’n strips: Don’t flip them until they are almost completely cooked. If you flip them before they are browning, you’ll lose the breading in the move.)
Not everything can be cooked in an air fryer.
It isn’t one-for-one with a deep fat fryer, for example. If you want to do very wet batters, you’ll still have to use a traditional fryer or coat the batter in panko to dry it out. Otherwise, the drippy batter will whip around the inside of the fryer and not coat the food in a satisfying manner.
(A note about wet batters: If you want to make something with a wet batter in the air fryer, I’ve heard that using parchment paper cut down to basket-size for the first half of cooking, until the batter is set, can work. Then remove it after the batter is set enough.)
Wraps stuffed with buffalo cauliflower coated in panko & air fried
Here are 20+ favorite vegan air fryer recipes
Loaded sliced potatoes in air fryer
Vegan breakfast sandwich with eggy tofu & sausage
Crustless mini vegan quiche
Vegan taquitos with jackfruit carnitas
Baked taquitos with sweet potatoes & black beans
Vegan BBQ sandwich with coleslaw
Roasted garlic air fryer recipe
Air fryer eggplant dip (Vegan baba ganoush)
Artichoke crostini with hummus & marinated cashews
Fried artichoke hearts with vegan aioli
Breakfast-style air fryer potatoes
Artichoke pesto pasta with air fried chickpeas
Lentil balls with zesty lemon rice
Shell says
Cad, this is very helpful! I will be referencing this post many times once I get an air fryer. 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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
Thank you so much for sharing all your information about an Air Fryer. 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 says
I’m so happy to hear that you and your husband enjoyed the pickles! There will absolutely be more air fryer recipes on the horizon. I have loads of ideas! That’s great that you’re enjoying your air fryer too. 🙂
Shannon says
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 says
I’m glad to hear that my breakdown was helpful, Shannon! As much fun as I am having with my air fryer, 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 says
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 says
Haha! It will be the most expensive air fryer EVER!
“How much was your air fryer?”
“$10,099. Ten thousand for the kitchen renovation. $99 for the air fryer.”
Pamm Mosey says
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 says
Oh, that’s such a sweet idea, Pamm! Your son is going to love it!
Janis says
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 says
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 vegan air frying group on Facebook that the air fryer 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 says
I haven’t used my air fryer nearly enough, but I’m starting to play with it more. I’m glad you have some recipes I can start with!
Cadry says
I’m glad you’re starting to play with your air fryer more. Maybe you’ll catch the obsession that seems to be going around. 😉
Beth Ann says
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 says
I’m glad it was informative, Beth Ann! There will definitely be more air fryer recipes on the horizon. I have lots of ideas. And I hope Uncle Sam turns your refund around quickly! 😀
Tracy says
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 says
Tofu is terrific in the air fryer! 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 see a bit of it in the third picture from the top in my salad.
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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!
In a similar vein, Erin over at Olives for Dinner just posted an air-fried buttermilk battered tofu that sounds kind of similar, but with tofu instead of vegan chicken. Erin’s recipes are always really solid. You could give that a try as written or with something like Gardein chicken.
S says
Will try it! Thanks! Looking forward to some great air-fryer recipes! Yes. Erin also has some great-looking recipes.
Becky Striepe says
This is a great air fryer FAQ, Cadry! And thank you for including my ranch kale chips! I’m actually planning to make them to go with some leftover rice and beans for lunch today.
Cadry says
Thanks, Becky! Enjoy your lunch of kale chips, rice, and beans. That sounds about perfect!
annie says
woah. I’ve never heard of an air fryer. I don’t have the counter space, but I want one anyways. Someday.
Cadry says
Yes, you can put it on the list for someday! I have a few gadgets on my list too. 🙂
Susan says
Thanks for this! I know I was one of the ones with the questions, and this makes everything really clear.
Cadry says
Oh, great! I’m glad to hear that, Susan. 😀
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
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 says
Oh, what a wonderful birthday present, Amy! I’m glad you’re loving your air fryer too. 🙂
Sarah says
Goodness, you are tempting me! I love all of these crispy treats you’ve made—thanks for such a detailed post!
Cadry says
You’re welcome, Sarah! <3
Patience says
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 says
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. 🙂
Mel | avirtualvegan.com says
I keep reading about air fryers and really want one. I wish I had more counter space!
Cadry says
That is the only problem! It’s not the easiest thing to hide away for people with limited space.
Mandy says
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 says
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!
There’s a vegan air frying group on Facebook, and that’s where I saw the idea for making breadsticks from pre-made dough. Like you said, the possibilities are endless! So it’s fun to see what others are doing for brainstorming ideas.
Vicky says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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. The air fryer wants to make them like shoestring potato chips, which isn’t bad, but not quite the desired effect in this case.
Amey Mathews says
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 says
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. 😀
Pamm Mosey says
Cadry – you have to use your InstaPot. I love mine. It makes the best beans which I then divide up and freeze. I have used it for far too many things to go into here, but it is a huge hit in this household. The air fryer is right next to it on the counter and I can’t tell yo which one gets used more often. Two wonderful inventions!!!!
Cadry says
You’re right, Pamm! I need to pull it out and try it again. It was so frustrating the first time I used it, I’ve been hesitant to go there again. First, I had to do the trial run with it for cleaning/testing. Then I made a batch of lentils, and they were so overdone, they were unusable. I wish there was a way of checking on doneness without releasing pressure, and then waiting to get back to pressure if you under judged. Anyway, after a lot of time spent on it (way more than just cooking lentils in a pot on the stove), I trashed them. So I’ve been wary of using it again. Do you have any fool-proof recommendations for my second go around?
Pamm Mosey says
I probably wouldn’t bother to cook lentils in the InstaPot because they cook rather quickly in a stovetop pot, but for regular old Pinto, Navy, Black etc. it is a miracle. I follow the cooking times in the cookbook “Vegan Under Pressure” and have had great luck with them. If your beans have been hanging around for a while, you might have to cook them a minute or two longer, but I have never had a fail and I have cooked many types of beans. And of course, they come out best if you soak them overnight or 8 hours during the day. You can quick soak them too, but I like the overnight best. Yummy – guess I know what I’m doing for dinner tonight!!!
Cadry says
Thanks, Pamm! That’s very helpful. I’ve heard recommendations from many people for Vegan Under Pressure. I’ll seek out a copy of it!
Sandra says
Just got a air fryer, would like more recipes, thanks
Cadry says
That’s great, Sandra! I have loads of air fryer recipes under “air fryer” on my recipes page, or you can click here. They should keep you busy for a while!
Lisa says
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 says
It’s a sign! You should try vegetables, tofu, or seitan instead. That always works like a charm for me. 🙂
Carol Macvey says
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 says
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 in the air fryer. (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!