42 Air Fryer Vegan Recipes
Plant-based mains, sides and snacks - all dairy and egg free.
Updated 9 September 2026
Plant-based cooking has one recurring frustration: texture. Tofu goes soft, vegetables go limp, chickpeas go chewy rather than crunchy. An air fryer fixes most of that, because dry circulating heat drives off surface water and gives you an actual crust without deep frying. Everything here is fully vegan.
All 42 air fryer vegan recipes
Air Fryer Acorn Squash
190°C · 18-24 min
Tender acorn squash wedges glazed with maple and brown butter notes. The air fryer roasts the dense flesh until soft and caramelised at the edges, a cosy autumn side that comes together far quicker than the oven. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 18-24 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Aloo Tikki
200°C · 14-18 min
Spiced potato patties studded with peas, crisp on the outside and fluffy within. A beloved Indian street snack, these tikkis crisp up beautifully in the air fryer with just a light spritz of oil instead of a shallow fry. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 14-18 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer BBQ Jackfruit
190°C · 15-20 min
Shredded young jackfruit tossed in smoky barbecue sauce and crisped in the air fryer for a pulled-pork-style texture. The dry heat firms the strands and caramelises the sauce, making an unbeatable filling for buns and tacos. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 15-20 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Beets
190°C · 22-28 min
Earthy, sweet roasted beetroot with concentrated flavour and no messy oven tray. The air fryer intensifies their natural sugars beautifully, giving tender wedges that are ideal in salads, grain bowls or served warm with feta. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 22-28 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Black Bean Burgers
190°C · 12-15 min
Smoky, hearty black bean patties with a firm bite and plenty of spice. The air fryer sets them into sturdy burgers that hold together far better than pan frying, ready to stack high with all your favourite trimmings. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 12-15 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Bok Choy
190°C · 6-9 min
Crisp-edged bok choy with tender stems and a savoury sesame-garlic glaze. The air fryer chars the leaves while keeping the crunchy base juicy, a speedy Asian-inspired side for rice bowls and stir-fries. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 6-9 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Broccolini
190°C · 8-10 min
Charred, tender-stemmed broccolini with crispy tips and a garlicky finish. The air fryer blisters the florets while keeping the stalks snappy, a fast, elegant green side for any meal. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 8-10 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Carrot Fries
200°C · 14-18 min
Sweet, crisp-edged carrot fries with a tender bite, a colourful veg-packed alternative to chips. The air fryer caramelises the natural sugars and crisps the outsides using barely any oil, a hit with kids and adults alike. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 14-18 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Cauliflower Rice
180°C · 10-12 min
Fluffy, lightly toasted cauliflower rice with a nutty flavour and no soggy pan. The air fryer drives off moisture so each grain stays separate, making a fast low-carb base for stir-fries, curries and burrito bowls. Cooks at 180°C / 360°F for 10-12 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks
200°C · 15-18 min
Thick slabs of cauliflower roasted until the edges caramelise and the centre turns tender and sweet. The air fryer chars them like a griddle without heating the oven, making a striking meat-free centrepiece in under twenty minutes. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 15-18 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos
200°C · 14-17 min
Spiced cauliflower florets roasted until crisp-edged and caramelised, piled into tortillas with slaw and lime crema. The air fryer gives that roasted char fast, turning a humble head of cauliflower into a vibrant taco night. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 14-17 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Chickpea Burgers
190°C · 12-15 min
Hearty chickpea patties spiced with cumin and garlic, crisp outside and tender within. The air fryer firms them up without the fragile flip-and-fall of pan frying, giving reliable veggie burgers every single time. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 12-15 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Chickpea Fritters
190°C · 12-15 min
Golden fritters made from mashed chickpeas, herbs and spices, crisp at the edges and soft in the middle. The air fryer crisps them with barely any oil, giving a lighter bite than the deep-fried version while keeping all the flavour. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 12-15 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas
200°C · 12-16 min
Chickpeas roasted until crunchy and popcorn-like, seasoned with smoky spice. The air fryer's rapid circulation dries them out beautifully so they turn addictively crisp, perfect as a snack, salad topper or protein-rich crouton swap. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 12-16 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Delicata Squash
200°C · 12-16 min
Sweet delicata squash rings with caramelised edges and tender, edible skin, so no peeling needed. The air fryer roasts them quickly into golden half-moons, a beautiful autumnal side for any table. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 12-16 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Fennel
190°C · 12-16 min
Sweet, caramelised fennel wedges with softened aniseed flavour and crisp, golden edges. The air fryer mellows its liquorice notes into something gently sweet, a sophisticated side for fish or roasts. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 12-16 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer General Tso Tofu
200°C · 15-18 min
A plant-based take on the takeaway classic: crisp tofu bathed in a sweet, tangy and gently spicy General Tso sauce. Air frying the cornflour-dusted cubes gives that fried-tofu crunch with only a spritz of oil. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 15-18 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Kale Chips
150°C · 5-8 min
Feather-light, salty kale chips that crackle at the first bite. The gentle heat of the air fryer crisps the leaves in minutes without scorching, giving you a wholesome, addictive snack packed with green goodness. Cooks at 150°C / 300°F for 5-8 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Lentil Meatballs
190°C · 12-16 min
Hearty meatballs built from lentils, mushrooms and herbs, crisp outside and tender within. The air fryer firms them into sturdy rounds without frying, ready to nestle into pasta, subs or a bowl of marinara. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 12-16 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Miso Aubergine
200°C · 14-18 min
Silky aubergine glazed with a sweet-salty miso sauce that caramelises into a sticky lacquer. Known as nasu dengaku, this Japanese dish turns meltingly soft in the air fryer while the glaze blisters at the edges. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 14-18 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Okra
200°C · 10-14 min
Crisp, blister-edged okra with none of the sliminess, thanks to the dry heat of the air fryer. Lightly spiced and roasted until charred, it makes an addictive snack or a punchy side for curries and grilled meats. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 10-14 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Plantains
190°C · 10-14 min
Sweet, caramelised plantains with golden edges and a soft, custardy centre. The air fryer coaxes out their natural sugars with barely any oil, making a quick Caribbean-style side or snack that is hard to stop eating. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 10-14 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms
190°C · 8-11 min
Meaty portobello caps marinated in garlic and balsamic, then air fried until juicy and deeply savoury. The air fryer concentrates their flavour and drives off excess water, giving a robust burger filling or steak-style plate. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 8-11 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Radishes
200°C · 12-15 min
Roasting mellows radishes into a surprisingly soft, buttery low-carb side that tastes like roast potatoes. The air fryer draws out their sharp bite and leaves lightly crisped edges, a clever swap for anyone watching the carbs. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 12-15 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Ratatouille
180°C · 18-22 min
A rustic air fryer ratatouille of aubergine, courgette, peppers and tomato in a herby, garlicky sauce. The air fryer roasts the vegetables until soft and caramelised, deepening this classic Provençal side in half the usual time. Cooks at 180°C / 360°F for 18-22 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Rutabaga
200°C · 18-22 min
Crispy swede fries with a sweet, earthy flavour and satisfying crunch, a lower-carb chip alternative. The air fryer crisps the rutabaga beautifully with minimal oil, a wholesome side that beats the deep-fryer. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 18-22 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Seitan
190°C · 12-16 min
Chewy, protein-rich seitan pieces marinated and air fried until crisp-edged and golden. The air fryer gives this wheat-gluten meat substitute a satisfyingly firm, browned crust that soaks up glaze, perfect for stir-fries and bowls. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 12-16 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
190°C · 20-30 min
Roasted spaghetti squash that forks into tender, noodle-like strands, a brilliant low-carb pasta swap. The air fryer roasts the halves faster than the oven while keeping the strands firm and separate. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 20-30 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
200°C · 35-45 min
Fluffy baked sweet potatoes split and loaded with spiced black beans, corn and avocado. The air fryer bakes the skins crisp and the flesh soft, giving a wholesome, filling meal that needs almost no hands-on work. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 35-45 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Sugar Snap Peas
190°C · 6-8 min
Blistered sugar snap peas that stay sweet and snappy with lightly charred pods. The air fryer cooks them in minutes, keeping their fresh crunch while adding a savoury, garlicky char, a brilliant quick green side. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 6-8 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Tempeh
190°C · 12-15 min
Marinated tempeh strips turned crisp and caramelised in the air fryer, with a nutty depth you only get from the whole soybean cake. A steaming and marinating trick tames any bitterness and lets the savoury glaze soak right in. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 12-15 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Tempeh Bacon
180°C · 8-11 min
Thin tempeh strips marinated in smoky, salty, maple-sweet sauce and crisped into a smashing plant-based bacon. The air fryer renders the edges shatteringly crisp while keeping a satisfying chew, ideal for breakfasts and sandwiches. Cooks at 180°C / 360°F for 8-11 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu
200°C · 15-18 min
Golden tofu cubes tossed in a sticky homemade teriyaki glaze that caramelises in the air fryer. Cornflour gives each piece a crisp shell that grips the sweet-savoury sauce, making a fast weeknight bowl that beats any takeaway. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 15-18 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Tofu Katsu
200°C · 14-18 min
Thick slabs of pressed tofu in a shatteringly crisp panko crust, served katsu-style with rich curry sauce. The air fryer crisps the breadcrumbs golden without a wok of oil, so this Japanese favourite comes out light rather than greasy. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 14-18 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Tofu Skewers
190°C · 12-15 min
Marinated tofu threaded with peppers and onion onto skewers, cooked until the edges char and the veg soften. The air fryer gives a barbecue-style finish indoors, perfect for a colourful summer plate any time of year. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 12-15 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Tofu Tacos
200°C · 15-18 min
Spiced tofu crumbles crisped in the air fryer make a brilliant taco filling with a taco-meat texture. Tumbled into warm tortillas with avocado and lime, this is a fast, protein-packed dinner the whole table will love. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 15-18 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Turnips
200°C · 15-20 min
Roasted turnips turned golden and lightly sweet, a great low-carb alternative to roast potatoes. The air fryer softens their peppery bite and crisps the edges, giving a comforting, budget-friendly side. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 15-20 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Vegan Meatballs
190°C · 10-14 min
Plant-based mince rolled into seasoned meatballs and air fried until browned and juicy. The air fryer gives them a crisp exterior without a pan of oil, so they come out evenly cooked and ready for pasta or subs in minutes. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 10-14 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Vegan Nuggets
200°C · 12-15 min
Crisp, golden nuggets made from seasoned chickpeas and wheat protein in a crunchy crumb. The air fryer gives them that shatteringly crisp coating with only a spritz of oil, making a plant-based dupe for the classic freezer favourite. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 12-15 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Vegan Sausage Rolls
190°C · 14-18 min
Savoury plant-based filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry and air fried until crisp and golden. The air fryer puffs the pastry beautifully and browns the tops without an oven, giving a warm, buttery-tasting party favourite. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 14-18 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Vegetable Pakoras
190°C · 12-16 min
Mixed vegetables coated in a spiced gram-flour batter and air fried into crunchy pakoras. The air fryer crisps the batter without a pan of hot oil, turning cauliflower, potato and spinach into an irresistible Indian snack. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 12-16 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
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Air Fryer Vegetable Skewers
200°C · 12-15 min
Colourful chunks of pepper, courgette, mushroom and onion marinated in herbs and charred in the air fryer. The circulating heat gives a barbecue-style finish indoors, making a fresh, smoky side or light main any night. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 12-15 min. Full ingredients, step-by-step method and a printable recipe card.
Read moreGetting tofu properly crisp
Press it first. Firm tofu holds a surprising amount of water and every bit of it has to leave before browning starts. Twenty minutes under a weight makes the difference between crisp cubes and pale sponge.
Then toss the pressed cubes in a teaspoon of cornflour along with the oil. The starch dries into a thin shell that crisps hard at 200°C / 400°F, which is the closest you will get to deep-fried texture without the oil.
Vegetables need more oil than meat, not less
Meat renders its own fat as it cooks. Vegetables have none, so with no oil at all they dehydrate and turn leathery rather than roasting. A proper teaspoon per basket, tossed through so everything is coated, is the right amount.
Season after cooking rather than before where you can. Salt draws moisture to the surface, which is exactly what you are trying to avoid while the crust is forming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are air fryers good for vegan food?+
Very. Tofu, chickpeas, cauliflower and root vegetables all get a roasted, crisp exterior that is hard to achieve in a pan or oven without a lot of oil.
How do you make tofu crispy in an air fryer?+
Press it for 20 minutes, cube it, then toss with a teaspoon of oil and a teaspoon of cornflour. Cook at 200°C / 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking twice.
Do you need oil for air fryer vegetables?+
Yes - about a teaspoon per basket. Unlike meat, vegetables have no fat of their own, and with none at all they dry out and go leathery instead of roasting.
Can you air fry chickpeas?+
Yes. Drain, dry thoroughly, toss with oil and spices, then cook at 190°C / 375°F for 12-15 minutes. They crisp as they cool, so judge them a minute or two after they come out.