Quick and Easy Air Fryer Recipes
The air fryer is a surprisingly controversial cooking device: some say it’s just a table-top convection oven; others say it’s the holy trinity of microwave, toaster, and oven. But regardless of which side of the debate you stand on, there’s no denying that the air fryer can be used to create a wide range of delicious meals and snacks.
And while the air fryer isn’t perfect for everything, it’s incredibly efficient at making plant-based ingredients—especially vegetables—taste delicious. Because it operates faster than traditional ovens, the air fryer is a good tool for small batches of roasted veggies, like bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, fennel, and broccoli. It’s also a nice way to crisp up things like homemade kale and potato chips, roasted chickpeas, or even onion rings.
This Monday, start experimenting with your air fryer by filling it with all different sorts of raw ingredients and foods. By the end of the week, we’re sure you’ll have some new go-to recipes that you can whip up at a moment’s notice.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
If you didn’t know this by now, here at Meatless Monday, we love Buffalo cauliflower. The dish great for a couple of reasons: it’s a simple yet flavorful vegetarian alternative to chicken wings, and it also appeals to all types of eaters. This recipe from Laura Lea Balanced is an easy air fryer option that’s a great way to start game day festivities or a casual party.
For the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe, click here.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
A sweet potato is loaded with nutrients including fiber and beta carotene, and is an ideal blend of savory and sweet. Cutting them into fries and roasting them in the air fryer is a good way to get the sweet potato crispy without having to use a lot of oil. This recipe from Kalyn’s Kitchen amps up the flavor with a robust spice mix of ground coriander, fennel, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
For the Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries recipe, click here.
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
If you’re not already a Brussels sprouts believer, then this recipe from Piping Pot Curry will convert you. A splash of balsamic vinegar and a little bit of seasoning creates a crispy, tender Brussel sprout in less than 20 minutes.
For the Balsamic Brussels Sprouts recipe, click here.
Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos
A quick and easy way to get dinner on the table, this recipe from Sweet Peas and Saffron will taste just like your favorite taco, but with some fun texture from the chickpeas and cauliflower. Simply drop the ingredients into the air fryer, sprinkle with some olive oil and taco seasoning, and then let your favorite appliance do all the work.
For the Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos recipe, click here.
Coconut French Toast
What a way to start the morning. The secret to this air fryer recipe from Strength and Sunshine is a generous amount of coconut milk and a sprinkling of baking powder. The result is a cozy breakfast perfect for snowy weekends.
For the Coconut French Toast recipe, click here.
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu
Little golden blocks of tofu are a terrific protein-packed snack that can serve as the foundation of lunch or dinner. This recipe from Jessica in the Kitchen uses pressed extra firm tofu (here’s how to press it), a bunch of spices, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Dip in your favorite sauce for a quick snack or add to a stir fry for a complete meal.
For the Crispy Air Fryer Tofu recipe, click here.
Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
If you thought chickpeas were just for salads and hummus, well, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. This recipe from My Forking Life gives you four different flavors of roasted chickpeas: ranch, cinnamon sugar, chile lime, and BBQ—and they can all be made in the air fryer in less than 20 minutes.
For the Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas recipe, click here.
Easy Air Fryer Dumplings
Okay, so this is a semi-homemade recipe, but it’s really useful, especially if you need to create an appetizer platter in a hurry. Everyday Family Cooking uses store-bought frozen veggie dumplings, but makes the dipping sauce from scratch with soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic powder, chile flake, and rice wine vinegar. Trust us, the air fryer makes a mean dumpling.
For the Easy Air Fryer Dumplings recipe, click here.
Healthy Onion Rings
No oil or deep frying necessary for these vegan crispy onion rings. From My Little Bowl recommends using both a wet and dry mixture, and seasoning them both liberally with paprika, turmeric, and salt to maximize the flavor of the batter. Bake these plant-based snacks in your oven or air fryer until they’re a crispy golden-brown.
For the Healthy Onion Rings recipe, click here.
Za’atar Spiced Kale Chips
The kale chip is nothing new, but making them in the air fryer and seasoning them with herbaceous-tangy za’atar seasoning will reignite your love for these perfect plant-based snacks. Created by One Arab Vegan, this recipe can be completed—start to finish—in only 25 minutes.
For the Za’atar Spiced Kale Chips recipe, click here.
Want to know which ingredients to buy for amazing plant-based meals? Check out our list of Inexpensive Plant-Based Ingredients That Won’t Go Bad.