10 Crispy and Delicious Vegan Air Fryer Recipes

The Vegan Joy may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only ever share brands that we love and trust.

Vegan Joy

|

Whoa, hold onto your spatulas, folks! We’re about to dive into the crispy, crunchy world of vegan air fryer magic! 🌱✨

I’ve teamed up with some of the coolest plant-based chefs to bring you a lineup that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. From savory to sweet, we’ve got something for everyone. And the best part? These recipes are so easy, you’ll feel like a kitchen superhero without breaking a sweat.

So, are you ready to transform your humble air fryer into a vegan cuisine powerhouse? Let’s get frying!

Crispy Cauliflower Wings

Crispy Cauliflower Wings

OMG, these wings are so good, they might just fly off your plate! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)

To make these bad boys, you’ll need cauliflower florets, a simple batter made from flour and plant milk, and your favorite BBQ sauce.

Dip those florets in the batter, air fry until golden, then toss in sauce and give ’em another quick fry.

BOOM! You’ve got yourself a party-worthy appetizer that’ll have even your meat-eating friends asking for the recipe.

Pro tip: Try different sauces for variety. Buffalo, teriyaki, or even a cheeky mango habanero if you’re feeling spicy!

I once served these at a Super Bowl party, and let’s just say, they disappeared faster than my team’s chances of winning. 😅

Crispy Tofu Nuggets

Crispy Tofu Nuggets

Who needs McDonald’s when you can make these babies at home?

Start with extra-firm tofu, press it well (ain’t nobody got time for soggy nuggets), and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Dredge in a mixture of nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and your favorite herbs, then air fry until golden and crispy.

Serve with some vegan ranch or BBQ sauce, and you’ve got yourself a protein-packed snack that’s WAY better than anything from a drive-thru.

Fun fact: I once ate an entire batch of these while binge-watching “Stranger Things.” No regrets!

Crispy Chickpeas

Crispy Chickpeas

Looking for a healthy snack that doesn’t taste like cardboard? Say hello to crispy chickpeas!

Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, pat them dry, and toss with a little oil and your favorite seasonings.

Air fry until they’re crispy and golden, shaking the basket occasionally.

These little protein bombs are perfect for snacking, salad toppers, or crushing up as a crunchy coating for other dishes.

I keep a batch of these in my bag at all times. You never know when a snack emergency might strike!

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet Potato Fries

Move over, regular fries. There’s a new spud in town!

Cut sweet potatoes into evenly sized fries, toss with a little oil and your favorite seasonings (I’m partial to a little cinnamon and cayenne for a sweet-heat combo), and air fry until crispy.

The air fryer gives these babies the perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside nice and fluffy.

Serve with some vegan aioli or ketchup, and prepare for your life to be changed.

True story: I once ate so many of these that I turned slightly orange. Worth it? Absolutely.

Crispy Spring Rolls

Crispy Spring Rolls

Who says you need a deep fryer for perfect spring rolls? Not us!

Fill rice paper wrappers with your favorite veggies, maybe some rice noodles, and a protein like tofu or tempeh.

Brush with a little oil and air fry until crispy and golden.

Serve with some sweet chili sauce or peanut sauce, and transport yourself to flavor town.

These are so good, you might forget to breathe between bites. (Please remember to breathe, though. Safety first!)

Apple Fritters

Apple Fritters

Oh. My. Goodness. These fritters are so good, they’ll make you want to hug your air fryer.

Chop up some apples, mix with a simple batter made from flour, plant milk, and cinnamon, then drop spoonfuls into your air fryer.

Cook until golden and crispy, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup.

These are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or that weird time between lunch and dinner when you’re not sure what to eat but you know you want something delicious.

I may or may not have eaten these for breakfast three days in a row. Don’t judge me.

Crispy Zucchini Chips

Crispy Zucchini Chips

Looking for a way to use up that monster zucchini from your garden? Say no more!

Slice zucchini thinly, dredge in a mixture of breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast, and air fry until crispy.

These make a great low-calorie snack or a fun side dish. Plus, you can feel all smug about eating your veggies.

Warning: These are addictive. I once ate so many that I started to worry I might turn into a zucchini. (Spoiler alert: I didn’t. But the fear was real.)

Crispy Falafels

Crispy Falafels

Falafel lovers, rejoice! We can now have our favorite Mediterranean treat without all the oil.

Mix up chickpeas, herbs, and spices in a food processor, form into balls, and air fry until crispy and golden.

Serve in a pita with all the fixings, or on top of a salad for a protein-packed meal.

These are so good, you might start speaking in tongues. Or at least in falafel. Is that a thing? It should be.

Banana Fritters

Banana Fritters

Got some overripe bananas? Don’t you dare throw them out!

Slice those bad boys up, dip in a simple batter made from flour, plant milk, and a touch of cinnamon, then air fry until golden and crispy.

Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup for a dessert that’ll make you forget all about banana bread.

I once made these for a first date. We’re married now. Coincidence? I think not.

Crispy Onion Rings

Crispy Onion Rings

Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about the king of all fried foods: onion rings!

Slice onions into rings, dip in a batter made from flour and plant milk, then coat in seasoned breadcrumbs.

Air fry until golden and crispy, and try not to burn your mouth because you’re too impatient to wait for them to cool. (Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything… 😅)

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and prepare to be amazed at how something so delicious can come from your air fryer.

These are so good, you might shed a tear. But don’t worry, you can blame it on the onions.

And there you have it, folks! Ten crispy, delicious vegan air fryer recipes that’ll make you wonder why you ever bothered with deep frying.

From savory snacks to sweet treats, your air fryer is about to become your new best friend. (Sorry, human friends. You’ve been replaced by a kitchen appliance.)

Remember, the key to air fryer success is experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try new things, adjust cooking times and temperatures, and most importantly, have fun!

So, what are you waiting for? Dust off that air fryer, stock up on your favorite veggies and plant-based ingredients, and get ready to fry your way to vegan bliss.

Your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with some crispy cauliflower wings and a Netflix marathon. Happy frying, everyone! 🎉🍟🥕