Vegan Air Fryer Recipes for When You Don’t Want to Turn On the Oven

When I don't want to heat up the whole kitchen, especially on a warm day, I'm glad I have my air fryer. It comes in handy for everything from tofu and vegetables to crispy potatoes and even a small batch of brownies.

These vegan air fryer recipes include easy main dishes, sides, snacks, and dessert. Some were made specifically for the air fryer, while others give you the choice to air fry instead of turning on the oven.

One thing I've learned from using different air fryers is that cooking times can vary. I like to start checking food a little early and avoid overcrowding the basket or tray so the hot air has room to circulate.

Hand cut fries, lemon tofu, brownie topped with chocolate chips, and green beans in an air fryer basket.

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Sweet and Spicy Orange Tofu

Platter of crispy tofu cubes tossed in orange sauce and garnished with green onions.

Crispy tofu is paired with a homemade orange sauce featuring fresh ginger, garlic, and a little crushed red pepper. Air fry the tofu instead of baking it when you want to leave the oven off.

Orange Tofu Recipe →

Sweet and Tangy Lemon Tofu

Plate of air fried lemon tofu coated with lemon sauce and garnished with fresh lemon.

Crispy lemon tofu is easy to make in the air fryer or oven without oil. Toss the golden tofu cubes with a sweet and tangy fresh lemon sauce for an easy vegan dinner.

Lemon Tofu Recipe →

Crispy Vegan Pesto Tofu

Baked tofu chunks on a plate drizzled with pesto sauce.

Torn pieces of tofu are coated with vegan pesto and air fried until lightly browned and crispy. A second helping of pesto is added after cooking so plenty of fresh basil flavor comes through.

Pesto Tofu Recipe →

Vegan Tofu Meatballs

Plate with tofu meatballs on it and one in front with a bite taken out of it.

These savory tofu meatballs are made with simple ingredients and can be baked or air fried until golden and slightly crispy on the outside. Serve them with pasta and marinara, your favorite sauce, or gravy.

Tofu Meatballs Recipe →

Air Fryer Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon

Platter of green beans with a wedge of lemon and gold serving utensils.

Fresh green beans cook with garlic and olive oil until tender-crisp and lightly browned, then get a squeeze of lemon before serving. They're ready in about 15 minutes with no blanching required.

Air Fryer Green Beans Recipe →

Air Fryer Baby Carrots

Plate of air fried carrots garnished with fresh parsley with serving utensils on the side.

Bagged baby carrots make this easy vegetable side especially quick to prep. Keep the seasonings simple with salt and pepper or change them up with your favorite herbs and spices.

Air Fryer Baby Carrots Recipe →

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Cubed butternut squash seasoned with garlic, ginger, and cinnamon cooks until tender inside and lightly browned outside. Enjoy it as a side dish or add it to salads and bowls.

Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe →

Air Fryer Shishito Peppers

The air fryer makes it easy to blister shishito peppers without using a skillet. Sprinkle these mild Japanese peppers with salt and enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or side.

Air Fryer Shishito Peppers Recipe →

Air Fryer Home Fries

Seasoned russet potatoes turn golden and crisp in the air fryer without soaking them first. Serve these home fries for breakfast or brunch, or tuck them into tacos and burritos.

Air Fryer Home Fries Recipe →

Air Fryer Hand Cut French Fries

Plate on french fries with small bowls of ketchup and seasoned salt next to it.

Turn russet potatoes into crispy homemade fries with just a little oil. A homemade seasoned salt with cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onion gives them extra flavor.

Air Fryer French Fries Recipe →

Vegan Pesto Roasted Potatoes

Bowl of pesto potatoes garnished with basil leaves.

Creamy gold potatoes are coated with vegan pesto before cooking, then tossed with more pesto at the end for extra basil flavor. Choose the air fryer method when you want tender, lightly browned potatoes without turning on the oven.

Pesto Potatoes Recipe →

Small Batch Vegan Air Fryer Brownies

Brownie on a plate topped with powdered sugar and mini chocolate chips.

The air fryer can handle dessert, too. These small-batch vegan brownies are perfect when you want something chocolatey without baking a full pan or heating up the oven.

Air Fryer Brownies Recipe →

Conclusion

The next time you're tempted to turn on the oven, your air fryer may be able to handle the job instead. From tofu and vegetables to potatoes and brownies, there are plenty of ways to put this small appliance to work.

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Love and Veggies,

Amy