My air fryer is one of my favorite kitchen tools. It makes preparing quick vegan meals so much easier, and I use it nearly every day to make the recipes featured in this roundup. Which one will you try first?
If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, or want to eat more plant-based meals, an air fryer is a smart investment. It cooks food quickly with minimal oil, produces crisp edges, adds flavor, and preserves nutrients.
When air fryers first became popular many thought they were just for fries. While they make excellent fries (I love air fryer sweet potato fries), they also handle so much more: extra-crispy tofu without heavy oil, tender roasted vegetables, and even burgers and tacos. If it can be baked, chances are it can be air fried.
Over the years I’ve shared many vegan air fryer recipes on Sweet Potato Soul. This post gathers some of my favorites in one place. I’ll update it as I publish more — bookmark it or save it so you can find new recipes later.
Table of Contents
- Air Fryers I Recommend
- Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes
- Air Fryer Tofu Recipes
- Air Fryer Entrees & Sides
- More Vegan Recipe Round-Up Posts
Air Fryers I Recommend
As a private chef and recipe developer I’ve used many air fryers. If you’re buying one, consider these options based on size and features:
- Inexpensive & Large: COSORI 6 quart Air Fryer
- Compact: COSORI 2.1 quart Air Fryer
- Double Basket: Ninja Foodi 2-Basket Air Fryer
- Toaster Oven Combo: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro — great for multi-layer cooking and efficiency.
- Glass Air Fryer: Ninja Crispi Air Fryer
Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes
Vegetables shine in the air fryer. The circulating hot air cooks them through while crisping the exterior. Veggies I once avoided—like zucchini—become crave-worthy when air fried. I air fry sweet potatoes nearly every day.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these sweet potato fries are simple to make and ideal for game day or a weeknight side.
Air Fryer Eggplant
Seasoned and ready in under 30 minutes, air fryer eggplant turns out hot, crispy, and tender—perfect as a side, bowl topper, or in wraps.
Air Fryer Zucchini
Easy and delicious, air fryer zucchini becomes caramelized and tender with minimal effort. Season simply or try one of the variations for a twist.
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Caramelized and smoky, this air fryer cauliflower is crispy at the edges and tender inside. Ready in under 30 minutes with a handful of ingredients.
Air Fryer Plantains
Crispy and tender, air-fried plantains are an easy three-ingredient side or appetizer that’s both versatile and delicious.
Tender Air Fryer Green Beans
Air fryer green beans are tender, juicy, and sweet—ready in less than 10 minutes and a favorite way to enjoy this classic vegetable.
Roasted Chickpeas
A crunchy, nutritious snack or salad topper, these roasted chickpeas are ready in about 15 minutes using common spices.
Air Fryer Carrots {Sweet & Savory Options}
Tender and caramelized, these carrots are perfectly seasoned and ready in about 20 minutes—an easy beginner-friendly side.
Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Hearty and perfectly spiced, these sweet potato wedges are great as an appetizer with dipping sauces or as a side to plant-based burgers.
Crispy Air Fryer Broccolini
Crispy and savory with a hint of “cheesy” flavor from nutritional yeast, this broccolini is a year-round favorite.
Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato
Air-fried baked sweet potatoes have a crisp skin and tender, caramelized flesh. Top them with vegan butter and cinnamon or stuff them for a full meal.
Loaded Air Fryer Sweet Potato Waffle Fries
Topped with vegan ingredients like BBQ tempeh and dairy-free cheese, these loaded waffle fries are ideal for game day or a satisfying snack.
Air Fryer Tofu Recipes
The air fryer turns ordinary tofu into something crave-worthy. These tofu recipes are easy, flavorful, and often surprise people who say they don’t like tofu.
Love tofu? Check out the roundup of tasty tofu recipes.
The Best Vegan Chicken Nuggets
Crispy and juicy tofu nuggets with a light breading—an easy air-fried treat that pairs well with vegan sauces and fries.
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
A versatile tofu recipe that’s great in bowls, pastas, and wraps. It’s simple, made from pantry staples, and easy to customize.
Crunchy Sesame Tofu Salad
Crisp tofu atop a crunchy Asian-inspired slaw—perfect for a nourishing lunch or light dinner.
Sofritas (Chipotle Copycat)
Shredded tofu is air fried or baked until crisp and simmered in a smoky red pepper sauce—an ideal burrito bowl or taco filling.
Vegan Buffalo Wings
Meaty, crispy, and spicy buffalo-style tofu served with vegan ranch—great for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
5 Easy and Tasty Tofu Marinades
Five marinades that quickly infuse air-fried tofu with bold flavor—simple, fast, and delicious.
Crispy Tofu Tacos
Savory, zesty tofu crumbles make these tacos a 30-minute weeknight winner—fully plant-based and easily gluten-free.
Air Fryer Entrees & Sides
The air fryer’s versatility makes it indispensable in my kitchen. Paired with other appliances like the Instant Pot, it saves time while producing flavorful, healthy meals. Below are entrees and sides I return to again and again, including my zucchini quinoa burgers—one of the best kid-friendly vegan recipes.
Vegan Fried Chicken
Made with cauliflower and a double batter, this air-fried version channels classic Southern fried chicken flavors without the heaviness.
Crispy Saucy Orange Cauliflower
A guilt-free, crispy orange cauliflower glazed in a date-sweetened sauce—comfort food with wholesome ingredients.
Flaky Vegan Empanadas
Air frying creates a supremely flaky crust for empanadas filled with savory mushrooms—great as an appetizer or main dish.
Best Vegan Crab Cakes
Air frying yields incredibly crispy vegan crab cakes that pair beautifully with a red pepper aioli.
Hearty Zucchini Burgers
Savory and nourishing zucchini quinoa burgers that are perfect for family meals and kids who need convincing to try vegetables.
Spicy Black Bean Burger with Tajín
These black bean burgers have great texture and bold flavor, packed with protein and fiber for any day of the week.
Indian-Inspired Sweet Potato Tacos
Sweet potatoes and cauliflower are seasoned with curry and spices, air fried until crisp-tender, and finished with a coconut curry drizzle for a flavorful fusion taco.
More Vegan Recipe Round-Up Posts
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