20 Plant-Based Air Fryer Recipes for Quick Cooking

Air fryers make plant-based cooking faster and crispier than traditional methods. These vegan recipes deliver satisfying textures without excess oil or long cooking times.

From crispy snacks to complete meals, these recipes show how versatile air fryer cooking can be for plant-based ingredients.

01. Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges

This method uses russet potatoes, olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices. The wedges get golden and crispy without deep frying.

A quick toss in oil and seasonings before air frying creates the perfect coating. The high heat makes crispy exteriors with fluffy centers.

This approach works great for beginners wanting restaurant-style fries at home. Ready in under twenty minutes with minimal prep work.

02. Spicy Air Fryer Roasted Peanuts

Raw peanuts get tossed with seafood seasoning and a touch of oil. The air fryer toasts them evenly for maximum crunch and flavor.

This version uses high heat to develop deep, nutty flavors quickly. The seasoning creates a spicy kick that builds with each bite.

Perfect for party snacks or quick protein boosts during busy days. Takes less time than oven roasting with better results.

03. Seasoned Air-Fried Chickpeas

Canned chickpeas get coated with nutritional yeast and smoky spices. The air fryer transforms them into crunchy, cheese-flavored bites.

This method removes moisture quickly while developing crispy exteriors. The nutritional yeast adds umami depth without dairy products.

Great for salad toppers or standalone snacking throughout the week. Store in airtight containers to maintain crispiness for days.

04. Plant-Based Air Fryer Taquitos

Corn tortillas wrap around creamy seasoned potato filling before air frying. This version skips traditional cheese and meat for plant-based comfort.

The air fryer creates crispy shells without deep oil immersion. Rolling tightly prevents filling from leaking during the cooking process.

This approach works perfectly for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners. Serve with fresh guacamole and salsa for complete satisfaction.

05. Cajun Sweet Potato Tots

Grated sweet potatoes mix with Cajun seasoning and binding ingredients. The air fryer crisps the outside while keeping centers tender.

This method balances sweet potato flavors with spicy Cajun heat perfectly. Forming small tots ensures even cooking throughout each piece.

Takes more effort than frozen tots but delivers superior flavor and nutrition. Kids love the sweet-spicy combination with their favorite meals.

06. Italian-Style Air-Fried Ratatouille

Traditional ratatouille vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers get Italian seasoning. The air fryer keeps them crisp-tender instead of mushy.

This version preserves individual vegetable textures while melding flavors beautifully. Quick cooking maintains bright colors and fresh taste.

Perfect for using summer garden vegetables or cleaning out the refrigerator. Serves as side dishes or light main courses with grains.

07. Crispy Air Fryer Polenta Fries

Pre-made polenta tubes slice into fry shapes before seasoning and air frying. This method creates crispy exteriors with creamy, corn-flavored centers.

A light oil coating helps seasonings stick while promoting golden browning. The contrast between crispy outside and soft inside works perfectly.

This approach offers gluten-free alternatives to regular fries with unique flavors. Great for appetizers or sides with Italian-inspired meals.

08. Buffalo Tofu Bites in Air Fryer

Frozen then breaded tofu cubes get air fried until golden. Buffalo sauce coats the crispy pieces for spicy, satisfying bites.

Freezing tofu first creates chewier textures that hold up to breading. The air fryer eliminates excess oil while maintaining crispiness.

This version satisfies buffalo wing cravings without meat or deep frying. Perfect for game day snacks or protein-packed appetizers.

09. Meaty Vegan Air Fryer Taquitos

Plant-based beef crumbles mix with dairy-free cream cheese and chipotle peppers. Corn tortillas wrap the filling before air frying until crispy.

This method creates satisfying textures that mimic traditional meat versions perfectly. The chipotle adds smoky heat that builds gradually.

Takes minimal time but delivers maximum flavor for busy weeknight dinners. Freeze extras for quick meals when time runs short.

10. Root Vegetables with Vegan Aioli

Mixed root vegetables like parsnips, carrots, and potatoes get seasoned before air frying. The creamy plant-based aioli provides cooling contrast.

This approach caramelizes natural sugars while maintaining tender centers throughout. Different vegetables cook at similar rates when cut uniformly.

Great for showcasing seasonal produce or adding variety to standard vegetable sides. The aioli elevates simple vegetables into elegant presentations.

11. Spiralized Potato Hay

Spiralized potatoes create thin, noodle-like strands that crisp beautifully in air fryers. This method produces unique textures between fries and hash browns.

The thin spirals cook quickly and evenly with minimal oil needed. Seasoning coats every strand for consistent flavor throughout each bite.

This version requires spiralizing tools but creates impressive presentations for guests. Kids love the fun shapes and crispy textures.

12. Beyond Meat Brats with Peppers

Plant-based sausages cook alongside bell peppers and onions in the air fryer. This method creates complete meals with minimal cleanup required.

Everything cooks together at the same temperature for convenience and flavor melding. The vegetables caramelize while sausages develop crispy exteriors.

Perfect for busy families wanting satisfying meals without extensive preparation time. Serve over pasta or in sandwiches for versatility.

13. Gluten-Free Air Fryer Falafel

Chickpea flour binds heavily spiced falafel mixture before air frying until golden. This version stays naturally gluten-free while maintaining authentic flavors.

The air fryer creates crispy exteriors without oil absorption issues. Proper spicing develops complex Middle Eastern flavors throughout each bite.

This approach works great for dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste or texture. Serve in pitas or over salads for complete meals.

14. Jalapeño Cornbread in Air Fryer

Plant-based cornbread batter includes fresh jalapeños for heat and flavor balance. The air fryer creates golden crusts while keeping interiors moist.

This method cooks faster than traditional ovens with more even browning. The peppers add texture contrast and spicy kicks throughout each slice.

Perfect for complementing chili or soup dinners during colder weather months. Individual portions cook more evenly than large batches.

15. Salt and Vinegar Chickpeas

Chickpeas soak in vinegar before getting seasoned and air fried until crunchy. This method recreates popular chip flavors with added protein benefits.

The vinegar soaking step infuses tangy flavors throughout each chickpea completely. Air frying removes moisture for satisfying crunchy textures.

Great for healthy snacking when chip cravings hit during afternoon energy dips. Store in sealed containers to maintain crispiness for several days.

16. Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Extra-firm tofu gets cubed and lightly seasoned before air frying until golden. This method eliminates soggy textures that plague other cooking methods.

The circulating hot air removes surface moisture while developing crispy exteriors. Proper preparation prevents sticking and ensures even browning.

This version works perfectly for salad toppers, stir-fries, or standalone protein portions. Takes less time than pan-frying with better results.

17. Caramelized Air Fryer Bananas

Ripe bananas get sliced and air fried until caramelized and golden. This method intensifies natural sweetness without added sugars or oils.

The high heat caramelizes fruit sugars quickly while maintaining tender textures. Timing prevents overcooking that leads to mushy results.

Perfect for healthy desserts or breakfast toppings over oatmeal and yogurt. Serve warm for maximum flavor impact and aromatic appeal.

18. Crunchy Air Fryer Plantain Chips

Green plantains slice thin before air frying into crispy chips. This method creates healthier alternatives to potato chips with unique tropical flavors.

Salt or cinnamon-sugar seasonings offer savory or sweet flavor options. The air fryer removes moisture efficiently for maximum crunchiness.

This approach uses minimal oil while delivering satisfying textures and flavors. Great for parties or healthy snacking throughout busy weeks.

19. Asian-Style Spicy Green Beans

Fresh green beans marinate in Asian-inspired seasonings before air frying. This method creates crisp-tender textures with bold, savory flavors.

The marinade penetrates vegetables while air frying maintains bright green colors. Quick cooking preserves nutrients better than lengthy steaming methods.

Perfect for adding variety to standard vegetable sides during weeknight dinner rotations. Takes minimal prep time with maximum flavor payoff.

20. Roasted Air Fryer Salsa

Tomatoes, onions, and garlic roast in the air fryer before blending into salsa. This method develops deeper flavors than raw ingredient versions.

Roasting mellows harsh onion and garlic notes while concentrating tomato sweetness. The caramelization adds complexity that elevates simple ingredients.

This version takes more time but creates restaurant-quality results at home. Make large batches for meal prep or entertaining purposes.

Final Thoughts

These plant-based air fryer recipes prove that vegan cooking can be quick, crispy, and satisfying. The air fryer transforms simple ingredients into restaurant-quality dishes with minimal effort.

Experiment with different seasonings and vegetables to create your own signature versions of these crowd-pleasing recipes.