Best Vegetarian Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Recipes, Air Fryers

Crispy and Delicious: Vegetarian Air Fryer Recipes to Try Today

Having a vegetarian daughter-in-law, I had to become creative to serve her up healthy, tempting meals when the family visits. And, you may not believe it, but the grandchildren are even open to eating carrots, potatoes, and egg plants made in my air fryer. Here are some of my Best Vegetarian Air Fryer Recipes.

Air fryers are amazing for creating delicious vegetarian meals. They are fast, use less fat, and produce crispy crunchy veggies, warming soups and filling tofu meals in no time at all.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

air fryer sweet potato recipe

Kids love these crispy Sweet Potato Fries. They can be used as a snack,  added as a side dish, or included in a salad. If you are serving them alone, add a spicy dipping sauce for the adults and a less-spicy dipping sauce for the kids!

You will need

  • 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika (optional)
  • Garlic powder (optional)
  • Cayenne pepper (optional)

Follow these steps

  • Wash and peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1/4-inch thick fries.
  • In a bowl, mix together the sweet potato fries, olive oil, and any desired seasonings (salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper).
  • Toss to evenly coat the fries with the seasoning mixture.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  • Arrange the seasoned sweet potato fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.
  • Cook the fries for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until they are crispy and golden brown.
  • Remove the sweet potato fries from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

Serve the sweet potato fries hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

If you love spices, take a look at my post on Pantry Essentials – Spices, Sauces, and Oils 

Sweet Air Fryer Carrots

air fryer carrots recipe

Sweet carrots are a winner for kids and a great way to get them to eat veggies. Carrots help promote healthy vision, improves skin health and digestive health. Serve them as a side with your main meal. 

You will need

  • 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into uniform pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Thyme (optional)
  • Rosemary (optional)

Follow these steps

  • In a bowl, mix together the carrots, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper. Add thyme and rosemary, if using.
  • Toss to evenly coat the carrots with the mixture.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  • Arrange the coated carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.
  • Cook the carrots for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
  • Remove the carrots from the air fryer and place them on a serving dish.

Serve the sweet and delicious air fryer carrots as a side dish or snack.

Air Fryer Egg Plant

air fryer egg plant recipe

Egg Plant is not everyone’s fave food! But, if you do like them as a side or as part of a salad, this is a very tasty recipe that doesn’t produce oily, limp egg plants. They are ideal for people who want to to focus on meat-free cooking.

You will need

  • 1 medium-sized eggplant, sliced into rounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder (optional)
  • Paprika (optional)

Follow these steps

  • In a bowl, mix together the eggplant rounds, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and any desired seasonings (garlic powder, paprika).
  • Toss to evenly coat the eggplant slices with the mixture.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  • Arrange the coated eggplant rounds in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.
  • Cook the eggplant rounds for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until they are crispy and golden brown.
  • Remove the eggplant rounds from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

Serve the crispy and flavorful air fryer eggplant as a side dish, snack, or topping for your favorite dishes.

Chopping, cutting, dicing, and slicing requires knife skills! See my post on Improve Your Knife Skills – Essential Tips and Techniques

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

air fryer tofu recipe

For vegetarians who can’t eat meat, fish, or chicken, tofu provides a great substitute. Tofu need not be boring and bland. This recipe makes crispy crusty tofu, ideal for adding to an Asian-inspired dish. This is the perfect dish for low-fat cooking. 

You will need

  • 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons oil

Follow these steps

  • In a bowl, mix together the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and any desired seasonings (garlic powder, paprika).
  • Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the mixture.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the oil and any additional seasonings you prefer.
  • Place the tofu cubes in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.
  • Brush the tofu cubes with the oil mixture to give it a flavorful crust.
  • Cook the tofu cubes for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until they are crispy and golden brown.
  • Remove the tofu from the air fryer and place it on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

Serve the crispy and flavorful air fryer tofu as a snack, side dish, or main dish. Enjoy your delicious and healthy air fryer tofu!

To make the Asian version seen in the picture – top with a sprinkling of sesame seeds, chili oil (if you like spice), and some chopped up spring onions.

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

air fryer brussels sprouts

If Brussels Sprouts give you nightmares of your childhood and being forced to eat limp, soggy sprouts, it is time to reconsider these versatile and super-healthy greens. They are nutritious and can taste delicious if prepared with some love. Try out this healthy cooking recipe and you will see Brussels Sprouts in a new way.

You will need

  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Follow these steps

  • In a bowl, mix together the Brussels sprouts, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and any desired seasonings (garlic powder, paprika).
  • Toss the Brussels sprouts to make sure they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  • Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.
  • Cook the Brussels sprouts for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until they are crispy and golden brown.
  • Remove the brussels sprouts from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

Air Fryer Crumpets

air fryer pancakes recipe

Here’s a recipe for making fluffy and delicious air fryer crumpets. This is a must-have for lazy Sunday mornings and chilly winter evenings. I love serving these crumpets with butter, honey, nuts, and some sliced fruit. Top it off with a sprinkle of icing sugar.

If you want to make a savoury treat for dinner, top the crumpets with tomatoes, mushrooms, and a herby spread.

You will need

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Non-stick cooking spray

Follow these steps 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk and melted butter and mix until combined.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough pancakes.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
  • Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the air fryer basket for each pancake.
  • Cook the pancakes for 4-5 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown on both sides.
  • Repeat the process with the remaining batter.

Serve the fluffy and delicious air fryer crumpets with honey, butter, and your favorite toppings.

If you are looking to buy an air fryer, take a look at the Cosori Air Fryer Dual Blaze 6.8 Quart or the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer

Vegan no-egg air fryer brownies

air fryer brownies recipe

Make a sweet treat in your air fryer in half the time it would take in the oven. These Air Fryer brownies don’t use eggs, but turn out just as delicious and decadent as your normal recipe with eggs. And, they are guilt-free!

You will need

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Non-stick cooking spray

Follow these steps

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
  • Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Pour the batter into the air fryer basket and spread it evenly.
  • Cook the brownies for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Remove the brownies from the air fryer and let them cool completely.

Serve the delicious and vegan no-egg air fryer brownies with your favorite toppings, such as coconut whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Air Fryer French Toast (Has eggs)

air fryer french toast recipe

Here’s a recipe for making delicious and crispy air fryer French toast. If your diet does not include eggs, this recipe is not for you. For vegetarians who do eat eggs, these delectable crispy French Toasts are ideal for a weekend breakfast with the family. I usually fry my French toast in a pan on the stovetop in loads of butter, but these are no much healthier as just as delicious.

You will need

  • 4 slices of thick-cut bread
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • Butter or oil spray for the air fryer basket
  • Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fruit for serving (optional)

Follow these steps

  • In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  • Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are well coated.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
  • Spray the air fryer basket with butter or oil spray.
  • Place two slices of French toast in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  • Repeat with the remaining two slices of French toast.

Serve the air fryer French toast with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Air Fryer Baked Apples

best vegetarian air fryer recipes baked apple

Baked apples always remind me of my childhood and have such a feel-good vibe. If you have an apple tree, use your apples to make these delicious air fryers baked apples. If you are buying apples, choose your apples as follows

Honeycrisp: Crisp and juicy, these apples hold their shape well and add great texture to baked dishes.
Rome: Slightly sweet and firm, these apples are perfect for cakes, pies, and baked apples.
Braeburn: Firm and slightly sweet, these apples are perfect for pies, cobblers, and baked apples.
Jonathan: Tart and slightly sweet, these apples hold their shape well in baking and are perfect for pies, cobblers, and baked apples.

You will need

  • 4 medium-sized apples
  • 4 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 4 teaspoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup water

Follow these steps

  • Wash and dry the apples, then remove the core from the top of each apple, creating a well in the center of each apple.
  • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
  • Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
  • Fill each apple well with the sugar and butter mixture.
  • If you like, you can pour 1/2 cup of water into your air fryer basket. This will help to keep the apples moist.
  • Place the apples in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 360°F.
  • Cook the apples for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and the skin is slightly browned.

Serve the baked apples warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired.

Why are air fryer veggies more tasty and healthier than oven roasted veggies?

Air fryer veggies are considered healthier than oven-roasted veggies because they require less oil to cook. In an air fryer, hot air circulates around the food, cooking it evenly while also creating a crispy exterior. This creates a similar texture to oven roasted veggies without the added oil. When cooking veggies in an air fryer, the excess fat drips away from the food, which reduces the overall fat content of the dish.

Always try to use organic oils, they may cost more, but they are worth it!

If you are looking to buy an air fryer, take a look at the Cosori Air Fryer Dual Blaze 6.8 Quart or the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer